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referring generally now to fig2 - 10 and 18 , a bottom electrode structure for a ferroelectric capacitor includes a hexagonal close - packed seed layer and an iridium bottom electrode layer 22 . the seed layer is deposited on a substrate 12 to form a layer about 200 angstroms thick . an iridium bottom electrode layer 22 is deposited on the surface of the seed layer to form a layer about 500 - 1000 angstroms thick . the seed layer can be formed from a variety of different materials as is described in further detail below . the seed layer ideally has a rocking - curve full - width at half maximum (“ fwhm ”) ( 002 for hexagonal or 200 for tetragonal seed layers ) of less than five degrees . the “ rocking curve ” refers to a measure of the diffracted intensity as a function of sample rotation while maintaining the bragg condition for the diffracting crystal planes in the use of x - ray and electron diffraction techniques to determine the orientation of the as - deposited film . fwhm refers to the width of the rocking curve peak at half maximum intensity . a measurement of less than five degrees means that the rotation of the sample within the diffraction plane is less than ± 2 . 5 ° from the 0 ° angle that has equal incident and reflected beam angles , i . e . the normal bragg condition . the iridium bottom electrode layer 22 also has a 111 rocking - curve fwhm of less than five degrees since the iridium layer 22 is oriented by the underlying seed layer . the iridium layer 22 thus attains a desirable { 111 } crystallographic texture . with respect to fig2 - 10 and 18 , the method of forming a bottom electrode structure for a ferroelectric capacitor according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes depositing a hexagonal close - packed seed layer , and depositing an iridium bottom electrode layer 22 on the surface of the seed layer . for the case of a ti seed layer the ti can be deposited by magnetron sputter deposition by using a power of 1 kw ( applied to a 12 in . diameter target ). the ti is deposited at a pressure of 0 . 3 - 1 . 0 pa . the deposition rate should be approximately 3 nm / s or less . slower deposition rates will result in a better as - deposited { 0001 } texture . the critical factor is that the ti seed layer is grown such that the 002 rocking - curve fwhm is less than 5 °. other deposition methods such as evaporation or cvd could also be used . the tio 2 seed layer is formed by annealing a { 0001 } textured ti seed layer in air or flowing o 2 at a temperature of 500 - 750 ° c . for 1 - 60 min . this forms a tio 2 seed layer with a rutile crystal structure and a texture such that the 200 rocking - curve is less than 5 °. the tio 2 seed layer could be grown by other techniques provided that the { 200 } texture can be achieved . ideally , all the hexagonal seed layers must have { 0001 } texture with a 002 rocking - curve fwhm of less than 5 °. the tetragonal seed layers must have a { 100 } texture with a 200 rocking - curve fwhm of less than 5 °. the iridium bottom electrode layer 22 is deposited by dc magnetron sputtering at a temperature of between 300 and 700 degrees centigrade , at a deposition power of between 500 and 1000 watts applied to a 12 in . diameter target , and at a deposition pressure of between 0 . 3 and 3 . 0 pa in an argon or other inert gas atmosphere . the deposition rate is approximately 1 nm / s . the deposition conditions are ideally controlled such that the stress of the film is less than 1 gpa tensile or compressive and such that the ir film nucleates with a { 111 } texture from the seed layer . optimization of deposition conditions within this range of parameters results in a { 111 } texture that produces a 111 rocking - curve of less than 5 °. in general , fig2 - 10 show single or double seed layers fabricated from various hexagonal close packed materials that induce the growth of the preferred { 111 } textured iridium bottom electrode layer 22 . referring now to fig2 and 4 , a substrate 12 and bottom electrode structure is shown , wherein the bottom electrode structure includes a seed layer and a { 111 } iridium layer 22 . in fig2 the seed layer 20 is a { 0001 } titanium layer and in fig4 the seed layer 28 is a { 100 } titanium dioxide layer . referring now to fig3 and 5 , a substrate 12 and bottom electrode structure is shown , wherein the bottom electrode structure includes a seed layer and a { 111 } iridium layer 22 . in fig3 the seed layer 24 is a { 0001 } ruthenium layer and in fig5 the seed layer 30 is a { 100 } ruthenium dioxide layer . referring now to fig6 seed layer 32 is fabricated from any hcp { 0001 } textured seed layer . referring now to fig7 seed layer 34 is fabricated from a { 0001 } textured wurtzite structure material . wurtzite is a specific type of hexagonal crystal structure . in these materials only the anion sub - lattice has hexagonal close packing . but this anion sub - lattice can still provide sufficient lattice matching to be used as a seed layer for ir . the specific deposition conditions for these materials can vary greatly depending on the composition . it is important to note that materials with this hexagonal structure can be used as seed layers provided that they are grown with a { 0001 } texture that exhibits a 002 rocking - curve fwhm of less than 5 °. in fig8 and 9 , the seed layer is formed by depositing a first layer of { 0001 } titanium 20 or { 100 } titanium dioxide 28 about 5 - 40 nm thick , followed by depositing a second layer of { 111 } platinum about 5 - 100 nm thick . the platinum is deposited under conditions similar to those described above with respect to titanium and titanium oxide . the platinum layer is deposited at a temperature of about 500 ° c ., at a target power of about 1 kwatt , at a pressure of between 0 . 3 to 2 . 0 pa . in fig1 , the seed layer is formed by depositing a first layer 32 of a { 0001 } textured hcp - type seed layer or a layer 34 of { 0001 } textured wurtzite material to a thickness of between 5 and 40 nm , followed by depositing a second layer 26 of { 111 } platinum to a thickness of between 5 and 100 nm thick . referring now to fig1 , a completed ferroelectric capacitor 46 is shown fabricated according to the method described above with respect to the first embodiment of the invention . a ferroelectric dielectric layer 16 is deposited on the top surface of the iridium bottom electrode layer 20 , 22 without breaking a vacuum in order to prevent oxidation of the iridium layer 22 . the ferroelectric dielectric layer 16 can be a pzt ferroelectric layer , which will be properly oriented due to the texture of the underlying iridium layer 22 . referring generally now to fig1 - 16 and 19 a bottom electrode structure for a ferroelectric capacitor is shown for a second embodiment of the present invention including a hexagonal close - packed seed layer , an iridium bottom electrode layer 22 , and a platinum cap layer 36 . the platinum cap layer 36 is included as shown in fig1 - 16 and 20 in order to prevent oxidation of the iridium bottom electrode layer 22 , and to allow for subsequent processing beyond bottom electrode structure without the necessity of maintaining a vacuum . the platinum cap layer 36 , however , should ideally be deposited without breaking a vacuum after depositing the iridium layer 22 . the platinum cap layer 36 is ideally deposited to a layer thickness of between 1 and 50 nm . platinum cap layer 36 has a 111 rocking - curve fwhm of less than five degrees and a { 111 } crystallographic texture . the platinum cap layer 36 is deposited at temperature of between 300 and 700 degrees centigrade , at a deposition power of between 500 and 1000 watts , and at a deposition pressure of between 0 . 5 and 2 . 0 pa . an argon or other inert gas atmosphere is used . in fig1 and 13 , platinum cap layer 36 is deposited over a bottom electrode structure including a titanium seed layer 20 or a titanium dioxide seed layer 28 . in fig1 and 14 , platinum cap layer 36 is deposited over a bottom electrode structure including a ruthenium seed layer 24 or a ruthenium dioxide seed layer 30 . in fig1 and 16 , platinum cap layer 36 is deposited over a bottom electrode structure including a seed layer with an hcp crystal structure or a seed layer a with a wurtzite layer . referring now to fig1 , the completed ferroelectric capacitor 50 is shown fabricated according to a second embodiment of the present invention 30 . the ferroelectric dielectric layer 18 is deposited on a top surface of the platinum cap layer 36 and this can be done after a vacuum break since the underlying iridium bottom electrode layer 22 is protected from further oxidation . as before , the ferroelectric dielectric layer 16 can be a pzt ferroelectric layer about 20 - 200 nm thick , or as thick as required for a specific application . [ 0048 ] fig1 is a plot showing the ir 111 rocking curve with a tio 2 rutile seed layer and without a seed layer . the tio 2 seed layer allows the formation of a highly { 111 } textured ir with a rocking - curve fwhm of less than 4 °. table 1 gives examples of the mismatch for fcc ir and pt and several types of hexagonal seed layers . fig2 shows how the atom positions of the fcc ( 111 ) plane can stack on top of the hcp ( 0001 ) plane . table 2 gives examples of the mismatch for fcc ir and pt and several types of tetragonal seed layers . fig2 shows how the atom positions of the fcc ( 111 ) plane can stack on top of the tetragonal ( 100 ) plane . fig2 shows a projection of the oxygen and titanium positions in the bottom half of the rutile cell as viewed from the { 100 } direction . superimposed on top of the projection are the positions of the fcc atoms in the { 111 } plane . having described and illustrated the principle of the invention in a preferred embodiment thereof , it is appreciated by those having skill in the art that the invention can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles . we therefore claim all modifications and variations coming within the spirit and scope of the following claims .	7
referring to the drawings , the reconcentration system 10 of this invention comprises an elongated vertically disposed enclosed vessel 12 having three main sections , an upper reboiler chamber 14 , a lower reboiler chamber 16 , and an enclosed heating section 18 disposed therebetween . the vessel 12 is mounted on a suitable sled or mounting apparatus 20 which is in turn positioned on a platform or other suitable means 22 . the lower end of the vessel 12 also comprises a third enclosed compartment 24 which serves as a holding tank or surge tank for processed water - lean - desiccant as hereinafter described . the upper reboiler chamber 14 comprises a cylindrical housing 26 enclosed at the upper end thereof by a dome or end plate 28 and is provided at the lower end thereof with a suitable flange 30 . the dome 28 is provided with a centrally disposed vapor outlet port 32 which is normally connected to the lower end of the distillation column or the like ( not shown ). as a part of the vapor outlet 32 , there is a water - rich - desiccant inlet 34 which will be hereinafter more fully described . a horizontally disposed rich - desiccant receiving tray 36 is disposed within the upper chamber 14 directly below the rich - desiccant inlet 34 . the tray 36 is provided with sidewalls 38 for retaining the rich desiccant and a rich desiccant outlet port 40 extending through the upper housing 26 and connected to a downcomer 42 disposed outside the vessel 12 . the lower end of the downcomer 42 is connected in open communication with the lower reboiler chamber 16 by an inlet port 44 . the purpose of the downcomer is to transmit the received rich - desiccant from the receiving tray 36 into the lower reboiler chamber 16 . the upper housing 26 is also provided with a plurality of outlet ports 46 in the lower portion thereof , each being connected to downcomers 48 . the lower end of the downcomers 48 are in open communication with the lower reboiler chamber 16 by means of inlet ports 50 . the downcomers 48 are for the purpose of recirculating desiccant being processed by the reboiler in a manner that will be hereinafter set forth . a lean desiccant outlet port 45 is located in the wall of the upper housing 26 and is spaced above the outlets 46 but below the receiving tray 36 for removing reconcentrated desiccant therefrom in a manner hereinafter set forth . the lower reboiling chamber 16 and surge tank 24 comprises a lower enclosed cylindrical housing 50 closed at the lower end by a dome or end plate 52 , the upper end thereof being provided with a flange member 54 . the sidewall of the housing 52 is provided with an inlet port 56 for receiving lean desiccant therethrough . the lower central portion of the domed end plate 54 is provided with a lean desiccant outlet port 58 for the removal of the lean desiccant that has been processed by the reboiler . the lower reboiler chamber 16 and the surge tank 24 are separated by means of a divider plate 53 . the heating chamber 18 comprises a cylindrical housing 60 enclosed by end plates 62 and 64 for separating the heating chamber 18 from the upper reboiler chamber 14 and the lower reboiler chamber 16 . these plates may be attached to the cylinder section 60 by welding or other similar means and of a suitable diameter to create flange portions 66 and 68 which are joinable with the flanges 30 and 54 of the upper and lower housing 26 and 52 , respectively . the flanges 30 and 62 may be attached by a plurality of bolts 70 or other suitable clamping apparatus . the flanges 54 and 68 are likewise secured by a plurality of bolts 72 or suitable clamping mechanisms . the cylindrical housing 60 is provided with one or more expansion rings 74 and 76 to compensate for high temperatures introduced into the heating section 18 . a hot air exhaust inlet 78 is provided through one side of the cylindrical housing 60 and a similar exhaust port 80 is provided through the opposite sides of the housing for the circulation of hot gases through the section 18 . a plurality of finned elongated spaced tubes 82 are vertically disposed within the heating chamber 18 with the lower open ends thereof extending through the bottom end plate 64 into open communication with the lower reboiler chamber 16 . the upper open ends of the tubes 82 extend through the top end plate 62 into the upper reboiler chamber 14 whereby the ends thereof extend above the level of the lean desiccant outlet port 45 and below the receiving tray 36 . the plurality of finned tubes 82 will hereinafter be referred to as risers and are for the purpose of percolating or transmitting the liquid desiccant from the lower reboiler chamber 16 into the upper reboiler chamber 14 . a plurality of vapor caps 84 are disposed within the upper reboiler chamber 14 directly over each upper open end of the risers 82 . these vapor caps 84 may be in the form of downwardly facing spaced angle irons , attached to the walls of the upper housing 26 . the vapor caps 84 serve the purposes of directing the liquid out of the riser pipes down into the upper chamber 14 while allowing the boiled off water vapors to escape through the vapor outlet port 32 at the top of the vessel 12 . the reboiler system 10 may also include desiccant preheating apparatus 86 which comprises a heated - lean - desiccant chamber 88 having inlet port 90 operably connected to the outlet port 45 of the reboiler drum by means of suitable piping 92 . the vessel 88 also has an oppositely disposed outlet port 94 operably connected to the inlet port 56 of the surge tank 24 by means of suitable piping 96 . the water - rich - desiccant is piped into the heat exchanger vessel 88 by means of suitable piping 98 and is routed through the interior of the vessel 88 by helical coil 100 or the like for providing greater surface contact with the hot - lean - desiccant located therein . the heated water - rich - desiccant is then transmitted by suitable piping 102 into the inlet port 34 at the upper end of the reboiler vessel 12 . in operation , water - rich - desiccant is preheated by way of the heat exchanger means 86 and introduced into the reboiler vessel through the port 34 . the water - rich - desiccant then falls into the splash receiving tray 36 in the upper reboiler chamber 14 whereby any water vapors that are dislodged thereby may escape through the vapor outlet port 32 . the rich desiccant is then transferred from the tray 36 , by means of the downcomer 42 , into the lower reboiler chamber 16 . when this chamber reaches capacity , the liquid desiccant moves up through the risers 82 and is heated within the risers by means of the hot exhaust gases that are being passed through the heating chamber 18 . the desiccant then is diverted by the vapor caps 84 into the lower part of the upper reboiler 14 where it is allowed to recirculate back through the lower reboiler chamber 16 by means of a plurality of downcomer pipes 48 . this recirculation continues until the liquid level in the upper reboiler reaches the outlet port 45 . by this time a major portion of the water carried by the desiccant has been boiled off and the vapors thereof allowed to escape through the vapor outlet port 32 . the upper leanest portion of the desiccant is then allowed to flow out of the outlet 45 and is transmitted via the pipe 92 into the heat exchanger vessel 88 . the lean - desiccant is then transferred , via the pipe 96 , into the surge chamber 24 of the reboiler vessel where it is contained until being removed for use via the drain outlet 58 . from the foregoing , it is obvious that the invention described herein provides a vertically oriented flameless reboiler which is capable of receiving rich - desiccant in the central upper end thereof for processing by the flameless reboiler for the purpose of removing water entrained by the desiccant . whereas , the present invention has been described in particular relation to the drawings attached hereto it is obvious that other and further modifications , apart from those shown or suggested herein , may be made within the spirt and scope of the invention .	1
reference is now made to fig1 wherein an embodiment of this invention is shown in block diagram form . the fig1 arrangement generally comprises , a latch - in relay 10 , a direct current ( dc ) voltage source 20 , a switch 22 , a comparator 24 , a wave - shaping circuit 30 , and a differentiating circuit 32 , etc . the relay 10 is provided with a contact controlling circuit 12 , on and off position contacts 14 and 16 , and a relay armature 18 . one end of the contact controlling circuit 12 is coupled to the dc voltage source 20 . similarly , the on position contact 14 is coupled to the dc voltage source 20 . as referred to in the opening paragraphs of the instant specification , the latch - in relay 10 maintains its contacts in the last position assumed , even without coil energization . more specifically , the relay armature 18 switches to the on position contact 16 in response to a rapidly rising voltage applied from the dc voltage source 20 and remains in its position . contrarily , when the relay 10 is to be rendered inoperative , the opposite polarity of rapidly changing voltage ( viz ., abrupt downward voltage change ) is applied to the contact controlling circuit 12 and hence the relay armature 18 switches back to the off position contact 16 . the switch 22 is provided between the dc voltage source 20 and one input terminal 24a of the comparator 24 . a reference voltage vref is applied to the other input terminal 24b of the comparator 24 . the reference voltage vref is determined to be lower than a voltage level of a voltage va when the switch 22 is closed . the comparator outputs a voltage vb which takes a low or high level depending on the inputs voltages va and vref . a parallel circuit , which consists of a resistor 26 and a capacitor 28 , is provided for absorbing undesirable voltage variations induced by a so - called &# 34 ; chattering &# 34 ; upon the switch 12 being closed . the wave - shaping circuit 30 takes the form of a schmitt trigger in this particular embodiment . as is well known , a schmitt trigger produces pulse shaping by introducing positive feedback to obtain high gain and hysteresis . a schmitt trigger produces an output when an input exceeds a specified turn - on level , while the output of the schmitt trigger continues until the input falls below a specified turn - off level . as shown , the schmitt trigger 30 is comprised of an operational amplifier 34 and two resistors 36 , 38 . the operational amplifier 34 has an inverting input 34a to which a voltage vc is applied , while having a non - inverting input 34b coupled to the output of the amplifier 34 via the positive feedback resistor 36 . a hysteresis width is determined by the resistors 36 , 38 . the wave - shaping circuit 30 outputs a voltage vd having a rectangular wave shape . an and gate 40 is preceded by the comparator 24 and the wave - shaping circuit 30 , and generates an output voltage ve . a relay driving transistor 42 is rendered conductive upon the gate output ve assuming a high level , and rendered inoperative when ve assumes a low level . thus , the driving transistor 42 supplies the contact controlling circuit 12 with rapidly rising and falling voltages thereby to render the relay 10 operative and inoperative , respectively . the relay 10 is coupled to apply the output vo thereof to an external circuit ( not shown ) via an output terminal 44 , and also coupled to apply the output vo to an input 46a of an and gate 46 . the other input 46b of the and gate 46 is coupled to receive a source voltage vcc . the output of the and gate 46 is coupled to the differentiating circuit 32 which includes a capacitor 50 and a resistor 52 and which generates an output voltage vf . as shown , a junction between the capacitor 50 and the resistor 52 is coupled to the input 34a of the wave - shaping circuit 30 via a diode 54 , while one terminal of the resistor 52 is coupled to one terminal of a resistor 56 and the source voltage vcc . the resistor 56 is arranged to normally apply a high level voltage to the input 34a of the wave - shaping circuit 30 . the operation of the fig1 arrangement will be discussed with reference to fig2 in which there is shown a waveform of each of the above - mentioned voltages va , vb , vc , vd , ve , vo and vf . it should be noted that inherent time delays between the occurrences of the voltages are not shown in fig2 merely for the convenience of simplification . further , characters &# 34 ; h &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; l &# 34 ; parenthesized in fig2 denote high and low levels of the corresponding voltage , respectively . before the switch 22 is closed at time t1 , va assumes a low level and hence the output vb of the comparator 24 takes a low level . on the other hand , each of the input terminal 34a and the differentiating circuit 32 receives the constant voltage vcc , and accordingly each of vc and vf assumes a high level . this means that the output vd of the wave - shaping circuit ( schmitt trigger ) 30 assumes a high level before t1 . consequently , as the output ve of the and gate 40 assumes a low level under such conditions , the relay 10 remains inoperative . thus , the output vo of the relay 10 assumes a low level . when the switch 22 is closed at a time point t1 , a rapidly rising va potential causes the comparator &# 39 ; s output vb to assume a high level , whereby the and gate 40 generates a high logic level ( ve ). this in turn induces the relay driving transistor 42 to be rendered conductive . as a result the relay armature 18 switches over to the on position contact 16 . as a consequence , the output vo of the relay 10 assumes a high level . these conditions are maintained as long as the relay armature 18 remains in the on position thereof . the sequence of occurrences of the voltages va , vb , vc and vo are denoted by waved solid lines ( a ) to ( c ) at the time point t1 as well as during a short time duration thereafter . it is assumed that the relay armature 18 is forcibly driven , at a time point t2 , to the off position contact 16 due to an externally applied impact or the like . if this happens , the output vo of the relay 10 falls suddenly and hence the output vf of the differentiating circuit 32 ( also vc ) changes as illustrated in fig2 . in response to the abrupt fall of the relay output vo , the schmitt trigger 30 outputs a pulse ( denoted by a reference numeral 58 in fig2 ), whereby the output ve of the and gate 40 rapidly falls and thereafter rapidly rises . the transistor 42 is therefore temporarily rendered non - conductive for a short time interval . in response to the rising edge of ve , a rapidly rising voltage is again applied to the contact controlling circuit 12 , and hence the relay armature 18 is again induced to switch to the on position contact 14 . the sequence of occurrences of the voltages vo , vf , vc and vd are denoted by waved solid lines ( d ) to ( g ) at the time t2 as well as during a short time period thereafter . e thereafter , when the switch 22 is open at time t3 , a rapidly falling potential of the voltage va causes the comparator &# 39 ; s output vb to assume a low level , whereby the and gate 40 generates a low logic level ( ve ). this causes the relay driving transistor 42 to be rendered non - conductive and results in the relay armature 18 switching over to the off position contact 16 . as a consequence , the output vo of the relay 10 becomes zero ( viz ., low level ). it should be noted that , although each of the voltages vc , vd , and vf changes as illustrated in response to the fast falling of va , these phenomena are not concerned with this invention . reference is now made to fig3 wherein a variant of the embodiment shown in fig1 is illustrated in block diagram form . the arrangement of fig3 differs from that of fig1 in that : ( a ) the contact controlling circuit 12 is coupled to the dc voltage source 20 via a resistor 60 , ( b ) a collector of the relay driving transistor 42 is coupled to a junction between the controlling circuit 12 and the resistor 60 , ( c ) an nand gate 40 &# 39 ; is provided in place of the and gate of fig1 and ( d ) the output of the nand gate 40 &# 39 ; is denoted by ve &# 39 ;. the remaining portions of the fig3 arrangement are identical to the corresponding portions of fig1 and hence further descriptions thereof will be omitted for brevity . the relay 10 of fig3 is also energized by a rapidly rising voltage and is rendered inoperative by a rapidly falling voltage , both applied to the contact controlling circuit 12 from the dc voltage source 20 under the control of the switch 22 . fig4 is a timing chart which shows a waveform of each of the voltages va , vb , vc , vd , ve &# 39 ;, vo and vf . it should be noted that the voltage levels of ve &# 39 ; are inverted as compared with ve ( fig2 ). other than this the operation is exactly the same as shown in fig2 . the operation of the arrangement shown in fig3 is clearly understood from the foregoing descriptions regarding the fig1 arrangement , and hence further discussions of fig3 and 4 are deemed unnecessary to those skilled in the art . while the foregoing description describes one embodiment according to the present invention and one variant thereof , the various alternatives and modifications possible without departing from the scope of the present invention , which is limited only by the appended claims , will be apparent to those skilled in the art .	7
an extractor 1 in a refining unit is receiving heavy sweet charge oil by way of a line 4 and n - methyl - 2 - pyrrolidone solvent , hereafter referred to as mp , 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 is extractor 1 is controlled by cooling water passing through a line 16 . a gravity analyzer 20 , a refractometer 22 , viscosity analyzers 23 and 24 , and a sulfur analyzer 28 sample the charge oil in line 4 and provide signals api , ri , kv 210 , kv 150 and s , respectively , corresponding to the api gravity , the refractive index , the kinematic viscosity at 210 ° f . and 150 ° f ., and the sulfur content , respectively , of the heavy sweet charge oil . 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 mp 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 . sus = c . sub . 5 ( kv . sub . 210 )+[ c . sub . 6 + c . sub . 7 ( kv . sub . 210 )]/[ c . sub . 8 + c . sub . 9 ( kv . sub . 210 )+ c . sub . 10 ( kv . sub . 210 ). sup . 2 + c . sub . 11 ( kv . sub . 210 ). sup . 3 ]( c . sub . 12 ), ( 6 ) 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 . where vi dwc . sbsb . o is the viscosity index of dewaxed charge oil at 0 ° f . and c 17 through c 22 are constants having preferred values of 600 . 63 , 434 . 96 , 0 . 14988 , 6 . 9334 , 0 . 01532 and 0 . 79708 , respectively . where vi dwc . sbsb . p and pour are the viscosity index of the dewaxed heavy sweet charge oil at a predetermined temperature and the pour point of the dewaxed product , respectively , and c 23 through c 25 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 . δri =[- c . sub . 26 + c . sub . 27 ( api ). sup . 2 - c . sub . 28 ( s ). sup . 2 + c . sub . 29 ( δvi )( kv . sub . 210 )+ c . sub . 30 ( δvi )( s )+ c . sub . 31 ( kv . sub . 210 )( s )] c . sub . 32 , ( 11 ) where δri is the change in the refractive index between the heavy sweet charge oil and the raffinate and c 26 through c 32 are constants having preferred values of 436 . 46 , 0 . 89521 , 11 . 537 , 0 . 26756 , 0 . 96234 , 3 . 007 and 10 - 4 , respectively . where j is the methyl - 2 - pyrrolidone dosage and c 33 through c 38 are constants having preferred values of 363 . 41 , 37 . 702 , 0 . 020911 , 492 . 43 , 543 . 2 and 0 . 27069 , 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 vi dwc . sbsb . o computer 70 receives signal ri , s , api , kv 210 and e 6 and provides a signal e 10 corresponding to the term vi dwc . sbsb . o in accordance with the received signals and equation 8 as hereinafter explained . a vi dwc . sbsb . p computer 72 receives signal e 8 and e 10 and provides a signal e 11 corresponding to the term vi dwc . sbsb . p in accordance with the received signals and equation 9 . subtracting means 76 performs the function of equation 10 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 10 . a δri computer 79 receives signals kv 210 , api , s and δvi and provides a signal δri corresponding to the term δri in equation 11 , in accordance with the received signals and equation 11 as hereinafter explained . a j computer 80 receives signals t , δri , s and e 12 and provide a signal e 13 corresponding to the term j in accordance with the received signals and equation 12 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 13 . 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 methyl - 2 - pyrrolidone flow rate varied , equation 13 would be rewritten as where so is the new methyl - 2 - pyrrolidone 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 1 . 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 . referrning 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 139 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 , multipliers 155 , 156 multiply signal ri with a direct current voltage c 18 and signal s , respectively , to provide product signals . multipliers 159 , 160 multiply signal kv 210 with signals s and e 6 , respectively , to provide product signals . multiplier 163 effectively squares signal api . multipliers 166 , 167 , 168 and 169 multiply signals from multipliers 156 , 159 , 160 and 163 , respectively , with direct current voltages c 20 , c 22 , c 21 and c 19 , respectively , to provide signals corresponding to the term c 20 ( ri )( s ), c 22 ( kv 210 )( s ), c 21 ( kv 210 )( vi ) and c 19 ( api ) 2 , respectively , in equation 8 . summing means 173 effectively sums the positive terms of equation 8 when it sums a direct current voltage c 17 with signals from multipliers 167 , 168 and 169 to provide a sum signal to subtracting means 175 . summing means 177 effectively sums the negative terms in equation 8 when it sums the signals from multipliers 165 , 166 to provide a signal to subtracting means 175 where it is subtracted from the signal from summing means 173 . subtracting means 175 provides signal e 10 . vi dwc . sbsb . p 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 24 to provide a signal corresponding to the term c 24 1nsus 210 in equation 9 . multiplier 202 effectively squares the signal from function generator 200 to provide a signal that is multiplied with the direct current voltage c 25 by a multiplier 205 . multiplier 205 provides a signal corresponding to the term c 25 ( 1nsus 210 ) 2 in equation 9 . 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 23 . a multiplier 208 multiplies the sum signal from summing means 207 with a direct current voltage pour to provide a signal which is summed with signal e 10 by summing means 210 which provides signal e 11 . referring now to fig1 , δri computer 78 includes multipliers 180 , 181 which effectively squares signals s , api to provide product signals to multipliers 183 and 184 , respectively , where they are multiplied with direct current voltages c 28 and c 27 , respectively . multipliers 183 and 184 provide signals corresponding to the terms c 28 ( s ) 2 and c 27 ( api ) 2 , respectively , in equation 11 . multipliers 186 , 187 multiply signal s with signals kv 210 and e 12 to provide signals to multipliers 190 and 191 , respectively , where they are multiplied with direct current voltage c 31 and c 30 , respectively . multipliers 190 , 191 provide signals corresponding to the terms c 31 ( kv 210 )( s ) and c 30 ( δvi )( s ), respectively . a multiplier 194 multiplies signals kv 210 , e 12 to provide a signal to another multiplier 196 where it is multiplied with a direct current voltage c 29 to provide a signal corresponding to the term c 29 ( δvi )( kv 210 ). summing means 200 effectively sums the positive term of equation 11 when it sums signals from multipliers 184 , 190 , 191 and 196 to provide a sum signal to subtracting means 201 . summing means 203 effectively sums the negative terms of equation 11 when it sums a direct current voltage c 26 with the signal from multiplier 183 to provide a signal which is subtracted from the signal provided by summing means 200 by subtracting means 201 . subtracting means 201 provides a signal which is multiplied with a direct current voltage c 32 by a multiplier 205 to provide signal δri . referring now to fig1 , j computer 80 includes multipliers 210 , 211 and 212 multiplying signals e 12 with signals δri and t and a direct current voltage c 34 , respectively . a multiplier 214 effectively squares signal t and provides it to another multiplier 215 where it is multiplied with a direct current voltage c 35 . multiplier 215 provides a signal corresponding to the term c 35 ( t ) 2 in equation 12 . a multiplier 218 multiplies signal s with a direct current voltage c 36 to provide a signal corresponding to the term c 36 ( s ) in equation 12 . multipliers 220 , 221 multiplies the signals from multipliers 210 and 211 , respectively , with direct current voltages c 37 and c 38 , respectively , to provide signals corresponding to the term c 37 ( δri )( δvi ) and c 38 ( δvi )( t ), respectively , in equation 12 . summing means 225 effectively sums the positive terms in equation 12 when it sums the signals from multipliers 212 , 215 , 220 and 221 to provide a sum signal . summing means 227 effectively sums the negative terms of equation 12 when it sums the signal from multiplier 218 with a direct current voltage c 33 . subtracting means 230 subtracts the signal from summing means 227 from the signal provided by summing means 225 to provide signal e 13 corresponding to the methyl - 2 - pyrrolidone dosage . the present invention as hereinbefore described controls an mp refining unit receiving heavy sweet charge oil to achieve a desired charge oil flow rate for a constant mp flow rate . it is also within the scope of the present invention , as hereinbefore described , to control the mp flow rate while the heavy sweet charge oil flow is maintained at a constant rate .	2
as may in particular be seen from fig1 a prosthesis comprising a place holder or dummy element 1 is formed as a cylinder jacket - shaped member . in the manner shown in fig1 the cylinder jacket comprises rhombus - shaped apertures 2 having their longitudinal diagonal extending parallel to the cylinder axis . respective adjacent rows 3 , 4 of such rhombuses are mutually offset by half of the rhombus height . in this manner a grid of band strips 5 , 6 is formed which intersect each other with an acute angle and which are inclined by respective identical angles with respect to the longitudinal diagonal of the rhombuses . it is thus achieved that a load acting onto the place holder in the direction of its longitudinal axis is taken up in uniform manner . the upper edge 7 and the lower edge 8 are each formed such that approximately v - shaped teeth 9 , 10 or 11 , 12 , respectively project upwards and downwards in the plane of the jacket parallel to the cylinder axis . the ends 13 of the teeth are bezelled or chamfered such that both chamfered faces intersect with an angle of approximately 45 ° such that a type of cutting edge is formed . in the embodiment shown in the fig1 and 2 the jacket is formed by rolling up a correspondingly designed / sheet material and especially sheet metal strip . the two overlapping ends are interconnected by means of a screw 14 . it is generally possible to reinforce the wall of the jacket by using two windings in the manner shown in fig3 . in operation the place holder is inserted in axial direction between the remaining vertebrae / body or bone pieces in place of a removed vertebra / body or bone piece . the diameter and the axial length of the jacket are selected such that the jacket fits between the remaining pieces in that manner that these pieces keep their original distance from each other . the teeth 9 , 10 and 11 , 12 , respectively , of the place holder engage the surface of the adjacent vertebrae / body or bones , respectively , in that manner that a torsional movement of the one adjacent part with respect to the other adjacent part is transferred to the respective other adjacent part or braked or reduced , respectively , by means of the projecting teeth . at least the interior of the jacket is filled with bone cement through the apertures . if desired , that much bone cement may be introduced that the cement penetrates outwardly through the apertures and a molding at the outside is performed . preferably the bone cement is filled in after insertion of the above described jacket . however , it is also possible to fill the interior space of the jacket before insertion thereof . in the modified embodiments shown in the fig4 and 5 corresponding parts are referred to by the respective identical reference sign . this embodiment differs from the above described in that cylindrical rings 15 , 16 having an outer diameter which conforms to the respective inner diameter of the cylindrical jacket - shaped member are provided at the two opposed ends of the cylindrical body . the cylinder jacket is rigidly connected with the close lying ring 15 , 16 by means of respective screws 17 . the outwardly directed side 18 of the respective ring 15 , 16 has a distance d from the adjacent edge 7 or 8 , respectively . this distance is preferably in the order of 0 . 5 to 2 mm . in inserting the jacket the ends projecting beyond the respective ring are pressed into the adjacent bone when subjected to load . the adjacent ring prevents a further penetration into the adjacent bone . the desired value of the distance d is determined by the intended way of use and the depth of penetration desired therefor . as may be seen from the fig4 and 5 , the dimensions of the rhombus - shaped apertures are selected such that the thread of a pedicle screw may be screwed into the aperture . thus , an additional simple fixation between the place holder and the respective adjacent vertebrae / body or bone pieces may be achieved . in the above described embodiments the cross - section is circular . preferably the cross - section is chosen as a function of the cross - section of the parts to be connected . for connection of vertebrae / body in the lumbal region the member preferably comprises a kidney - shaped cross - section shown in fig6 or an oval cross - section shown in fig7 . the embodiment shown in the fig8 and 9 additionally comprises a bottom plate 19 at the bottom side and a corresponding top plate at the opposite side . the bottom plate and the top plate are each grid - shaped . the adjacent rings 15 and 16 , respectively , serve as abutments . this embodiment is particularly suitable for the connection of porous bones . by means of the bottom plate and top plate , respectively , it is prevented that the place holder sinks too far into e . g . the vertebrae / body cover plate . the bottom plate and top plate , respectively , preferably comprise a grid - shaped structure shown as an example in fig8 . as mentioned above , the interior may be filled with bone cement . in place of the filling with bone cement , however , it is also possible to insert a piece of bone from the patient or from another source into the interior of the place holder such that the place holder has a supporting function around the inserted bone piece . both when filling with bone cement and when inserting the bone piece a particularly secure connection with the above described place holder is achieved . in addition , a safe protection of the spinal cord channel against ejected bone cement or bone pieces is achieved . while the invention has been described in preferred form it is not limited to the precise nature shown as various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims .	0
various further preferred features and embodiments of the present invention will now be described through non - limiting examples . it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the following specifics . in a preferred embodiment , a pet - owner administrator spreads a predetermined quantity of a paste - allergen extract mixture onto the bottom of an animal &# 39 ; s food bowl or plate . the paste , which comprises the base of the antigenic mixture , has a viscosity such that an animal must repeatedly lick the paste - allergen mixture in order to achieve full consumption of the entire quantity . with every lick , a small amount of allergen is drawn into the mouth . in this embodiment , each successive lick delivers a small quantity of allergenic extract into the subject animal &# 39 ; s mouth , which will become awash with the allergen mixture . upon introduction into an animal &# 39 ; s mouth by licking , the allergenic extract comes into contact with the sublingual mucosal membrane . the cumulative effect of the subject animal consuming an entire therapeutic dose via licking is the allergenic extract maintaining contact with the sublingual mucosal membrane for a sufficient duration to ensure the desired immunological results . while a panaceatic combination of allergenic extracts representing all known environmental and food allergens is not feasible , a preferred embodiment of this invention utilizes multiple allergenic extracts . potential allergenic extracts include , but are not limited to those listed in table 1 . additional potentially therapeutic allergenic extracts are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art . in a preferred embodiment , all allergenic extract materials used in the antigenic composition are originally obtained in a lyophilized form . in order for these allergenic extracts to achieve their optimal antigenic effect , they must be reconstituted prior to their mixture into the viscous paste , which forms the basis for the invention herein disclosed . reconstitution is achieved by the introduction of diluents . said diluents can be comprised solely of glycerin or of a combination of glycerin and saline in a proportion apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art . in a preferred embodiment , however , the reconstitution employs diluents comprised of 50 % glycerin and 50 % saline by volume and said diluents are introduced to an equal volume of lyophilized allergenic extract . in an additional embodiment , it is possible to introduce an adjuvant to enhance the extract migration through the mucosal membrane and into a patient mammal &# 39 ; s bloodstream . in preferred embodiments , the present invention includes a viscous paste in which a selection of allergenic extracts of well - known allergens , such as those contained within table 1 , are mixed . the paste is flavored to appeal to an animal undergoing the immunotherapy treatment so that said animal , when presented with the paste - allergen mixture , willingly and repeatedly licks it until the paste - allergen mixture is fully consumed . said paste also must not react with , impair , or degrade the immunological potency of embedded allergenic extracts . in addition to the above - mentioned properties , in preferred embodiments the paste also must be of a sufficient viscosity and stickiness such that when spread onto the bottom of a feeding bowl or plate , a pet will require between roughly 2 and 5 minutes for full consumption via repeated licking . the preferred consistency of said past - allergen mixture will be such that one of ordinary skill in the art can prepare and administer the proper dosage without undue difficulty and with common household tools . furthermore , in a preferred embodiment , the paste is of a robust physical and chemical nature such spoliation or degradation of embedded immunological allergenic extracts is limited , even through long - term storage at room temperatures . in a preferred embodiment , the paste is peanut butter . in yet another embodiment , the paste is an organic peanut butter . in a further embodiment , the paste is substituted for a suitably viscous gel . in another embodiment , the allergen - paste mixture includes additional nutritional enhancements as long as said enhancements do not adversely affect the immunological potency of the embedded allergenic extracts . one such example of a useful nutritional enhancement to the paste - allergen mixture is omega - 3 fatty acid in a concentration that would be apparent to an individual possessing ordinary skill in the art . other useful nutritional enhancements and proper dosage amounts will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art . in another embodiment , the allergen - paste mixture is supplemented with an agent designed to enhance digestive health and bolster the innate immune system , based in the digestive tract . in a preferred embodiment , one such enhancing agent can be a prebiotic such as fermented yeast . other suitable prebiotic supplements , and their proper dosage amounts , will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art . in yet another embodiment , the paste - allergen mixture is supplemented with a probiotic agent to enhance digestive health . in a preferred embodiment , the probiotic agent is bacillus coagulans gbi - 30 , 6086 , chosen for its minimal vulnerability to temperature variation , pressure fluctuation and shelf - life duration . in other embodiments , the probiotic is lactobacillus , acidophilus , bifidobacteria or another beneficial probiotic apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art . upon selection and reconstitution of the multiple allergenic extracts , the extracts are mixed into the viscous paste that comprised the base of the antigenic composition . the amount of each environmental and food allergenic extract to be mixed into the viscous paste is based on product weight ratios and will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art . in a preferred embodiment , the allergen extracts are mixed into the viscous paste prior to the addition of supplemental additives such as prebiotic or probiotic agents .	0
reference is now made to fig1 which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a communications system 10 constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention . communications system 10 preferably includes a multiplicity of communications terminals 12 connectable to a communications network 14 via a multiplicity of connection media 16 , which may either be wired or wireless . communications terminals 12 are preferably operative to receive inputs from and display information to a user 18 , and to transmit and receive information via communications network 14 to and from at least one server 20 that is also connected to communications network 14 via connection media 16 . server 20 is likewise operative to send and receive information via communications network 14 . connection notification apparatus 30 is operative to receive input from communications terminal 12 , in which connection notification apparatus 30 is typically resident . communications terminal 12 signals connection notification apparatus 30 when communications terminal 12 connects to communications network 14 . connection notification apparatus 30 preferably transmits notification via communications network 14 to a connection monitor 22 , which is operative to receive input via communications network 14 , and which is typically resident in server 20 . an address extractor 26 , typically resident in server 20 , is operative to determine the source network address of the notification received by connection monitor 22 , to which address extractor 26 is operatively interconnected . address extractor 26 is operative to provide the network address to information management apparatus 28 , typically resident in server 20 , where the address is maintained . address extractor 26 is alternatively or additionally operative to communicate with communications terminal 12 , in which address extractor 26 may alternatively or additionally reside , where address extractor 26 is operative to determine the network address of connection terminal 12 when a connection to communications network 14 is established , and to provide the network address to connection notification apparatus 30 . an annunciator 24 , typically resident in server 20 , is operative to receive information maintained by information management apparatus 28 and transmit this information to communications terminal 12 . typical operation of communications system 10 is described in detail below with reference to fig1 , 2 , and 3 . reference is now made to fig1 which shows a user 18 establishing a connection to communications network 14 , typically the internet , using a communications terminal 12 via connection medium 16 . the connection to communications network 14 is typically via a leased line or dial - up line to a network communications service provider , typically an internet service provider ( isp ). at least one server 20 is typically continually connected to the communications network 14 via connection medium 16 . more than one server 20 may be provided wherein all servers are preferably continually synchronized to maintain and supply the same information . once user 18 is connected to communications network 14 , connection notification apparatus 30 notifies connection monitor 22 that user 18 is connected to communications network 14 . this notification preferably includes a unique identification code predefined for user 18 and maintained in a list of connected users by information management apparatus 28 . this unique identification code is preferably independent of the communications terminal 12 used by user 18 . preferably , this notification also comprises a user password for authentication of the unique identification code . this notification may also include other information such as the current network address for user 18 . address extractor 26 preferably determines the current network address of user 18 when the user is connected to communications terminal 12 . address extractor 26 is preferably operative to extract a network address from transmission packets used in network data transmission protocols such as tcp / ip . thus address extractor 26 may extract the current network address of user 18 from transmission packets sent by connection notification apparatus 30 to connection monitor 22 . address extractor 26 then provides the current network address for user 18 to information management apparatus 28 which maintains the address in the list of connected users . while address extractor 26 typically communicates with information management apparatus 28 as mentioned above , address extractor 26 may alternatively or additionally communicate with communications terminal 12 , providing the current network address to connection notification apparatus 30 . connection notification apparatus then transmits the network address to connection monitor 22 , which provides the address to information management apparatus 28 which maintains the address in the list of connected users . communications terminal 12 preferably provides a list of sought users predefined by user 18 to information management apparatus 28 which maintains it . communications terminal 12 may also provide instructions from user 18 to information management apparatus 28 regarding whether user 18 requests to be asked to explicitly authorize whether to reveal information relating to user 13 to a seeking user who requests this information . information management apparatus 28 maintains a list of users who request to be asked for authorization . information management apparatus 28 , upon receipt of a list of sought users from user 18 at communications terminal 12 , checks the list of connected users for any sought users that are currently connected to communications network 14 , typically for display on the terminal . if connected sought users are found , information management apparatus 28 causes annunciator 24 to transmit an annunciation to user 18 at communications terminal 12 wherein the annunciation typically includes the unique identification codes and network addresses for all users who are currently connected to communications network 14 and who user 18 is seeking . connection monitor 22 periodically polls communications terminal 12 or otherwise determines if communications terminal 12 is still connected to communications network 14 in accordance with network communications protocols well known in the art , such as tcp / ip . alternatively or additionally , connection notification apparatus 30 periodically notifies connection monitor 22 that communications terminal 12 is still connected to communications network 14 in accordance with network communications protocols well known in the art , such as tcp / ip . reference is now made to fig2 which shows a user 34 establishing a connection to communications network 14 preferably in the same manner as described for user 18 in fig1 . once user 34 is connected , information management apparatus 28 checks the list of sought users to determine if user 34 is sought by user 18 . if so , information management apparatus 28 then checks the list of connected users to determine if user 18 is still connected . if user 18 is still connected , information management apparatus 28 causes annunciator 24 to transmit an annunciation to user 18 , wherein the annunciation typically includes the unique identification code for sought user 34 , the current network address for sought user 34 , and preferably other information provided by user 18 . information management apparatus 28 preferably also checks the list of sought users to determine if user 18 is sought by user 34 and , if so , causes annunciator 24 to transmit an annunciation to user 34 as described above . according to another embodiment of the present invention information management apparatus 28 checks the list of users who wish to be asked for authorization to determine if user 34 wishes to explicitly authorize requests from seeking users for information regarding user 34 . if explicit authorization is required from user 34 , annunciator 24 transmits a request for authorization to authorization apparatus 36 , typically resident in communications terminal 12 . user 34 authorizes or declines the request from user 18 for location or other information relating to user 34 . authorization apparatus 36 then provides the authorization information to information management apparatus 28 which determines whether to cause annunciator 24 to transmit an annunciation to user 18 . reference is now made to fig3 which shows user 18 making a point - to - point connection with sought user 34 using the network address of sought user 34 as provided by annunciator 24 as described above with reference to fig1 and 2 . it is appreciated that user 18 may establish a point - to - point connection with user 34 once user 18 possesses the network address of user 34 independent of the present invention . a preferred method for constructing a communications system operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is now described : a ) construct a communications network such as a lan ( local - area network ) or a wan ( wide - are network ) using a network protocol such as tcp / ip or ipx / spx , or provide access to a communications network such as the internet ; b ) connect a communications terminal , such as an intel - based computer using the microsoft windows 95 operating system , to the communications network ; c ) connect a server , such as an intel - based computer operating the linux operating system , to the communications network ; d ) generate executable instructions from the computer listing of appendix a , which is a computer listing of software components typically resident on communications terminal 12 as described above with reference to fig1 , and the computer listing of appendix b , which is a computer listing of software components typically resident on server 20 as described above with reference to fig1 ; e ) load the executable instructions of appendix a into the communications terminal memory and execute them ; and f ) load the executable instructions of appendix b into the server memory and execute them . it is appreciated that any of the software components of the present invention may , if desired , be implemented in rom ( read - only memory ) form . the software components may , generally , be implemented in hardware , if desired , using conventional techniques . it is appreciated that the particular embodiment described in the appendices is intended only to provide an extremely detailed disclosure of the present invention and is not intended to be limiting . it is appreciated that various features of the invention which are , for clarity , described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment . conversely , various features of the invention which are , for brevity , described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination . it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove . rather the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims which follow :	7
the present disclosure relates to spray processing of films such as solder flux films on bond pads . the following description includes terms , such as upper , lower , first , second , etc . that are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting . the embodiments of an apparatus or article described herein can be manufactured , used , or shipped in a number of positions and orientations . the terms “ die ” and “ chip ” generally refer to the physical object that is the basic workpiece that is transformed by various process operations into the desired integrated circuit device . a die is usually singulated from a wafer , and wafers may be made of semiconducting , non - semiconducting , or combinations of semiconducting and non - semiconducting materials . a board is typically a resin - impregnated fiberglass structure that acts as a mounting substrate for the die . a heat spreader in this disclosure is a thin structure that is dual - die - and - dual - heat spreader processed . reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations . in order to show the structures of embodiments most clearly , the drawings included herein are diagrammatic representations of various embodiments . thus , the actual appearance of the fabricated structures , for example in a photomicrograph , may appear different while still incorporating the structures of embodiments . moreover , the drawings show only the structures useful to understand the embodiments . additional structures known in the art have not been included to maintain the clarity of the drawings . fig1 is a cross - section elevation of a spray apparatus 100 during a process of coating according to an embodiment . the spray apparatus 100 includes a coaxial fluid - flow cap 110 that is configured about a longitudinal symmetry line 108 . a solder flux liquid inlet tube 112 is disposed within the coaxial fluid - flow cap 110 . a rotatable first fitting 114 allows the solder flux liquid inlet tube 112 to be rotatably coupled to the coaxial fluid - flow cap 110 according to an embodiment . a solder flux liquid supply conduit 116 is coupled to the rotatable first fitting 114 and to a rotatable second fitting 118 . the rotatable second fitting 118 is further coupled to a solder flux liquid source 120 . in an embodiment , the coaxial fluid - flow cap 110 and the solder flux liquid inlet tube 112 rotate together , such that the first fitting 114 is not rotatable , but the second fitting is rotatable . in this embodiment , there is one moving coupling . a fluid flow 106 is also used in fig1 within the regions of the coaxial fluid - flow cap 110 that is outside the solder flux liquid inlet tube 112 . the general direction of fluid flow 106 is toward the mouth 122 of the solder flux liquid inlet tube 112 as influenced by the shape of the coaxial fluid - flow cap 110 . as the solder flux liquid inlet tube 112 rotates and solder flux liquid reaches the mouth 122 , the solder flux liquid shears into primary fragments 127 , and away from the solder flux liquid inlet tube 112 under the centrifugal force that the rotating motion of the solder flux liquid inlet tube 112 imposes upon it . simultaneously , the fluid flow 106 perturbs the primary fragments 127 of the solder flux liquid and thereby causes the primary fragments 127 to further fragment into secondary fragments 128 . the coaxial fluid - flow cap 110 includes a nozzle 130 through which the secondary fragments 128 must pass . as the secondary fragments 128 of the solder flux liquid exit the nozzle 130 , they experience a pressure change and become tertiary fragments 129 . control of the size of the various fragments 127 , 128 , and 129 can be done by various methods in fig1 . the rate of flow of the solder flux liquid through the solder flux liquid inlet tube 112 is one factor , coupled with the rate of rotation of the solder flux liquid inlet tube 112 that will affect the size of the primary fragments 127 . the tip or opening size , the geometry of opening — circular or oval cross - section also affects the size of the fragments prior to influence by coaxial air . in an embodiment , the shape of the mouth 122 is circular . in an embodiment , the shape of the mouth 122 is rectangular such as a square . in an embodiment , the shape of the mouth 122 is eccentric such as an oval . in an embodiment , the shape of the mouth 122 is a combination of rectilinear and curvilinear , such as a star shape with rounded points . in an embodiment , the process wherein a high viscosity flux from 0 to 1000 cp is sheared by rotational motion using coaxial assist through a concentrically rotating cap to limit overspray and aid tighter flux coverage . the viscosity of the solder flux liquid within the solder flux liquid inlet tube 112 will also act in concert with the rate of flow and the rate of rotation to affect the size of the primary fragments 127 . the quality of the fluid in the fluid flow 106 will also affect the fragmentation of the primary fragments 127 . in an embodiment , the fluid in the fluid flow 106 is itself a liquid in an atomized state . in an embodiment , the fluid in the fluid flow 106 is a vapor that behaves like a saturated gas . in an embodiment , the fluid in the fluid flow 106 is a gas . the fluid flow 106 can be referred to as an “ air assist ,” but this term is intended to be an abbreviation of the various fluid flows 106 that have been described . additionally , when the fluid flow 106 is a gas , it can be a gas that is unreactive to the system of the solder flux liquid . the exact spacing 132 between the mouth 122 of the solder flux liquid inlet tube 112 and the nozzle 130 is also a factor that affects the size of the secondary fragments 128 . the fluid flow 106 has a principal effect upon the primary fragments 127 in this spacing 132 . in an embodiment for dimensional analysis , the mouth 122 has a diameter of unity , and the opening of the nozzle 130 has a diameter in a range from about unity to about 10 times unity . in an embodiment , the mouth 122 has the diameter of unity , and the spacing 132 between the mouth 122 and the nozzle 130 is in a range from about 0 . 1 times unity to about five times unity . in an embodiment , the spacing 132 between the mouth 122 and the nozzle 130 is about 2 mm . in an embodiment , the mouth 122 has a diameter of unity , the opening of the nozzle 130 has a diameter of about five times unity , and the spacing 132 between the mouth 122 and the nozzle 130 is about three times unity . in an embodiment , the angle 134 that is placed at the mouth 122 of the solder flux liquid inlet tube 112 creates a backpressure within the solder flux liquid , which acts in antagonism to the shear force that is being directed at the primary fragments 127 . rotational directions are depicted at items 124 and 126 . the angle 134 therefore affects the formation of the primary fragments 127 . in an embodiment , the angle 134 is in a range from about 1 ° to about 90 ° deviation from the vertical . in an embodiment , the angle 134 is about 30 ° deviation from the vertical . in an embodiment , no angle is formed at the mouth 122 of the solder flux liquid inlet tube 112 . the tertiary fragments 129 are depicted as six streams that are being driven away from the nozzle 130 and toward a substrate 136 that includes a bond pad 138 . the tertiary fragments 129 of the solder flux liquid impinge on the bond pad 138 by x - y placement control of the solder coaxial fluid - flow cap 110 . two keep - out zones ( kozs ) 140 and 142 represent locations on the substrate 136 that are not to be significantly contacted with the tertiary fragments 129 of the solder flux liquid . as the tertiary fragments 129 of the solder flux liquid impinge on the bond pad 138 , there is inherent splashing that depends upon the size of the tertiary fragments 129 , the velocity , the wetting affinity for the bond pad 138 , and the viscosity of the tertiary fragments 129 , among others . fig2 is a cross - section elevation of a spray apparatus 200 during a process of coating according to an embodiment . the spray apparatus 200 includes a coaxial fluid - flow cap 210 that is configured about a longitudinal symmetry line 208 . a solder flux liquid inlet tube 212 is disposed within the coaxial fluid - flow cap 210 . a rotatable first fitting 214 allows the solder flux liquid inlet tube 212 to be rotatably coupled to the coaxial fluid - flow cap 210 according to an embodiment . a solder flux liquid supply conduit 216 is coupled to the rotatable first fitting 214 and to a rotatable second fitting 218 . the rotatable second fitting 218 is further coupled to a solder flux liquid source 220 . in an embodiment , the coaxial fluid - flow cap 210 and the solder flux liquid inlet tube 212 rotate together , such that the first fitting 214 is not rotatable , but the second fitting 218 is rotatable . in this embodiment , there is one moving coupling . a fluid flow 206 is also used in fig2 within the regions of the coaxial fluid - flow cap 210 that is outside the solder flux liquid inlet tube 212 . the general direction of fluid flow 206 is toward the mouth 222 of the solder flux liquid inlet tube 212 . the initial direction of the fluid flow 206 is a helical flow stream that originates in a bushing reservoir 244 , and that passes into the fluid - flow cap 210 at a fluid - injection port that is a cap - tangent orifice 246 . the general direction of the fluid flow 206 is also influenced by the shape of the coaxial fluid - flow cap 210 . as the solder flux liquid inlet tube 212 rotates and solder flux liquid reaches the mouth 222 , the solder flux liquid shears into primary fragments 227 , and away from the solder flux liquid inlet tube 212 under the centrifugal force that the rotating motion of the solder flux liquid inlet tube 212 imposes upon it . simultaneously , the fluid flow 206 as an “ air assist ,” perturbs the primary fragments 227 of the solder flux liquid and thereby causes the primary fragments 227 to further fragment into secondary fragments 228 . in an embodiment , the coaxial fluid - flow cap 210 includes a nozzle similar to the nozzle 130 depicted in fig1 . control of the size of the various fragments 227 , 228 , and 229 can be done by the various methods that are described with respect to the apparatus depicted in fig1 . the exact spacing 232 between the mouth 222 of the solder flux liquid inlet tube 212 and the nozzle 230 is also a factor that affects the size of the secondary fragments 228 . the tertiary fragments 229 are depicted as six streams that are being driven away from the nozzle 230 and toward a substrate 236 that includes a bond pad 238 . the tertiary fragments 229 of the solder flux liquid impinge on the bond pad 238 by x - y placement control of the solder coaxial fluid - flow cap 210 . two keep - out zones ( kozs ) 240 and 242 represent locations on the substrate 236 that are not to be significantly contacted with the tertiary fragments 229 of the solder flux liquid . rotational directions are depicted at items 224 and 226 . as the tertiary fragments 229 of the solder flux liquid impinge on the bond pad 238 , there is inherent splashing that depends upon the size of the tertiary fragments 229 , the velocity , the wetting affinity for the bond pad 238 , and the viscosity of the tertiary fragments 229 , among others . fig3 a , 3 b , and 3 c are time - progressive depictions of a detail section 3 taken from fig2 . the depiction in fig3 a , 3 b , and 3 c are simplified by assuming a streamlined flow of an air - assist fluid . the flow regime can be more complex , such as a turbulent flow of the air - assist fluid , that perturbs the primary fragments . in fig3 a , a primary fragment 227 has exited the solder flux liquid inlet tube 212 ( fig2 ) and is falling away as illustrated by the first vector 348 . the first vector 348 represents the effect of the centrifugal force upon the primary fragment 227 , as well as the effect of gravity thereupon , if the process is being carried out in a g - field . a second vector 350 represents the flow regime of the fluid flow 206 as it causes a shearing force upon the primary fragment 227 . in fig3 b , the second vector causes a perturbation upon the integrity of primary fragment 227 . the perturbation is represented by the primary fragment 227 beginning to separate into more than one smaller fragments . in fig3 c , the second vector 350 has accomplished a further dividing of the primary fragment 227 into a plurality of secondary fragments 228 . splashing of the secondary fragments 228 is less likely than that of the primary fragments 227 , where all other factors are considered equal or less significant . fig4 is a cross - section elevation of a spray apparatus 400 during a process of coating according to an embodiment . the spray apparatus 400 includes a coaxial fluid - flow cap 410 that is configured about a longitudinal symmetry line 408 . a solder flux liquid inlet tube 412 is disposed within the coaxial fluid - flow cap 410 . a rotatable first fitting 414 allows the solder flux liquid inlet tube 412 to be rotatably coupled to the coaxial fluid - flow cap 410 according to an embodiment . a solder flux liquid supply conduit 416 is coupled to the rotatable first fitting 414 and to a rotatable second fitting 418 . the rotatable second fitting 418 is further coupled to a solder flux liquid source 420 . rotational directions are depicted at items 424 and 426 . in an embodiment , the coaxial fluid - flow cap 410 and the solder flux liquid inlet tube 412 rotate together , such that the first fitting 414 is not rotatable but the second fitting 418 is rotatable . in this embodiment , there is one moving coupling . a fluid flow 406 is also used in fig4 within the regions of the coaxial fluid - flow cap 410 that is outside the solder flux liquid inlet tube 412 . the general direction of fluid flow 406 is toward the mouth 422 of the solder flux liquid inlet tube 412 . the initial direction of the fluid flow 406 is a substantially downward vertical flow stream that originates in a bushing reservoir 452 and that passes into the fluid - flow cap 410 at a fluid - injection port that is a cap - coaxial orifice 446 . the general direction of the fluid flow 406 is also influenced by the shape of the coaxial fluid - flow cap 410 . where the process is conducted in a gravity environment and assuming the orientation of the 400 is a illustrated in fig4 , the secondary fragments 428 will have a downward vertical component in the first vector ( see fig3 a ). nevertheless , the flow regime depicted in fig4 for the fluid flow 406 can be qualified as an “ orthogonal perturbation ” of the primary fragments . in any event , the quality of the primary fragments are affected by second perturbation of the flow regime from the fluid flow 406 . in some embodiments , the perturbation is a substantially orthogonal perturbation . in some embodiments , the perturbation is a nominally contrary to the first vector ( see 248 in fig3 a ). in an embodiment , the second perturbation is even collinear , but the second vector is different in quantity from the first vector . in an embodiment , the coaxial fluid - flow cap 410 includes a nozzle similar to the nozzle 130 depicted in fig1 . control of the size of the various fragments 427 , 428 , and 429 can be done by the various methods that are described with respect to the apparatus depicted in fig1 and in fig2 . as flow of the solder flux liquid develops near the mouth 422 , upstream solder flux liquid changes from a plug - or slug flow regime 423 , to a transition regime 425 , and then to the first fragments 427 . the exact spacing 432 between the mouth 422 of the solder flux liquid inlet tube 412 and the nozzle 430 is also a factor that affects the size of the secondary fragments 428 . the tertiary fragments 429 are depicted as six streams that are being driven away from the nozzle 430 , and toward a substrate 436 that includes a bond pad 438 . the tertiary fragments 429 of the solder flux liquid impinge on the bond pad 438 by x - y placement control of the solder coaxial fluid - flow cap 410 . two kozs 440 and 442 represent locations on the substrate 436 that are not to be significantly contacted with the tertiary fragments 429 of the solder flux liquid . fig5 is a cross - section elevation of a spray apparatus 500 during a process of coating according to an embodiment . the spray apparatus 500 includes a coaxial fluid - flow cap 510 that is configured about a longitudinal symmetry line 508 . the structures depicted in fig5 are substantially similar to the structures depicted in fig4 . consequently , the reference numbers are mostly retained . rotation of the coaxial fluid - flow cap 510 is depicted to be counterclockwise , while rotation of the solder flux liquid inlet tube 512 is depicted to be clockwise . this counter - rotation of the two structures 510 and 512 represents another processing factor that can affect the size of the secondary fragments 528 , and consequently , the tertiary fragments 529 . in other words , the counter - rotation represents independently rotatable structures between the coaxial fluid - flow cap 510 and the solder flux liquid inlet tube 512 . independently rotatable can mean rotating in the same or opposite directions , but in either cases , not necessarily with the same angular velocity . fig6 a is a cross - section elevation of a integrated circuit package 600 during solder flux processing according to an embodiment . an integrated circuit ( ic ) die 610 is flip - chip disposed above a mounting substrate 612 and is to be electrically coupled to the mounting substrate 612 through a series of electrical bumps , one of which is indicated with the reference numeral 614 . a solder flux composition 616 is depicted as having been deposited upon the mounting substrate 612 . the solder flux composition 616 has wetted a bond pad 618 that is disposed on the upper surface 620 of the mounting substrate 612 . depositing of the solder flux composition 616 is done by x - y grid spraying according to an embodiment . fig6 b is a cross - section elevation of the integrated circuit package depicted in fig6 a after further processing . the ic package 601 depicts reflow of the solder bump 614 , such that it is reflowing without the solder drawing too far from the bond pad 618 from a koz 622 toward a second koz 624 . the kozs are regions that must remain clear of solder flux materials for further packaging needs and that also would create possible solder - wick opens ( swos ) if the solder is allowed to flow into these zones . the koz in this case is to be defined as the perimeter enclosing the entire bond - pad array . fig6 c is a cross - section elevation of the integrated circuit package depicted in fig6 b after further processing . the ic package 602 depicts a post flux - removal condition . in an embodiment , a liquid is used to wash any residual flux from the region of the reflowed solder bump 615 . fig6 c also depicts further processing of the ic package 602 such that the ic die 610 has been reflow mounted to the mounting substrate 612 . the ic die 610 therefore makes electrical communication to the mounting substrate 612 though the solder bumps 615 fig7 is a flow chart 700 that describes process flow embodiments . at 710 , the process includes contacting a solder flux composition to a mounting substrate under conditions of a first shear force upon the solder flux liquid and a second perturbation force by an air - assist liquid . in an embodiment , the process commences and terminates at 710 . at 720 , the process includes heating the solder flux composition to the reflow temperature of the solder bump . in an embodiment , the method commences at 710 and terminates at 720 . in an embodiment , the process commences and terminates at 720 . at 730 , the process includes washing the package to remove residual solder flux . in an embodiment , the method commences at 710 and terminates at 730 . at 740 , the package is installed into a computing system . various solder fluxes can be used in the process embodiments . in various embodiments , the solder flux composition may be used as part of a soldering process for forming various integrated circuit devices . for the embodiments , a solder flux composition embodiment may remove oxide from a surface onto which soldering is to occur , thereby increasing the ability of the solder to adhere to the surface of the substrate . in some embodiments , the solder flux composition embodiment may prevent oxide growth on a surface to be soldered as well as decreasing air and / or contaminants at the surface of the substrate . in an embodiment , a solder flux composition includes tartaric acid . a group of solder flux compositions include the tartaric acid , a resin , an amine , a solvent , and the solution , reaction , and mixture products thereof . the tartaric acid - containing solder flux composition can be obtained from senju america , inc . of great neck , n . y . one selected solder flux composition from senju is senju 42 ™. where a surfactant is used , sometimes referred to as a flow modifier , the specific surfactant that is employed depends upon compatibility with the solder flux composition . in an embodiment , the surfactant is anionic such as long chain alkyl carboxylic acids , such as lauric acids , steric acids , and the like . in an embodiment , the surfactant is nonionic . examples of nonionic surfactants are polyethylene oxides , poly propylene oxides , and the like . in an embodiment , the surfactant is cationic , such as alkyl ammonium salts , such as tert butyl ammonium chlorides , or hydroxides . in an embodiment , the flow modifier is provided in a range from about 0 . 1 % to about 10 % by weight of the total solder flux composition when it is prepared . in some embodiments , an amine is used . in an embodiment , the amine is an alkyl substituted amine . in an embodiment , the amine is an ethanol amine . in an embodiment , the amine is an ethoxylated amine . in an embodiment , the amine is a propoxylated amine . in an embodiment , a liquid primary aromatic diamine is used . one example liquid primary aromatic diamine is diethyldiaminotoluene ( detda ), which is marketed as ethacure ® 100 from ethyl corporation of richmond , va . another example liquid primary aromatic diamine is a dithiomethyldiaminotoluene such as ethacure ® 300 . another example liquid primary aromatic diamine is an alkylated methylenedianiline such as lapox ® k - 450 manufactured by royce international of jericho , n . y . in an embodiment , a liquid hindered primary aliphatic amine is used . one example liquid hindered primary aliphatic amine is an isophorone diamine . another example liquid hindered primary aliphatic amine is an alkylated methylenedianiline such as ancamine ® 2049 manufactured by pacific anchor chemical corporation of allentown , pa . in an embodiment , a liquid secondary aromatic amine is used . one example liquid secondary aromatic amine embodiment is an n , n ′- dialkylphenylene diamine such as unilink ® 4100 manufactured by dorfketal of stafford , tex . another example liquid secondary aromatic amine embodiment is an n , n ′- dialkylmethylenedianilines : i . e . unilink ® 4200 . in various embodiments , a solder flux composition may comprise less than 40 weight % of the amine . in an embodiment , a resin is used to provide tackiness of the solder flux composition to the bond pad and the solder bump up to and including the time of reflow . the solder flux composition may include the resin , which may be present in an amount from about 1 % to about 20 % by weight based on the organic components present . in an embodiment , a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin is used . in an embodiment , a bisphenol a type epoxy resin is used . in an embodiment , a bisphenol - f type epoxy resin is used . in an embodiment , a novolac epoxy resin is used . in an embodiment , a biphenyl type epoxy resin is used . in an embodiment , a naphthalene type epoxy resin is used . in an embodiment , a dicyclopentadiene - phenol type epoxy resin is used . in an embodiment , a combination of any two of the resins is used . in an embodiment , a combination of any three of the resins is used . in an embodiment , a combination of any four of the resins is used . this detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show , by way of illustration , specific aspects and embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced . these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosed embodiments . other embodiments may be used and structural , logical , and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure . the various embodiments are not necessarily mutually exclusive , as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments . the term “ horizontal ” as used in this document is defined as a plane parallel to the conventional plane or surface of a wafer or substrate , regardless of the orientation of the wafer or substrate . the term “ vertical ” refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal as defined above . prepositions , such as “ on ”, “ side ” ( as in “ sidewall ”), “ higher ”, “ lower ”, “ over ”, and “ under ” are defined with respect to the conventional plane or surface being on the top surface of the wafer or substrate , regardless of the orientation of the wafer or substrate . the detailed description is , therefore , not to be taken in a limiting sense , and the scope of this disclosure is defined only by the appended claims , along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled . the abstract is provided to comply with 37 c . f . r . § 1 . 72 ( b ) requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure . it is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims . in the foregoing detailed description , various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure . this method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments of the invention require more features than are expressly recited in each claim . rather , as the following claims reflect , inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment . thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description , with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment . it will be readily understood to those skilled in the art that various other changes in the details , material , and arrangements of the parts and method stages that have been described and illustrated to explain the nature of this invention may be made without departing from the principles and scope of the invention as expressed in the subjoined claims .	1
referring first to fig1 , side - scattering light guide 2 comprises a core 3 seeded with diffuser particles 4 . the external surface 5 of core 3 is totally surrounded by , and in contact with , a sheath of lower refractive index material 6 . there is also a transmitting diffuser jacket 7 . core 3 is a polymer formed from a polymer matrix such as poly - methly methacrylate ( pmma ) or a polymerised acrylate mixture consisting primarily of methyl methacrylate ( mma ) and allyl diglycol carbonate ( cr39 ). alternatively , butyl methacrylate ( bma ) may be substituted for mma . in other examples core 3 may be made from polystyrene or glass . the diffuser particles 4 are formed of a cross - linked polymer , which is capable of being added to the core matrix material without the diffuser particles 4 dissolving , melting or significantly deforming . in most cases the core is made by in situ polymerisation . silica particles can be used with a glass core . the diffuser particles 4 must have a high transmittance , low back reflectance , low absorbance and a refractive index that is a close match to that of the core 3 . this combination of properties allows light transport along the light guide to be highly efficient , and the absorption and back scattering losses are substantially smaller than those of conventional side - emitting light guides . the external surface 5 of core 3 is totally surrounded and in contact with a layer of air 6 . the diffuser jacket 7 is a translucent diffusing material , for instance polyethylene , pmma ptfeptfe -, abs , pvc , or glass . the material also has high tansmittance and low absorbance . in use light is injected into one end of light guide 2 in the direction shown by arrow 10 . almost all the light is transmitted along the guide within the core 3 and is totally internally reflected when it strikes the external surface 5 of core 3 . any light rays that strike the external surface 5 of core 3 with an angle ( measured with respect to the normal at the surface of core 3 ) which is less than the critical angle will escape from core 3 . escaping rays of light tend to be emitted strongly in the forward direction indicted by arrow 10 . occasionally a light ray , such as 12 , will strike a diffuser particle 4 and undergo a small deviation , at most a few degrees . after this occurs there is a greater chance that the deviated ray 13 will escape 14 . since ray 12 was initially travelling close to the critical angle and underwent only a small deviation , the angle at which ray 14 exits above the surface is also small . for example , if core 3 has a refractive index of 1 . 50 and the refractive index of the diffuser particles 4 is 1 . 0 % higher than the core , then the typical exit angle of side - scattered light will be about 8 degrees . increasing the refractive index mismatch to 2 . 0 % only increases the sidelight angle to 17 degrees . even a refractive index mismatch of 5 . 0 % only yields a sidelight angle of 27 degrees . as a result , side - scattered light appears to be strongly forward focused . when a light ray , such as 14 , escapes core 3 it passes through the air sheath 6 and encounters the jacket of diffusing material 7 . in this example , since the jacket is translucent diffusing material , the ray 14 is diffused through it , as illustrated by rays 15 . the translucent diffusing material should have the lowest possible absorption to minimise the loss of light . it is possible that an escaping ray 16 will encounter the diffusing material 7 and be reflected back into the core 3 , as shown by ray 17 . this ray is likely to pass through the essentially transparent light guide core 3 and escape 18 at the other side . thus , while a high degree of reflectivity in the diffuser is not ordinarily desirable , it may be acceptable provided the absorption is low . in general the side scattered light 15 and 18 has a pleasing , bright , substantially uniform appearance . in fig1 the core 3 is surrounded by a low refractive index sheath 6 of air . however , surrounding the core 3 with a low refractive index sheath 6 of a different low absorption material does not substantially change the results . transparent ptfe is a preferred material for a sheath 6 not made of air . in fig1 the diffuser jacket 7 was a translucent material . however , employing a diffuser jacket 7 that is made from a transparent material and uses variations in surface relief ( such as roughness , an imposed pattern or other deviations from smoothness ) to achieve diffusion does not substantially change the results . a second example will now be described with reference to fig2 and 3 . in this example the diffuser jacket 20 is opaque and reflective and extends only around half of the core 3 . light exiting the core 3 in a direction of the opaque reflective diffuser 20 is not transmitted through the diffuser , but is diffused at a wide range of angles , as represented by rays 22 in fig2 . this light may be viewed directly or through the essentially transparent light guide core 3 . the side - scattered light has a pleasing , bright , substantially uniform appearance . in fig3 the light guide core 3 is half surrounded by a white opaque diffuser 20 . note that light escaping the light guide core 3 on the side away from the opaque diffuser 20 will be forward focused . accordingly , in many applications it may be desirable to simultaneously use a transmitting diffuser 7 , as described in the first example , to surround the side of core 3 not surrounded by the opaque diffuser 20 . this combination of both diffusers will produce superior quality light than either diffuser alone . this arrangement is illustrated in fig4 , where a first ray 41 is seen to be deflected by a diffuser particle 4 and side - scattered 42 through the core 3 , then 43 through the sheath 6 , before being diffused 44 by transmitting diffuser 7 . another ray 46 also encounters a particle 4 but is side - scattered 47 through the core 3 , and through 48 sheath 6 before being diffusely reflected 49 . this combination could be extended to applications where side - scattered light is to be emitted from a number of discrete locations along the side - scattering light guide rather than as a continuous linear source . alternatively , a transmitting diffuser jacket may be used surrounded by an apertured opaque absorbing jacket . however , the inventors have identified that better results are obtained by using an apertured opaque reflecting diffuser jacket 50 , as illustrated in fig5 . once a ray 52 reflects off a wall of the opaque reflecting diffuser jacket 50 , it takes on a substantially uniform angular spread . the essentially transparent core 3 will allow this now diffuse light to bounce around inside the system until it either : ( i ) escapes through an aperture 54 in the diffuser jacket wall ( the desired alternative ); ( ii ) is absorbed in the diffuser jacket wall 50 or in the core 3 ; or ( iii ) is scattered by a diffuser particle 4 in the core 3 in a way that leads to its recapture by that light guide . alternative ( iii ) simply returns the light to its previous condition and does not lead to any loss . the only loss mechanism is absorption by the opaque reflecting diffuser jacket 50 or the core 3 . however , the core 3 has very low absorption . therefore , if the diffuser walls also have low absorption and high reflectance , light can undergo many interactions with the walls before it is absorbed . if light reaches an aperture 54 before it is absorbed then it will escape through that aperture . consequently , with a highly reflective diffuser it is possible to direct a substantial fraction of the light escaping from the core 3 into the apertures . for a perfectly reflecting diffuser it is theoretically possible to couple nearly all of the light leaving the core 3 with the apertures by virtue of the mechanisms described above . this compares to a coupling efficiency of at best a few percent for absorbing coaxial jackets . note that the more important factor for increased output is the reflectivity of the diffuser rather than its degree of diffusion . a purely specular reflecting surface ( i . e . a perfect mirror with no diffusing properties at all ) would lead to increased output , but would suffer from the drawback that the exiting light would be strongly forward focused . the fact that the light undergoes many reflections off the diffuser surfaces means that even a low degree of diffusion at each interaction will lead to a relatively uniform angle distribution for the light exiting the apertures . viewed externally , the apertures emit bright light having a pleasing , substantially uniform appearance . a variation is to surround one or more of the apertures of the opaque reflecting diffuser jacket 24 with a transmitting diffuser to further diffuse the light emitted through the apertures . with reference to fig6 , the high surface brightness at the apertures 54 means that they can usefully serve as auxiliary light sources for optical elements 60 that focus and direct the light in preferred directions . fig6 illustrates the use of refractive optical elements in the form of lenses for this purpose , but reflective optics , diffractive elements or combinations thereof are also suitable . in the example illustrated in fig7 , the apertured opaque reflecting diffuser jacket 50 has a narrow , longitudinally extending slit 70 . the slit can serve as a narrow auxiliary linear light source , for example , for optical elements that focus and direct the light in preferred directions . that linear light source may be focused with essentially cylindrical optics 80 , as shown in fig8 and 9 . a useful application of the auxiliary linear light source is as a linear light source for edge - lit signs , displays and the like . note that in fig2 to 9 , the core 3 is surrounded by a low refractive index sheath 6 of air . however , surrounding the core 3 with a with a low refractive index sheath 6 of a different low absorption material does not substantially change the results . transparent ptfe is a preferred material for a sheath 6 not made of air . the concentration of diffuser particles 4 in the core 3 may be selected to be as high as the order of 10 3 particles per metre . the inventors have identified that with such a high concentration of diffuser particles in the polymer matrix , a core 3 produced by , for example , an extrusion process , comprises a rough outer surface 100 , as shown in fig1 . the roughness in the outer surface is produced by the high concentration of diffuser particles 4 which modifies surface tension effects that would otherwise maintain a smooth surface . in a further example , a pmma rod was doped with diffuser particles at a linear diffuser particle frequency of approximately 1650 particles per metre . the rod is naturally surrounded by air that serves as the low refractive index sheath 6 of the light guide . the refractive index difference between the polymer matrix and the diffuser particles was approximately 1 . 1 %. the rough surface 100 of the light guide acts as a translucent diffusing jacket producing bright light having a pleasing , substantially uniform appearance . since the rough surface is achieved in the core production process it is not necessary to employ mechanical or chemical roughening processes . however , additional roughening steps may be employed if desired . throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one example . persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific examples that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention .	6
the following examples set forth preferred methods in accordance with the invention . it is to be understood , however , that these examples are provided by way of illustration and nothing therein should be taken as a limitation upon the overall scope of the invention . a series of hybrid coatings were prepared by first reacting poly ( dibutyltitanate ) with ethyl acetoacetate to form a beta - diketonate - chelated organometallic oligomer and then combining this product in solution with different proportions of poly ( styrene - co - allyl alcohol ) as the organic oligomer . in this preparation method , 108 . 00 g of poly ( dibutyltitanate ) were weighed into a 500 - ml closed container , followed by 54 . 00 g propylene glycol n - propyl ether . the contents were stirred until a clear , homogeneous solution was obtained . next , over a period of 2 hours , 140 . 44 g of ethyl acetoacetate were added through a dropping funnel into the solution while constant stirring was carried out . the contents were allowed to stir overnight after completing the addition to yield an organometallic oligomer solution . in the next step , 22 . 15 g of poly ( styrene - co - allyl alcohol ) ( saa 101 , mw = 2200 g / mol ) were dissolved by stirring in 22 . 15 g of propylene glycol n - propyl ether to yield an organic oligomer solution . the organic oligomer solution was then added in different proportions to the organometallic oligomer solution to give hybrid coating solutions containing the amounts of materials shown in table 1 . the resulting mixtures , which were clear and free of any gelled materials , were stirred for 4 hours and then filtered through a 0 . 1 - μm teflon ® filter . the theoretical weight ratio of titanium dioxide to organic oligomer for the cured film product prepared from each coating solution also appears in table 1 . the coating solutions were applied onto quartz and silicon substrates by spin - coating , soft - baked on a 130 ° c . hot plate for 120 seconds , and then cured by baking on a 225 ° c . hot plate for 10 minutes . this cycle was repeated for some of the compositions to increase film thickness . the thickness of each resulting film was measured with an ellipsometer ( 633 - nm light source ) or by profilometry , and coating transparency ( reported as percent transmission at 633 nm ) was measured using a uv - visible spectrophotometer with no corrections for scattering or reflective losses . the refractive index of each coating was determined with the aid of a variable - angle scanning ellipsometer ( vase ). the results are summarized in table 2 . the composition corresponding to example 5 was applied as described above but cured at lower temperatures to show that a comparable refractive index could be obtained using sub - 200 ° c . curing conditions . the results obtained for 150 ° c . curing ( 1 hour ) and 175 ° c . curing ( 1 hour ) were comparable to those obtained at 225 ° c . ( 10 min . ), as can be seen in table 3 . a hybrid coating composition resembling that in example 4 was prepared but , in this instance , poly ( styrene - co - allyl alcohol ) [ saa101 ] was first reacted with t - butyl acetoacetate to esterify a portion of the alcohol groups on the polymer , thus creating acetoacetic ester pendant groups that could form chelating bonds with the organometallic oligomer . in this procedure , 50 g saa101 powder were charged into a 500 - ml , three - neck flask containing 275 g toluene and equipped with a distillation head , thermometer , and dropping funnel . the solution was heated to 50 ° c . while stirring to increase the dissolution rate of the saa101 . once it had dissolved , 14 . 38 g of t - butyl acetoacetate were added to the solution through a dropping funnel over a period of 10 minutes . the mixture was heated to 100 ° c . after completing the addition , whereupon the evolution of by - product t - butyl alcohol was observed . the temperature of the contents was held at 100 ° c . for 1 extra hour to ensure complete reaction , during which time t - butyl alcohol was removed continuously from the reaction mixture . the reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature , and the toluene was removed by rotating vacuum distillation . the residual material was further dried in a vacuum oven , yielding 52 g of the modified saa101 product . in this preparation , 7 . 00 g poly ( dibutyltitanate ) were weighed into a 60 - ml closed container , followed by the addition of 7 . 00 g propylene glycol n - propyl ether . the contents were stirred at room temperature until a clear , homogeneous solution was obtained . then , 6 . 90 g ethyl acetoacetate were slowly added with constant stirring to the solution prepared in procedure 1 . the contents were allowed to stir overnight after completing the addition . modified saa101 ( 1 . 44 g ) was dissolved in an equivalent amount of propylene glycol n - propyl ether and then added to the solution prepared in procedure 2 . the mixture was stirred for 4 hours and then filtered through a 0 . 1 - μm teflon ® filter . the values in table 4 were obtained when the coating composition was applied and cured as described in example 1 . in this procedure , 20 g ( 0 . 198 mol ) methyl methacrylate , 22 . 30 g ( 0 . 0989 mol ) 2 - acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate , and 170 g tetrahyrdrofuran ( thf ) were placed in a 250 - ml , 3 - necked flask with a nitrogen inlet , condenser , glass stopper , and stir bar . the mixture was stirred until well mixed . next , 0 . 4 g 2 , 2 ′- azobis ( 2 - methylpropionitrile ) ( aibn ) were added , and the resulting mixture was stirred until homogeneous . the resulting solution was heated to reflux for 24 hours under a flow of nitrogen . a colorless , viscous liquid was obtained after the reaction period . thermogravimetric analysis ( tga ) showed this to contain 40 % copolymer solids . about 1 . 0 g of the above copolymer solution was placed in a glass vial and diluted by the addition of 2 g of thf . a stir bar was placed in the vial . in a separate glass vial 1 . 0 g of poly ( dibutyltitanate ) was placed followed by dilution with 2 g of thf . the diluted solution of poly ( dibutyltitanate ) was added dropwise to the stirred copolymer solution . a slight yellow coloration formed in the solution , finally giving a light yellow solution after all the organotitanate solution had been added . a freestanding thick film was prepared by casting the coating mixture onto the bottom of a polypropylene beaker and air - drying for 15 minutes , followed by hot blow drying for another 5 minutes . the coating was then peeled from the plastic surface . the film had a light yellow color and was brittle to touch . the purpose of this example was to demonstrate how exposure to ultraviolet radiation can effect the conversion of the organometallic oligomer used in the new compositions to the final metal oxide component . four silicon wafers were coated with an ethyl lactate solution of poly ( butyltitanate ) to which had been added two equivalents of ethyl acetoacetate per equivalent of titanium to form a chelated organotitanium polymer product . the coated wafers were soft - baked on a hot plate and then hard - baked at 205 ° c . for 60 seconds to partially cure the organotitanium polymer . the respective average film thicknesses for the four wafers at that point was 1266 å as determined by ellipsometry . three of the wafers were then exposed to ultraviolet light from a 500 - w mercury - xenon arc lamp for 30 , 60 , or 90 seconds , respectively , after which the respective film thicknesses were redetermined . the results are listed in table 5 . the continuous reduction in film thickness as exposure time increased indicated that curing was proceeding , and volatile by - products were being expelled from the coating in the absence of heating . the occurrence of curing was also confirmed by placing droplets of aqueous tetramethylammonium hydroxide ( tmah ) solution on the specimens at 30 - second intervals . the unexposed coating etched completely away in less than 30 seconds , whereas the exposed coatings showed no evidence of etching , even when in contact with the etchant for 1 to 2 minutes . the inability of the etchant to dissolve the exposed coatings was evidence of their higher degree of curing than the unexposed specimen . coatings were prepared by first reacting poly ( dibutyltitanate ) with ethyl acetoacetate to form a beta - diketonate - chelated organometallic oligomer and then combining this product in solution with one of two different organic oligomers . in this preparation method , the poly ( dibutyltitanate ) was weighed into a 500 - ml closed container , followed by addition of the propylene glycol n - propyl ether . the contents were stirred until a clear , homogeneous solution was obtained . next , over a period of 2 hours , the ethyl acetoacetate was added through a dropping funnel into the solution while constant stirring was carried out . the contents were allowed to stir overnight after completing the addition to yield the organometallic oligomer solution . in the next step , the particular organic oligomer was added to the organometallic oligomer solution to give hybrid coating solutions containing the amounts of materials shown in table 6 . the resulting mixtures , which were clear and free of any gelled materials , were stirred for 4 hours and then filtered through a 0 . 1 - μm teflon ® filter . the coating solutions were applied onto quartz and silicon substrates by spin - coating , soft - baked on a 130 ° c . hot plate for 120 seconds , baked at 225 ° c . for 10 minutes , and then baked at 300 ° c . for 10 minutes to thermally decompose the organic oligomer , thus yielding an extremely high metal oxide content film . the properties are summarized in table 7 .	2
a closely related isomer is called isoforskolin and it has the following structure isoforskolin also has been reported to have many similar pharmacological properties as forskolin . we have used these six commercially available cyclodextrins , namely , α -, β -, γ - cyclodextrins as well as their derivatized products such as ramebcd , hpbcd , hpgcd to solubilize the rather sparingly water soluble forskolin . to solubilize forskolin using cyclodextrins , the chosen cyclodextrin and forskolin are mixed in water in specific proportions . the aqueous solution is filtered to remove any undissolved particles to obtain a clear aqueous solution of forskolin in water . alternatively , the cyclodextrin and forskolin in certain proportions are dissolved in a suitable solvent such as ethanol or acetone or ethyl acetate . the solvent is removed to leave behind a white powder . such powder freely dissolves in water as the examples will illustrate . further , additives to the aqueous solution of forskolin can also be added . these additives are usually used for maintaining sterility , ph maintenance , maintenance of osmolarity etc . a wide variety of choice exists in the selection of such additives . while benzalkonium chloride is used in the illustrative example for preservative , one could equally choose from many others such as benzethonium chloride , chlorobutanol , methyl paraben , propyl paraben , thimerosal etc . an antioxidant such as the disodium salt of edta is used to stabilize the preparation ; other antioxidants such as sodium bisulfite , sodium metabisulfite , thiourea could be used also among others . especially for ophthalmic solutions , viscosity desired for an ophthalmic solution is in the range 25 and 50 cps . viscosity enhancers such as polyvinyl alcohol , polyvinylpyrrolidone , methyl cellulose , hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose , hydroxyethyl cellulose could be used . the examples that are described below serve their purpose only as illustrative examples and do not limit in any way the broad scope of this invention . determination of the aqueous solubility of forskolin . forskolin ( 300 mg ) was dried at 105 ° c . for 6 hours . dried forskolin 200 mg was stirred with 100 ml water for 48 hours for the determination of intrinsic solubility at ambient temperature . the resulting solution was filtered through 0 . 45 μm nylon filter and analyzed for the content of forskolin by hplc . the content of forskolin by hplc was 0 . 01 mg / ml or 0 . 001 % w / v . in other words forskolin has a solubility of ˜ 0 . 001 % w / v in water . forskolin ( 98 . 5 % assay , 25 mg ) was added to 1 ml water containing in the dissolved state 500 mg hydroxy propyl - β - cyclodextrin , hpbcd , (˜ 50 %). the suspension was agitated at 75 rpm in an isothermal shaker for 60 hours at temperature ˜ 30 ° c . the resulting solution was filtered through 0 . 45 μm nylon filter and analyzed for the content of forskolin by hplc 1 . 33 mg / ml or 0 . 133 % w / v . forskolin ( 98 . 5 % assay , 50 mg ) was added to 1 ml water containing 500 mg hydroxy - γ - cyclodextrin in the dissolved state . ( hpgcd ) (˜ 50 %). the suspension was agitated at 75 rpm in an isothermal shaker for 60 hours at temperature ˜ 30 ° c . the resulting solution was filtered through 0 . 45 μm nylon filter and analyzed for the content of forskolin by hplc 1 . 52 mg / ml or 0 . 152 % w / v . experiments were performed by “ changing ” the crystallinity of forskolin by recrystallizing from methylene chloride and from ethyl acetate . the resulting “ amorphous ” forskolin was used for complexation with hydroxyropyl γ - cyclodextrin hpgcd . forskolin ( 29 . 3 mg ) recrystallized with methylene dichloride ( forskolin assay 99 . 0 %) was added to 3 ml water containing 1 . 5 gram hydroxy propyl γ - cyclodextrin , hpgcd (˜ 50 %). the suspension was agitated at 75 rpm in an isothermal shaker for 160 hour at temperature 30 ° c . the resulting solution was filtered through 0 . 45 μm nylon filter and analyzed for the content of forskolin by hplc 1 . 74 mg / ml or 0 . 174 % w / v . forskolin ( 30 . 3 mg ) recrystallized with ethyl acetate ( forskolin assay 98 . 8 %) was added to 3 ml water containing 1 . 5 gram hydroxy propyl γ - cyclodextrin , hpgcd (˜ 50 %). the suspension was agitated at 75 rpm in an isothermal shaker for 160 hour at temperature 30 ° c . the resulting solution was filtered through 0 . 45 μm nylon filter and analyzed for the content of forskolin by hplc 3 . 38 mg / ml or 0 . 338 % w / v . forskolin ( 98 . 5 % assay , 330 mg ) was added to 10 ml water containing 4 g of ramebcd (˜ 40 %). the suspension was agitated at 75 rpm in an isothermal shaker for 40 hours at temperature 30 ° c . the resulting solution was filtered through 0 . 45 μm nylon filter and analyzed for the content of forskolin by hplc 20 . 46 mg / ml or 2 . 046 % w / v . solubility of forskolin in water was determined at the different concentrations of ramebcd ranging from 5 to 66 %. the relationship is nearly linear and indicates that the solubility of forskolin is increased by increasing the concentration of ramebcd . s . n . % concentration of ramebcd % forskolin w / v 1 5 % ramebcd 0 . 09 2 10 % ramebcd 0 . 272 3 15 % ramebcd 0 . 767 4 20 % ramebcd 1 . 15 5 40 % ramebcd 2 . 746 6 53 . 28 % ramebcd 4 . 165 7 66 . 6 % ramebcd 5 . 029 a typical aqueous formulation of forskolin with a cyclodextrin is prepared as follows , ramebcd , being used as the example of cyclodextrin ramebcd ( 100 g ) is taken in a one litre flask with mechanical or magnetic stirring facility . forskolin ( 5 . 5 g ) was charged into the flask . water ( 400 ml ) is charged to the flask and the contents were agitated at room temperature . a clear solution is obtained . if any undissolved forskolin particles are seen , they are resuspended and stirred . benzalkonium chloride ( 50 mg ) and disodium edta ( 500 mg ) are added and dissolved in the flask . the ph of the contents could be adjusted to the desired range with the help of 0 . 1n sodium hydroxide . ( usually ph range 3 . 5 to 7 . 5 ). a calculated amount of sodium chloride solution is added to maintain the osmolarity of the solution equivalent to that of 0 . 9 % sodium chloride . the total volume of the solution is made up to 500 ml after sterile filtration . a solution thus prepared has approximately 1 % of forskolin in the dissolved state . other cyclodextrins also could be used and depending on the cyclodextrin used , the dissolved content of forskolin in water differed . forskolin ( 50 mg ) was dissolved in 5 ml acetone , and 1 gram of ramebcd was dissolved in 5 ml acetone separately . both the solutions were mixed together and solvent acetone was evaporated under reduced pressure . the residue was dried and dissolved in 5 ml water . this residue dissolved very easily within 1 hour of stirring forming a clear colorless solution . isoforskolin also could be used in place of forskolin . in one preparation , isoforskolin ( 50 mg ) was suspended in water containing a suitable amount of a cyclodextrin , for example , r amebcd ( 20 g ) in about 100 ml water . after agitation at room temperature , the solution was filtered and the resulting solution was analyzed by hplc which showed the presence of isoforskolin approximately 0 . 5 %. the amount of dissolved isoforskolin could be altered by changing the amount of ramebcd . an illustrative example of the biological activity of the preparation is presented . the anti - glaucoma activity of the forskolin composition was studied in albino rabbits . a 1 % solution of forskolin in water as described in example 8 was used for the experiments . study design : animal model : albino rabbit number of groups : 4 number of animals in each group : 6 in treatment group and 2 in control group . materials and methods : six albino rabbits of new zealand strain , of both sexes , weighing 1 . 0 - 1 . 5 lb were chosen . the rabbits were housed in clean and well - ventilated open space . each rabbit was fed with standard diet daily and water was administered ad libitum throughout the study . ocular hypertension was induced by the method reported by bonomi et al ( invest ophthalmol . 1976 september ; 15 ( 9 ): 781 - 4 .) the rabbits were given 0 . 3 ml subconjunctival injection of betnesol containing betamethasone sodium 4 mg / ml , every day to each eye for a period of three weeks ( the intraocular pressure ( iop ) at third week was maximum as per literature ). local anesthetic propracaine eye drops were used prior to subconjunctival injections . in each rabbit the left eye was kept as control for glaucoma and the right eye was treated for glaucoma using forskolin , timolol , and the placebo . for each treatment , the iop readings were measured at intervals of 30 minutes up to 210 minutes using the non - contact tonometer ( nct ). iop readings * ( mmhg ) time timolol ( mins ) placebo right eye ( treated ) forskolin 0 14 13 14 30 13 8 7 60 12 7 6 . 5 90 11 . 5 5 4 . 5 120 11 4 5 150 10 . 5 3 . 5 6 180 10 4 . 5 7 210 9 6 7 . 5 * average of 6 determinations iop of left eye ( control ) ranged between 12 - 13 mmhg . iop of control group animals ranged between 4 - 4 . 5 mmhg . statistical analysis : the iop readings of the placebo , forskolin and timolol were subjected to anova ( one way ). the p value was 0 . 0022 which is very significant , indicating that the variation in column means is not by chance . the iop readings of the placebo and forskolin were subjected to “ t ” test to determine whether the medians of forskolin and the placebo differ significantly . the p value was found to be 0 . 0177 which is considered significant . similarly , the iop readings of the placebo and timolol had a “ p ” value of 0 . 0087 , which is again significant . the iop readings of forskolin and timolol were also subjected to “ t ” test . the p value was found to be 0 . 3999 , which is not considered significant , implying that the activity of forskolin preparation is not significantly different from timolol .	0
fig1 is a perspective view of a double - ended blower 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention . blower 100 has a generally cylindrical shape with impeller housings , or volutes 112 , 113 , disposed at each end . thus , blower 100 accommodates two impellers 114 , 115 , which are best seen in the cutaway perspective view of fig2 . as shown in fig1 and 2 , the two impellers 114 , 115 are placed in fluid communication with one another by an airpath 116 . the airpath 116 of blower 100 is comprised of piping that extends from the first volute 112 to the second volute 113 , the terminal ends of the airpath 116 being contoured around , and gradually fusing with , the body of blower 100 proximate to the volutes 112 , 113 to form a single , integral structure . the airpath 116 may be comprised of substantially rigid piping that is , e . g ., integrally molded with the other components of the blower 100 , or it may be separately provided and joined to the blower 100 at each volute 112 , 113 . blower 100 has a single air intake 118 positioned such that air , or another suitable gas , flows directly into the first volute 112 and can be drawn in by the turning impeller 114 inside the first volute 112 . once drawn into the air intake 118 , the air is circulated and pressurized by the motion of the impeller 114 before gradually exiting the volute 112 and entering the airpath 116 . once in the airpath 116 , the air travels to the second volute 113 , where it is further circulated and pressurized by the impeller 115 of the second volute 113 before exiting the blower 100 through the outflow conduit 120 . the path of the air in blower 100 is indicated by the arrows in fig1 . as shown , in blower 100 , air from the first volute 112 travels along a relatively straight section of the airpath 116 and enters the second volute 113 through an intake cavity just above the second volute 113 ( not shown in fig1 ). blower 100 could have , e . g ., two air intakes 118 , one for each volute 112 , 113 , if the impellers 114 , 115 are designed to work in parallel , rather than in series . this type of parallel impeller arrangement may be beneficial if installed in a low - pressure cpap device requiring high flow rates . the design of the airpath 116 can affect the overall performance of the blower 100 . in general , several design considerations influence the design of an airpath for use in blowers according to the present invention . first , airpaths to be used in blowers according to one embodiment of the present invention are most advantageously configured to provide low flow resistance , because low flow resistance in the airpath minimizes the pressure drop between the two volutes 112 , 113 in the blower . second , airpaths according to one embodiment of the present invention are best configured such that the air entering the second volute 113 enters from a direction for which the blades of the impeller 115 were designed . ( as will be described in more detail below , the two impellers of a blower according to the present invention may be designed to spin in the same or different directions .) third , airpaths according to one embodiment of the present invention are most advantageously of a compact design . the design considerations set forth above may be embodied in an airpath having long , sweeping bends to minimize the pressure drop around the bends . it is also beneficial to have a relatively straight section after a bend in the airpath , because a relatively straight section after a bend aids in allowing the gas flow to become more fully developed before entering a volute . an appropriate length for a straight airpath section following a bend is , e . g ., about three times the diameter of the airpath . the relatively straight section also aids in the flow entering the second volute 113 being axial , the flow orientation for which many impellers are designed . if additional flow shaping is desired , stator vanes or other similar flow directing structures may be added to the blower , however , stator vanes may be costly in terms of flow impedance and pressure drops . in view of the three major airpath design considerations set forth above , the airpath 116 of the embodiment depicted in fig1 has a long , relatively straight section because the relatively straight section is one of the shortest possible paths between the two volutes 112 , 113 . those skilled in the art will realize that the airpath 116 need not be straight at all . blowers according to the invention may be designed manually , using prototypes and experimental measurements of air flows and pressures in those prototypes to optimize the design of the airpath 116 and other components . alternatively , they may be designed , either as a whole or in part , by using computational fluid dynamics computer simulation programs . a variety of computational fluid dynamics programs are known in the art . computational fluid dynamics programs particularly suited for the design of blowers according to the invention include , e . g ., floworks ( nika gmbh , sottrum , germany ), ansys / flotran ( ansys , inc ., canonsburg , pa ., usa ), and cfx ( aea technology engineering software , inc ., el dorado hills , calif ., usa ). such simulation programs give the user the ability to see the effects of airpath design changes on a simulated gas flow . many different types of configurations for the two volutes 112 , 113 and airpath 116 are possible in a double - ended blower according to the present invention . in general , each volute is designed to retain the gas around the impeller for a short period of time , and to permit a gradual exit of gas into the airpath . the exact configuration of the airpath may depend on many factors , including the configuration of the volutes and the “ handedness ,” or direction of airflow , around each impeller . the design of the volutes is an art unto itself , as improperly designed volutes may cause a noise , or may interfere with the generation of the desired pressure and flow characteristics . the computational fluid dynamics computer programs described above may also be useful in designing the volutes , although the number of variables involved in volute design usually precludes the volute from being entirely computer - designed . the type and direction of flow into each volute 112 , 113 may influence the performance and noise characteristics of the impellers 114 , 115 . for this reason , a bell - shaped intake , rounded intake edges , stator vanes , or other flow directing / enhancing structures may be used at the entrance to either or both of the volutes 112 , 113 . however , the use of these types of flow enhancing / directing structure may increase the flow resistance . one common problem with volutes 112 , 113 is that they may provide too abrupt of a transition into the airpath 116 . an abrupt transition between the volute 112 , 113 and the airpath 116 usually leaves a forked path or “ lip ” around the opening . when the impeller blades pass by this lip , a noise called “ blade passing frequency ” is created . double - ended blowers according to the present invention are particularly suited for , e . g ., use with volutes that are constructed to reduce the occurrence of “ blade passing frequency ” and other noise . see fig3 , for instance , which is a perspective view of an in - plane transitional scroll volute 300 suitable for use in a blower according to the present invention . additionally , the volute 300 may be employed in any conventional blower apparatus . in the view of fig3 , the volute 300 is provided with its own motor 302 , although it may be adapted for use in a double - ended blower having a single motor driving the impellers in two volutes . as shown , the volute 300 is comprised of two halves 304 , 306 , the two halves defining upper and lower portions of the volute 300 , respectively . the air intake of the volute 308 is located at the center of the top half 304 . the two halves 304 , 306 define a path which slowly “ peels ” away from the air rotating with the impeller . in the path defined by the two halves , there is no sudden “ lip ” or “ split ” as in conventional volutes , therefore , “ blade passing frequency ” is reduced or eliminated entirely . alternatively , any common type of volute may be used , depending on the dimensions of the motor installed in the blower . another suitable type of volute is the axial volute disclosed in u . s . patent application ser . no . 09 / 600 , 738 , filed on jul . 21 , 2000 , the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety . one design consideration for a double - ended blower according to the present invention is the “ handedness ,” or direction of airflow , around each impeller . this “ handedness ” may be determined by the direction in which the impeller spins , or it may be determined by the orientation and configuration of the individual blades or vanes of the impeller . for example , one impeller may be spun or the blades oriented to drive the air in a clockwise direction , and the other impeller may be spun or the blades oriented to drive the air in a counterclockwise direction , resulting in a “ opposing - handed ” double - ended blower . alternatively , both impellers could be driven in the same direction , resulting in a “ same - handed ” double - ended blower . blower 100 of fig1 is an example of an “ opposite - handed ” type of double - ended blower . a “ same - handed ” blower is advantageous because the two impellers can be identical , reducing the part count and cost of the blower . however , it should be noted that a designer may choose to design a “ same - handed ” blower in which the two impellers are each designed and optimized separately for the air flow in their respective volutes . an “ opposing - handed ” blower permits the designer to reduce the length of the shaft on which the impellers arc mounted . this may increase the stability of the shaft itself , because it reduces the problems associated with having an imbalance on a long , cantilevered shaft rotating at high speed . fig4 , 4 a , and 5 illustrate a “ same - handed ” blower 200 according to the present invention . blower 200 also has two volutes 212 , 213 , an airpath 216 , an air intake 118 and an air outlet 220 . however , as is shown in fig4 , 4 a , the airpath 216 has the shape of a spiral . that is , airpath 216 transitions away from the first volute 212 and then slopes downward as it follows the circumference of the blower 200 , before bending and gradually fusing with an intake cavity located between the motor 150 and the arcuate flange 160 ( see fig5 ), which acts as an air intake in blower 200 . the airflow through the blower 200 is illustrated by the arrows in fig4 , 4 a . the internal configuration of blower 200 is shown in the partially sectional perspective view of fig5 . the internal arrangements of blowers 100 ( fig1 , 2 ) and 200 ( fig4 , 4 a , 5 ) are substantially similar , and will be described below with respect to components of both blowers , where applicable . as shown in fig5 , a double - shafted electric motor 150 is installed in the center of the blower 200 . although only one motor 150 is shown , two motors 150 , one for each impeller , may be used . various types of known brackets and mountings may be used to support the motor and to secure it to the interior of the blower 200 , although for simplicity , these are not shown in fig5 . the motor 150 drives the double shaft 152 to rotate at speeds up to , e . g ., about 30 , 000 rpm , depending on the configuration of the impellers 114 , 115 , 214 and the desired pressures . the shaft 152 traverses substantially the entire length of the blower 100 , 200 along its center , and is secured to an impeller 114 , 115 , 214 at each end . the shaft may be round , square , keyed , or otherwise shaped to transmit power to the two impellers 114 , 115 , 214 . the diameter of the shaft may be in the order of , e . g ., 3 - 5 mm , with graduations in diameter along the length of the shaft 152 . for example , the shaft 152 may have a smaller diameter ( e . g ., 3 mm ) on the end closest to the air intake to assist with air intake and a diameter of about 4 . 5 mm at the end that is cantilevered . the connection between the impellers 114 , 115 , 214 and the shaft 152 may be created by an interference fit between the two parts , a weld , an adhesive , or fasteners , such as set screws . in blowers 100 and 200 , the connection between the shaft 152 and the impellers 114 , 115 , 214 is by means of a vertically oriented ( i . e ., oriented along the axis of the shaft 152 ) annular flange 154 formed in the center of the impellers 114 , 115 , 214 . in fig5 , the connection between the impeller 214 and the shaft is shown as an interference fit . the impeller 114 , 115 , 214 is substantially annular in shape . the center section 156 of the impeller 114 , 115 , 214 , is a thin plate which extends radially outward from the shaft 152 to the blades 158 , and is upswept , gradually curving downward as it extends outward from the shaft 152 towards the blades 158 . the actual diameter of each impeller 114 , 115 , 214 may be smaller than that of a conventional blower with a single impeller . fast pressure rise time in a blower requires a low rotational inertia , which varies as the diameter to the fourth power . because impellers 114 and 214 of blowers 100 and 200 are smaller in diameter , they have less rotational inertia , and thus , are able to provide a faster pressure rise time . in addition to diameter , other design parameters of the impellers 114 , 214 may be modified to achieve a lower rotational inertia . other techniques to reduce rotational inertia include “ scalloping ” the shrouds to produce a “ starfish - shaped ” impeller , using an internal rotor motor , and using materials , such as liquid crystal polymer , that can be molded into thinner wall sections , so that impeller blades can be hollowed out and strengthened by ribs . the scalloping of the impellers may also advantageously result in a weight reduction of the impeller , therewith allowing faster rise times . see also fig6 a and 6b ( starfish shaped impeller 214 with aerofoil blades 258 and scalloped edges 259 ). liquid crystal polymer impeller blades may have wall sections as low as 0 . 3 mm . in embodiments of the invention , the impellers 114 , 115 , 214 would typically have an outer diameter in the order of , e . g ., 40 - 50 mm , for example 42 . 5 mm or 45 mm . the inner diameter of the impellers 114 , 115 , 214 may be in the order of , e . g ., 18 - 25 mm . blade height may be in the range of , e . g ., 6 - 10 mm , although stresses on the impeller blades 158 increases with taller blades . in general , if the blades 158 are taller , the diameter of the impeller may be reduced . the impeller blades 158 themselves may be aerofoils of standard dimensions , such as the naca 6512 , the nasa 66 - 221 , and the nasa 66 - 010 . if the blades 158 are aerofoils , it may be advantageous to select aerofoil profiles that produce good lift at a variety of angles of attack . the impellers 114 , 115 , 214 are preferably designed and / or selected so that , in cooperation with the motor , the blower 100 , 200 can generate a pressure at the mask of about 25 cm h 2 o at 180 l / min and about 30 cm h 2 o at 150 l / min . given that the airpath 116 will cause pressure drops from the blower 100 , 200 to the mask , the impellers 114 , 115 , 214 are preferably capable of producing about 46 cm h 2 o at 150 l / min and about 43 cm h 2 o at 180 l / min . the top of the first volute 112 , 212 is open , forming the air intake 118 . at the air intake 118 , the top surface 120 of the blower 100 , 200 curves arcuately inward , forming a lip 122 over the top of the impeller 114 , 214 . the upswept shape of the impeller center section 156 and the lip 122 of the top surface 120 confine the incoming air to the blower volume inside the first volute 112 , 212 and help to prevent air leakage during operation . an arcuate flange 160 similar to the arcuate top surface 120 extends from the lower interior surface of the blower 200 , forming the top of the second volute 213 . a contoured bottom plate 162 , 262 forms the bottom of the second volute 113 , 213 of each blower 100 , 200 . the bottom plate 162 of blower 100 has a hole in its center , allowing the airpath 116 to enter , while the bottom plate 262 of blower 200 has no such hole . as described above , the arcuate flange 160 acts as the air intake for the second volute 213 of blower 200 . in blower 200 , stator vanes and additional flow shaping components may be added to the cavity between the motor 150 and the arcuate flange 160 to assist in distributing the incoming air so that it enters the second volute 213 from all sides , rather than preferentially from one side . as is evident from fig1 , 2 , 4 a , and 5 , blowers according to the present invention may have many intricate and contoured surfaces . such contours are used , as in the case of the arcuate top surface 120 and arcuate flange 160 , to direct gas flow and prevent gas leakage the no - leak feature is particularly beneficial when the gas flowing through the blower 100 , 200 has a high concentration of oxygen gas , if high - concentration oxygen is used , gas leakage may pose a safety hazard . also , apart from any safety considerations , leaking gas may produce unwanted noise , and may reduce blower performance . the number of intricate , contoured surfaces present in blowers in embodiments according to the present invention makes a production method such as investment casting particularly suitable . investment casting can produce a single part with many hidden and re - entrant features , whereas other methods of production may require that a design be split into many parts to achieve equivalent function . however , a large number of parts is generally undesirable — in order to minimize the potential for gas leaks , the number of parts is best kept to a minimum and the number of joints between parts is also best kept to a minimum . there are also a number of materials considerations for blowers according to the present invention . metals are typically used in investment casting , but some metals are particularly sensitive to oxidation , which is a concern because medical grade oxygen gas may be used in blowers according to the present invention . one particularly suitable material for the blowers 100 , 200 is aluminum . whereas steel may rust on exposure to high concentrations of oxygen , aluminum oxidizes quickly , the oxide forming an impervious seal over the metal . whichever metal or other material is used , it is generally advantageous that the material has a high thermal conductivity and is able to draw heat away from the airpath , to prevent any heat - related ignition of oxygen . while the use of aluminum has many advantages , it does have a tendency to “ ring ,” or resonate , during blower operation . therefore , damping materials may be installed in an aluminum blower to reduce the intensity of the vibration of the aluminum components . in blowers 100 and 200 , the electric motor 150 may be driven at variable speeds to achieve the desired ipap and epap pressures . the double - ended ( i . e ., two - stage ) design of the blowers means that the range of motor speeds traversed to achieve the two pressures is reduced . the narrower range of motor speeds results in a faster pressure response time than that provided by a single - stage blower having similar motor power and drive characteristics . in addition , the narrower variation in speed applies less stress to the rotating system components , resulting in increased reliability with less acoustic noise . the performance of blowers 100 and 200 is approximately equal to the combined performance of the two impeller / volute combinations , minus the pressure / flow curve of the airpath 116 , 216 between the two volutes 112 , 113 , 212 , 213 . for a variety of reasons that are well known in the art , the actual performance of the blowers 100 , 200 will depend upon the instantaneous flow rate of the particular blower 100 , 200 , as well as a number of factors . at higher flow rates , the pressure drop in the airpath 116 , 216 is generally more significant . double - ended blowers according to the present invention may be placed in a cpap apparatus in the same manner as a conventional blower . the blower is typically mounted on springs , or another shock - absorbing structure , to reduce vibrations . a further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in fig7 , an exploded perspective view of a double - ended blower 400 according to the present invention . the motor and stator blade portion 402 , located in the center of the exploded view , is investment cast from aluminum in this embodiment , although other manufacturing methods are possible and will be described below . the aluminum , as a good conductor of heat , facilitates the dissipation of heat generated by the accelerating and decelerating motor . each end 404 a and 404 b of the shaft 404 is shown in fig7 , but the motor windings , bearing and cover are not shown . the motor power cord 406 protrudes from the motor and stator blade portion 402 . the motor and stator blade portion 402 includes , at its top , a bottom portion of the upper volute 408 . as a variation of the design illustrated in fig7 , the motor and stator blade portion 402 may be made separately from the bottom portion of the upper volute 408 . if the two components are made separately , investment casting would not be required . for example , the motor body may be die cast , while the bottom portion of the upper volute 408 may be injection molded . secured to the motor and stator blade portion 402 by bolts or other fasteners is a circular plate 410 , in which a hole 412 is provided for the passage of the shaft 404 . an impeller 414 rests atop the circular plate . the impeller 414 is scalloped along its circumference to reduce its rotational inertia , giving it a “ starfish ” look ( see also fig6 a and 6b ). as depicted in more detail in fig7 a , the contoured plate has a side 411 that extends perpendicular to the annular surface 413 . in another embodiment , schematically shown in fig7 b , the side 411 a extends more gradually from the annular surface . having side 411 a extend more gradually facilitates , relative to the perpendicular side 411 , the air flow created by impeller 414 and therewith aids in noise suppression . hole 412 is depicted in fig7 b as being of constant radius . in one embodiment , hole 412 may neck down or have a diameter of non - constant cross - section . referring back to fig7 , an upper endcap 416 is secured above the impeller 414 , and provides the top portion of the upper volute . the upper and lower volutes in this embodiment are versions of the in - plane transitional scroll volute 300 illustrated in fig3 . an aperture 418 in the center of the upper endcap 416 serves as the air intake of the blower 400 . on the lower end of the blower 400 , a contoured plate 420 forms the top portion of the lower volute . as depicted in more detail in fig7 a , the motor and stator blade portion 402 may comprise feet 462 that can be connected to contoured plate 420 via press - fit recesses 464 . the motor 402 and contoured plate may also be connected instead or in addition via , e . g ., adhesives , screws etc . or , alternatively , the motor 402 and contoured plate 420 may be cast as a single piece . the top of the contoured plate 420 is raised and curves arcuately downward toward a hole 422 . as was explained above , the contoured plate 420 helps to shape the airflow and to ensure that it enters the impeller cavity from all sides , rather than preferentially from a single direction . beneath the contoured plate 420 , a lower impeller 414 rotates proximate to a lower endcap 428 . the two endcaps , 416 , 428 may be die cast ( e . g ., from aluminum or magnesium alloy ) or they may be injection molded from an appropriate metal . the outer sidewalls of the airpaths in the upper and lower volutes are essentially defined by the damping sleeves 438 and 440 . the damping sleeves are inserted into left side casing 424 and right side casing 426 . the left side casing 424 provides the air outlet 442 for the blower 400 . the left 424 and right 426 side casings are secured together with , e . g ., bolts or other removable fasteners . on the top surface of the side casings 424 , 426 are square flanges 430 , 432 having protrusions 434 , 436 that allow the blower 400 to be mounted on springs inside a cpap apparatus . in fig7 , the protrusions 434 , 436 are shown as having different sizes and shapes , however , in fig8 and 9 , the protrusions 434 are shown as having the same shape . it will be realized that the protrusions 434 , 436 may take either of the depicted shapes , or any other shape , depending on the properties and arrangement of the springs onto which the blower 400 is mounted . in one embodiment , the damping sleeves 438 , 440 are rubber or foam rubber components that are , e . g ., injection molded to match the internal contours of the left 424 and right 426 side casings , respectively . in one implementation , the damping sleeves 438 , 440 are 40 shore a hardness polyurethane formed from a rapid prototype silicone mold . alternatively , the damping sleeves 438 , 440 could be silicone , or another elastomer that is stable at the high temperatures generated by the motor . the damping sleeves 438 , 440 serve three major purposes in blower 400 : ( i ) they define ( part of ) the airpaths in the upper and lower volutes , ( ii ) they provide a seal between the other components , and ( iii ) they dampen the vibrations of the other parts . fig8 is an assembled perspective view of blower 400 from one side . the assembled air outlet 442 is shown in fig8 , as is the seam 444 between the left 424 and right 426 side casings . as shown in fig8 , flanges 446 , 448 protrude laterally from the edge of each side casing 424 , 426 and abut to form the seam 444 . as shown in fig9 , the two side casings 424 , 426 are secured together by bolts 452 that pass through the flange 446 provided in the right side casing 426 and into threaded holes provided in the flange 448 of the left side casing 424 . furthermore , the power cord 406 exits the assembled blower through a sealed orifice 450 ( see fig9 ) blower 400 has several advantages . first , investment casting is not required to produce blower 400 , which reduces the cost of the blower . additionally , because the components of blower 400 have fewer hidden and intricate parts , the castings can be inspected and cleaned easily . finally , blower 400 is easier to assemble than the other embodiments because the components are clamped together using the two side casings 424 , 426 , which can be done with simple fasteners . another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in fig1 , an exploded perspective view of a double - ended blower 500 according to the present invention . the motor 502 , located in the center of the exploded view , is investment cast from aluminum in this embodiment , although other manufacturing methods are possible and will be described below . the aluminum , as a good conductor of heat , facilitates the dissipation of heat generated by the accelerating and decelerating motor . examples of suitable motors are described , for instance , in u . s . provisional application 60 / 452 , 756 , filed mar . 7 , 2003 , which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference . the shaft 504 has two ends ( only one end 504 b is shown in fig1 , but compare end 404 a in fig7 ) to which the impellers 514 , 515 can be functionally connected . the motor power cord 506 protrudes from the motor 502 and exits the blower 500 through recess 550 ( see also fig1 a ) in damping sleeve 540 . damping sleeve 538 comprises a substantially corresponding protrusion 552 ( see fig1 b ) to minimize or avoid airflow leaks and to reduce the risk of pulling forces on the power cord being transferred to the power cord / motor connection . in one embodiment , shown in fig1 a and 11b , protrusion 552 comprises ribs 554 that substantially interlock with ribs 556 in recess 550 to further minimize airflow leaks . also , in one embodiment the wires in the motor power cord are silicon rubber covered wires ( allowing increased flexibility and noise suppression ). the motor 502 comprises stationary flow guidance vanes 560 , which may be aerofoil shaped . the vanes 560 are capable of changing the direction of the airflow arriving at the vanes 560 through the spiral airpath defined by damping sleeves 538 , 540 from tangential to radial , i . e . towards the hole 522 . as depicted in more detail in fig1 , the motor 502 can be connected to contoured plate 520 via press - fit recesses 564 in contoured plate 520 for some of the vanes 560 . other ways to connect motor 502 to contoured plate 520 may also be used ( e . g . screws or adhesives ). in one embodiment , the motor 502 includes , at its top , a portion 508 of the upper volute . as a variation of the design illustrated in fig1 , the motor 502 may be made separately from the portion 508 of the upper volute . if the two components are made separately , the motor body may , for instance , be die cast , while the portion 508 of the upper volute may be , for instance , injection molded . secured to the motor 502 by bolts or other fasteners is a circular plate 510 , in which a hole is provided ( not shown , but compare hole 412 in fig7 ) for the passage of the shaft 504 . the impellers 514 , 515 , connected to the ends of the shaft 504 , are scalloped along their circumference to reduce rotational inertia , giving them a “ starfish ” look . an upper endcap 516 is secured above impeller 514 , and provides the top portion of the upper volute . an aperture 518 in the center of the upper endcap 516 serves as the air intake of the blower 500 . on the lower end of the blower 500 in fig1 , a contoured plate 520 forms the top portion of the lower volute . the bottom of the contoured plate 520 is curved arcuately upward toward a hole 522 . part of the bottom of contoured plate 520 is ribbed . beneath the contoured plate 520 , an impeller 515 rotates proximate to a lower endcap 528 , which comprises two protrusions 537 . the two endcaps , 516 , 528 may be die cast ( e . g ., from aluminum or magnesium alloy ) or they may be injection molded from an appropriate metal . the side casing 524 defines air outlet 542 for the blower 500 . the side casings 524 and 526 are secured together with bolts or other removable fasteners . on the top surface of the side casings 524 , 526 are protrusions 534 , 536 that allow the blower 500 to be mounted on springs inside a cpap apparatus . it will be realized that the protrusions 534 , 536 may take any shape depending on the properties and arrangement of the springs onto which the blower 500 is mounted . the double - ended blower 500 includes two damping sleeves 538 , 540 . the damping sleeves 538 , 540 are , e . g ., rubber or foam rubber components that are , e . g ., injection molded to match the internal contours of the side casings 524 , 526 , respectively . in one implementation , the damping sleeves 538 , 540 are formed from a rapid prototype silicone mold . alternatively , the damping sleeves 538 , 540 may be , for instance , silicone or another elastomer that is stable at the temperatures generated by the motor . as is evident from fig1 , 11 a and 11 b . the combination of damping sleeves 538 , 540 defines , along with the components ( e . g . motor 502 ) positioned between the sleeves , a spiral airpath / conduit . the portion of the spiral conduit defined by damping sleeve 540 has a decreasing cross - sectional area in the direction of airflow . fig1 is an assembled perspective view of blower 500 ( 180 ° rotated with respect to fig1 ). in operation , blower 500 takes in air at aperture ( external inlet ) 518 through rotation of impeller 514 . the air is transported through the spiral conduit defined by damping sleeves 538 , 540 to the stationary flow guidance vanes 560 , which substantially change the velocity vector of the arriving air from primarily tangential to primarily radial , i . e . toward internal inlet 522 . rotation of impeller 515 then transports the air arriving through hole ( internal inlet ) 522 via a second airpath ( defined primarily by the space between lower endcap 528 and contoured plate 520 ) to external air outlet 542 . fig1 a illustrates a partial cross - sectional view of a blower 600 according to another embodiment of the present invention . blower 600 includes a motor 602 having a pair of opposed shafts 604 and 606 that connect to respective first and second stage impellers 608 and 610 , respectively . motor 602 is supported by an inner casing 612 that includes an aperture 614 leading to the second stage impeller 610 to allow for passage of shaft 606 . a lid 616 is provided to the first stage end of casing 612 , and includes an aperture to accommodate passage of shaft 604 . an outer casing 618 is provided to support inner casing 612 via one or more support members 620 , two of which are shown in fig1 a . the inner and outer casings 612 , 618 are spaced from one another by a gap g , which defines a channel adapted for the passage of pressurized gas from the first stage to the second stage . the gap g is defined by a generally annular chamber between adjacent side walls 636 , 638 of the inner and outer casings . the channel is also formed between bottom walls 628 , 630 of the inner and outer casings . in operation , gas , e . g ., air , is directed through blower 600 as indicated by the arrows . in particular , gas is drawn in towards the first stage impeller 608 through an aperture 634 provided in cap 622 . first stage impeller 608 forces the air radially outwards , such that the air follows a path along the inside domed surface 632 of the cap 622 . air then proceeds along the gap g provided between inner and outer casings 612 , 618 , passing along support members 620 . air moves radially inwardly between bottom walls 628 , 620 and then proceeds through aperture 614 towards second stage impeller 610 . second stage impeller forces the air radially outwards and into an inlet 624 of conduit 626 , whereby the now pressurized gas is directed to outlet 628 , for delivery to a patient interface ( e . g ., mask ) via an air delivery conduit ( not shown ). fig1 - 17 show an embodiment wherein blower 500 is placed in an enclosure 700 . the blower 500 is mounted in the enclosure on springs 702 that are provided over all six protrusions 534 , 536 , and 537 ( only the springs provided over protrusions 537 are shown ). the springs aid in reducing vibration and noise . in another embodiment , suspension bushes ( e . g . rubber suspension bushes ) are provided over the protrusions instead of springs 702 to reduce vibration and noise . an example of a rubber suspension bush 703 . 1 provided over a protrusion 703 is shown in fig1 . the enclosure 700 comprises a main seal 720 . see also fig1 . outlet 722 of main seal 720 is connected to outlet 542 of blower 500 and securely fastened with a spring clip 724 ( outlet 542 is shown in fig1 ). main seal 720 is positioned between enclosure base 710 and enclosure lid 730 , which are connected using screws 732 . in one embodiment , the enclosure base 710 and the enclosure lid 730 are made of metal , e . g . aluminum . for example , the enclosure base 710 and enclosure lid 730 are made form die cast aluminum . one of the advantages of aluminum is its good corrosion / bum resistance , even in oxygen rich environments . the aluminum has sufficient mass to resist movement and therefore serves to attenuate noise generated by the working of the blower . however if the aluminum resonates and thereby generates a ringing noise , that ringing noise can be attenuated / eliminated by the use of the main seal 720 , e . g ., a silicone gasket . seal 720 also works well with the enclosure &# 39 ; s aluminum casing sections to achieve the desired leak free seal . in this embodiment only three holding points ( which use screws ) are required to apply the force necessary to achieve the leak free joining of the seal between the two aluminum - casing sections . in one embodiment , the main seal 720 is made from rubber , e . g . silicone rubber . a main seal construed from rubber may aid in reducing noise that can be created by vibrations of enclosure base 710 and enclosure lid 730 . main seal 720 allows for a plurality of blower wires 720 . 1 to pass therethrough . for example , seal includes a plurality of fingers 720 . 2 that are resiliently flexible , as shown in fig1 a . adjacent pairs of fingers 720 . 2 define an aperture , e . g ., a round hole , to accommodate the cross - sectional shape of wires 720 . 1 . main seal 720 also includes a relatively thinner and / or more flexible portion 720 . 3 to facilitate alignment and coupling with blower outlet . in the illustrated embodiment , the seal gasket includes apertures for allowing the passage of the eight wires that form the blower motor power and control leads . the typically bunched wires would not readily lend themselves to cooperating with a compression silicon gasket in order to achieve the desired sealing . the emergence point of the wires from the enclosure is designed so as not to compromise the enclosure &# 39 ; s seal . in this embodiment eight apertures are formed in the seal gasket , each one intended to receive one of the motor wires . each aperture is in the form of a circular orifice intersected with a ‘ v ’ split leading up to the top of the silicone gasket . the ‘ v ’ split facilitates the easy locating of the wire into the circular orifice . on assembly of the enclosure , each wire is located in its allocated circular orifice , and the seal is positioned between the two aluminum - casing sections . the force imposed when the screws as tightened cause silicone to fill the space of each circular orifice and around each wire and thereby achieve the seal . in addition , the main seal 720 aids in minimizing leaks . see also fig2 for an individual representation of the enclosure base 710 and fig2 for an individual representation of enclosure lid 730 . as shown in fig2 , base 710 includes a blower chamber 710 . 1 and a muffling chamber 710 . 2 . base 710 includes a secondary expansion or muffling chamber 710 . 2 to muffle noise as pressurized gas passes through straight section 722 . 1 out of outlet 722 . lid 730 includes a channel forming member 730 . 1 which allows incoming air to travel from muffling chamber 710 . 1 to blower chamber 710 . 2 . see the directional arrows in fig1 and 16 . the resulting structure is an enclosure that is completely sealed i . e ., has only known , characterized air paths . by contrast , uncharacterized air paths or leaks have undesirable consequences : a . inappropriate flow generator performance due to the processing of any inaccurate flow signal . inappropriate flow generator performance may compromise patient treatment . the control circuit corrects the filtered flow signal to estimate the flow at identified points of the breathing circuit , e . g ., at the blower outlet or at the patient interface . the corrected flow signal is used by the treatment algorithm or by other systems such as a flow generator , a fault diagnosis system , etc ., and the control circuit responds accordingly . an example of a flow generator fault diagnosis system that can use a corrected flow signal embodied within blowers commercially available from resmed . the control circuit &# 39 ; s performance is dependent upon the flow sensor providing a signal that maintains a known relationship with the downstream flow . the known relationship will not be applicable ; or will be less accurate , where the enclosure seal is compromised . accordingly the corrected flow signal will not be accurate where the enclosure leak is unpredictable in occurrence , in magnitude or otherwise not recognizable as being inaccurate by the control circuit . therefore to maximize performance of system that places the flow sensor upstream of the blower it is preferable to eliminate the opportunity for the occurrence of unintended leaks in the flow generator . b . a sealed enclosure will prevent contamination of the breathable gas flowing through the enclosure . c . a sealed enclosure will prevent the breathable gas escaping from the air path . this is a particularly desirable when oxygen or other treatment gas is added to the flow through the flow generator . d . a sealed enclosure will maximize the effect of the enclosure &# 39 ; s noise attenuating characteristics . the silicone pathway connected to the blower outlet is preferably molded in one piece with the seal . this configuration means that there is no need for the sealing gasket to assume the shape and degree of precision that would otherwise be required to property fit around an enclosed rigid outlet pipe or to achieve a seal should the rigid outlet pipe be formed of two or more separable parts . a flow meter 740 is sealingly connected to main seal 720 . see also fig2 a and 22b for an individual representation of a flow meter . in one embodiment , the flow meter is designed to measure air flows in the range of 0 - 200 lpm , and preferably in the range of 150 - 180 lpm . in a further embodiment , the flow meter is designed to be safe for even 100 % oxygen flows . as evident from fig1 - 17 , the flow meter may be positioned upstream from the blower inlet . positioning the flow meter upstream instead of downstream can be helpful in improving the accuracy of air flow measurement as it reduces / minimizes blower - induced turbulence in the air presented to the flow meter . this , in turn , provides an improved signal to the control algorithm , which signal does not require complex filtering of turbulence or noise to provide a useful signal . an inlet connector 750 is sealingly connected to flow meter 740 . the inlet connector ensures that the air intake is supplied from outside the flow generator . see also fig2 for an individual representation of the inlet connector . in one embodiment , the inlet connector is made from plastic and / or rubber , e . g . silicone rubber . the inlet connector 750 provides location for filter retainer 755 . see fig2 . the filter retainer 755 can be sealingly inserted in the opening 752 of the inlet connector 750 and serves to receive a filter . for example , filter retainer includes a flange 755 . 1 that is received within a groove 750 . 1 of the inlet connector 750 , upon assembly . in accordance with the depicted embodiment , the filter retainer 755 may be construed asymmetrically to conveniently and safely give a user only one correct way of placing the filter . furthermore , the filter retainer 755 prevents the inlet connector 750 from sagging . filter retainer 755 also includes one or more cross bars 755 . 2 that prevent the filter from being sucked into the inlet connector 750 . filter retainer 755 also includes a pair of receiving apertures 755 . 3 to receive an inlet cap with resilient arms . also , the inlet connector 750 provides a barrier for water being able to reach the blower . first , in combination with the filter retainer 755 and filter cover ( not shown ) it forms a water barrier at the entry of the enclosure . second , with the enclosure being positioned horizontal , the upward slope 753 of the inlet connector ( see fig1 ) provides an obstacle for water being spilled into the inlet connector 750 to travel further into the system . further , inlet connector 750 provides a relatively linear flow of air to flow meter 740 , which helps decrease turbulence and the creation of “ noise ” that would otherwise need to be filtered before providing a useful signal to the control algorithm . moreover , there is no need to maintain a linear path downstream of the flow meter 740 , which opens further design options . the illustrated embodiments utilize this freedom of configuration by placing the flow sensor generally parallel with blower . this configuration reduces the overall length of the flow generator as it allows for the desired linear ( i . e ., turbulence minimizing ) pathway between the flow generator air - from - atmosphere inlet and the flow sensor inlet while eliminating the length adding placement of the flow sensor and connecting turbulence - reducing linear pathway at the blower outlet . this configuration has the air travel around a corner ( i . e ., a typically turbulence inducing maneuver ) into muffler chamber which is situated forward of the blower chamber . from there the air enters the blower chamber and then enters the blower inlet . the turbulent air emerging from the blower outlet travels a short distance through a silicone pathway to the flow generator outlet . the linear component connecting the flow generator air - from - atmosphere inlet to the flow sensor inlet may be conveniently located in any position relative to the blower because of the irrelevance of avoiding the development of turbulence after the flow sensor outlet . furthermore there is avoided the need to perform flow signal filtering to eliminate the remnant blower - induced turbulence . each of the described embodiments provides for a modular construction having relatively few , self - aligning components that may be readily assembled and disassembled for maintenance . the inner sides of the aluminum - casing sections include locating feature buckets to facilitate the positioning and retention of internal components such as the blower suspension springs , or alternatively , substitute silicone suspension bushes . another feature relates to a safety measure . if motor bearing wear reaches a predetermined limit , the consequent shaft movement will position a shaft mounted blade so as to cut something on or protruding from the motor internal circuit board and thereby cause the motor to stop ( say due to a loss of power ). the amount of shaft movement required to give effect to this would be something less than the amount of movement required to have the shaft mounted impeller make contact with the volute wall . in this way the system stops before impeller / volute wall scraping or collision would lead to denegation of either or both components and cause particles to contaminate the air path or friction that would cause ignition to occur — especially in an oxygen rich environment ( i . e ., where oxygen is being added to the breathing gas ). while the invention has been described by way of example embodiments , it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description , rather than words of limitation . changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention in its broader aspects . although the invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments , it is understood that the invention is not limited to the particulars disclosed . the invention extends to all appropriate equivalent structures , uses and mechanisms .	5
mice were immunized with the sulfone β - diketone hapten 2 coupled to the carrier protein keyhole limpet hemocyanin ( klh ) and 17 monoclonal antibodies were prepared and purified as described . all antibodies were first screened for their ability to covalently react with 2 , 4 - pentanedione to form a stable enaminone ( uv at λ max 316 nm ) ( j . wagner , et al ., science 1995 , 270 , 1797 - 1880 ). nine antibodies , 85a2 , 85c7 , 92f9 , 93f3 , 84g3 , 84g11 , 84h9 , 85h6 and 90g8 , showed the characteristic enaminone absorption maximum at 316 nm after incubation with 2 , 4 - pentanedione . all antibodies were then assayed with fluorescent and uv active retro - aldol substrates (±)- 3 and (±)- 4 , respectively ( b . list , et al ., proc . natl . acad . sci . usa 1998 , 95 , 15351 - 15355 ; and g . zhong , et al ., angew . chem . int . ed . engl . 1998 , 37 , 2481 - 2484 ). catalysis was observed only with antibodies that had demonstrated enaminone formation with 2 , 4 - pentanedione . study of all antibodies for their ability to catalyze the aldol addition of acetone to the aldehydes , 3 -( 4 ′- acetamidophenyl ) propanal ( 12 ) and 4 - isobutyramidobenzaldehyde ( 13 ), identified the same catalysts . all antibody catalyzed aldol and retro - aldol reactions followed michaelis - menten kinetics and were inhibited by addition of a stoichiometric amount of 2 , 4 - pentanedione . these results are consistent with the programming of a reactive amine in covalent catalytic mechanism of these antibodies . the output of catalysts prepared using this hapten , 9 of 17 , is significantly greater than previous studies with hapten 1 where 2 of 20 antibodies were catalysts . deposits for hybridoma 84g3 , having atcc accession number pta - 824 , for hybridoma 85h6 , having atcc accession number pta - 825 , for hybridoma 93f3 , having atcc accession number pta - 823 , for hybridoma 85a2 , having atcc accession number pta - 1015 , for hybridoma 85c7 , having atcc accession number pta - 1014 , for hybridoma 92f9 , having atcc accession number pta - 1017 , for hybridoma 84g11 , having atcc accession number pta - 1018 , for hybridoma 84h9 , having atcc accession number pta - 1019 , and for hybridoma 90g8 , having atcc accession number pta - 1016 , were made in compliance with the budapest treaty requirements that the duration of the deposits should be for 30 years from the date of deposit at the depository or for the enforceable life of a u . s . patent that matures from this application , whichever is longer . the hybridoma cell lines will be replenished should any of them become non - viable at the depository , under the terms of the budapest treaty , which assures permanent and unrestricted availability of the progeny of the hybridomas to the public upon issuance of the pertinent u . s . patent or upon laying open to the public of any u . s . or foreign patent application , whichever comes first , and assures availability of the progeny to one determined by the u . s . commissioner of patents and trademarks to be entitled thereto according to 35 u . s . c . § 122 and the commissioner &# 39 ; s rules pursuant thereto ( including 37 cfr § 1 . 14 with particular reference to 8860g 638 ). the assignee of the present application has agreed that if the hybridoma deposit should die or be lost or destroyed when cultivated under suitable conditions , it will be promptly replaced on notification with a viable specimen of the same hybridoma . availability of the deposit is not to be construed as a license to practice the invention in contravention of the rights granted under the authority of any government in accordance with its patent laws . in order to compare these antibodies with the commercially available aldolase antibody 38c2 , several aldol and retro - aldol reactions were chosen for study . in these studies , antibodies 93f3 and 84g3 were characterized in detail . to begin to probe the synthetic scope and enantioselectivity of these antibodies , their utility for kinetic resolutions of β - hydroxyketones was characterized . racemic aldols 3 - 7 were treated with ( 0 . 2 - 0 . 4 mol %) ab93f3 ( or ab84g3 ) in aqueous buffer as previously described for ab38c2 ( g . zhong , et al ., angew . chem . int . ed . engl . 1998 , 37 , 2481 - 2484 ). in each case high - performance liquid chromatography ( hplc ) indicated that the retro - aldolization reactions halted at ˜ 50 % conversion showing that the antibody was highly enantioselective . the unconverted aldols were recovered and studied using chiral - phase hplc . comparison with enantiomerically - enriched standards , according to the method of i . paterson , et al ., tetrahedron 1990 , 46 , 4663 - 4684 , indicated that the catalyst was highly enantioselective and provided the unreacted s - aldols with ee &# 39 ; s typically greater than 96 % ( fig4 ). antibody 38c2 provides the corresponding r - aldols by kinetic resolution , thus ab93f3 is its antipodal complement . study of ab84g3 revealed an enantioselectivity similar to ab93f3 and identified two catalysts with enantioselectivities similar to ab38c2 . catalysis of the synthetic reaction of acetone was then characterized with four different aldehydes , 12 , 13 , 4 - nitrobenzaldehyde ( 14 ) and 4 - nitrocinnamaldehyde ( 15 ), to provide aldols 5 and 8 - 10 . chiral - phase hplc analysis demonstrated that the enantioselectivities of ab93f3 and ab84g3 catalyzed aldol addition reactions are substrate dependant . aldols r - 5 , r - 9 and r - 10 are provided in essentially enantiomerically pure form with either catalyst while a moderate enantioselectivity is obtained in the synthesis of s - 8 ( ee 69 % with ab93f3 or 54 % with ab84g3 ) ( see fig5 ). the ee values obtained with these catalysts are quite similar to those obtained with ab38c2 , however , the enantioselectivity is reversed . to examine the diastereoselectivity of ab93f3 , the reaction of 3 - pentanone to provide aldol - 11 was characterized . in this case ab93f3 provided aldol syn - 11 as the major product . the antibody 93f3 exhibited diastereo - and enantio - selectivities that differ from that obtained with ab38c2 . antibody 93f3 provides 11 with a de of 90 % ( syn - α - isomer ) and an ee of 90 % while ab38c2 provides 11 with a de of 62 % ( anti - isomer ) and an ee of 59 %. to further characterize the scope of reactions catalyzed by these antibodies , a variety of ketones were employed as aldol donor substrates in reaction with aldehyde 14 . preliminary results indicate that in addition to acetone and 3 - pentanone , seven ketones : 2 - butanone , 3 - methyl - 2 - butanone , 2 - pentanone , cyclopentanone , cyclohexanone , hydroxyacetone , and fluoroacetone , are substrates . thus these antibodies share the characteristic broad scope observed previously with ab38c2 . the results of kinetic studies of three retro - aldol reactions and one aldol addition reaction are provided ( fig6 ). in most cases studied , the catalytic proficiency of ab93f3 and ab84g3 exceeds that of ab38c2 , as determined by the method of a . r . radzicka , et al ., science 1995 , 267 , 90 - 93 . in the aldol reaction of acetone with aldehyde 12 that provides s - 8 , a 3 - fold increase in the catalytic proficiency is observed . an overall trend towards increased efficiency is consistent with the notion that inclusion of transition state analogy into the hapten design results in increased catalytic efficiency . this effect is particularly evident with substrate 7 where a 10 3 - fold increase in proficiency over ab38c2 is observed . based on the success of this substrate , analog 16 was synthesized . since in antibody based resolutions of aldols , the unprocessed enantiomer can be inhibitory to the processing of the enantiomer that is the substrate for the antibody ( b . list , et al ., j . am . chem . soc . 1999 , 121 , in press ), r - 16 was isolated using chiral - phase hplc . study of the kinetics of retro - aldolization of r - 16 by ab84g3 , revealed that it was processed by the antibody extremely rapidly with a k cat of 1 . 4 s − 1 . study of the uncatalyzed reaction revealed that r - 16 was not more chemically reactive than the corresponding methoxy derivative 7 , and that the antibody provides a rate enhancement k cat / k un of 2 . 3 × 10 8 . the catalytic proficiency of ab84g3 for the retro - aldolization of aldol r - 16 is approximately 1000 - fold higher than that reported for any other catalytic antibody ( n . r . thomas , appl . biochem . biotechnol . 1994 , 47 , 345 - 72 ; and g . zhong , et al ., angew . chem . int . ed . engl . 1998 , 37 , 2481 - 2484 ). the catalytic efficiency of the antibody for this substrate , 3 . 3 × 10 5 s − 1 m − , compares favorably with the efficiency of nature &# 39 ; s muscle aldolase , 4 . 9 × 10 4 s − 1 m − 1 , in the retro - aldolization of its substrate fructose - 1 , 6 - bisphosphate ( a . j . morris , et al ., biochemistry 1994 , 33 , 12291 - 12297 , data for muscle aldolase was reported at 4 ° c .). 1 . 4 -( 4 ′- iodophenylcarbamoyl ) butyric acid methyl ester ( 101 ): 4 - iodophenylamine ( 6 . 0 g , 27 mmol ) was dissolved in 240 ml of dried methylene chloride . triethylamine ( 3 . 9 ml , 27 mmol ) was added . methyl 4 -( chloroformyl ) butyrate ( 4 . 2 ml , 28 mmol ) was added dropwise . after 30 min of standing , the reaction mixture was washed with 50 ml of aqueous hcl ( 0 . 5 m ). the organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate . evaporation of solvent gave 8 . 3 g of the ester ( 101 ) for a yield 81 %. 2 . 4 -[ 4 ′-( 3 ″- oxobutyl ) phenylcarbamoyl ] butyric acid methyl ester ( 102 ): 4 -( 4 ′- iodophenylcarbamoyl ) butyric acid methyl ester ( 4 . 9 g , 14 mmol ) was added to 16 ml of dried dmf , then tetrabutylammonium chloride ( 3 . 9 g , 14 mmol ), sodium bicarbonate ( 2 . 9 g , 35 mmol ) and 3 - buten - 2 - ol ( 21 mmol ) were added . the mixture was stirred for 10 min . then palladium chloride ( 0 . 57 g , 3 . 2 mmol ) was added . the reaction mixture was kept stirring at room temperature for 24 h under nitrogen . it was diluted with 120 ml of ethyl acetate , washed with 25 ml of 5 % hydrochloric acid and 2 × 25 ml of brine and dried over magnesium sulfate . evaporation of solvent gave crude product , which was purified by column chromatography on silica gel ( ethyl acetate / hexane : 70 / 30 ), 2 . 7 g of pure - 4 -[ 4 ′-( 3 ″- oxobutyl ) phenylcarbamoyl ] butyric acid methyl ester ( 102 ) was obtained for a yield of 66 %. 3 . 4 -[ 4 ′-( 3 ″- hydroxybutyl ) phenylcarbamoyl ] butyric acid methyl ester ( 103 ): at 0 ° c ., sodium borohydride ( 0 . 22 g , 3 mmol ) was added in portions to 4 -[ 4 ′-( 3 ″- oxobutyl )- phenylcarbamoyl ] butyric acid methyl ester ( 1 . 6 g , 5 . 6 mmol ) in 25 ml of dried methanol . the reaction mixture was kept at 0 ° c . for 1 h . then it was poured into 200 ml of ammonium chloride saturated ice - water . it was extracted with 3 × 100 ml of ethyl acetate . the combined organic phases were dried over sodium sulfate . evaporation of the solvent gave 1 . 5 g of 4 -[ 4 ′-( 3 ″- hydroxybutyl ) phenylcarbamoyl ] butyric acid methyl ester ( 103 ) with a yield 94 %. 4 . 4 -[ 4 ′-( 3 ″- acetylsulfanylbutyl ) phenylcarbamoyl ] butyric acid methyl ester ( 104 ): 4 -[ 4 ′-( 3 ″- hydroxybutyl ) phenylcarbamoyl ] butyric acid methyl ester ( 200 mg , 0 . 68 mmol ) was dissolved in 6 ml of dry methylene chloride . triethylamine ( 140 μl , 1 . 02 mmol ) was added . in a second flask , 2 - fluoro - 1 - methylpyridinium p - toluenesulfonate ( 250 mg , 0 . 88 mmol ) was suspended in 6 ml of dry methylene chloride . the above solution was added to 4 -[ 4 ′-( 3 ″- hydroxybutyl ) phenylcarbamoyl ] butyric acid methyl ester in dry methylene chloride and stirred for 1 h . the solvent was evaporated and the residue was dissolved in 6 ml of dry dmf . potassium thioacetate was added and heated to 80 ° c . for one and a half hours . the reaction mixture was diluted with 80 ml of ethyl acetate and washed with 2 × 20 ml of water . the organic phases were dried over magnesium sulfate . evaporation of solvent followed by column chromatography ( methylene chloride / diethyl ether : 1 : 3 ) to afford yellowish product ( 104 ) ( 186 mg , yield 78 %). 5 . 4 -[ 4 ′-( 3 ″- mercaptobutyl ) phenylcarbamoyl ] butyric acid methyl ester ( 105 ): 4 -[ 4 ′-( 3 ″- acetylsulfanylbutyl ) phenylcarbamoyl ] butyric acid methyl ester ( 165 mg , 0 . 47 mmol ) was dissolved in 4 ml of methanol . potassium carbonate ( 6 . 5 mg , 0 . 047 mmol ) was added . the mixture was stirred for 3 h . the solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography ( methylene chloride / diethyl ether : 1 : 3 ) to afford 4 -[ 4 ′-( 3 ″- mercap - tobutyl ) phenylcarbamoyl ] butyric acid methyl ester ( 105 ) ( 110 mg , yield 74 %). 6 . 4 -{ 4 ′-[ 3 ″-( 2 ′″- oxopropylsulfanyl ) butyl ] phenylcarbamoyl } butyric acid methyl ester ( 106 ): 4 -[ 4 ′-( 3 ″- mercaptobutyl ) phenylcarbamoyl ] butyric acid methyl ester ( 110 mg , 0 . 35 mmol ) was dissolved in 5 ml of methylene chloride . triethylamine ( 144 μl , 1 . 05 mmol ) and chloroacetone ( 138 μl , 1 . 75 mmol ) were added . the reaction was stirred overnight . the solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography ( methylene chloride / diethyl ether : 1 : 3 ) to give 4 -{ 4 ′-[ 3 ″-( 2 ′″- oxopropylsulfanyl ) butyl ] phenyl - carbamoyl } butyric acid methyl ester ( 106 ) ( 92 mg , yield 72 %). 7 . 4 -{ 4 ′-[ 3 ″-( 2 ′″- oxopropyl - 3 ′″- sulfonyl ) butyl ] phenylcarbamoyl } butyric acid methyl ester ( 107 ): 4 -{ 4 ′-[ 3 ″-( 2 ′″- oxopropylsulfanyl ) butyl ] phenylcarbamoyl } butyric acid methyl ester ( 128 mg , 0 . 25 mmol ) was dissolved in 3 ml of methylene chloride . at 0 ° c ., mcpba ( 87 mg , 0 . 25 mmol ) in 2 ml of methylene chloride was slowly added to the above solution . after two and half hours , the solvent was partly evaporated and the reaction mixture was diluted with 15 ml of ethyl acetate . then the reaction mixture was washed with 10 ml of sodium bicarbonate ( 1 . 0 m ). the organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate . evaporation of solvent followed by column chromatography ( methylene chloride / diethyl ether : 1 : 3 ) to afford 4 -{ 4 ′-[ 3 ″-( 2 ′″- oxopropyl - 3 ′″- sulfonyl ) butyl ] phenylcarbamoyl } butyric acid methyl ester ( 107 ) ( 100 mg , yield 91 %). 8 . 4 -{ 4 ′-[ 3 ″-( 2 ′″, 4 ′″- dioxopentane - 3 ′″- sulfonyl ) butyl ] phenylcarbamoyl } butyric acid methyl ester ( 108 ): to the mixture of acetic acid ( 4 . 7 mg , 0 . 08 mmol , 1 . 2 eq ) and β - diketone sulfone 107 ( 26 mg , 0 . 07 mmol ) in 2 ml of dried dimethylformamide was depc ( 13 mg , 0 . 08 mmol , 1 . 2 eq ), followed by addition of triethylamine ( 21 mg , 0 . 21 mmol , 3 . 2 eq ). the reaction mixture was stirred at 0 ° c . for 2 h , and then at room temperature for 20 h . after evaporation of the solvent , the residue was dissolved in benzene - ethyl acetate ( 1 / 1 ) ( 25 ml ) and washed with 10 % aq . sulfuric acid ( 10 ml ) and 5 % aq . sodium bicarbonate ( 15 ml ). the organic phase was dried over sodium sulfate . evaporation of solvent gave the crude product which was purified by column chromatography ( hexane / ethyl acetate : 4 / 1 ) to afford 18 mg of β - diketone sulfone 108 with a yield 74 %. 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 81 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 34 ( d , j = 8 . 7 hz , 2h ), 7 . 00 ( d , j = 8 . 7 hz , 2h ), 3 . 61 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 88 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 63 ( t , j = 7 . 3 hz , 2h ), 2 . 51 ( d , j = 7 . 3 hz , 2h ), 2 . 39 ( t , j = 7 . 1 hz , 2h ), 2 . 10 ( pent , j = 7 . 3 hz , 2h ), 2 . 05 ( s , 6h ), 1 . 80 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 30 ( d , j = 7 . 1 hz , 3h ); ms m / z : 462 ( m + na + , 82 %), 440 ( m + h + , 53 %); c 21 h 29 o 7 ns ( 439 . 52 ). 9 . 4 -{ 4 ′-[ 3 ″-( 2 ′″, 4 ′″- dioxopentane - 3 ′″- sulfonyl ) butyl ] phenylcarbamoyl } butyric acid ( 109 ): β - diketone sulfone 108 ( 18 mg , 0 . 041 mmol ) was added to 2 ml of lithium hydroxide solution ( 30 mm ). the reaction mixture was stirred for 2 h at room temperature , then it was acidified by 1 m aqueous hydrochloric acid . β - diketone sulfone hapten 109 was isolated by extraction with ethyl acetate . there was obtained 16 mg of β - diketone sulfone hapten 109 for a yield of 92 %. 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 88 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 44 ( d , j = 9 . 0 hz , 2h ), 6 . 99 ( d , j = 9 . 0 hz , 2h ), 2 . 87 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 62 ( t , j = 7 . 2 hz , 2h ), 2 . 50 ( d , j = 7 . 2 hz , 2h ), 2 . 41 ( t , j = 7 . 3 hz , 2h ), 2 . 10 ( pent , j = 7 . 2 hz , 2h ), 2 . 02 ( s , 6h ), 1 . 77 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 29 ( d , j = 7 . 3 hz , 3h ); ms m / z : 426 ( m + h + , 98 %); c 20 h 27 o 7 ns ( 425 . 50 ). 10 . 4 -{ 4 ′-[ 3 ″-( 2 ′″, 4 ′″- dioxopentane - 3 ′″- sulfonyl ) butyl ] phenylcarbamoyl } butyric acid n - succinimoyl ester ( 110 ): β - diketone sulfone hapten 109 ( 18 mg , 0 . 037 mmol ), dcc ( 11 mg , 0 . 052 mmol ) and n - hydroxysuccinimide ( 2 . 5 mg , 0 . 052 mmol ) were added to 3 ml of 1 , 4 - dioxane under nitrogen . the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature ( it was a clear solution ) for overnight . then the reaction mixture was filtered , washed with 3 × 20 ml of diethyl ether . the solvent of ethereal solution was evaporated under vacuum . the crude product was obtained , which was further purified by column chromatography ( ethyl acetate / hexane : 4 / 1 ) on silica gel to give 16 mg pure activated ester 110 , with a yield of 86 %. 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 82 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 33 ( d , j = 9 . 0 hz , 2h ), 7 . 01 ( d , j = 9 . 0 hz , 2h ), 2 . 88 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 80 ( s , br , 4h ), 2 . 62 ( t , j = 7 . 3 hz , 2h ), 2 . 50 ( d , j = 7 . 3 hz , 2h ), 2 . 38 ( t , j = 7 . 2 hz , 2h ), 2 . 11 ( pent , j = 7 . 3 hz , 2h ), 2 . 04 ( s , 6h ), 1 . 82 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 31 ( d , j = 7 . 2 hz , 3h ); ms ( electrospray ) m / z : pos . 531 ( m + na + , 44 %), 509 ( m + h + , 76 %); c 24 h 30 o 9 ns ( 508 . 56 ).	2
referring now to fig1 it will there be seen that an illustrative embodiment of the novel laser communication system is denoted as a whole by the reference numeral 10 . system 10 includes laser generator or other light source 12 connected in communication modulation relation to sending device 14 , i . e . sending device 14 modulates laser generator 12 . transmitter telescope 13 is adapted to aim a laser or other optical beam from laser generator 12 toward a target area 16 which in this embodiment may take the form of an area of a ceiling 18 or similar structure such as a wall , floor , or other suitable light - reflecting surface . the light is scattered from target area 16 and excites sensor 20 attuned to the wavelength or wavelengths emitted by laser generator 12 . sensor 20 is connected in driving relation to receiving device 22 . accordingly , system 10 enables communication of a control function whereby sending device 14 may control receiving device 22 . although not illustrated , upon disclosure of the fig1 embodiment , it becomes apparent that receiving device 22 could be similarly connected in driving relation to a second laser generator and sending device 14 could similarly fitted with a second sensor so that device 22 could just as easily control device 14 . sensor 20 is attuned to sense scattered light from a remote target area such as target area 16 by means of a highly sensitive device such as a receiver telescope means 24 . accordingly , a straight line - of - sight light path relationship between laser generator 12 and sensor 20 is not required . this enables operation of a remote device such as receiving device 22 when a straight - line relationship between source 12 and detector 20 is unavailable due to a physical barrier such as obstruction 26 in the straight - line light path . moreover , since the wavelength of a laser source is being detected , there is no need to bounce a wave away from target 16 to regenerate it at an intermediate station . since the detector or sensor 20 can be a highly sensitive receptor device , there is no need for any amplification of the beam for the device to operate either at the source or at the intermediate target area . this enables use of a fairly lowlaser source , the sensitivity being a function of sensor 20 and not necessarily laser generator 12 or the presence of an unillustrated amplification device in target area 16 or anywhere else along the extent of the path of travel of the modulated beam . in a practical application of this invention , any number of laser generators , sending and receiving devices , sensors , telescopes , and the like may be employed using different target areas or the same target area if the signals are encoded or different wavelengths and optically filtered detectors are used . laser generator 12 may be adapted to emit one of a plurality of wavelengths so that a specific signal will control a selective function at receiving device 22 . moreover , sensor 20 may be encoded to a certain wavelength to perform selective functions at various different locations . in this way , a variety of functions may be controlled at a single site because the sensors are enabled to select a certain wavelength to correspond to a specific response . optical bandpass filter 28 may also be used to pass preselected s and reject interfering light impinging on detector 20 . in the embodiment of fig2 denoted 30 as a whole , a hemispherical or short focal length lens 32 scatters light to a plurality of points within a room . lens 32 may be supplanted by transmitter optics . data communication device transmitter 34 modulates infrared laser source 35 in much the same way as device 14 modulates laser 12 in the first embodiment . an led or other suitable light source may also be used . laser source 35 includes power supply 33 . various electrical components , including signal conditioners 31 , provide an interface between transmitter 34 and laser source 35 . light from lens 32 impinges upon surface or surfaces 36 and the reflected light is collected by hemispherical or short focal length lens 38 . the focused light impinges upon optical bandpass filter 39 which filters out the various wavelengths of light illuminating the room and allows light within the passed bandwidth to impinge upon optical detector 40 . electrical signal conditioner 41 conditions the electrical signal generated by optical detector 40 and said signal is then received by data communication device receiver 42 . communication is thereby established between transmitter 34 and receiver 42 that is not subject to interference by physical barriers or obstacles such as obstacle 43 which may be in the room . transmitter 34 and receiver 42 may be computers , each of which includes an rs - 232 or internet port for data . this application is useful for any size room , including large spaces such as found in warehouse situations . because the light sensed by detector 40 is scattered as a result of impinging on target surface 36 , the intensity of the beam emitted by laser source 35 is dictated by the sensitivity of the detector or sensor 40 and not on any requirements of an intermediate or relay system . in practice , this system can be used to control functions of televisions , computers , telecommunication devices , internet devices , printers , and the like . in a specific embodiment of this system , with the use of a # or 2 # steradian solid angle lens and detector , any problems caused by obstacle 43 may be overcome with ease . in addition to control functions , both analog and / or digital information may be conveyed in the light beam . this is accomplished by amplitude modulation of the power supply to the light source , such as an electromodulator or a high electromechanical chopper to encrypt the information . in the embodiment of fig3 laser communication system 50 is modified to communicate between buildings 52 and 54 . in this embodiment , an external target , here shown as tree 51 , is used between source 54 , modulated by transmitting device 55 , and detector apparatus 56 that delivers the data to receiving device 57 . transmitter and receiver telescopes 53 and 59 are used in the same manner as in the embodiment of fig1 . other types of targets may be used , including , but not limited to , clouds , buildings , direct atmospheric aerosols , etc . as in the first two embodiments , the same type of information may be transmitted , and the same sources used , but greater distances are covered . multiple transmitters may be employed in this system , and optical as well as laser sources may supply the light beam , and there may also be a plurality of receiving devices using different target areas or the same target area if the signals are encoded or different laser wavelengths and optically filtered detectors are used . detection system 56 detects the scattered light emanating from target 51 , irrespective of any intervening object in the direct optical pathway , which prevents pointcommunication between source 54 and detector 56 . [ 0042 ] fig4 depicts an expanded version of this system , denoted 60 as a whole , with an amplitude modulated continuous - wave gaaias 1 . 5 μm diode laser 62 as the source with encrypted electronic signals being carried by virtue of electronic modulation devices in the system . more specifically , electrical signal conditioners 66 condition signals from data transmitting device 64 and said conditioned signals modulate laser 62 . the lidar beam generated by laser 62 is directed by transmit telescope 68 through the atmosphere to a distant target 70 . the reflected beam is collected by receiver telescope 72 and delivered to optical detector 74 . the electrical signals generated by optical detector 74 are conditioned by electrical signal detector 76 and delivered to data receiving device 78 . it will thus be seen that the objects set forth above , and those made apparent from the foregoing description , are efficiently attained . since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention , it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense . it is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described , and all statements of the scope of the invention that , as a matter of language , might be said to fall therebetween .	7
according to the system of this invention , the major components of an english language sentence are of four classes , to wit : ( 1 ) foundation elements , ( 2 ) modifiers , ( 3 ) modifiers of modifiers , and ( 4 ) function words . foundation elements are nouns , noun equivalents , and verbs performing syntactic functions as the foundational building blocks of a sentence . a noun equivalent is a word group or word not otherwise a noun in a syntactic function ordinarily performed by a noun . modifiers are adjectives , adverbs , and their equivalents which perform the syntactic function of modifying a foundation element in a sentence . an adjective equivalent is a word group or word not otherwise an adjective in a syntactic function ordinarily performed by an adjective . an adverb equivalent is a word group or word not otherwise an adverb in a syntactic function ordinarily performed by an adverb . modifiers of modifiers are adverbs or adverb equivalents which perform the syntactic function of modifying other modifiers . function words are those words which have no lexical meaning , but which make it possible to create larger meaningful patterns . prepositions , coordinating conjunctions , subordinating conjunctions , relative pronouns , and interjections are all function words . foundation elements , as defined by this invention , are the most important constituents of a sentence ; they are the basic elements of every sentence . according to their functions in a sentence , the foundation elements comprise : ( 1 ) the expressions of the subject of the sentence , ( 2 ) any expression of action being performed by or upon the subject expression , or any expression linking the subject expression of a sentence to its predicate or predicate expression , e . g ., a copula equating the subject expression in meaning to , or identifying the subject expression with an expression which is in a portion of a sentence commonly referred to as the predicate , ( 3 ) any expression of an indirect object of an expressed action , ( 4 ) any expression of a direct object of an expressed action , ( 5 ) any expression of an object of a preposition , and ( 6 ) any predicate expression in the form of a noun or noun equivalent to which the subject expression is being linked . every sentence must have a subject expression , and every sentence must have either an expression of action being performed by or upon the subject expression ( commonly referred to as an active or passive verb , respectively ) or a linking expression ( commonly referred to as a linking verb or copula ). as a first example , consider the sentence , &# 34 ; the soldier fought in the war .&# 34 ; the word &# 34 ; soldier &# 34 ; is a foundation element because it is a noun functioning as an expression of the subject of the sentence . the word &# 34 ; fought &# 34 ; is a foundation element because it is an expression of action by the subject , and the word &# 34 ; war &# 34 ; is also a foundation element because it is a noun functioning as an expression of the object of a preposition ( in ). the phrase &# 34 ; in the war &# 34 ; is a modifier of the foundation element &# 34 ; fought &# 34 ; because it expresses where the soldier fought , i . e ., it is an adverb equivalent . the preposition &# 34 ; in &# 34 ; is a function word having no lexical meaning but operating to connect its object ( war ) with the action expression ( fought ). as a second example , consider the sentence , &# 34 ; to fight is dangerous .&# 34 ; the infinitive phrase &# 34 ; to fight &# 34 ; is a noun equivalent functioning as a foundation element because it is an expression of the subject of the sentence . the word &# 34 ; is &# 34 ; is also a foundation element because it links the subject expression ( to fight ) with the predicate of the sentence and particularly with the word &# 34 ; dangerous &# 34 ; which is a modifier of said subject expression because it describes and qualifies the subject . as a third example , consider the sentence , &# 34 ; being in a war shows that one is courageous .&# 34 ; the phrase &# 34 ; being in a war &# 34 ; is a noun equivalent , commonly known as a gerund phrase , functioning as a foundation element of the sentence because it is an expression of the subject of the sentence . the word &# 34 ; shows &# 34 ; is also a foundation element because it is an expression of action being performed by the subject of the sentence , and the clause &# 34 ; that he is courageous &# 34 ; is a noun equivalent , commonly known as a noun clause , functioning as a foundation element because it is an expression of a direct object of the action . as a fourth example , consider the sentence , &# 34 ; the soldier shows that he is courageous by fighting in a war .&# 34 ; the phrase &# 34 ; fighting in a war &# 34 ; is a noun equivalent functioning as an object of a preposition ( by ) and , as such , it is a foundation element . the entire prepositional phrase &# 34 ; by fighting in a war &# 34 ; is an adverb equivalent modifying the action expression &# 34 ; shows .&# 34 ; as in the previous example , the clause &# 34 ; that he is courageous &# 34 ; is a noun equivalent acting as a direct object of the expressed action and , as such , it is also a foundation element . as a fifth example , consider the sentence , &# 34 ; he gave the boy that delivers his newspaper a tip .&# 34 ; the expression &# 34 ; he &# 34 ; is a noun equivalent , commonly known as a pronoun , functioning as an expression of the subject of the sentence and , as such , it is a foundation element . the expression &# 34 ; tip &# 34 ; is a foundation element because it is a noun functioning as a direct object expression of the action expression &# 34 ; gave .&# 34 ; the expression &# 34 ; boy &# 34 ; is also a foundation element because it is functioning as an indirect object expression of the action . the clause &# 34 ; that delivers his newspaper &# 34 ; is an adjective equivalent , commonly known as an adjective clause , which is functioning as a modifier of &# 34 ; boy .&# 34 ; as a sixth example , consider the sentence , &# 34 ; the soldier who fought in the war is a man of courage .&# 34 ; the clause &# 34 ; who fought in the war &# 34 ; is an adjective equivalent modifying the subject expression &# 34 ; soldier .&# 34 ; the word &# 34 ; man &# 34 ; is a predicate expression which is a foundation element because it is a noun in the predicate portion of the sentence which is linked to the subject expression by the linking expression &# 34 ; is .&# 34 ; the prepositional phrase &# 34 ; of courage &# 34 ; is an adjective equivalent modifier because it qualifies or describes the foundation element &# 34 ; man ,&# 34 ; and &# 34 ; courage &# 34 ; is also a foundation element because it is a noun functioning as the object expression of the preposition &# 34 ; of .&# 34 ; as a seventh example , consider the sentence , &# 34 ; whoever fights in a war could be killed .&# 34 ; the clause &# 34 ; whoever fights in a war &# 34 ; is a foundation element of the sentence because it is a noun equivalent functioning as the subject expression of the sentence . the compound word &# 34 ; could be killed &# 34 ; is an expression of action being performed upon the subject expression and is , therefore , a foundation element . the above examples illustrate that the foundation elements according to the system of this invention include expressions which are in the form of a word , phrase or clause , except for action and linking expressions which are unique and can only take the form of a word . as used in this specification and claims , the terms &# 34 ; word &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; words &# 34 ; refer to and include single words , hyphenated words , and compound words . according to the system of this invention , the foundation elements , except for the action and linking expressions , are categorized according to form as follows : ( 1 ) all foundation elements expressed by only a word ( noun , pronoun , or the like ) are defined as having a first form , ( 2 ) all foundation elements expressed by a phrase ( e . g ., an infinitive or gerund phrase used as a noun equivalent ) are defined as having a second form , and ( 3 ) all foundation elements expressed by a clause ( e . g ., a subordinate clause used as a noun equivalent ) are defined as having a third form . the modifying elements are also categorized into three corresponding forms as follow : ( 1 ) modifying expressions in the form of a word having a first form , ( 2 ) modifying expressions in phrase form ( e . g ., prepositional phrases and infinitives used as adjective or adverb equivalents ) having a second form , and ( 3 ) modifying expressions in clause form used as adverb or adjective equivalents having a third form . modifiers of modifiers also have three forms : ( 1 ) a first form being words that modify a modifier , ( 2 ) a second form being phrases used as adverb equivalents to modify a modifier , and ( 3 ) a third form being clauses used as adverb equivalents to modify a modifier . according to the system of this invention , the constituents of an english language sentence are also distinguishable by the function they perform in the sentence . all expressions of the subject of a sentence , all expressions modifying the subject expressions , and all expressions modifying the expressions modifying the subject expressions collectively perform the function of fully defining the subject of the sentence , and are all members of a first functional set . any expression of action being performed by or upon the subject expression of a sentence , any expression linking the subject expression to a predicate expression , all expressions modifying the action or linking expressions , and all expressions modifying the expressions modifying action or linking expressions collectively perform the function of fully defining the action or linkage , respectively , associated with the subject of the sentence , and are all members of a second functional set . all expressions of an indirect object of any action expressed in a sentence , all expressions modifying the indirect object expressions , and all expressions modifying the expressions modifying the indirect object expressions collectively perform the function of fully defining the persons or things indirectly affected by the action , and are all members of a third functional set . all expressions of a direct object of any and all action expressed in a sentence , all expressions modifying the direct object expressions , and all expressions modifying the expressions modifying the direct object expressions collectively perform the function of fully defining the persons or things that are directly affected by the action , and are all members of a fourth functional set . all expressions which are an object of a preposition , all expressions modifying the object of preposition expressions , and all expressions modifying the expressions modifying the object of a preposition expressions collectively perform the function of fully defining the persons or things which are being connected to another expression by the preposition , and are all members of a fifth functional set . all predicate expressions , i . e ., expressions which are linked to a subject expression of a sentence by a linking expression of the second functional set , all expressions modifying the predicate expressions , and all expressions modifying the expressions modifying the predicate expressions collectively perform the function of explaining , identifying with , or otherwise equating to the subject expression , and are all members of a sixth functional set . referring to fig1 a schema , generally designated 2 , according to the system of this invention is illustrated as having six rows and six columns of indicia separated by a gap 4 . in this schema the foundation elements and the modifiers of foundation elements are presented , but no function words . function words are excluded because they have no lexical meaning . referring again to fig1 indicia representing foundation elements of all forms and functions are grouped together as a class and disposed in a plurality of adjacent rows , all rows being parallel to an ordinate 6 , each row comprising all of the possible foundation elements of a sentence of a common form in the order that said elements are commonly used in a sentence . most commonly the subject expression precedes all other foundation expressions and therefore the first indicia in each row represents a form of subject expression . an action or linking expression most commonly follows next after the subject expression . it should be noted that action and linking expressions in the english language are only in word form and therefore the second indicia in each row represents an action or linking expression in word form . if an indirect object expression is present , it most commonly follows immediately after an action expression , and therefore indicia representing the forms of an indirect object expression appear in their respective rows next after the action indicia . if a direct object expression is present , it most commonly follows immediately after an action expression unless an indirect object is also present in which case it follows the indirect object expression . therefore indicia representing the forms of a direct object expression appear in their respective rows next after the indirect object indicia . prepositional phrases often appear in connection with the object of a sentence , and therefore indicia representing expressions of the object of a preposition appear in their respective rows next after the direct object indicia . if a predicate expression is present , it always follows a linking expression , and therefore indicia representing the forms of a predicate expression appear in their respective rows after the linking indicia , albeit not immediately after . the number of rows corresponds to the number of forms of said foundation elements . since under this system all possible foundation elements have been divided into three possible forms , the three rows correspond to the three forms . row one 8 contains only foundation elements of the third form , row two 10 contains only foundation elements of the second form , and row three 12 contains only foundation elements of the first form . referring again to fig1 indicia representing foundation element modifiers of all forms and functions are disposed in a plurality of adjacent rows , all parallel to said ordinate , each row containing only modifying elements of a common form , the number of rows corresponding to the number of forms of modifying elements . since under this system all possible foundation element modifiers have been divided into three possible forms , the three modifier rows correspond to the three possible modifier forms . row four 14 of the schema contains only modifiers of the first form , row five 16 contains only modifiers of the second form , and row six 18 contains only modifiers of the third form . from a functional set standpoint , each modifier row is ordered so as to correspond to the order of the rows of foundation elements , i . e ., the functional set order of the modifier rows matches the functional set order of the foundation elements . referring again to fig1 each column comprises foundation elements and modifiers belonging to a common functional set . since under this system , the foundation elements together with their modifiers have been divided into six possible functional sets , the six columns correspond to the six functional sets . from the left , the first column 20 contains only members of the first functional set , to wit : subject expressions in word s1 , phrase s2 and clause s3 forms ; and subject expression modifiers in word sa1 , phrase sa2 and clause sa3 forms . the second column 22 contains only members of the second functional set , to wit : action and linking expressions a / l , but only in word form since that is the only form in which they can be found ; and modifiers of action and linking expressions in word av1 , phrase av2 and clause av3 forms . the third column 24 contains only members of the third functional set , to wit : indirect object expressions in word io1 , phrase io2 and clause io3 forms ; and indirect object expression modifiers in word ia1 , phrase ia2 and clause ia3 forms . the fourth column 26 contains only members of the fourth functional set , to wit : direct object expressions in word do1 , phrase do2 and clause do3 forms ; and direct object expression modifiers in word da1 , phrase da2 and clause da3 forms . the fifth column 28 contains only members of the fifth functional set , to wit : object of preposition expressions in word op1 , phrase op2 and clause op3 forms ; and object of preposition modifiers in word oa1 , phrase oa2 and clause oa3 forms . the sixth column 30 contains only members of the sixth functional set , to wit : predicate expressions in word pn1 , phrase pn2 and clause pn3 forms ; and modifiers of said predicate expressions in word pa1 , phrase pa2 and clause pa3 forms . referring again to fig1 adjacent certain modifier indicia , in their respective rows and columns , are smaller indicia 32 representing the class of sentence constituents designated as modifiers of modifiers . the smaller or subindicia are indicative of the fact that said modifiers of modifiers serve to modify sentence constituents of the class designated as modifiers of foundation elements . their presence adjacent the certain foundation element modifiers and not others indicates some apparent limitations . it appears that at the present state of the english language only those forms of class two modifiers marked by the subindicia can be themselves modified . however , the english language is a vital and evolving langauge and such apparent limitations may change . the schema of this system is a linguistic template which can be used both in the analysis of a sentence and in the synthesis of a sentence . in one mode of operation , a sentence to be analyzed can be indicated in the gap 4 . the person is thereby assisted in his or her analysis by the fact that the sentence is amidst a schema of all possible classes ( excluding function words which are easily distinguishable ), forms and functions of the constituents of the sentence . analysis of the sentence therefore becomes a task of merely matching a constituent with its proper schema indicia . there must be a match for all constituents , excluding function words . after using the schema in such a fashion for a number of times , the schema becomes a part of a person &# 39 ; s memory and the person thereafter can use a mental image of the schema to do the matching mentally . learning the schema can be aided by use of sub - schema as shown in fig2 and 3 . a selected row ( 34 of fig1 and 36 of fig2 ) of the schema of fig1 is isolated and a sentence containing constituents of the class , form and function of that isolated row is presented to a person learning the schema in a sentence display area ( 38 and 40 respectively ). the person then has a more simplified task of finding only the constituents that match the indicia of the isolated row . fig2 illustrates a sub - schema containing a foundation element row of indicia . fig3 illustrates a sub - schema containing a class two modifier row of indicia . the background shading 42 of each indicia in fig3 illustrates the fact that said indicia are related to foundation elements and cannot stand alone . in using the schema for the synthesis of sentences , a person can use the schema to analyze the construct of his or her sentences after their composition . analysis of complex sentences is accomplished using a &# 34 ; top - down &# 34 ; approach , that is , the overall structure of a sentence is analyzed by categorizing any and all dependent clauses as third form constituents . then the dependent clauses can be individually analyzed . compound sentences are analyzed by separately analyzing each independent clause component . compound - complex sentences are analyzed by using both techniques in combination . the foregoing description and drawings were given for illustrative purposes only , it being understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed , but is intended to embrace any and all alternatives , equivalents , modifications and rearrangements of elements falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims .	6
fig1 is a schematic illustration ( not to scale ) of a scenario 1 in which an unmanned air vehicle ( uav ) 2 is used to perform an embodiment of a surveillance process . the surveillance process is described in more detail later below with reference to fig3 . in this scenario 1 , the uav 2 files over ( or proximate to ) an area of terrain 4 . as uav 2 flies over the area of terrain 4 , the uav 2 performs surveillance of the area of terrain 4 ( and the building 6 therein ). this surveillance comprises the uav 2 capturing images of the area of terrain 4 as described in more detail later below with reference to fig4 . in this scenario 1 , the area of terrain is outdoors . however , in other scenarios , a different type of area is under surveillance ( i . e . the area to be surveilled is an area that is not outdoors ). for example , in other embodiments , the area to be surveilled may be within a building . in this scenario 1 , the uav 2 is connected to a ground station 8 by a wireless data - link 10 . this connection is such that information may be sent between the uav 2 and the ground station 8 . the uav 2 may , for example , be controlled by an operator ( e . g . a human operator ) located at the ground station 8 . fig2 is a schematic illustration ( not to scale ) of the uav 2 . the uav 2 comprises a sensor 12 , a data acquisition module 14 , an automatic change detection ( acd ) module 16 , and a transceiver 18 . in this embodiment , the sensor 12 is a conventional complementary metal oxide semiconductor ( cmos ) sensor comprising an array of pixel sensors . each of the respective pixel sensors of the sensor 12 is configured to capture images of a respective different portion of the area of terrain 4 as the uav 2 flies over , or proximate to , the area of terrain 4 . this is such that the whole of the area of terrain 4 ( and the building 6 ) may be imaged using the sensor 12 . the sensor 12 may be mounted on the uav 2 via a gimbal ( not shown in the figures ). the sensor 12 is connected to the data acquisition module 14 such that information may be sent from the sensor 12 to the data acquisition module 14 and vice versa . in this embodiment , the data acquisition module 14 is configured to provide , or “ drive ”, a control signal for each of the pixel sensors of the sensor 12 . also , the data acquisition module 14 is configured to provide , or “ drive ” a clock signal for each of the pixel sensors of the sensor 12 . thus , the data acquisition module 14 controls the operation of the pixel sensors of the sensor 12 . for example , the data acquisition module 14 may control the rate at which each pixel sensor of the sensor 12 captures images of the portion of the area of terrain 4 that corresponds to that pixel sensor . in addition to being connected to the sensor 12 , the data acquisition module 14 is connected to the acd module 16 . this is such that information may be sent from the data acquisition module 14 to the acd module 16 and vice versa . the data acquisition module 14 is also connected to the transceiver 18 . this is such that information may be sent from the data acquisition module 14 to the transceiver 18 and vice versa . in this embodiment , the acd module 16 is configured to process image data generated by the sensor 12 , as described in more detail later below with reference to fig3 . in addition to being connected to the data acquisition module 14 , the acd module 16 is connected to the transceiver 18 . this is such that information may be sent from the acd module 16 to the transceiver 18 and vice versa . the transceiver 18 is connected to the ground station 8 via the data - link 10 such that information may be sent from the transceiver 18 to the transceiver ground station 8 and vice versa . apparatus , including the data acquisition module 14 and acd module 16 , for implementing the above arrangement , and performing the method steps to be described later below with reference to fig3 , may be provided by configuring or adapting any suitable apparatus , for example one or more computers or other processing apparatus or processors , and / or providing additional modules . the apparatus may comprise a computer , a network of computers , or one or more processors , for implementing instructions and using data , including instructions and data in the form of a computer program or plurality of computer programs stored in or on a machine readable storage medium such as computer memory , a computer disk , rom , prom etc ., or any combination of these or other storage media . the apparatus may be wholly on - board the uav 2 , wholly off - board the uav 2 ( e . g . at the ground station 8 ), or partially on board and partially off - board the uav 2 . fig3 is a process flow chart showing certain steps of an embodiment of a surveillance process performed by the uav 2 in the above described scenario 1 . at step s 2 , as the uav 2 flies proximate to the area of terrain 4 , the sensor 12 images the area of terrain 4 , i . e . the sensor 12 captures a sequence of images ( i . e . frames ) of the area of terrain 4 and the building 6 therein . in particular , each pixel sensor of the sensor 12 captures images of a respective portion of the area of terrain 4 . this is performed such that all of the area of terrain 4 ( and building 6 ) is imaged . in this embodiment , at step s 2 , the images are captured over a series of time - steps ( i . e . over a time - period ). in this embodiment , the images captured by the sensor 12 at step s 2 are captured at a relatively low frame rate , i . e . a relatively low frequency . in other words , at step s 2 , the data acquisition module 14 controls the pixel sensors of the sensor 12 to capture images at a relative low rate , i . e . the control signals for the pixel sensor provided to the sensor by the data acquisition module 14 specify a low frame rate for the pixel sensors . at step s 4 , the image data captured by the sensor 12 is sent from the sensor 12 to the data acquisition module 14 . this may , for example , be performed continuously as the sensor 12 captures images of the area of terrain 4 over a period of time . at step s 5 , the data acquisition module 14 assembles images of the area of terrain 4 from the images taken by the pixel sensors of the sensor 12 . in this embodiment , a sequence of images of the area of terrain 4 is produced . at step s 6 , the assembled images are sent from the data acquisition module 14 to the acd module 16 . this may , for example , be performed continuously as the data acquisition module 14 assembles the images in the image sequence . at step s 8 , the acd module 16 performs a change detection algorithm on the received image data . the change detection algorithm is a conventional change detection algorithm for identifying significant changes between a frame and one or more subsequent frames e . g . between one image from the captured sequence of images and a subsequent image . the change detection algorithm may be used to detect objects ( e . g . vehicles , people etc .) moving within the area of terrain 4 . any appropriate change detection algorithm may be used . for example , a change detection algorithm that detects changes based on changes in image contrast or edge detection may be used . in other embodiments , instead of or in addition to the change detection process , a process for detecting anomalous features or behaviour may be used to detect objects . in this embodiment , the change detection algorithm comprises defining one or more “ regions of interest ” in one or more of the captured images . a region of interest is a region within an image in which the detected change occurs ( i . e . in which an object is detected ). a region of interest may be defined for each of the detected changes / objects . at step s 10 , the acd module 16 performs a conventional tracking algorithm . the tracking algorithm is a conventional tracking algorithm for tracking , between frames , the detected objects or image features . in this embodiment , the tracking algorithm may be used to determine a position for a detected object at a next time - step ( i . e . at the next time at which an image of the area of terrain 4 is to be captured by the sensor 12 ). the tracking algorithm may also determine a region of interest for the next time step ( i . e . a region within an image taken at the next time - step in which the object will most likely be located ). any appropriate tracking algorithm may be used . the size of a region of interest for an object may be dependent upon how certain , or how confident , the tracking algorithm is about the position of that object at the next time step . also , the size of a region of interest for an object may be dependent upon how quickly that object is moving . for example , the region of interest for an object may be relatively large if that object is a fast moving object compared to if that object was moving more slowly . fig4 is a schematic illustration ( not to scale ) of an example frame 20 ( i . e . image in the captured sequence of images ). the frame 20 is an image that contains the area of terrain 4 and the building 6 . the frame 20 further comprises images of objects 22 that are moving within the area of terrain 4 . regions of interest 24 are defined in the frame 20 . each region of interest 24 wholly contains an object 22 . also , the objects 22 have been tracked ( as described above with reference to step s 10 of the process of fig3 ) through the sequence of images along respective paths ( indicated in fig4 by dotted lines and the reference numeral 26 ). at step s 12 , information that identifies the determined positions , at the next time - step , of each region of interest 24 is sent from the acd module 16 to the data acquisition module 14 . this information may , for example , be coordinates for each of the region of interest 24 ( e . g . coordinates of the four corners of a square region of interest ) at the time - step . at step s 14 , using the received information , the data acquisition module 14 identifies those pixel sensors of the sensor 12 that , at the time - step , would capture an image within a region of interest 24 . this may be performed in any appropriate way , for example , the data acquisition module 14 may identify pixel sites ( i . e . in effect “ addresses ”) for those pixels that , at the time - step , would capture an image within a region of interest 24 . at step s 16 , the data acquisition module 14 controls the pixel sensors identified at step s 14 ( i . e . the pixel sensors that , at the next time - step , are to capture an image with a region of interest 24 ) such that , at the next time - step , those pixel sensors capture images at a relatively high frame rate ( compared to the relatively low frame rate with which images are captured at step s 2 ). in this embodiment , the pixel sensors other than those identified at step s 14 , i . e . the pixels sensors that , at the next time - step , are to capture an image that is not in a region of interest 24 , are controlled so as to capture images at the relatively low frame rate . at step s 18 , at the next time - step , the sensor 12 images the area of terrain 4 . the pixel sensors of the sensor 12 that capture an image with a region of interest 24 capture images at a relatively high frequency ( i . e . at a relatively high rate ), whilst the pixel sensors that generate image pixels not within a region of interest 24 capture images with a relatively low frequency . at step s 20 , the image data captured by the sensor 12 at step s 18 is sent from the sensor 12 to the data acquisition module 14 . at step s 22 , the data acquisition module 14 assembles images from the received image data . images of the whole of the area of terrain may be produced . also , a sequence of images of each of the regions of interest 24 may be produced . at step s 24 , the assembled images are sent from the data acquisition module 14 to both the transceiver 18 and the acd module 16 . in other embodiments , the assembled images may be stored e . g . by the data acquisition module 14 , in a database . this database may be onboard the uav 2 . the images stored on such a database may be retrieved ( e . g . at a later time ) from that database e . g . for use by the acd module 16 , or for sending to the ground station 8 by the transceiver 18 . after step s 24 , the method proceeds to steps s 26 and s 30 . step s 30 will be described in more detail later below after the description of steps s 26 and s 28 . at step s 26 , the images received by the transceiver 18 are sent from the uav 2 to the ground station 8 via the data - link 10 . at step s 28 , the images received by the ground station are analysed . this may , for example , be performed by displaying the received imagery to a human operator located at the ground station , and that human operator manually analysing the displayed images . the images may be displayed to the human operator as video footage of the area of terrain 4 . the human operator may manipulate the video footage , or any of the individual images , in any appropriate way ( e . g . by zooming , pausing , replaying , fast - forwarding , rewinding etc .). advantageously , the objects , features and events that are typically deemed to be of interest during surveillance operations , e . g . objects 22 moving within the area of terrain 4 , are provided to the ground station 8 ( for analysis ) at a higher rate than things not typically of interest . thus , the regions of interest 24 ( that include the objects 22 moving through the area of terrain 4 ) may be displayed to a human operator at the ground station 8 at a relatively high rate . this tends to reduce motion blur and flicker in the portions of the video footage deemed to be of interest . this tends to make analysis of events of interest easier . also , this tends to increase information content about target motion and tends to increase the chance of capturing information about the target . also , this tends to make it easier for a human operator to see and track fast moving objects . furthermore , as regions that are deemed not to be of interest are provided to the ground station at relatively lower rate , the communication bandwidth required for sending images between the uav 2 and the ground station 8 tends to be reduced compared to if whole images were sent at the relatively higher rate . at step s 30 , the acd module 16 may determine whether or not the surveillance of the area of terrain 4 is to continue , i . e . whether or not the surveillance operation being performed is to be stopped . the acd module 16 may determine that the surveillance operation is to be stopped in any appropriate way , for example , the ground station 8 may instruct the uav 2 to stop the surveillance operation . if , at step s 30 , it is determined that the surveillance of the area of terrain 4 is to continue , the process of fig3 proceeds back to step s 8 . thus , the acd module performs the change detection and tracking processes using the images assembled by the data acquisition module 14 at step s 22 . the detected objects 22 may continue to be tracked , and images of regions of interest 24 surrounding those tracked objects 22 may continue to be captured by the sensor 12 at a relatively high rate . however , if , at step s 30 , it is determined that the surveillance of the area of terrain 4 is not to continue , the process of fig3 ends . thus , a surveillance process performed by the uav 2 is provided . an advantage provided by the above described system and method is that of a reduction in communication bandwidth requirements compared with that of a conventional system . furthermore , if images are stored e . g . on the uav , memory / storage requirements tend also to be reduced compared to conventional systems . this reduction in communication bandwidth ( and / or memory ) tends to be facilitated by transmitting ( and / or storing ) portions of images that do not contain objects of interest as low rate data , whilst only sub - images ( i . e . not the whole image ) that contain objects of interest are transmitted ( and / or stored ) as high rate data . the communication bandwidth and / or memory / storage requirements may be further reduced by only transmitting and / or storing ( as relatively high rate data ) the sub - images that contain objects of interest and discarding the portions of the image that do not contain those objects of interest ( i . e . by not sending / storing the images captured at the relatively low rate ). only sending sub - images that contain objects of interest at a high rate ( as opposed to sending the whole of images at high rate ) tends to reduce the amount of processing power required . this , in turn , tends to reduce the amount of power , cooling , and storage required for the processing modules . thus , the weight and cost of the uav tend to be reduced . furthermore , for a given amount of processing power , in the above described system , a larger sensor may be used than in a system that transmits whole images at a relatively high rate . this tracking algorithm used by the acd module to track a detected object may be performed using the high rate images of only the regions of interest , as opposed to high rate full frame images . this advantageously tends to provide that the data acquisition system used may be simpler and cheaper than a data acquisition system used to perform conventional surveillance methods . this is because the data acquisition system used in the above described method tends only to be required to read out the region of interest mages at the high rate as opposed to full frame data . in the above described methods , events that are typically deemed to be important in surveillance operations ( e . g . objects moving through the area being kept under surveillance ) are automatically detected and tracked . the above described system and method may advantageously be implemented in different surveillance operations ( i . e . surveillance operations different to that described above ). for example , the above described method may be used to detect , track , and provide high rate video footage of regions of interest when performing road traffic surveillance , crowd control , crowd monitoring , shipping surveillance , air - traffic control , border control , etc . a further advantage provided by the above described system is that the system is modular . this tends to provide that , if desired , any of the modules ( e . g . the sensors , the data acquisition module , or the acd module ) can be updated , repaired , replaced , or changed independently of the other modules of the system . moreover , the modularity of the system tends to provide that additional sensors can easily be incorporated into the system as required ( e . g . depending on the application or any constraints on the system such as spatial constraints imposed by the aircraft ). furthermore , due to its modularity the system is advantageously scalable so that it can be implemented on a variety of platforms . a further advantage provided by the above described system and method is that , by using the array of cameras ( as opposed to , for example , a camera mounted on turret ) is that video of more than one object of interest can be extracted simultaneously from within the field of view of a single camera . furthermore , the extracted video of objects of interest from all the cameras in the array may be coupled together such that a capability of ‘ videoing ’ multiple objects of interest at the same time tends to be advantageously provided . it should be noted that certain of the process steps depicted in the flowchart of fig3 and described above may be omitted or such process steps may be performed in differing order to that presented above and shown in fig3 . furthermore , although all the process steps have , for convenience and ease of understanding , been depicted as discrete temporally - sequential steps , nevertheless some of the process steps may in fact be performed simultaneously or at least overlapping to some extent temporally . in the above embodiments , the surveillance process is implemented in the scenario described above with reference to fig1 . however in other embodiments , the surveillance process may be implemented in a different scenario , e . g . a scenario comprising a plurality of ground stations , a plurality of uavs and a plurality of targets to be kept under surveillance . in the above embodiments , the surveillance process was implemented using a uav . however , in other embodiments , the surveillance process may be performed by one or more different entities , e . g . manned aircraft , land - based or water - based vehicles , surveillance systems on or in buildings , etc . in the above embodiments , image data is transmitted from the uav to the ground station ( for analysis ). however , in other embodiments , some or all of the image data may not be transmitted from the uav . for example , some or all of the image data may be stored on board the uav until the surveillance operation is finished . also for example , only high rate image data ( i . e . video footage of the regions of interest ) may be transmitted or stored by the uav . in the above embodiments , the sensor is a conventional complementary metal oxide semiconductor ( cmos ) sensor comprising an array of pixel sensors . such a sensor may detect visible light . however , in other embodiments , a different type of sensor or sensor array may be used . for example , in other embodiments , sensors the detect infrared or ultraviolet light may be used instead of or in addition to a visible light detecting sensor ( e . g . the cmos sensor ). in the above embodiments , the change detection and tracking algorithms are performed on - board the uav by the acd module . however , in other embodiments , the functionality provided by the acd module may be provided by a different entity . for example , in other embodiments , a human operator may manually detect changes in the low rate images and define regions of interest within those images that are to be readout at a higher rate . these regions of interest may be tracked automatically ( e . g . by the acd module ) or manually ( e . g . by the human operator ). such a human operator may be located on - board the aircraft or off - board the aircraft ( e . g . at the ground station ). in other embodiments , a human operator ( or other entity ) may review and / or edit the objects and regions of interest generated and tracked by the acd module . in the above embodiments , the regions of interest determined and tracked by the acd module ( at steps s 8 and s 10 of the process of fig3 ) are imaged differently to region not of interest ( i . e . other regions ). in particular , those regions of interest are imaged at a higher rate . however , in other embodiments , those regions of interest may be imaged in a different way to that described above . for example , in other embodiments , the determined and tracked regions of interest may be imaged at a relatively higher resolution than regions not of interest . relatively lower resolution images of regions that are not of interest may , for example , be gathered by grouping together ( or binning ) multiple pixel sensors that are to image those regions , and imaging the area of terrain using those groups ( whilst relatively higher resolution images of the regions of interest may , for example , be gathered by not grouping together the pixel sensors that are to image the regions of interest , and imaging the regions of interest as described in the above embodiments ). in other embodiments , the determined and tracked regions of interest may be imaged at both a relatively higher resolution and a relatively higher rate than regions not of interest .	6
in all the figures of the drawing , sub - features and integral parts that correspond to one another bear the same reference symbol in each case . referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail and first , particularly , to fig1 a thereof , there is shown a closed container 1 filled with a liquid 2 . the container 1 may be , by way of example , an ink - filled supply container for an ink jet printer . on its underside , the container 1 has an outlet opening 3 , via which the liquid 2 can leave the container 1 . furthermore , in a manner that is not illustrated , ventilation openings disposed in a cover region , if appropriate , are provided in order to ventilate the container 1 . the liquid 2 has different liquid levels depending on the filling level , an upper liquid level 4 being illustrated by solid lines and a lower liquid level 4 ′ being illustrated by broken lines . furthermore , a bar magnet 5 is situated in the interior of the container , a float 6 being fitted to one pole end ( in this case : the south pole ) of the bar magnet 5 . the bar magnet 5 is articulated on the container 1 in a manner allowing it to rotate in its longitudinal center region , the buoyancy experienced by the float 6 in the liquid 2 always ensures that the float end of the bar magnet 5 is situated at the height of the current liquid level 4 or 4 ′. accordingly , in the event of the liquid level 4 dropping to the deeper ( lower ) liquid level 4 ′, the bar magnet 5 rotates in accordance with the arrow direction of line 7 of movement , which is shown as a broken line . the position of the magnet 5 in the case of the liquid level 4 ′ is likewise illustrated by broken lines in fig1 a . fig1 b shows the container 1 inserted into an installation receptacle 8 of an apparatus that is not illustrated in any more detail , for example an inkjet printer . an axis x of rotation of the magnet 5 with the float 6 is realized by an axle projection 10 formed integrally with a side wall 9 of the container 1 and the axle projection 10 has an extension 11 at its free end . the extension 11 securing the magnet 5 against falling away . on a housing portion 12 , fixed to the apparatus , of the installation receptacle 8 , a gmr sensor 13 is preferably positioned in such a way that the axis x of rotation extends through the gmr sensor 13 . the gmr sensor 13 is connected via an electrical connection 14 to an evaluation circuit 15 that measures the electrical resistance of the gmr sensor 13 . in the event of a rotary movement of the magnet 5 caused by a change in the liquid level , the direction of the magnetic field appearing at the location of the gmr sensor 13 changes . the gmr sensor 13 , which is sensitive to a change in the direction of the magnetic field , thereupon changes its electrical resistance , the change in resistance being registered by the evaluation circuit 15 , as already mentioned . since the measured value acquisition is not of an inductive nature , the rotational speed of the magnet 5 does not have an essential part to play , that is to say the quasi - static movement processes that typically occur in the event of changes in the fluid level can readily be detected . furthermore , the exact installation position of the container 1 in the housing portion 12 and thus the measurement distance between the magnet 5 and the gmr sensor 13 is largely unimportant since they do not significantly influence the direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 5 at the location of the gmr sensor 13 . in a manner that is not illustrated , the bar magnet 5 can also be articulated pivotably on the container 1 eccentrically with respect to its longitudinal extent , for example at its end remote from the float 6 ( north pole ). this variant has the advantage that a larger measurement range can be monitored on account of the lengthened line 7 of movement of the float 6 in that case . however , a lower degree of measurement accuracy of this variant may or may not be disadvantageous , this being attributable to the fact that an identical change in the fluid level results in a comparatively smaller angular adjustment of the bar magnet 5 . fig2 a serves for explaining the measurement principle with the use of the gmr sensor 13 and , for this purpose , shows in an exemplary manner a fundamental layer structure of a gmr resistor present in the sensor 13 of this type . a multi - layer system containing alternately disposed nonmagnetic cu layers 22 and hard magnetic co layers 21 , 21 ′ is formed over a lower fe layer 20 . the magnetizations of the co layers 21 , 21 ′ illustrated by arrows are oriented in an anti - parallel manner , given a suitable thickness of the intervening cu layers 22 , with respect to successive layers 21 and 21 ′, that is to say that the cu — co multilayer system 21 , 21 ′, 22 realizes an artificial anti - ferromagnet . an upper covering layer 23 made of fe is applied over the multi - layer system 21 , 21 ′, 22 . in the case of an external magnetic field b corresponding to an orientation of the bar magnet 5 , a magnetization m of the upper soft magnetic fe covering layer 23 is established parallel to the external magnetic field b . the hard magnetic co layers 21 , 21 ′ retain their predetermined anti - parallel magnetizations . the electrical resistance , referred to as gmr resistance , of the cu — co multi - layer system 21 , 21 ′, 22 in the layer direction is dependent on the angle φ between the direction of the magnetization m of the fe covering layer 23 and the reference direction defined by the alternating magnetization of the cu — co multi - layer system 21 , 21 ′, 22 , that is to say changes with the direction of the external magnetic field b . provided that the external magnetic field b has a sufficient strength for the complete magnetization reversal of the fe covering layer 23 , the gmr resistance is not dependent on the strength of the magnetic field b . for this reason , the gmr sensor 13 is preferably operated in a saturation region , that is to say with complete orientation of the magnetization m of the fe covering layer 23 in the direction of the external magnetic field b , and is then sensitive exclusively to changes in the direction of the external magnetic field b . given a suitable configuration of the gmr sensor 13 , the saturation region may already be reached at a magnetic field strength of approximately 3 ka / m or less . in this case , it is possible to achieve a maximum measurement distance of approximately 25 mm or more between the gmr sensor 13 and the magnet 5 . according to fig2 b , the gmr sensor 13 can contain , by way of example , two gmr resistors r 1 , r 4 , which are connected up in the form of a wheatstone bridge using two comparison resistors r 2 , r 3 . the two comparison resistors r 2 , r 3 may be customary non reactive ( that is to say magnetic field - independent ) resistors or gmr resistors which are formed in the gmr sensor 13 and are shielded from the external magnetic field b . however , r 2 , r 3 may also be magnetic field - dependent . a predetermined operating voltage or a predetermined constant current is applied to the wheatstone bridge circuit r 1 , r 2 , r 3 and r 4 via a terminal v , a terminal g being at ground potential . a change in the resistance of the gmr resistors r 1 and r 4 can then be detected as a voltage change at bridge taps a and b . an equivalent circuit diagram of the circuit illustrated in the left - hand part of fig2 b is shown in the right - hand part of fig2 b . fig3 a and 3 b show a further exemplary embodiment of the invention , in which parts comparable to those in the previous figures are identified by identical reference symbols . in this case , the bar magnet 5 with the float 6 is freely moveable in the vertical direction in the container 1 and is held just by a link 16 , which runs essentially vertically and has a rectangular cross section , in the vicinity of the side wall 9 of the container , for example in a corner region of the container 1 . the link 16 has one or more optionally gap - like passage openings 17 via which the inner region of the link 16 is connected to the remaining volume of the container in fluid exchange terms . the gmr sensor 13 is again disposed on the housing portion 12 , fixed to the apparatus , of the installation receptacle 8 opposite a line 7 ′ of movement of the bar magnet 5 with the float 6 , the line of movement being predetermined by the link 16 . depending on the desired measurement task , the gmr sensor 13 may be positioned for example approximately at half the height of the container 1 or in the region of the container 1 that is near the bottom . if the gmr sensor 13 is positioned approximately at half the height of the container 1 , it can register the position of the bar magnet 5 both in the approach region , lying above the gmr sensor 13 , and in the remote region , lying below it , of the line 71 of movement . the gmr sensor 13 disposed in the region of the container 1 that is near the bottom can be used for example as a signal generator for a reserve or container changeover display . it is also possible to disposed a multiplicity of the gmr sensors 13 along the line 7 ′ of movement and , in this way , to obtain a lengthened measurement range . the gmr sensor 13 can also be disposed at a predetermined distance in a laterally offset manner with respect to the line 7 ′ of movement of the bar magnet 5 with the float 6 . fig4 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the invention , in which parts corresponding to those in the figures described above are again provided with the same reference symbols . the container 1 is filled with the liquid 2 up to the filling level ( liquid level 4 ). the float 6 floats on the liquid 2 and is fastened to one end of a cord 18 , the other end of which is wound onto a take - up reel which , in a concealed fashion in fig4 is situated behind a magnetic disk 5 ′ and is coupled to the latter in a manner fixed against rotation . the take - up reel and the magnetic disk 5 ′ are situated in the container 1 and can be fitted rotatably to the latter in a similar manner to that illustrated in fig1 a and 1 b . furthermore , the take - up reel is coupled to a restoring spring which exerts a force acting in the counterclockwise direction on the take - up reel , the strength of the force being chosen such that the cord 18 is always held in a tensioned manner irrespective of the height of the fluid level . outside the container 1 , the gmr sensor 13 is fitted such that it is situated opposite and preferably coaxial with the magnetic disk 5 ′, in a manner that is not illustrated . if the liquid level 4 falls , the cord 18 unwinds from the take - up reel and at the same time rotates the direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic disk 5 ′. in the manner that has already been described , this adjustment of the direction of the magnetic field can be detected by the gmr sensor 13 as a change in the resistance thereof and can be detected in a suitable manner by the evaluation circuit 15 . the exemplary embodiment illustrated in fig4 similarly to the exemplary embodiment shown in fig1 a and 1 b , is based on conversion of a linear movement of the liquid level 4 into a rotary movement of the magnet 5 or 5 ′, but , in comparison with the latter , has a significantly larger measurement range . in functional terms , all of the exemplary embodiments illustrated are directly comparable with one another , and they always enable a liquid fluid level 4 in a container 1 to be measured simply , contactlessly and in a manner allowing extremely diverse application in particular on account of the low costs of the components ( magnet 5 , float 6 ) required in the container 1 .	6
in the embodiment examples given below , analysis was made by high speed liquid chromatography , with measurement conducted under the following conditions : for α - apm : &# 34 ; tsk gel ls - 170 &# 34 ; ( trademark ), 5μ , packed in a column of inner dia . 7 . 5 mm × 20 cm length for α - ap and dkp : &# 34 ; tsk gel iex - 210 &# 34 ; ( trademark ), 5μ , packed in a column of inner dia . 4 . 0 mm × 10 cm length and &# 34 ; tsk gel ls - 170 &# 34 ; ( trademark ), 5μ , packed in a column of inner diameter 7 . 5 mm × 40 cm length . a treating solution was prepared by dissolving 200 mg of α - apm and 20 mg of a dkp ( 3 - benzyl - 6 - carboxymethyl - 2 , 5 - diketopiperazine ) in 50 ml of water . this solution was equivalent to a solution prepared by dissolving 220 mg of a crude α - apm containing 9 . 1 % of the dkp . to this solution was added 2 . 0 g ( dry ) of a cl - type strongly basic anion exchange resin ( trademark : amberlite ira - 410 ) and was stirred at 30 ° c . for 20 min by using a magnetic stirrer . the reaction solution was then filtrated and the resin was washed with 20 ml of water . then , the mixture of the filtrate and the washing water was subjected to above stated high speed chromatography analysis to determine the quantities of α - apm and the dkp contained . it was found that the mixture contained 187 mg of α - apm and 0 . 70 mg of the dkp . the ratio of the dkp content to the sum total quantity of α - apm and the dkp was 0 . 37 %. the recovery of α - apm was 93 . 5 %. a treating solution was prepared by dissolving 400 mg of α - apm , 20 mg of a dkp ( 3 - beuzyl - 6 - carboxymethyl - 2 , 5 - diketopiperazine ) and 20 mg of α - ap in 100 ml of water . this solution was equivalent to a solution obtained by dissolving a crude α - apm containing 4 . 5 % of the dkp and 4 . 5 % of α - ap . to this solution was added 4 . 0 g ( dry ) of a cl - type strongly basic anion exchange resin ( trademark : amberlite ira - 900 ). agitation was carried out an incubator at 30 ° c . for 20 min . the reaction solution was filtrated and the resin was washed with 50 ml of water . then , the mixture of filtrate and the washing water was subjected to the analytical process as mentioned in the foregoing for the determination to find that the mixture contained 398 mg of α - apm , 1 . 1 mg of the dkp and 1 . 4 mg of α - ap . the contents of the dkp and α - ap relative to the sum total quantity of the α - apm , dkp and α - ap were 0 . 27 % and 0 . 35 %, respectively . the recovery of α - apm was 99 . 5 %. a treating solution of the same composition as that of example 2 was prepared . to this was added 4 . 0 g ( dry ) of a cl - type anion exchange resin ( trademark : amberlite ira - 410 ). then , subsequent processes were carried out in the same manner as in example 2 . the results of analysis indicated that the mixture of the filtrate and the washing water contained 383 mg of α - apm and 1 . 0 mg of the dkp while there was found no appreciable α - ap . the dkp content based on the sum total quantity of α - apm and the dkp was 0 . 26 %. the recovery of α - apm was 95 . 8 %. a treating solution was prepared by dissolving 400 mg of α - apm , 40 mg of a dkp ( 3 - benzyl - 6 - carboxymethyl - 2 , 5 - diketopiperazine ) and 40 mg of α - ap in 100 ml of water . this solution was equivalent to a solution of a crude α - apm containing 8 . 33 % each of the dkp and α - ap . to this solution was added 4 . 0 g ( dry ) of a cl - type strongly basic anion exchange resin ( trademark : amberlite ira - 410 ) and subsequent process were carried out in the same manner as in example 2 . the results of analysis indicated that the mixture of the filtrate and the washing water contained 400 mg of α - apm , 1 . 8 mg of the dkp and 2 . 3 mg of α - ap . the contents of the dkp and α - ap based on the sum total quantity of α - apm , dkp and α - ap were 0 . 45 % and 0 . 57 %, respectively . α - apm was completely recovered . a cylindrical column measuring 12 mm in inner dia . was filled with 10 g ( dry ) of a cl - type strongly basic anion exchange resin ( trademark : amberlite ira - 410 ) which occupied a volume of 18 . 3 ml in the column . a treating solution was prepared by dissolving 5 . 0 g of α - apm , 100 mg of a dkp ( 3 - benzyl - 6 - carboxymethyl - 2 , 5 - diketopiperazine ) and 100 mg of α - ap in 400 ml of water . the solution was equivalent to a solution of a crude α - apm containing 1 . 9 % each of the dkp and α - ap . the treating solution was allowed to break through the resin column at sv = 12 and at 29 ° c . then , the resin was washed with 100 ml of water . a part of thus obtained break - through solution was aliquoted and subjected to the analytical process as mentioned in the foregoing for the determination . it was found that there was contained 5 . 0 g of α - apm ( 100 % recovery ) while neither dkp nor α - ap was detected . the thus obtained break - through solution was condensed under reduced pressure and 255 g of the solvent was removed by distillation . following to this , the residual was allowed to crystallize by cooling it over - night in a refrigerator . by this , 2 . 49 g ( 49 . 8 %) of α - apm crystals were obtained . neither dkp nor α - ap was detected from the crystals . a treating solution was prepared by dissolving 5 . 0 g of α - apm , 100 mg of a dkp ( 3 - benzyl - 6 - carboxymethyl - 2 , 5 - diketopiperazine ) and 100 mg of α - ap in a mixture of 350 ml of water and 50 ml of methanol . this solution was corresponding to a solution prepared by dissolving a crude α - apm containing each 1 . 9 % of the dkp and α - ap . the treating solution was processed in the same manner as in example 5 with 10 g of the same resin as used in example 5 . analysis of thus obtained break - through solution was conducted to find that 4 . 87 g of α - apm ( 97 . 5 %) was contained therein while neither α - ap nor the dkp was detected in the solution . the break - through solution was condensed by distillation under reduced pressure and , after removal of 237 g of the solvent , was cooled in a refrigerator over - night for the crystallization . by this , 2 . 90 g ( 57 . 9 %) of α - apm was obtained . neither α - ap nor dkp was detected from the crystals . a treating solution was prepared which had the same composition as in example 2 . to this solution was added 4 . 0 g ( dry ) of a moderately basic anion exchange resin ( trademark : amberlite ira - 68 ) which was converted into a hydrochloride type and the processes were carried out in the same manner as in example 2 . the results of analysis indicated that the resulting mixture of filtrate and washing water contained 393 mg of α - apm , 14 . 4 mg of the dkp and 6 . 5 mg of α - ap . the ratios of the dkp and α - ap contents to the sum total quantity of α - apm , dkp and α - ap were 3 . 5 % and 1 . 6 % respectively . the recovery of α - apm was 97 . 5 %. a treating solution was prepared which had the same composition as in example 2 . to this solution was added 4 . 0 g ( dry ) of a weakly basic anion exchange resin ( trademark : amberlite ir - 45 ) which was converted into hydrochloride type . then , subsequent processes were carried out in the same manner as in example 2 . the results of analysis indicated that the mixture of the filtrate and washing water contained 390 mg of α - apm , 6 . 3 mg of the dkp and 4 . 9 mg of α - ap . the ratios of dkp and α - ap contents to the sum total quantity of α - apm , dkp and α - ap were 1 . 6 % and 1 . 2 %, respectively . the recovery of α - apm was 97 . 5 %. a treating solution was prepared by dissolving 4 . 0 g of α - apm , 100 mg of l - aspartic acid and 100 mg of n - benzyloxycarbonyl - l - aspartic acid in 400 ml of water . this solution was equivalent to a solution obtained by dissolving a crude α - apm containing each 2 . 4 of l - aspartic acid and n - benzyloxycarbonyl - l - aspartic acid . the treating solution was processed with 14 g of the same resin as used in example 5 and in the same manner as in example 5 . the results of analysis of thus obtained break - through solution indicated that it contained 3 . 96 g ( 99 %) of α - apm and neither l - aspartic acid nor n - benzyloxycarbonyl - l - aspartic acid was detected . n - benzyloxycarbonyl - α - l - aspartyl - l - phenylalaninemethyl ester was obtained by carrying out a condensation of n - benzyloxycarbonyl - l - aspartic acid and l - phenylalaninemethyl ester using thermoase , a proteolytic enzyme . following to this , 316 g of an aqueous solution of α - apm was obtained by carrying out a hydrogenolysis reaction to remove a benzyloxycarbonyl group . this solution contained 25 . 10 g of α - apm , 0 . 533 g of a dkp ( 3 - benzyl - 6 - carboxymethyl - 2 , 5 - diketopiperazine ), 0 . 249 g of α - ap and 0 . 055 g of l - aspartic acid and was equivalent to an aqueous solution of a crude α - apm containing the dkp , α - ap and l - aspartic acid in quantities of 2 . 0 , 0 . 94 and 0 . 21 %, respectively . a cylindrical glass tube measuring 2 cm in inner dia . was filled with 15 . 5 g ( dry ) of a strongly basic anion exchange resin ( amberlite ira - 410 trademark ) in cl - type . water was added to the above stated treating solution to make the total quantity 674 g . while the solution was kept at 55 ° c ., the solution was allowed to brake through the resin column at sv = 5 . 2 . after the break - through process , the resin column was washed with 65 ml of water . then , 719 g of the effluent consisting of the break - through solution and the washing water was left standing in a refrigerator over - night for the crystallization . the crystals were collected by filtration and were washed with 36 ml of water to obtain 19 . 6 g ( 78 . 0 %) of crystalline α - apm . the crystals contained 25 mg and 8 mg of the dkp and α - ap , respectively . the remaining mixture of filtrate and washing water contained 5 . 24 g of α - apm while 28 mg of the dkp and 7 mg of α - ap were respectively contained in the solution . further , l - aspartic acid was detected neither in the crystals nor in the filtrate mixture . the ratios of the dkp and α - ap contents to the total quantity of α - apm , dkp and α - ap contained in the effluent from the column were 0 . 2 % and 0 . 1 % respectively . the recovery of α - apm was 98 . 8 %.	2
referring to fig1 a lamp and socket assembly in accordance with the present invention comprises a wire lamp 11 , a lamp base 21 , a socket collar 31 , and a suitable connector 43 . specifically , bulb 11 is a wire lamp comprising a suitably transparent vitreous envelope 12 having a formed seal area 13 from which lead wires 14 - 17 and the residue of the exhaust tube 18 extend . base 21 comprises a suitable plastic capable of withstanding the operating temperatures of the lamp . base 21 comprises a cylindrical member having a hollowed - out or enlarged portion 22 which fits around formed seal area 13 and is attached thereto by a suitable cement , known in the art . base 21 further comprises an annular ring 23 which forms a step with lower portion 24 of base 21 . protruding from the lower side of base 21 are a plurality of pins , such as pin 25 , having locking means 26 formed therein . further , pins 25 comprise an axial groove 27 for receiving respective ones of leads 14 - 17 which extend through the central portion of base 21 and are wrapped about pins 25 and lie in the axial groove . index pin 28 also extends axially from lower portion 24 and rotationally aligns the lamp about its axis . socket collar 31 also comprises a suitable plastic material which can be more flexible than that of base 21 . the collar is molded in a generally cylindrical shape having an inside diameter 32 approximately equal to the outside diameter of lower portion 24 of base 21 . extending radially outward from the upper end of collar 31 are a plurality of locking tabs 33 - 35 for rear insertion of the collar . as indicated in fig1 locking tabs 33 - 35 are preferably distinguishable to provide an indexing function , i . e ., so that the collar can be inserted into a panel or reflector in only one manner . if desired , locking tabs 33 - 35 may include a beveled portion to facilitate the insertion thereof into a suitably shaped hole in the panel or reflector ( not shown ). collar 31 comprises an outer annular ring 37 which rests against the panel or reflector to provide an interference seal against dirt and moisture . for this reason , annular ring 37 comprises at least 50 % of the area defined by a circle having the same outside diameter . collar 31 further comprises an inner annular ring 37a for receiving respective prongs 25 from lamp base 21 . notch 38 receives index pin 28 . lower end 39 of collar 31 is also provided with radially extending locking tabs , such as tab 40 , having beveled portion 41 to provide a front insertion capability for the lamp and socket assembly . connector 43 , which may also comprise a molded plastic , has an outer shell 44 having an outside diameter approximately equal to the inside diameter of lower portion 39 of collar 31 . shell 44 is provided with a cut or groove 45 for holding connector 43 in place by way of bead 42 . alternatively , recesses may be provided for receiving shoulders 26 on elongated pins 25 of the lamp base . indexing of connector 43 is obtained by way of ridge 46 in collar 31 and groove 47 in connector 43 . within shell 44 are a plurality of contact pins 49 having conductive tabs 50 fastened to the outside thereof . conductive tabs 50 , in turn , are connected to conductors 51 which supply power to the lamp . connector 43 is inserted into collar 31 against a stop defined by inner annular ring 37a . the lamp is inserted into the other side of collar 31 where prongs 25 engage inner annular ring 37a , thereby securely fastening the elements together . the entire assembly can then be inserted from the rear into a panel or reflector . conversely , if front insertion is utilized , collar 31 is first attached to the base , the lamp inserted , and the connector attached afterward . while the lamp and socket assembly is illustrated in a preferred embodiment as being three separate pieces , collar 31 may be advantageously combined with either lamp base 21 or connector 43 as a one - piece unit . these and other modifications are illustrated in fig2 in an alternative embodiment of the present invention . specifically , in fig2 the lamp base and collar have been combined into an integral unit 53 adapted for rear insertion into a panel or reflector and into which connector 80 is securely fastened to seal the lamp . lamp unit 53 comprises a wire lamp having an envelope 54 from which lead wires 55 - 58 extend . base 60 of lamp unit 53 comprises a molded plastic unit having a central cylindrical member 61 , a portion of the interior of which is suitably shaped to receive the seal area of envelope 54 , to which it is attached by any suitable adhesive known in the art . surrounding cylindrical portion 61 is a first annular ring 62 having locking tabs 63 and 64 for securing the lamp unit to a panel or reflector . extending from annular ring 62 is a second cylindrical section 66 having a diameter larger than the diameter of the first cylindrical section . cylindrical sections 66 and 61 and annular ring 62 define a chamber 67 for receiving connector 80 . the lower portion of cylindrical section 66 is terminated in a second and larger annular ring 71 , which corresponds to annular ring 37 in fig1 i . e ., is of a sufficient width to provide an interference seal for the lamp assembly . as a convenience to the user , tabs such as tabs 72 and 73 , orthogonal to annular ring 71 , may be provided to assist in the twisting action utilized to insert and lock lamp assembly 53 in place . extending from the lower portion of annular ring 71 are suitable locking members , exemplified in fig2 as comprising tab 74 and tapered shoulder 75 . in the interior of lamp assembly 53 , central cylindrical member 61 terminates in a plurality of pins 76 - 78 , around which are wound lead wires 55 - 58 , respectively . while illustrated in fig2 as comprising a two - filament lamp having two of the lead wires , 56 and 57 , joined to form a common lead , it is understood by those of skill in the art that the base and collar unit 60 is also suitable for use with a single - filament lamp or , with an additional pin , for use with a lamp having four independent leads . connector unit 80 , molded of a suitable resilient plastic known in the art , comprises a cylindrical unit dimensioned to fit within chamber 67 . the outer surface of cylinder 81 comprises tapered ridges 82 and 83 which serve to seal connector 80 in place . cylinder 81 further comprises a shoulder 84 extending around at least a portion thereof for engaging annular ring 71 thereby providing a stop to limit and control the insertion of connector 80 . the lower portion of connector 80 comprises wires 87 - 89 terminated in conductive contacts 91 - 93 which extend into the interior of cylinder 81 to make contact with lead wires 55 - 58 , respectively . the lower portion of cylinder 81 is closed by floor 94 . thus , connector 80 is closed on three sides and fits into base 60 which is also closed on three sides . when connected , the combination effectively seals the contact area and provides a mechanically and electrically secure connection between wires 87 - 89 and lamp 53 . although held in place by ridges 82 and 83 , connector 80 is securely fastened to lamp 53 by way of locking tabs such as tab 96 having an aperture 97 into which tapered shoulder 75 fits . tab 96 is attached to the lower portion of connector 80 including floor 94 and the extended portion surrounding wires 87 - 89 . to facilitate removal of connector 80 , opposed tabs such as tab 98 are provided which are mechanically coupled to the locking tabs such that the locking tabs can be flexed out of position to clear tapered shoulder 75 and enable removal of connector 80 . as is apparent to those of skill in the art , locking tabs 63 and 64 as well as the tabs on connector 80 may be asymmetrically located about the axis of the assembly to provide an indexing function . conductive contacts 91 - 93 comprise flat sheet metal strips curved back on themselves to form a resilient contact and are crimped or otherwise suitably fastened to the ends of wires 87 - 89 . the leads are held in place by spring tab 101 and tapered ridge 102 which abut shoulders 103 and 104 , respectively . tapered ridge 102 also serves as a seal for the wire , preventing water or dirt from entering the contact area . there is thus provided by the present invention a lamp and socket assembly which is compact , easily made , and mechanically accurate in the positioning of the filament relative to a panel or reflector . in addition to being mechanically secure , the electrical connections are more reliable due to the separate enclosure of the contact area , which is in addition to the sealing of the panel or reflector by the annular ring . having thus described the invention , it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that various modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention . for example , while described in fig2 as combined with the base , the collar may be combined with the connector instead and comprise a softer plastic . with presently available materials , base 60 in fig2 must be a hard plastic , i . e ., capable of withstanding lamp operating temperatures . as such , a gasket may be desired for a moisture tight seal in some applications . also , other forms of turning aids can be substituted for tabs 72 and 73 described in the embodiment of fig2 . lead wires 87 - 89 and contacts 91 - 93 may be molded into connector 80 in a single operation rather than separately forming the plastic part and inserting the wires as indicated by fig2 . rather than two sets of locking tabs on the socket collar of fig1 a single set may be used and the socket collar reversed for either front or rear insertion . while a preferred embodiment is described in connection with a two - filament lamp , the teachings of the present invention apply to a single - filament lamp as well .	8
aspects of the present invention relate to employing programmable scheduling logic to achieve greater configurability in network switching devices that may be designed on integrated circuits . by optimizing aggregate bandwidth while supporting multiple switch configurations , aspects of the present invention may shorten time - to - market and reduce development costs for consumer products . aspects of the present invention use a programmable time division multiplexer ( tdm ) to arbitrate port access to downstream components . aspects of the present invention may also support multiple products by using a programmable table - driven architecture . fig1 illustrates tdm arbitration in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention . port traffic is channeled through a time division multiplexer ( tdm ), 107 , that may arbitrate access to downstream components . n network ports ( port 1 , port 2 , . . . port n ) may vie for access to the ip pipeline , 113 . the tdm , 107 , is driven by tdm scheduling logic , 109 , in order to arbitrate port access to a common resource , e . g . the ip pipeline , 113 . the tdm scheduling logic , 109 , may use a programmable table , 111 , to select port access . the programmable table , 111 , is used to describe the number of ports and their service requirements . the scheduling logic , 109 , may be designed to possess knowledge of the table format without requiring specific table content a priori . the network switching device may be designed to support a maximum aggregate bandwidth ( bw ) across 1 to n ports using tdm arbitration . the bus width and fifo buffer depth may be determined at design time and optimized for a large range of ports with varying line speeds . a programmable table , 111 , may be used which contains m entries , where m & gt ;= n . the user configures how many of the m entries are to be used in the arbitration process ( 1 to m ). each entry of the table may represent an amount of bandwidth equal to bandwidth divided by the number of entries used . the table entries may be programmed by assigning each entry to a port . multiple entries may be assigned to the same port . the sum of the entries being assigned to a particular port may represent a bandwidth greater than or equal to the bandwidth required to satisfy the line rate required on that port . the entries of the table that are used may define the order in which the ports are serviced and granted access to the ipipe processing pipeline , 113 . fig2 illustrates tdm arbitration example with 10 1g ports ( ports 1 - 10 ) and 1 10g port ( port 11 ). port traffic is channeled through a time division multiplexer ( tdm ), 107 , that may arbitrate access to downstream components . eleven network ports ( port 1 , port 2 , . . . port 11 ) may vie for access to the ip pipeline , 113 . the tdm , 107 , is driven by tdm scheduling logic , 109 , in order to arbitrate port access to a common resource , e . g . the ip pipeline , 113 . the tdm scheduling logic , 109 , may use a programmable table , 111 , to select port access . an exemplary table for this configuration is shown below as table 1 . table 1 contains 20 entries ( e . g . 0 to 19 ). the odd entries are assigned to port 11 , and the even entries are assigned to ports 1 - 10 . this allocates 10 times the bandwidth to port 11 compared to ports 1 through 10 . therefore , port 11 has a maximum line rate that is 10 times that of ports 1 through 10 . wrapping refers to returning to the head of the table . the wrap valid column in table 1 indicates the end of the entry list , and indexing is then restarted at the beginning of the list . in table 1 , each entry of the table represents 5 % of the total bandwidth to be allocated for all ports . port 11 will be selected by the tdm , 107 , 10 times as often as any other port . therefore , port 11 will access the ip pipeline 50 % of the time , and ports 1 - 10 will each access the ip pipeline 5 % of the time . the switching rate of the tdm , 107 , is controlled by the scheduling logic , 109 . the bandwidth of the ip pipeline , 113 , may be greater than or equal to the bandwidth required to satisfy the line rate on all ports . in this example , the bandwidth of the ip pipeline , 113 , may be greater than or equal to 20g . fig3 illustrates a tdm arbitration example with 2 10g ports . port traffic is channeled through a time division multiplexer ( tdm ), 107 , that may arbitrate access to downstream components . the tdm , 107 , is driven by tdm scheduling logic , 109 , in order to arbitrate access by port 1 and port 2 to a common shared resource , e . g . the ip pipeline , 113 . the tdm scheduling logic , 109 , may use a programmable table , 111 , to select port access . an exemplary tdm table for substantially balanced two port arbitration is shown below as table 2 . since both ports possess the same bandwidth requirement , table 2 has two entries , which indicate that the tdm , 107 , will toggle between port 1 and port 2 . in table 2 , each entry of the table represents 50 % of the total bandwidth to be allocated for all ports . the switching rate of the tdm , 107 , is controlled by the scheduling logic , 109 . the bandwidth of the ip pipeline , 113 , may be greater than or equal to the bandwidth required to satisfy the line rate on all ports . in this example , the bandwidth of the ip pipeline , 113 , may be greater than or equal to 20g . fig4 is a flow diagram that illustrates a method for tdm arbitration in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention . at 401 , the number of ports is determined . at 403 , the required bandwidth for each port is determined . at 405 , the number of tdm table entries is determined , and the wrap valid indication is set at the end of the list . for example , the greatest common divisor of the port bandwidths may be selected as the bandwidth that will be allocated as each entry is processed . therefore , the number of times that a port will be entered may be determined as the port &# 39 ; s required bandwidth divided by the greatest common divisor . and the number of tdm table entries would be the sum of the ports &# 39 ; required bandwidth divided by the greatest common divisor . at 407 , the tdm table is filled by distributing the table entries corresponding to a particular port as evenly as possible . at 409 , the entries of the table are used to define the order in which the ports are serviced and granted access to a processing pipeline . the present invention may be realized in hardware , software , or a combination of hardware and software . the present invention may be realized in a centralized fashion in an integrated circuit or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several circuits . any kind of computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein is suited . a typical combination of hardware and software may be a general - purpose computer system with a computer program that , when being loaded and executed , controls the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein . the present invention may also be embedded in a computer program product , which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein , and which when loaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods . computer program in the present context means any expression , in any language , code or notation , of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following : a ) conversion to another language , code or notation ; b ) reproduction in a different material form . while the present invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention . in addition , many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope . therefore , it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed , but that the present invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims .	7
[ 0032 ] fig1 schematically illustrates a system 20 for facilitating communications between the various individuals and entities involved in the process of providing medical services or equipment to one or more patients . for discussion purposes , a home medical equipment provider will be the example provider . other providers such as laboratories , diagnostic facilities , clinics , therapists , nursing organizations and hospitals will benefit from this invention . although the described example focuses on the provision of home medical equipment , this invention is not so limited . given this description , those skilled in the art will realize the wide - ranging usefulness of the inventive system . a communication facilitator 22 includes a data management module 24 , a security module 26 and a communication module 28 . in one example , the communication facilitator 22 is a computer - based network . such a network may be implemented through internet , intranet , ethernet technologies , private networks , wireless communication or infrared communication technologies , for example . those skilled in the art who have the benefit of this description will be able to determine which of these available technologies ( or what combinations of such technologies ) will best suit the needs of their particular situation . the data module 24 includes computer software and storage that facilitates handling and maintaining the various kinds of data required during the process of providing various medical services , home medical equipment or both . the data module 24 also facilitates managing data such as physician patient records , testing or assessment requests , testing results , physician orders , etc . the security module 26 provides security measures to prevent unauthorized access to or use of data or the communication facilitator 22 . the security module 26 preferably also provides other features for authenticating various items utilized in the process as will become apparent below . it should be noted that the use of the term “ module ” in this description is not to be construed in a limiting sense . the various modules or divisions within the communication facilitator 22 , for example , are schematic and only for discussion purposes . a module may be a portion of software or a grouping of various portions , for example . moreover , various functions within one module may be performed by the same software components as used within another module . the illustrated divisions or groupings of the inventive system into modules is for discussion purposes , although those skilled in the art who have the benefit of this description may realize that such divisions have applicability in a system designed according to this invention . the communication facilitator 22 facilitates communications between a medical service or equipment provider such as a home medical equipment ( hme ) provider 30 and a plurality of physician offices 32 , for example . the hme provider 30 is remotely located from the physician offices , which are also remote from each other . the communication facilitator 22 may facilitate modem communications , dedicated communication lines , wireless communications such as cellular networks or satellite links and other suitable media for sharing data among remotely located entities . a variety of communication devices can be used with an appropriately designed network . as will be appreciated from the following description , the communication facilitator 22 greatly simplifies , speeds up and enhances the economies associated with the process of providing medical services or home medical equipment to one or more patients . for discussion purposes , the example of providing a patient with oxygen at home will be used . this invention , however , is not limited to such a situation . a variety of types of home medical equipment and a variety of therapy regimes or modalities can be accommodated with a system designed according to this invention . in addition to communications between physician offices 32 and a home medical equipment provider 30 , the system 20 facilitates data retrieval from test equipment 40 such as an oxymeter . portable , remote communication devices 42 such as cellular phones , personal digital assistants or so - called palm top computers are useful for communicating information to or receiving information from the communication facilitator 22 . such remote communication devices are viable by all individuals having access to the communication facilitator 22 in one example implementation of this invention . in the illustrated example , a home medical equipment device manufacturer 44 also has restricted access to certain information within the system 20 . this may be useful in situations , for example , where a device manufacturer desires to monitor the use of the various devices available in the market to focus future research and development efforts . referring to fig2 the communication facilitator 22 includes the communication module 28 which is schematically subdivided for purposes of illustration . in one example , the communication facilitator comprises computer software , which may be stored on known storage media . a first portion 50 is dedicated , in the illustrated example , to physician access to and use of the system 20 . a second portion 52 is dedicated to the use of the system 20 by the home medical equipment provider 30 . a third portion 54 of the communication module 28 is dedicated to facilitating communications with a therapist or other medical professional who visits the patient &# 39 ; s home as needed . another portion 56 is dedicated to communications with entities such as the hme device supplier 44 to provide the type of access described above . the first portion 50 preferably facilitates a physician or another authorized individual from a physician &# 39 ; s office gaining access to the network 22 . a log in module 58 preferably includes suitable programming to present the first individual at the physician &# 39 ; s office with a login screen on a computer display or other suitable device . fig3 shows an example login screen 64 illustrating the type of information associated with the physician or the physician &# 39 ; s office so that all transactions involving that individual can be tracked and linked to associated data or information within the system 20 . upon appropriately logging into the system , the physician preferably is presented with a main menu or navigation screen such as the example screen 66 shown in fig4 . as can be appreciated from the illustration , the physician preferably is presented with a plurality of options to select for performing different functions using the system 20 . in the illustrated example , the screen display 66 includes a messages portion that the physician may access to retrieve messages regarding , for example , assessment results obtained and available on the system . by selecting the choice “ view completed assessment ,” for example , the physician can obtain details regarding one or more assessments that have been performed and for which data has been appropriately entered into the network 22 . the various options for the physician will be described in the following paragraphs as an example transaction using the inventive system will be described . the beginning of a typical situation involving providing home medical equipment to a patient usually involves the patient visiting the doctor &# 39 ; s office . to utilize the inventive system , the physician , or another authorized individual at the physician &# 39 ; s office , enters patient data into the network 22 . a patient data module 68 facilitates gathering the information entered and associating that information with other data within the network as appropriate . in one example , each patient has a specific identification number that is associated with all records pertaining to that patient within the network , which provides convenient access and retrieval of all such information at a later time . one example screen display that prompts appropriate patient data entry is shown in fig5 . the screen display 70 shows the type of information that is used in one example embodiment of this invention . the type of information that may be contained in a patient &# 39 ; s chart maintained at the physician &# 39 ; s office can be entered into the network 22 so that such information can be used in the course of providing home medical equipment or used for other general practices by the physician . in other words , the inventive system has the additional benefit of facilitating a physician maintaining patient records in an easily accessible and useful format . in the illustrated screen display 70 , after the patient data information is appropriately entered , several selections such as scheduling an assessment , scheduling an office visit or scheduling some other event are presented which can be accessed using a mouse device or conventional keyboard , for example . the first portion 50 of the communication module 28 preferably is programmed to present a subsequent screen display to the user corresponding to the selection made . in situations where a patient &# 39 ; s information has already been entered into the system , the authorized individual at the physician &# 39 ; s office may choose the find option on the screen display 70 to search for that patient &# 39 ; s records . an example screen display 72 is shown in fig6 facilitating a patient search . the illustrated example embodiment of this invention preferably allows several search options such as searching by the date of birth and the first letter of the last name of the patient , searching by the patient &# 39 ; s complete last name , searching by the patient &# 39 ; s social security number or other identifying information such as a date of birth or phone number . compound searching capability is included in one example implementation of this invention . the presentation of the retrieved patient records may be customized depending on the needs of a particular physician &# 39 ; s office or specialty , for example . those skilled in the art who have the benefit of this description will realize the various ways of presenting the patient data information to an authorized individual at a physician &# 39 ; s office . when a physician determines that therapy involving home medical equipment may be useful for a patient , the physician often needs to request an in - home assessment to verify that the proposed therapy will be beneficial or that the patient &# 39 ; s condition is such that an insurance company or medicare will pay for the proposed therapy and home medical equipment . the communication module 28 facilitates such requests with a request assessment module 74 . if a physician selects the option for scheduling an assessment on the display screen 70 or 66 , the communication module 28 preferably causes the request assessment module 74 to be activated and to facilitate the request . an example screen display 76 is shown in fig7 that prompts the authorized individual at the physician &# 39 ; s office to enter the appropriate information to request that the assessment be made . the illustrated example includes an option for selecting an assessment code , which includes a plurality of predefined codes that are presented for an onscreen selection . an example code would refer to an oxymeter test for a patient that may benefit from in - home oxygen therapy . once the required amount of information is entered into the system , the network 22 includes an indication of the requested assessment . the hme provider 30 is then able to access the information regarding the requested assessment . the hme provider 30 preferably logs into the network 22 through a login module 78 that utilizes known techniques for logging in with associated identifier information and access codes allowing the hme provider 30 to access required information for handling the assessment . for example , the security module 26 preferably ensures that the data regarding the patient &# 39 ; s medical records within the data base management module 24 cannot be altered by the hme provider 30 . the example security module ensures that the physician has the ability to “ read and write ” patient records or data as needed . a variety of techniques for insuring the integrity of information within the data base module 24 or the network 22 generally can be used with a system designed according to this invention . those skilled in the art who have the benefit of this description will be able to select the appropriate technique to best suit the needs of their particular situation . [ 0050 ] fig1 illustrates an example main menu display screen 80 that allows the hme provider 30 to navigate through the network 22 to accomplish a desired objective . a retrieve request module 82 preferably is activated if the user at the hme provider 30 selects the “ view requested assessments ” choice on the display screen 80 , for example . this allows the hme provider to determine what physicians have requested specific assessments for individual cases and then to determine whether that provider desires to have that assessment performed with a view towards eventually providing the home medical equipment to that patient if necessary . [ 0051 ] fig1 illustrates one example arrangement of a screen display 84 that a home medical equipment provider can use to decipher which requests it desires to accept . the illustrated example includes selection buttons 85 that can be accessed using a mouse device , touch screen or a keyboard interface , for example . the hme provider 30 selects which assessments to perform and schedules a therapist or other medical professional to go to the patient &# 39 ; s home to perform the necessary test to complete the assessment . an example scheduling screen 86 is shown in fig1 . by entering information as appropriate into the system using screen 86 as a guide , a schedule assessments module 88 facilitates getting the appropriate data entered into the appropriate portions of the network 22 so that the assessment eventually gets performed by the desired therapist or other professional . the screen 86 may be presented on the display at the hme provider &# 39 ; s facility . the same screen or a similar screen may be presented to the therapist who access the network 22 to accept the scheduled assessments . such therapists may be employees of the hme provider or may be contractors that work with the hme provider , depending on a particular situation . the display screen 86 may be available , for example , on the portable communication device 42 , which is carried around by the therapist on a routine basis . the therapist or other professional preferably logs into the network 22 through a login module 90 with a portable communication device such as a cellular phone , laptop computer or personal digital assistant . an accept scheduled assessment module 92 preferably facilitates the therapist indicating the desire to accept and perform a particular assessment . by entering information into the network 22 , the therapist is able to communicate to the hme provider 30 that the scheduled assessment will be performed . the therapist preferably has the ability to update information in the network 22 so that the progress on various scheduled assessments is available at any time for the hme provider 30 to review . in one example , authorized individuals at the physicians &# 39 ; offices are also able to track the progress of scheduled assessments . one time - consuming shortcoming of the process used before this invention was that the therapist typically had to obtain equipment from the hme provider , take that equipment to the patient &# 39 ; s home , perform the necessary testing , return to the patient &# 39 ; s home to retrieve the testing equipment , take that equipment back to the hme provider and then travel to another patient &# 39 ; s home for another assessment . the additional travel time back and forth between the hme provider facility and the various patients &# 39 ; homes introduces time delays and additional expense that can be avoided when using one example implementation of the inventive system . according to one embodiment of this invention , the therapist is able to take the testing device 40 to the patient &# 39 ; s home , obtain information from the testing device after the test has been completed and to remotely communicate that information to the network 22 so that such information then becomes available to the hme provider 30 without requiring the therapist to return to the hme provider facility . accordingly , the therapist is able to take the testing device 40 from one patient &# 39 ; s home directly to another patient &# 39 ; s home , which presents significant time and cost savings . a data of transfer module 96 preferably facilitates obtaining information from the testing device 40 and placing that information into appropriate portions of the network 22 . such data transfer preferably is accomplished using known wireless communication technology . a data entry module 98 facilitates the therapist entering other information into the network needed in connection with a completed assessment report . the display screen 94 preferably prompts the therapist to enter in information such as the patient name , assessment summary information and to ensure that the data from the test device 40 is placed onto the network 22 . the display screen 94 preferably is presented on the portable communication device 42 . once the assessment information has been completely entered into the network 22 , the hme provider 30 preferably utilizes an assessment data module 100 to ensure that the information is complete and available for review by the requesting physician . a retrieve results module 102 allows the authorized individual at the physician &# 39 ; s office to obtain the completed assessment report online . this allows a physician , for example , to access such information even though the physician is away from her office . such added convenience not only is beneficial for a physician to manage their practice , but also facilitates more quickly getting the necessary equipment to the patient to provide the desired therapy . an example screen display 104 is shown in fig8 giving the physician a variety of options to select information to be displayed regarding the assessment . a “ proceed to order ” option on the screen 104 allows the physician to move forward in the process to order the desired home medical equipment and therapy based upon the physician &# 39 ; s evaluation of the assessment results . an ordering and certificate of medical necessity generating module 106 facilitates the physician placing an order through the network 22 and completing a certificate of medical necessity ( cmn ) at the same time as placing the order . a significant advantage associated with this invention is the automatic generation and submission of cmns . an example screen display 108 is shown in fig9 to facilitate a physician placing an order or prescribing a desired therapy and provision of home medical equipment to a patient . in the illustrated example , one of the options available is selecting an order code . in this example , the network 22 preferably includes storage of a plurality of preset codes that are consistent with expected requested therapies so that order placement is easier on a repeated basis . the inventive arrangement preferably causes a cmn to be automatically generated as part of the order submission process . in the illustrated example , when the “ submit ” selection on the screen 108 is chosen , the system presents the physician with a display screen 110 as shown in fig1 , for example . this display screen ( or a series of screens , depending on a particular situation ) prompts the physician to answer a series of questions to provide the necessary information for completing a cmn . without the necessary information , the system 20 will not allow the physician to submit the order , which ensures that the hme provider 30 obtains a cmn on a timely basis , which is essential to the hme provider for obtaining reimbursement for the home medical equipment provided to the patient . a physician conveniently can utilize a computer located at their office or a remote communication device such as a personal digital assistant to complete the order process and filling out the automatically generated cmn . this portion of the example process utilizing the inventive system demonstrates one use of wireless technology for producing various information without redundancy to each participant in the process . advantageously , the illustrated example includes incorporating a digital signature or digital certificate of authentication onto the cmn within the network 22 . the digital signature fulfills the same purpose as a manual signature by a physician on a hardcopy of the cmn . with the inventive arrangement , a hardcopy of the cmn need not be kept by the physician unless the physician desires to place one within the office copy of the patient &# 39 ; s records , for example . a variety of known digital signature technologies may be used to facilitate secured authorization only by authorized physicians so that the integrity of an automatically generally cmn provided by the system 20 is ensured . example cryptographic algorithms such as rsa , diffie - hellman technology , elgamal and digital signature imaging . those skilled in the art who have the benefit of this description will be able to select from among available security techniques or to custom design their own to meet the needs of their particular situation . once the automatically generated cmn is appropriately completed , authorized and digitally signed by the physician , the order is placed on the network 22 . the hme provider 30 then is able to retrieve the order and decided whether to fulfill it . a retrieve order module 112 facilitates the hme provider 30 doing so . a display screen 114 shown in fig1 facilitates completing the order at the hme provider facility 30 . as part of completing the order , the processor at the hme provider 30 preferably is required to retrieve the associated cmn from the network 22 and , in some instances is required to print out a hard copy of the cmn . the cmn is critical to obtaining reimbursement from medicare or an insurance provider , for example . by obtaining the cmn at the same time as accepting the order , the hme provider 30 has a significant economic advantage compared to the conventional approach of trying to obtain signatures from physicians that are located all around a given geographic area and are busy attending to other aspects of their medical practice , which typically makes manually completing and signing the conventional certificate of medical necessity an undesirable task . a retrieve cmn module 116 preferably facilitates the hme provider obtaining the cmn and cooperates with the security module 26 to ensure the integrity of the cmn so that they will be acceptable by medicare or the private insurance provider . as can be appreciated , the inventive system 20 greatly simplifies , speeds up and economizes the entire process of providing individuals with home medical equipment . the inventive system 20 handles the process from beginning to end in an automated fashion that provides up - to - date information to a variety of individuals with convenient , remote access as needed . moreover , by automatically generating certificates of medical necessity in an acceptably authorized fashion , the inventive arrangement puts a home medical equipment provider at a significant advantage for obtaining payment for the services rendered and the equipment provided . the illustrated example implementation of this invention includes another benefit . this embodiment includes a technique for securely extracting data from the testing device 40 . the portable communication device 42 is capable of communicating with a microprocessor or controller 120 within the testing device 40 , which may be an oxymeter , for example . in one example , a hardwire connection is used between the device 40 and the device 42 . in another example , wireless communication between those two devices facilitates the necessary data extraction from the device 40 and data provision from the device 42 . the illustrated oxymeter device 40 includes a data portion 122 and a communication portion 124 , both of which are controlled by a suitably programmed controller 120 . given this description , those skilled in the art will be able to select appropriate electronic components and to appropriately program them to achieve the results provided by this invention . in one example , the communication device 42 wirelessly communicates through the communication portion 124 using a known web clipping technique . other known techniques are used in other examples . this allows two - way wireless communication between the devices 40 and 42 . a therapist can enter patient identification information and assessment notes , for example , that are then appropriately processed by the controller 120 to be associated with the testing data generated by operation of the device 40 . to insure accurate data is extracted from the device 40 , the memory 122 preferably only provides information to the device 42 in a read only format . in one example , the controller 120 is programmed to delete the information from the memory 122 once it is uploaded to the communication device 42 so that the extracted information cannot be later retrieved or modified . ensuring the integrity of the information from the device 40 facilitates further streamlining the process of providing home medical equipment to a patient . this example includes protecting the information generated by the device 40 by using a conventional compression technique that puts the data into a “ locked ” format accessible only by authorized persons on the network 20 . in the conventional approach , a third party verification assessment is required by medicare and most private insurance carriers . such third party assessments are required to prevent fraud or manipulation of data from an assessment to obtain approval for home medical equipment that might not otherwise be needed . with the inventive arrangement , the security of the information from the testing device 40 can be protected so that the payor organization need not require a third party assessment verification . the security module 26 of the network 22 further preferably includes programming that ensures that data received from a testing device 40 is unalterable within the network 22 . the inventive arrangement has wide - ranging applicability for facilitating communications between various entities involved in providing medical services , equipment or both . the inventive arrangement greatly simplifies and streamlines the processes required to maximize efficiency in providing medical services or equipment to patients . the ready access to and sharing of information for various remotely located individuals using a communication module represents a significant advancement providing advantages such as reducing costs and expenses , increasing the accuracy of available information , increasing the availability of services for patients , reducing the extraneous , time - consuming workload on physicians and provides the ability for medical device manufacturers to better match the needs according to current patient care trends . the inventive arrangement has applicability beyond the provisions of home medical equipment , which was the focus of the above discussion for purposes of describing one example implementation and use of this invention . the preceding description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature . variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not necessarily depart from the essence of this invention . the scope of legal protection given to this invention can only be determined by studying the following claims .	6
reference is now made to fig1 , which is a simplified schematic illustration of a system providing real - time , integrated production of envelopes and the contents thereof in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention . the system of fig1 preferably comprises at least one production facility 100 for the production of individually addressed sealed envelopes containing personalized printed material matched to individual addresses . preferably , the production facilities 100 may be geographically distributed so as to be adjacent to bulk mail drop - off locations of postal authorities or delivery contractors . it is appreciated that such locations may be in different countries or in different regions of a single country . the postal authorities or delivery contractors at different ones of such locations may require different franking . it is a particular feature of the present invention that due to the real - time operation of the system , a given production facility 100 may be selected at a given time in order to take advantage of beneficial spot pricing of bulk mail delivery services by a postal authority or delivery contractor . each production facility 100 preferably includes at least one high speed digital printer 101 , such as , for example , a ibm infoprint 2105es , commercially available from ibm corporation of armonk , n . y ., a konica minolta bizhub pro 1050p , commercially available from konica minolta holdings inc . of tokyo , japan , or a ricoh ddp184 , commercially available from ricoh corporation of tokyo , japan , which is capable of printing on a substrate , such as paper on one or more white rolls 102 . alternatively , the paper may be provided to printer 101 as cut sheets , fan - fold stacks or in any other suitable form , and may be of any suitable color , thickness or width . each digital printer 101 preferably receives printing instructions from at least one printing controller 110 , which , in turn , receives personalized printing data from one or more data sources 112 . the personalized printing data includes envelope addresses and often includes personalized envelope contents which vary and are keyed to specific envelope addresses . in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the controller 110 imposes the envelope addresses and other envelope information into the stream of information provided to one or more printers 101 , such that the envelope information is printed onto an envelope or into an envelope information sheet to be inserted into a windowed envelope . it is a particular embodiment of the present invention that the envelope information may be printed onto the envelope or onto the envelope information sheet via a different printing stream than the stream that prints envelope contents pages , or alternatively , that the envelope information and envelope contents pages are printed in a single stream . it is a particular feature of the present invention that printing controller 110 may receive personalized printing data from multiple disparate sources 112 , such as banks , utilities , insurance companies and other customers , each relating to a printing piece which may vary in its dimensions , number of pages of content and other parameters . preferably , the printing controller 110 commingles the data received from multiple disparate sources 112 and orders the personalized printing data from such multiple disparate sources 112 such that it is printed and thus output in a desired distribution sorting order . the distribution sorting order is preferably selected to maximize savings in postage and may be according to postal code and even more preferably in the delivery order of a mailman &# 39 ; s route . ordering the printing in such an order enables very significant discounts in postage to be realized without requiring downstream sorting . the amount of such discounts may exceed the cost of producing the mailing piece . alternatively , printing controller 110 may receive personalized printing data from a single source 112 , relating to a printing piece which may vary in its dimensions , number of pages of content and other parameters . in this embodiment , printing controller 110 orders the personalized printing data from the single source 112 such that it is printed and thus output in a desired distribution sorting order . the distribution sorting order is preferably selected to maximize savings in postage and may be according to postal code and even more preferably in the delivery order of a mailman &# 39 ; s route . ordering the printing in such an order enables very significant discounts in postage to be realized without requiring downstream sorting . the amount of such discounts may exceed the cost of producing the mailing piece . it is also a particular feature of the present invention that multiple digital printers 101 may be located adjacent multiple mailing locations and that a digital printer 101 may be selected according to its propinquity to a bulk mail drop off location , in order to provide additional cost savings in transport . it is appreciated that a printing controller 110 may divide a printing job from a given source 112 into multiple printing jobs to be handled by various digital printers 101 , each optimally located nearby a bulk mail drop off location for a given group of addresses . it is appreciated that the digital printer 101 prints personalized envelope and envelope contents information on one or both sides of the substrate , prior to envelope formation , thus enabling , inter alia , printing on the interior of envelopes . the digital printer 101 may provide a printed output in one or more forms , such as fan - folded stacks 114 , cut stacks of sheets 116 and rolls 118 . the digital printer 101 may operate asynchronously with respect to the remainder of the system . referring additionally now to fig2 a and 2b , which illustrate two alternative embodiments of a cutting and / or envelope / envelope contents differentiation stage forming part of the system of fig1 . as seen in fig2 a , downstream of each digital printer 101 there is preferably provided a cutting and envelope / envelope contents differentiation stage 120 at which printed envelope sheets 122 are cut , preferably according to an envelope blank and preferably by a suitable die cutter 123 , and the printed envelope contents are cut into one or more envelope contents sheets 124 and trimmed as necessary by a side trimmer 126 . preferably , a scanning functionality ( not shown ), identifies pages coming out of the printer as envelope sheets or as envelope contents sheets , and directs them toward the suitable trimming device , such as the die cutter 123 or the side trimmer 126 . a preferred scanning functionality is that described in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 008 , 520 , the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference . it is appreciated that any suitable cutting method is suitable , such as laser cutting or water jet cutting . in the illustrated embodiment of fig2 a , envelope sheets 122 are separated from envelope contents sheets 124 prior to die cutting and trimming . paper scraps are removed preferably by vacuum . alternatively , the envelope sheets 122 may be joined to the envelope contents sheets 124 as described in u . s . pat . no . 7 , 100 , 348 , the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference . turning to fig2 b , it is seen that downstream of each digital printer 101 there is preferably provided a cutting stage 120 . as seen in fig2 b , the printed envelope sheets 122 are provided in a first stream , having a first cutting stage 127 , at which printed envelope sheets 122 are cut , preferably according to an envelope blank and preferably by suitable die cutter 123 , and the printed envelope contents are provided in a second stream having a second cutting stage 128 , at which the envelope contents are cut into one or more envelope contents sheets 124 and trimmed as necessary by side trimmer 126 . it is appreciated that the envelope sheets and envelope content sheets may be printed and cut out of different substrates , here shown as a fan fold stack of sheets and a roll of sheets , and as substrates of different colors . it is appreciated that any suitable cutting method is suitable , such as laser cutting or water jet cutting . in the illustrated embodiment of fig2 b , paper scraps are removed preferably by vacuum . alternatively , the envelope sheets 122 may be joined to the envelope contents sheets 124 as described in u . s . pat . no . 7 , 100 , 348 , the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference . it is appreciated that , as seen in fig2 a and 2b , the number of envelope contents sheets 124 may vary from envelope to envelope . all the envelope contents sheet 124 belonging to a specific envelope are preferably accumulated by an accumulator 129 , and then continue to move through the system as a group of accumulated envelope contents sheets 124 . envelope contents sheets 124 belonging to a single envelope are preferably identified by a scanning functionality ( not shown ), preferably that described in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 008 , 520 , the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference . it is further appreciated that the die cutter 123 of stage 120 preferably operates asynchronously from the envelope formation stage which follows . alternatively , envelope sheets 122 and envelope content sheets 124 may be produced by any other suitable means and supplied to the envelope formation stage which follows . returning to fig1 , it is seen that downstream of the cutting and / or envelope / envelope contents differentiation stage 120 is a content containing envelope formation stage 130 at which the envelope 132 is formed by folding the envelope sheet 122 over the envelope contents sheet or sheets 124 and gluing a back flap of the envelope sheet 122 and side flaps of the envelope sheet 122 respectively . at this stage externally produced inserts may be added to the envelope contents . envelope formation stage 130 is described further hereinbelow with reference to fig3 a , 3 b and 4 . in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention , at a bundling stage 140 , the finished mailers 142 , each including an envelope 132 and its content sheets 124 , are gathered and bundled in a desired distribution order for delivery to the postal delivery contractor . a suitable stacking and bundling system is described in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 682 , 067 , the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference . it is noted that where multiple printing jobs from disparate sources are preferably combined in a single print run , bundles 150 may contain mailers of differing sizes and configurations , multiple ones of which may be directed to the same addressee from different senders . reference is now made additionally to fig3 a and 3b , which illustrate two alternative embodiments of the structure and operation of envelope formation stage 130 . in the embodiment illustrated in fig3 a , envelope 132 is formed by transversely scoring envelope sheet 122 and subsequently folding the envelope sheet 122 over the suitably folded envelope contents sheet or sheets 124 and gluing a back flap 155 and side flaps 156 , respectively . it is appreciated that at the envelope formation stage 130 an inside flap envelope or an outside flap envelope may be formed , depending on the order in which the back flap 155 and side flaps 156 are glued to each other and on the surface of each of the flaps to which the glue is applied . as seen in fig3 a , suitably die cut envelope sheets 122 are received along a first conveyor 200 , back flap 155 facing forwardly , and envelope contents sheets 124 , to be enclosed within the envelope to be formed from a corresponding envelope sheet 122 , are received along a second conveyor 202 by accumulator 129 . the accumulated envelope contents sheets 124 are then folded as desired , typically in half or into three portions , by an envelope contents sheet folder 204 , which is typically a buckle shoot folder . the envelope sheet 122 is preferably transversely scored by a scoring mechanism 205 . the folded envelope contents sheets 124 are positioned over a middle panel of the envelope sheet 122 , preferably by a suitable positioner , such as a positioner including servo controlled nips ( not shown ), and released in synchronization with the location of corresponding envelope sheet 122 . alternatively , the envelope contents sheet folder 204 may also function as a positioner for the envelope contents sheets 124 . optionally , one or more inserts 158 may be placed onto the envelope sheet 122 by an insert feeder 208 . preferably , inserts 158 are also positioned by a suitable positioner ( not shown ), such as a positioner including servo controlled nips . in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention , envelope sheet 122 and the envelope contents sheets 124 are merged together precisely by the positioner to allow for a high degree of placement precision , regardless of the envelope processing speed . this is preferably achieved by varying the speed of conveyor 202 such that the envelope contents sheets 124 meet the appropriate envelope and are merged together precisely . the positioner also provides a high degree of placement precision independent of the size of the content pages vis - à - vis the envelope size and allows for a varying number of contents sheets 124 to be placed in each envelope . the envelope sheet 122 , having thereon the folded envelope contents sheets 124 , and optionally inserts 158 , is then folded around content sheets 124 and optional inserts 158 by a suitable folder 210 . alternatively , as shown in fig3 b , envelope 132 is formed by folding the envelope sheet 122 together with the envelope contents sheet or sheets 124 and gluing back flap 155 and side flaps 156 , respectively . it is appreciated that at the envelope formation stage 130 an inside flap envelope or an outside flap envelope may be formed , depending on the order in which the back flap 155 and side flaps 156 are glued to each other and on the surface of each of the flaps to which the glue is applied . suitably die cut envelope sheets 122 are received along a first conveyor 200 , back flap 155 forwardly , and envelope contents sheets 124 , to be enclosed within the envelope to be formed from a corresponding envelope sheet 122 , are received along a second conveyor 202 by accumulator 129 and released by a positioner 212 , including servo controlled nips , in synchronization with the location of corresponding envelope sheet 122 . such synchronization is preferably achieved by varying the speed of conveyor 202 in accordance with the speed of conveyor 200 . this synchronization preferably results in precise positioning of the envelope contents sheets 124 . optionally , one or more inserts 158 may be placed onto the envelope sheet 122 by insert feeder 208 . preferably , inserts 158 are also positioned by a suitable positioner , such as a positioner including servo controlled nips . positioner 212 preferably allows for a high degree of placement precision , regardless of the envelope processing speed . the positioner 212 provides a high degree of placement precision independent of the size of the content pages vis - à - vis the envelope size and also allows for a varying number of contents sheets 124 to be placed in each envelope . the envelope sheet 122 having the envelope contents sheets 124 , and optionally inserts 158 thereon , enter buckle chute folder 214 , which folds the envelope sheet 122 , content sheets 124 and optional inserts 158 . reference is now made additionally to fig4 , which illustrates a sealing stage and a bundling stage forming part of the system of fig1 . as seen in fig4 , side flaps 156 are scored by a scoring mechanism 216 , and glue is then applied to side flaps 156 , such as by glue applicator 218 . alternatively , the glue may be applied to the back flap 155 . glue can be applied in the form of hot or cold melt glue , or using any suitable method , including strip application . side flaps 156 are then folded over contents sheets 124 and envelope sheet 122 by any suitable folding method , such as by using a plow folder . alternatively , as shown in the embodiment of fig3 b , glue is applied to side flaps 156 or to back flap 155 as the last part of the buckle folding process . in another alternative embodiment , scoring is performed upstream , in either the cutting or the merging modules , glue is applied to back flap 155 or to side flaps 156 in the folder module or in a separate module , and side flaps 156 are folded under the back flap 155 of the envelope sheet 122 , yielding an envelope with “ inside flaps ” or over the back flap 155 of the envelope sheet 122 , yielding an envelope with “ outside flaps ”. as seen further in fig4 , the direction of envelope travel is changed by 90 degrees , a top flap 222 of the envelope sheet 122 is scored by scoring mechanism 230 , glue is applied thereto , such as by applicator 232 , and top flap 222 is folded over , by any suitable folding method , such as by using a plow folder 234 , thus sealing the envelope . alternatively , glue may be applied to the back flap 155 , onto which the top flap 222 is folded . finished mailers 142 are preferably laying flat while they are scored , glued and sealed to facilitate operation for postal franking machines . it is appreciated that finished mailers 142 may need to be flipped prior to franking . as seen further in fig4 , finished mailers 142 are preferably turned up on edge and moved into a vertical stacking mechanism . alternatively , envelopes are turned on edge prior to scoring and gluing of top flaps 222 , which are scored and glued while the envelopes are in a vertical position . the finished mailers 142 are then preferably stacked on edge and grouped into bundles 150 as seen in fig3 b . it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove . rather the scope of the invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as modifications and variations thereof which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not in the prior art .	1
in one aspect , embodiments disclosed herein relate to a composite liner useful for protecting a substrate from damage . in some aspects , the liners disclosed herein may include a fabric layer disposed on or within a resilient layer , and optionally a layer of flexible or rigid foam . the fabric layer , in some embodiments , may serve as a reinforcing layer or may serve as a bridge for bonding the resilient layer to a substrate . in other aspects , embodiments disclosed herein may include a liner that is removably bonded to a substrate . referring now to fig1 , one embodiment of the liner described herein is illustrated . a liner 10 may be disposed on or adhered to the surface of a substrate 12 , where the surface and integrity of substrate 12 are desired to be protected from damaging chemicals and / or impacts . liner 10 may include a fabric layer 14 and a resilient layer 16 . in various embodiments , liner 10 may include one or more fabric layers 14 and one or more resilient layers 16 . substrate 12 may include various metallic , mineral , composite , alloy , fiberglass , cellulosic ( wood ), or polymeric surfaces that are desired to be protected from deleterious chemical and / or physical attack . for example , in some embodiments , substrate 12 may include iron , steel , aluminum , and other metals , such as is commonly used in the manufacture of trucks , boats , trailers , suvs , and rvs . in other embodiments , substrate 12 may include fiberglass , carbon - fiber composites , polymers and wood species . as described briefly above , embodiments of the liner described herein include various components and methods for attachment , and in some embodiments may be easily removed from a substrate . each of these is described in more detail below , followed by additional embodiments of the liner . in various embodiments of the liner described herein , chemical , abrasion , and / or impact resistance is desired . the resilient layer , in some embodiments , may provide impact and abrasion resistance . in other embodiments , the resilient layer may provide chemical resistance . in various embodiments , the resilient layer may provide impact , abrasion , and chemical resistance . in various embodiments , the resilient layer may be formed from a urethane - based rubber . in some embodiments , the urethane based rubber may be formed using a resin blend of polyurethane and polyurea activated with an isocyanate . in other embodiments , the urethane rubber may be formed by providing a water curable liquid rubber urethane and a water - based acrylic . the rubber based urethane may be a moisture - cured , liquid applied polyurethane . the urethane may be either aliphatic or aromatic , and may be based on aliphatic isocyanates , aromatic isocyanates , or aromatic - aliphatic isocyanates , and combinations thereof . the rubber based urethane may be selected from any one of the group consisting of natural rubbers , recycled rubbers , styrene butadiene , polybutadiene , polyisoprene , ethylene propylene , chloroprene , acrylonitrile - butadiene , ethylene - propylene , chloroprene , acrylonitrile - butadiene , and ethylene - propylenediene monomer , isopreneisobutylene . in some embodiments , the resilient layer may be heat vulcanized , pressure - cured , post - cured , room - temperature cured or vulcanized , and combinations thereof . those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other forms of post - formation treatment may also be possible . any water - based acrylic may also be used with the present invention . the base polymer for this dispersion may be a carboxyl - functional acrylic resin , which may be neutralized with amine to form an anionic dispersion . the dispersion may further comprise acrylic resin , triethylamine , xylene , and propoxyethanol , in varying weight ranges . in other embodiments , the resilient layer may be formed from a liquid sprayable epoxy composition comprising a liquid epoxy resin , an effective reinforcing amount of fiber , an elastomeric component , and an amine containing epoxy curing agent capable of curing the composition at temperatures equal to or greater than 40 ° f . wherein the cured product is light stable and has a hardness on the shore d scale . in other embodiments , the resilient layer may be formed in situ as a cured product by spraying , brushing , or rolling the epoxy composition onto the substrate , such as the truck bed , curing and forming the product on the substrate at a temperature of at least 40 ° f . the ratio of epoxy reactive groups to amine reactive groups may range from 0 . 9 : 1 . 0 to 1 . 1 : 1 . 0 . in other embodiments , the resilient layer may be formed from aqueous dispersions of urethane polymers and vinyl polymers ( e . g ., acrylics ) that provide water - based coating compositions with good adhesion following humidity exposure . the dispersion is predominately urethane , and the polyurethane is made from a first and a second polyisocyanate , the first polyisocyanate having at least one open carbon chain greater than six carbon atoms in length between two isocyanate groups , preferably at least eight carbon atoms in length . the vinyl monomers are polymerized in the presence of the aqueously dispersed polyurethane . in other embodiments , the resilient layer may include any type of resilient material , such compounds as disclosed in u . s . pat . nos . 6 , 533 , 189 , 6 , 126 , 999 , 5 , 739 , 194 , 5 , 436 , 112 , 5 , 084 , 521 , 4 , 282 , 123 , and 4 , 692 , 382 , among others . in other embodiments , the resilient layer may include an acrylate polymer , a urethane polymer , a heat vulcanized rubber , a vinyl rubber , a vinyl polymer , a polyolefin , a urethane rubber , a vulcanized urethane , or combinations thereof . in other embodiments , the resilient layer may include two or more layers adhered to one another . for example , the resilient layer may include a coating system which forms a highly abrasion resistant , chemical resistant , impact resistant protective finish for a substrate . the outermost or surface coating layer may be a highly cross - linked hard polymer , which may be adhered to an underlying base coating layer of a compatible softer polymer . the outer hard polymer preferably may include a highly crosslinked acrylic polymer , while the underlying softer polymer may include a crosslinked urethane polymer . in other embodiments , a resilient layer may be formed from one or more of the compounds and coatings described above . in other embodiments , the resilient layer may be formed from the coating systems disclosed in u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 114 , 783 and 5 , 254 , 395 . in some embodiments , the resilient layer may have an average thickness in the range from 0 . 1 mm to 50 mm ( 0 . 004 inches to 2 inches ). in other embodiments , the resilient layer may have an average thickness in the range from 1 mm to 38 mm ( 0 . 040 inches to 1 . 5 inches ); from 2 . 5 mm to 31 . 75 mm ( 0 . 1 inches to 1 . 25 inches ) in other embodiments ; and from 12 mm to 25 mm ( 0 . 5 inches to 1 . 0 inches ) in yet other embodiments . the preferred texture of the exposed surface of the liner may depend upon the intended use of the surface . in some embodiments , the resilient layer may include an outer surface that is rough in texture . in other embodiments , the resilient layer may include an outer surface that is smooth in texture . in some embodiments , the resilient layer may include an outer surface that is substantially flat . in other embodiments , the resilient layer may include an outer surface that is ribbed or corrugated , such as to mate with the raised portions of a truck bed . in various embodiments , the ribbed surface may provide additional strength to the liner or may facilitate drainage from the liner . in some embodiments , the resilient layer may be flexible . in other embodiments , the resilient layer may be rigid . in other embodiments , the resilient layer may include an outer surface that includes graphics or decorative texturing , such as company logos , animal skins , and other decorative patterns and textures , for example . the hardness of the resilient layer , in some embodiments , may be such that it aids in preventing objects from sliding on its surface . in other embodiments , the hardness of the resilient layer may be such that it absorbs energy when struck with an impact , such as to prevent the substrate from being deformed . in other embodiments , the resilient layer provides a surface that is resistant to corrosive or reactive chemicals . in this manner , the resilient layer may protect the substrate by providing a non - reactive or non - permeable buffer between a corrosive chemical and the substrate . in some embodiments , the resilient layer may have a durometer hardness of at least 10 on a shore a scale . in other embodiments , the resilient layer may have a durometer hardness of at least 30 on a shore d scale . in other embodiments , the resilient layer may have a durometer hardness from about 10 on a shore a scale to about 80 on a shore d scale . embodiments of the liner disclosed herein may include one or more fabric layers . the fabric layers may serve as a strength reinforcement of the resilient layer , may serve as an aid for bonding the resilient layer to a substrate surface , or a combination thereof . the fabric layer , in various embodiments , may include woven or non - woven , natural or synthetic , components or fibers . the fabric layer may provide enhanced dimensional stability to the liner structure , and may also provide surface area for the application of direct glue - down adhesives . in other embodiments , the fabric layer may serve as a bridge for the adhesion of the liner to a substrate surface . in other embodiments , the fabric layer may serve as a bridge for the adhesion of the liner to a flexible foam intermediate the liner and the substrate surface . such a bridge may be necessary where adhesion of the resilient layer to the substrate surface would be impracticable , such as where the resilient layer contains a mold - release agent limiting the bonding that may occur between the resilient layer and a substrate surface , for example . in some embodiments , the resilient layer may be disposed on or adhered to the fabric layer . in other embodiments , the resilient layer may be vulcanized to the fabric layer . in other embodiments , the fabric layer may be disposed partially or wholly within the resilient layer . for example , in some embodiments where a fabric layer is disposed wholly within the resilient layer , that fabric layer may reinforce the strength of the resilient layer . in other embodiments , where a fabric layer is disposed partially within the resilient layer , the fabric layer may act as a bridge for the adhesion of the liner to a substrate surface . fabrics and fibers suitable for making the woven or non - woven fabric layer may include any natural or synthetic cellulosic fibers including cotton , abaca , kenaf , sabai grass , flax , esparto grass , straw , jute hemp , bagasse , milkweed floss fibers , and pineapple leaf fibers ; and woody fibers . in other embodiments , the fabric layer may include synthetic fibers such as rayon , polyolefin fibers , polyester fibers , bicomponent sheath - core fibers , multi - component binder fibers , and the like . synthetic cellulose fiber types include rayon in all its varieties and other fibers derived from viscose or chemically - modified cellulose . in other embodiments , suitable synthetic fibers may include , but are not limited to , rayon fibers , ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer fibers , polyolefin fibers , polyesters , carbon fibers , silicon nitride fibers , and the like . in addition , synthetic fibers may also be utilized in the present invention . the discussion herein regarding pulp fibers is understood to include synthetic fibers . some suitable polymers that may be used to form the synthetic fibers include , but are not limited to : polyolefins , such as , polyethylene , polypropylene , polybutylene , and the like ; polyesters , such as polyethylene terephthalate , poly ( glycolic acid ) ( pga ), poly ( lactic acid ) ( pla ), poly ( β - malic acid ) ( pmla ), poly ( ε - caprolactone ) ( pcl ), poly ( ρ - dioxanone ) ( pds ), poly ( 3 - hydroxybutyrate ) ( phb ), and the like ; polyamides , such as nylon , kevlar ®, and the like , teflon ®, and polyester nylons ( ep ). synthetic or natural cellulosic polymers , including but not limited to : cellulosic esters ; cellulosic ethers ; cellulosic nitrates ; cellulosic acetates ; cellulosic acetate butyrates ; ethyl cellulose ; regenerated celluloses , such as viscose , rayon , and the like ; cotton ; flax ; hemp ; and mixtures thereof may be used in embodiments disclosed herein . other polymers suitable for use in the fabric layer may include thermoplastic and non - thermoplastic polymers including natural and synthetic polymers . in various embodiments , the fabric layer may include polymers such as ethylene - vinyl acetate ( eva ), ethylene / vinyl alcohol copolymers , polystyrene , impact modified polystyrene , abs , styrenelbutadiene block copolymers and hydrogenated derivatives thereof ( sbs and sebs ), and thermoplastic polyurethanes . suitable polyolefins may include linear or low density polyethylene , polypropylene ( including atactic , isotactic , syndiotactic and impact modified versions thereof ) and poly ( 4 - methyl - 1 - pentene ). suitable styrenic polymers may include polystyrene , rubber modified polystyrene ( hips ), styrene / acrylonitrile copolymers ( san ), rubber modified san ( abs or aes ) and styrene maleic anhydride copolymers . in other embodiments , the fabric layer may include metal fibers , metal wire , metal mesh , metal belting or cording , or the like . in some embodiments , the fabric layer may have an average thickness in the range from 0 . 05 mm to 5 mm ( 0 . 002 inches to 0 . 2 inches ). in other embodiments , the resilient layer may have an average thickness in the range from 0 . 1 mm to 3 . 8 mm ( 0 . 004 inches to 0 . 150 inches ); from 0 . 25 mm to 3 . 2 mm ( 0 . 010 inches to 0 . 125 inches ) in other embodiments ; and from 0 . 5 mm to 2 . 5 mm ( 0 . 020 inches to 0 . 10 inches ) in yet other embodiments . in some embodiments , an optional foam layer may be disposed between the fabric layer and the substrate . in other embodiments , an optional foam layer may be incorporated as one layer in a multi - layer resilient layer , as described above . in some embodiments , the foam layer may comprise an expanded plastic , a polyolefin foam , a urethane foam , an ethylene - vinyl acetate foam , or combinations thereof . in some embodiments , the foam may be an open - cell foam , and in other embodiments , a closed - cell foam . adhesive materials , in some embodiments , include curable latex , urethane or vinyl systems . styrene butadiene rubbers ( sbr ), for example , are one of the most common polymers used for latex adhesive backing materials . in other embodiments , adhesives known as pressure sensitive adhesives ( psas ) and hot melt adhesives ( hmas ) may be used . psas are a distinct category of adhesive , which , in dry ( solvent free ) form , are aggressive and permanently tacky at room temperature and adhere to a variety of surfaces without the need of more than pressure . they do not require activation by water , solvent , or heat . in contrast , hmas are typically applied to a substrate while in its molten state and cooled to harden the adhesive layer . in some embodiments , hmas with high heat resistance and / or good cold resistance may be used . psas may be used in other embodiments , and may provide many desirable characteristics such as removability and ease of application . in yet other embodiments , curable adhesives ( e . g ., heat or light - cured ) may be used , particularly where substrates require substantial permanency and high strength adherence . in other embodiments , a number of different polymers may be used as the base component of adhesives in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein . for example , ethylene vinyl acetate ( eva ) based polymers may be used . other embodiments may use polyethylene - based polymers , polypropylene - based polymers , propylene - ethylene copolymers , amorphous poly alpha - olefins , polyamides , block copolymers , and / or other polymers known in the art . for example , ethylene ethyl acrylate ( eea ), styrene - isoprene - styrene copolymers , styrene - butadiene - styrene copolymers , as well as a number of other styrene copolymers ( sebs , seps , etc . ), polyurethane , polyvinyl chloride , latex nitrile , acrylonitrile copolymers , acrylics ( including pure acrylics as well as styrene acrylics and vinyl acrylics ), and polyisobutylene may be used . in addition , polymers such as ethylene butyl acrylate ( enba ) and epoxydized polybutadiene ( pbe ) may be used . this non - comprehensive list is representative of the types of polymers that may be used in adhesive compositions in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein . those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a number of other suitable polymers and adhesives exist . in certain embodiments , it is anticipated an adhesive may be prepared without the use of a tackifier or with a minimal quantity of tackifier . an adhesive may also prepared without a wax , such as a blend of a polymer and a tackifying resin . other embodiments may use an adhesive such as a gelled form of cyano - acrylics , a slow - set urethane gel , a hot glue , a thixotropic glue . in particular embodiments , the above described adhesives may be used to bond the resilient layer to the fabric layer . in other embodiments , the above described adhesives may be used to bond the bed liner to the surface of the substrate to be protected . in some embodiments , the fabric layer is bound to the substrate surface using an adhesive . in other embodiments , where the fabric serves as an interior reinforcement of the resilient layer or is partially vulcanized into the resilient layer , the resilient layer and / or the fabric layer may be bound to the substrate surface using an adhesive . in particular embodiments , the adhesive may adhere to a painted surface without requiring scarring , scuffing , or other damage of the painted surface . in some embodiments , an adhesive bonding layer comprising a substrate intermediate two adhesive layers , such as double - sided tape for example , may be used to adhere the bed liner to the substrate to be protected . in some embodiments , the intermediate substrate may include hook and loop layers . another adhesive that may be used includes a one - component adhesive for metal surfaces such as iron , zinc , copper , cadmium and their alloys that will cure upon contact with the metal surface , such as that disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 096 , 962 , for example . the adhesive composition includes an olefinically unsaturated monomer ; an acidic compound ; a sulfonyl - containing compound ; and a compound containing a transition metal . the adhesive composition may also optionally contain additional polymeric materials and will cure rapidly upon contact with a metal surface to form an adhesive bond between metal surfaces . the adhesive composition avoids the use of halide - containing compounds which can be undesirable in certain applications . in some embodiments , the adhesive used may permanently bind or adhere the liner to a substrate surface . in other embodiments , the adhesive may removably bind the liner to a substrate surface , allowing the liner to be removed or partially removed from the substrate . upon removal , in some embodiments , the adhesive may leave substantially no residue on the substrate surface . in other embodiments , an adhesive may be used to bind the resilient layer to the fabric layer . in certain embodiments , the resilient layer is removably bound to the fabric layer , allowing removal of at least a portion of the resilient layer , such as where it is desired to repair or replace a portion of the resilient layer . embodiments of the bed liner or the individual components of the bed liner , including the cloth / fabric layer and the resilient layer , may include various additives . additionally , the adhesive used to affix the liner to a substrate surface to be protected may include various additives . for example , embodiments may include a wetting agent , fire retardants , surfactants , anti - static agents , antifoam agent , anti block , wax - dispersion , pigments , a neutralizing agent , a thickener , a compatibilizer , a brightener , a rheology modifier , a biocide , a fungicide , reinforcing fibers , and other additives known to those skilled in the art . while optional for purposes of the present invention , other components may be highly advantageous for product stability during and after the manufacturing process . other embodiments may include fillers , such as organic or inorganic particles , including clays , talc , titanium dioxide , zeolites , powdered metals , organic or inorganic fibers , including carbon fibers , silicon nitride fibers , steel wire or mesh , and nylon or polyester cording , nano - sized particles , clays , and so forth ; tackifiers , rosins , modified rosins , oil extenders , including paraffinic or napthelenic oils ; and other natural and synthetic polymers , including other polymers according to embodiments of the invention . other embodiments may also contain organic or inorganic fillers or other additives such as starch , talc , calcium carbonate , glass fibers , polymeric fibers ( including nylon , rayon , cotton , polyester , and polyaramide ), metal fibers , flakes or particles , expandable layered silicates , phosphates or carbonates , such as clays , mica , silica , alumina , aluminosilicates or aluminophosphates , carbon whiskers , carbon fibers , nanoparticles including nanotubes , wollastonite , graphite , zeolites , and ceramics , such as silicon carbide , silicon nitride or titania . silane - based or other coupling agents may also be employed for better filler bonding . other embodiments may contain processing oils , plasticizers , and processing aids . other embodiments may include carbon black , an additive useful for uv absorption and stabilizing properties . various embodiments may also contain anti - ozonants or anti - oxidants that are known to a rubber chemist of ordinary skill . for providing additional stability against uv radiation , hindered amine light stabilizers ( hals ) and uv absorbers may be also used . other embodiments may include a heat stabilizer . other embodiments employ a crosslinking or curing agents , cure activators , and accelerators . in other embodiments , vulcanization retarders may also be used . in some embodiments , additives may also include perfumes , defoamers , algae inhibitors , dyes , pigments , or coloring agents , such as colorants formed from titanium oxides , iron oxides , and the like , adhesion promoters , anti - microbiological and anti - fungus agents , a polyaniline or polypyrrole , non - skid agents , bubble - release compositions , flame retardants and halogen - free flame retardants , as well as slip and anti - block additives . as described above with reference to fig1 , one embodiment of the liner 10 described herein may include a fabric layer 14 and a resilient layer 16 . in various embodiments , liner 10 may include one or more fabric layers 14 and one or more resilient layers 16 . and , liner 10 may be disposed on or adhesively conjoined to a surface of a substrate 12 . liner 10 , including each of the above described layers ( resilient , fabric , and adhesive , as applicable ) may have an overall average thickness in the range from 0 . 1 mm to 50 mm ( 0 . 004 inches to 2 . 0 inches ). in other embodiments , the resilient layer may have an average thickness in the range from 1 mm to 38 mm ( 0 . 040 inches to 1 . 5 inches ); from 2 . 5 mm to 31 . 75 mm in other embodiments ; and from 12 mm to 25 mm in yet other embodiments . in some embodiments , at least a portion of the liner may be adhesively bound to a substrate . in other embodiments , a majority of the liner may be adhesively bound to a substrate . in other embodiments , the liner may be form fitted or molded such that the liner and the substrate form an intimate fit , similar to a male / female connection . in this manner , the liner may form an intimate bond or fit with the substrate , minimizing or eliminating gaps , exposed areas , or places where water , dirt and debris can accumulate under the liner , between liner component parts , or between the liner and the substrate . in some embodiments , as described above , the liner may be removably bound to a substrate . in some embodiments , a liner may be constructed as a unitary part . in other embodiments , a liner may be form fitted or molded to mate with a desired cavity or surface . referring now to fig2 a - 2d , one embodiment of a liner used to protect a truck bed 20 is illustrated . truck bed 20 may include a floor 22 , front wall 24 , and two side walls 25 . the floor 22 of the truck bed is often contoured , including ridges 26 , and an elevated portion 27 corresponding to wheel wells 28 . tailgate 29 may be connected to truck bed 20 , forming an open - top enclosure with truck bed 20 when closed . a one - piece bed liner 30 , as illustrated in fig2 b , may be form fitted to mate with the surface and contours of a truck bed 20 . liner 30 may include a front portion 31 , which may overlay and protect front wall 24 . liner 30 may also include sides 32 , which may overly and protect side walls 25 . liner 30 may also include a bottom 33 , overlaying and protecting floor 22 . if desired , a tailgate liner 30 t may be used to protect tailgate 29 , as illustrated in fig2 c . in some embodiments , a bottom surface 34 of bottom 33 may be contoured to match the contours of truck bed 22 , including a raised portion 34 protecting elevated portion 27 . in other embodiments , a bottom surface 34 of bottom 33 may be contoured to mate with ridges 26 , thereby minimizing any gaps that may promote collection of water , dirt , sand , etc . contoured bottom surface 34 may also eliminate any shifting of liner 30 during use , minimizing any abrasive contact that might occur between floor 22 and liner 30 . in addition to the contoured bottom surface 34 , as illustrated in fig2 b and 2d , bottom 33 may also have a contoured top surface 35 , as illustrated in fig2 e . in this manner , the liner 30 may provide a ridged surface , similar to that of the underlying floor 22 of truck bed 20 , providing additional strength or resilience to the liner and facilitating drainage from the lined bed . in some embodiments , such as illustrated in fig2 d and 2e , liner 30 may include an upper lip 36 , such that the contour of the sides 32 mates with the structure of the side walls 25 of truck bed 20 , engaging lip rail 37 ( as shown in fig2 a ). in this manner , the recesses of side walls 25 of truck bed 20 are maintained , thereby maximizing the cargo space and intimately attaching liner 30 to bed 20 . the lip 36 may include a top portion 38 that overlays a top surface 39 of side walls 25 , a top surface 40 of front wall 24 , or a top surface 41 of tailgate 29 . although illustrated generally in fig2 b - 2e , as mentioned above , the liner may be form - fitted or molded to mate with the contours of the truck bed . in addition to the contours previously mentioned ( ridges 26 or lip rail 37 , for example ), those skilled in the art will recognize that truck bed 20 may also include other contours , depressions , etc ., unique to a particular model or brand of truck . liner 30 may be molded to match only a few of the contours , a majority of the contours , or each of the contours . whereas embodiments where liner 30 matches most or all of the contours may provide for the maximum protection of truck bed 20 , embodiments where liner 30 matches fewer contours may allow fewer iterations of liner 30 to be produced . those skilled in the art will recognize that there are several ways to design a liner to protect a bed , including over - the - rail , as shown in fig2 d - 2e , under - the - rail , etc . referring now to fig3 a - 3b , one embodiment of a liner used to protect a cabinet or cavity , such as a fire engine storage compartment , is illustrated . the liner 50 , having a fabric layer 50 a and a resilient layer 50 b , may be of unitary construction , form fitted or molded to mate with the surface and contours of the cavity 57 . in certain embodiments , it may be desired to install storage enhancing devices 51 ( brackets , shelves , holders , clasps , etc .) in a cavity 57 , such that equipment or other items may be stored in an organized or accessible fashion . a liner 50 , in some embodiments , may be of a thickness and hardness such that various storage devices 51 may be attached to liner 50 for hanging or holding equipment ( such as , for example , respiration equipment , tools , etc . )( not shown ), where installation of the devices 51 does not require damage to the substrate 53 . for example , a screw 54 may be used to hang bracket 55 on a back wall 56 of the storage compartment 57 , wherein screw 56 penetrates to a depth equal to only a portion of the liner thickness t . in this manner , localized stress areas may be avoided , thus minimizing the potential for the substrate 53 to begin to rust , and minimizing the avenues for damaging moisture and chemicals to attack the substrate 53 . in other embodiments , a liner 48 may be positioned on door 59 , such that liners 50 , 58 collectively protect the respective substrate surfaces from chemical or impact damage due to the contents stored inside compartment 57 . in some embodiments , the liner may be provided in multiple parts , as shown in fig4 - 6 , 7 a , and 7 b , where each of the multiple parts may include a resilient layer bonded to a fabric layer similar to that as illustrated in fig1 , 2 d and 2 e , where the fabric layer is configured to be adhered to the vehicle wear surface . where the bed liner is fonned from multiple pieces , in some embodiments , the multiple pieces may be interconnected , overlaid , or mated , modularly forming a cohesive protective layer over the substrate . the overlying or mated portions may be bound together using an adhesive in some embodiments , thus sealing the boundary between the component liner pieces . in other embodiments , the seams between the component pieces may be filled with a composition similar to the resilient layer or “ welded ” together , such as by heat sealing or by using a composition that will bind the two surfaces at the seams . for example , in some embodiments , an activator compound , a vulcanizing agent , or a crosslinking agent may be applied to the seams , causing the contacting portions of the seams to meld together , sealing the seam areas . in other embodiments , heat may be applied to the abutting edges of the component pieces to intimately bond the component pieces . referring now to fig4 , one embodiment of a multi - component bed liner is illustrated . a bed liner may be formed from one or more component pieces , as described above , where the embodiment of fig4 provides a bed liner formed from four component pieces . the multi - component liner 70 includes front 72 , left side 74 , right side 76 , and bottom 78 . a component piece may also be provided to cover the tailgate . the surfaces of each component part that abut , mate with , or overlie an adjacent component part may be adhesively bound , sealed , filled , or welded , as described above . for example , the bottom surface 80 of left side 74 may be adhesively bound to the top surface 82 of bottom 78 . the interior surface 84 of left side 74 may be adhesively bound to the side surface 86 of front 72 . likewise , the abutting or mating surfaces of each of the component parts may be bound . depending upon the size of the component pieces of the bed liner , it may be beneficial , space - wise for storage and / or shipping , to form the component parts in other configurations . for example , in other embodiments , the multi - component bed liner may be formed where the contour of the wheel well 87 is formed as part of side wall 88 , as illustrated in fig5 . bottom 89 , in this embodiment , may thus be formed from a flat piece . in the embodiment illustrated in fig6 , a truck bed liner 90 may be formed from two component pieces . left liner part 92 and right liner part 94 may be installed , where seams 96 , 98 may be sealed , filled , or welded , as described above . where it is desired to have the component pieces overlay or mate together , the component pieces may have seam edges contoured as illustrated in fig7 a or 7 b . in the embodiment of fig7 a , angled surface edges 100 a and 1000 b may be adhesively bound together or sealed as described above . it should be understood that the contact area may be changed by varying the angle of mating surfaces , etc . in the embodiment of fig7 b , one or more of the edges 101 a / b , 102 a / b , 103 a / b may be adhesively bound together or sealed an overlapping joint as described above . although illustrated and described in a limited number of embodiments , those skilled in the art will recognize that other configurations may be used to overlay or mate the component pieces . embodiments of the surface protective layer may also be useful in protecting various sized surfaces , such as the cabinet described in fig3 above , where one or more component liner pieces may be custom fit to cover and protect the surface or a portion of the surface . for example , in one embodiment for the cabinet liner of fig3 , the cabinet may be lined with two or more component liner pieces , such as where the back , sides , bottom , and top of the cabinet are each individually lined , and the seams between the component liner pieces can be sealed , filled , or welded , as described above . the unitary or multi - component liners , as described above , may protect a substrate against water or dirt accumulation , etc ., protecting against corrosion , rust , abrasive damage , chemical attack , or deleterious impacts . embodiments of the liner described herein may be formed by injection molding , thermoforming , blow molding , spray molding , or any other process used to form shaped articles . for example , in some embodiments , the liner or parts of a liner may be formed by spray coating a resilient layer onto a fabric substrate . in some embodiments , the resilient layer may be sprayed , coated , or skim coated onto a fabric , forming a resilient layer having a uniform thickness on the substrate fabric . where various shaped liners may be desired , the coated substrate may be shaped while the coating is curing , or , in other embodiments , the formed liner may subsequently be thermoformed or molded into a desired shape . in other embodiments , the coated substrate may be flexible , such that the liner may be shaped to conform to the dimensions of the underlying substrate to be protected . in other embodiments , the composite material may be vulcanized in the mold . in some embodiments , the liner may be formed in a mold . for example , in one embodiment , a liner , having a fabric layer or a reinforcing fabric layer and a composite or polymer material as a resilient liner , may be formed by first placing the fabric in a mold tool . the mold tool may then be closed and liquid polymer may be injected into the mold tool by injection molding so as to bond or wholly encapsulate the fabric to the resilient layer , forming a liner having a desired shape . where the fabric is used as a reinforcing layer , an inward force may be exerted on opposite faces of the fabric within the mold tool by fingers protruding inwardly from inside faces of the mold tool , the fingers being operable to engage the reinforcing fabric when the mold tool closes . the fingers may include inwardly projecting pegs which align with crossing points of the fabric to space the fabric from corresponding upper and lower internal surfaces of the mold tool and ensure that the reinforcing fabric is buried within the polymer or composite material which is injected into the mold tool during the manufacturing process . the polymer or composite material is allowed to cure and then the liner may be removed from the mold tool . in other embodiments , the liner may be formed by first adhesively bonding a fabric to a surface . the resilient layer may then be sprayed onto the fabric coated surface , where the fabric acts as a bridge , bonding the resilient layer to the surface . in some embodiments , the resilient layer may be removably bound to the fabric layer . the liner may be formed , in some embodiments , from a vulcanized rubber bound to a fabric layer . in some embodiments , the fabric layer and the vulcanized rubber may be adhesively bound . in other embodiments , the fabric layer may be chemically bound , such as where the fabric layer and the vulcanized rubber are at least partially crosslinked . the fabric layer may serve as a bridge , allowing the vulcanized rubber to be removably bound to a substrate to be protected . in some embodiments , the exposed surface of a liner may be printed with graphics , such as indicia ( indications of the manufacturer , for example ) or aesthetic designs . in other embodiments , the liner may provide a slot or recessed area for placement of indicia , such as described in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 076 , 879 , for example . in other embodiments , letters or graphics may be molded into the liner , for example , where the outer surface of a liner may contain raised lettering using a specialized mold , such as described in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 308 , 133 . in some embodiments , for example , the surface of the liner may include graphics , logos , pictures , decorative textures , and the like . in addition to printing , embossing , or custom molding , embodiments of the liner described herein may be marked to pinpoint drill targets for tie - down hardware . in other embodiments , the liner may be marked to identify target locations of drain holes . in other embodiments , cutouts for the tie - down hardware locations and drain holes may be provided . in yet other embodiments , the tie - down hardware locations and drain holes may be removed ( or pre - drilled ) prior to shipment to a customer or retailer . advantageously , embodiments described herein may provide for a liner that may protect a substrate from physical and / or chemical attack . some embodiments of the liner described herein may provide for a liner which forms an intimate bond with a substrate , minimizing or eliminating the accumulation of dirt , debris , or water between the liner and the substrate . other embodiments of the liner disclosed herein may provide for ease of installation , requiring minimal surface preparation . other embodiments of the liner disclosed herein may advantageously provide for removably attaching the liner to a substrate , thereby facilitating any needed repairs or replacement , such as by use of a carpet knife , a hook knife , or other appropriate tools . other embodiments described herein may provide for a hybrid bed liner that encompasses one or more of the following aspects : easily installable , easily removable , excellent impact and chemical resistance , minimal or no damage to the surface upon installation or removal , inexpensive , lightweight , sturdy , and heat and uv stability , among others . while embodiments of the bed liner described herein have utility in pickups and vans , it should be understood , however , that it may also be applied to other uses . for example , embodiments of the liner may accordingly be directed at providing a lined surface for buses , campers , motor homes , horse trailers , and the like . in addition , embodiments of the liner system may also be used in commercial and / or recreational boats . while the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments , those skilled in the art , having benefit of this disclosure , will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein . accordingly , the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims . all priority documents are herein fully incorporated by reference for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation is permitted . further , all documents cited herein , including testing procedures , are herein fully incorporated by reference for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation is permitted to the extent such disclosure is consistent with the description of the present invention .	1
referring to the drawings and particularly to fig1 , and 4 , the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown . the device is adapted to be interposed in the conduit 60 , leading from the conventional pcv valve , to the downstream side of the conventional automotive vehicle carburetor . conduit 60 usually consists of a rubber hose . the preferred form of the present invention is comprised of a housing 20 , a solenoid 30 , a solenoid piston 40 , and a valve housing 50 . those particular items will now be described in detail following which , their individual functions and usage will be described . the valve housing 20 , is a cylinderical member having side wall 22 , enclosed end 21 and open end 29 . two apertures for electrical conduits are disposed through end 21 , namely apertures 23 and 24 . aperture 23 is adapted to receive electrical leads from the solenoid , while aperture 24 is adapted to receive electrical leads 27 , from the solenoid to light 25 . light 25 is enclosed within the cover 26 which is coupled to wall 21 . air holes 28 , are disposed around the perimeter of the housing , near lower end 29 , to permit ambient air to flow into the housing . a filter 15 is shown disposed circumferentially around the housing 20 , so as to cover air holes 28 and filter the air passing therethrough . the solenoid 30 , is adapted to be disposed within housing 20 , such that its upper end 32 , is towards end 21 , of the housing . solenoid 30 , has a cylindrical bore 33 extending partially therethrough and is adapted to receive the piston 40 . the open end of bore 33 is directed towards the open end 29 of housing 20 . stop ring 44 is disposed inside of housing 20 , so as to provide a specified position of solenoid 30 within housing 20 . in alternate embodiments , the inner portion of housing 20 may be ribbed to prevent twisting of solenoid 30 . the valve housing 40 , is generally cyclindrical in shape , having an upper edge 52 , and a lower edge 51 . the valve housing 50 , is disposed within housing 20 , such that the upper edge 52 is disposed adjacent and in contact with lower edge 31 , of solenoid 30 . in this position , valve housing 50 may be welded or bonded to housing 20 and precise positioning of valve housing 50 and solenoid 30 . in this position , the lower edge 51 , of valve housing 50 , is disposed at the same elevation as end 29 , of housing 20 . when properly disposed , as shown in fig1 fusing , welding or bonding may be used around the perimeter , joining valve housing 50 and the lower edge 29 , of housing 20 . the valve housing 50 has disposed therein , a valve seat 54 , which is generally frusto - conical in shape . disposed at the lower end of the seat 54 , is a cylindrical cavity 55 , ( fig2 ), which is adapted to receive a spring 61 . a bore 56 , is coupled to the cavity 55 , and extends through the stem of the valve , coupling to vent line 60 at ends 57 and 58 . ends 57 and 58 are in the preferred embodiment serrated and conical and are adapted to be coupled to the vent line 60 . the valve housing 50 , has disposed therein , in its preferred form , a slot 59 through which ambient air may flow from the interior of the housing 20 , through cavity 55 and bore 56 to vent line 60 , piston 40 is formed so as to be able to be disposed within the bore 33 of solenoid 30 . in its preferred form , its lower end 43 , has disposed therein , a slot 47 , ( fig2 ) through which member 45 is disposed so as to be rotably coupled to piston 40 . member 45 is formed as an integral part of ball 44 and permits rotation of ball 44 as would a differential joint . ball 44 is generally semi - spherical in shape and is adapted to be disposed within ball seat 54 of valve housing 50 ( fig1 ). when solenoid 30 is activated , piston 40 is retracted into solenoid 30 , ball 44 would be disposed above seat 54 ( fig2 ), permitting ambient air flow into vent line 60 . having now described the physical characteristics of each element of the device , their association and function will now be described . solenoid 30 has two electrical leads 62 and 63 . lead 62 is coupled to an activating switch , while lead 63 is coupled to the positive battery terminal . the activating switch in the preferred form of the present invention , is set to activate at a no load condition when the engine reaches 2000 rpm &# 39 ; s and above . it has been found that such an operating range is most efficient for the fuel air mixture for the carburetor . below that range , the fuel mixture is lean and efficient . anything at that range or above produces a too rich mixture and needs to be leaned by the addition of additional ambient air . in the preferred form therefore , solenoid 30 is activated when that particular rpm level is reached and retracts piston 40 into solenoid 30 , thereby raising the spherical ball 44 from seat 54 , and permitting ambient air to pass through apertures 28 , slot 59 of valve housing 50 , between the valve seat 54 and ball 44 , through recess 55 , and into bore 56 , and thereby passing into the vent line 60 . in the preferred form , it has been found that a solenoid having a 100 ounce pull at 1 / 64 of an inch on piston 40 , is efficient . standards of the california air resources board require that any addition to the vent fitting produce no more than 3 cubic feet of air per minute at 7 inches of mercury vacuum . in the preferred form , it has been discovered that a 1 / 64 of an inch clearance between the ball and seat will produce that flow of air . the piston and spherical ball 44 , are uniquely designed as illustrated in fig1 and 2 . the connection is , in effect , a differential fitting , which permits slight misalignment between the solenoid and valve 50 , but , will still permit effective sealing therebetween . spring 61 , normally urges ball 44 into its open position , fig2 . the resistance to compression of spring 61 is predetermined so that it will hold constant pressure ball 44 away from seat 54 to aid in its immediate release upon activation of the solenoid . however , when the solenoid is deactivated , the vacuum will easily suck ball 44 down onto seat 54 . the device of the present invention can be easily adapted for use in vehicles not having a vent line from the crankcase to the intake manifold , by capping end 57 and coupling end 58 to the intake manifold . the device provides the additional ambient air to better regulate the fuel - air mixture in the intake manifold . in the preferred form of the present invention , the valve housing 50 and housing 20 are formed of an acetal copolymer . it is dimensionally stable and resistant to thermal expansion and contraction . its dimensional stability can be increased by loading the acetal copolymer with about 25 percent of glass fibers or other high temperature filler and / or strengthening material . the ball 44 , in the present invention is formed of a nylon material for efficient and effective wear . the spherical ball 44 also cooperates with the spherical seat 54 to provide a self - cleaning action , tending to displace and knock away any dirt , oil or other debris , which might otherwise keep the ball 44 from seating firmly or restricting air flow through the annular opening between the ball and housing . ball 44 may also be formed of a polyethylene which has a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion and which releases oils and other greases rather steadily , so as to facilitate the self - cleaning action . the light 25 , is coupled to solenoid 30 , so as to be activated whenever solenoid 30 is activated . this is especially helpful during installation . it permits the installer to know when the solenoid is actually being activated and thereby permits more ease of installation . an additional benefit is that the solenoid can be checked for operation without having to disassemble the unit . the preferred embodiment of the fuel - air control device of the present invention is adapted for efficiently supplying additional air to the crankcase ventilating fumes when the engine is under strain and the intake manifold vacuum is low , as when the engine is accelerating or operating at high speeds . in the preferred form of the present invention , it has also been found that the device operates most effectively when set to activate at 2000 rpm &# 39 ; s , under no load conditions . it is this level which seems to be the point where the fuel - air mixture needs to be leaned both high speed and at load stress conditions for efficient and economical operation . it may be discovered that for any particular engine , a different specific rpm may be most efficient . therefore , the present invention provides a means for adjusting the device to fit any particular engine characteristics by simply providing a means for activating the solenoid at any particular point . proper adjustment may be accomplished by a trained mechanic evaluating the characteristic performance of a particular engine and either raising or lowering the critical point at which the solenoid is activated . in the preferred embodiment , a filter 15 is disposed around housing 20 over holes 28 , to filter out large particulate matter which could cause the device to become jammed , non - operable , or permit particulate matter to enter the intake manifold . the second embodiment of the fuel - air control device is illustrated primarily in fig3 however , additional views are shown in fig5 and 6 . the second embodiment is comprised of a housing 65 , a tubular mixing member 71 , a solenoid 75 , and a sealing arm 83 . in this embodiment , the mixing chamber 71 is long and tubular shaped , having an end 67 , and an end 68 . each end is serrated and conical and is capable of being coupled to hose 60 . end 67 has an inner diameter id1 and end 68 has an inner diameter id2 . it has been found to operate best when id1 is 0 . 225 inches in diameter and id2 is 0 . 180 inches in diameter . the internal mixing chamber 71 is disposed within and coupled to housing 65 , such that , its ends 67 and 68 protrude therefrom . a pair of apertures 72 , having a predetermined size ( 0 . 125 preferably ) are disposed through the wall of chamber 71 , near end 67 , as illustrated in fig3 . chamber 71 is coupled to housing 65 , so as to be rigidly fixed thereto . solenoid 75 is rigidly coupled to mixing chamber 71 . solenoid 75 has end 77 disposed towards end 67 of the chamber 71 . a bore 76 , is disposed into solenoid 75 , having a back edge 79 and capable of receiving a piston 80 . piston 80 has an end 81 which is disposed into bore 76 . end 82 of piston 80 , extends forward of solenoid 75 and is coupled to sealing arms 83 , best illustrated in fig3 and 6 . the sealing arms are generally curved so as to fit around the chamber 71 , fig6 . arms 83 are generally formed from stainless steel and must be precisely fit around chamber 71 . a sealing lubricant is also disposed between arms 83 and chamber 72 , to lubricate and seal simultaneously . a spring 87 is disposed about piston 80 , so as to force piston 80 from its retracted position , position 2 , into its fully extended position , position 1 , fig3 . in position 1 , the solenoid is not activated . as solenoid 75 becomes activated , piston 80 is withdrawn into bore 76 until the sealing arm 83 reaches position 2 . at that point , air flow from the ambient will not be mixed in chamber 71 . in this form , unlike the preferred embodiment , activation of the solenoid occurs during at no load conditions below 2000 rpm &# 39 ; s , therefore , when the switch is activated , the solenoid is deactivated and piston 80 moves out and sealing arm moves away from aperture 72 . ( in this position , air from the ambient will flow into mixing chamber 71 and produce the proper air - fuel mixture ). it should be noted that while ambient air is admitted to the vent line during periods when the solenoid is not activated , the device could be made to admit air during activation . the housing 65 of this embodiment encloses the solenoid , piston 80 and sealing arms 83 . a stop 73 is disposed on the inner face of end 69 of body 65 to prevent the extension of piston 80 to any extent beyond that desired . four apertures 92 , are cut through the housing 65 , as illustrated in fig5 on both sides thereof . these apertures are to permit the flow of ambient air into the housing and eventually into the internal mixing chamber 71 . it should be noted that in this embodiment , four apertures are used , but that in a different embodiment , more or less could be used . a filter 93 is disposed over the apertures to filter out the large particulate matter which could enter into the housing and thereby cause damage and enter vapor return line . in this embodiment , a light 88 is also employed for the same reasons discussed in the preferred embodiment . two electrical leads , 90 and 91 , pass through housing 65 ; lead 91 , to the positive battery and lead 90 to the switch . the present invention has been tested . one such using a single motor home on a non - tuned engine . the following results were noted over the same course : ______________________________________miles traveled miles per gallon______________________________________ ( without device ) 180 . 4 5 . 32 ( with 6 hr . air - conditioning ) 293 5dyno tested at 2500 rpm = 95 h . p . ( with device ) 289 . 3 10 . 33 311 7 . 59 ( with 9 hr . air - conditioning ) dyno tested at 2500 rpm = 104 h . p . ______________________________________ as can be seen from the proceeding test results , a 51 % increase occurred with air conditioning running , while a 94 % increase occurred without air conditioning and showed an increase in rear brake horse power of 9 . 47 %. the device was installed on a 29 foot avco motor home which won the 1977 national pismo beach economy run . the solenoid of the present invention is activated by a switch . in the preferred form , the switch is efficient and reliable , although it is understood that any other type of mechanical or electronic switch could equally well be employed with the present invention . the switching device 150 is comprised of 3 main elements ; a frame 100 , a reed magnetic switch 108 , and movable magnetic 116 . the frame 100 is formed of a rigid bendable material such as steel and is initially straight , having a mounting aperture 102 at end 100 and a plastic or non - magnetic member 103 fixed to the opposite end 109 . coupled to non - magnetic member 103 , near end 108 is the reed switch 108 . ( a reed switch is well known in the art and comprises a tube containing conducting , at least one reslilent member and one semi - rigid member extends from each end , preset so as to not be in contact . the members are enclosed in a plastic tube such that as a magnetic force is passed along the tube , the resilient member is attracted by the force and contacts the semi - rigid member . the resilient member is electrically coupled to one lead 105 and the semi - rigid member to the other lead 104 ). lead 105 is coupled to the solenoid switch and lead 104 to ground . frame 100 is secured to the engine block 112 by a bolt disposed through aperture 102 . the frame 100 is bent in a 90 ° angle so that it is juxtaposed to the accelerator linkage , as shown in fig7 . magnetic 116 is clamped to the accelerator linkage , as shown in fig2 . mark 107 is placed on reed switch 108 to indicate the point at which the magnetic 116 will activate the switch 108 . the magnetic 116 is precisely adjusted to the accelerator linkage 111 so that it activates the switch at 2000 rpm no load , at position b . when magnetic 116 is between position b and position a , the switch will not be activated , while between position b and position c , it will be activated . typically , a standard circular clamp 118 is used to secure the magnetic 116 to the accelerator linkage 111 . it has been found the optimum distance between magnetic 116 and switch 108 is 1 / 4 inch . in fig8 an alternative switch is shown . there , a micro switch 120 is employed . it is disposed adjacent to the accelerator cam 112 and coupled to engine frame 123 . it is set so as to be activated while at 2000 rpm idle . the switch arm 122 of switch 120 contacts accelerator cam 112 when it is rotated to the desired , preselected position . at that point , a signal is sent to activate the solenoid . in this form , lead 124 is coupled to the solenoid and lead 125 is coupled to ground . although the present invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments thereof , many variations and modifications will now become apparent to those skilled in the art . it is preferred , therefore , that the present invention be limited , not by the specific disclosure herein , but only by the appended claims .	8
the stapler device illustrated in fig1 comprises a housing , generally designated 2 , including a handle 4 which is manually grippable by the user . the illustrated stapler device is pneumatically powered and therefore includes a connector 6 at the bottom of the handle 4 for attaching thereto a tube 8 connectible to a source of pressurized air . housing 2 further includes an elongated barrel 10 having a staple guide 12 at its end for the staple 14 to be ejected . ejection of the staple 14 is effected by an ejector pin 16 which is driven into sharp impact against the base of the staple 14 by the air pressure supplied from the pressurized air tube 8 . handle 4 includes a trigger 18 which , when depressed , applies an air pressure pulse to ejector pin 16 to cause it to impact against the base of staple 14 and thereby to eject the staple out through the end of guide 12 . insofar as described , such staple devices are known , and therefore further details of its construction and operation are not set forth . as distinguished from the known constructions , the staple 14 ejected from the guide 12 at the end of barrel 10 in fig1 has a suture thread 20 secured to the staple and ejected with it . in the above - described application , the staple is driven into the patient &# 39 ; s pubic bone , and the thread 20 may then be used for fixing the bladder neck and proximal urethra thereto . the staple 14 in fig1 is made of elastic material . the staple is preferably shaped into the curved form illustrated at 14 &# 39 ; in fig2 while it is in its normal condition , and is deformed into the straight form shown at 14 &# 34 ; in fig3 while in a stressed condition . it is loaded into the stapler and ejected therefrom while in its straight stressed condition . after it has been so ejected , it returns to its curved form shown at 14 &# 39 ; in fig2 thereby better fixing the staple to the bone tissue it penetrated when ejected from the staple guide 12 . as shown in fig2 and 3 , the staple 14 is formed with a pointed end 14a to enable it to penetrate the bone , and with a hole 14b approximately midway of its length for receiving the thread 20 , similar to the manner in which a thread is received in the eye of a needle . fig4 and 5a more particularly illustrate the staple guide 12 from which the staple 14 , including its attached thread 20 , is ejected . as shown , the outer end of this guide is formed with a bore for receiving the staple , and a pair of axially - extending recesses , in the form of slots 22 , communicating with the bore to accommodate the thread 20 . thus , when the base 14c of staple 14 is impacted by the ejector pin 16 , the thread 20 moves through slot 22 , thereby permitting the staple guide , 12 to snugly fit around the ejected staple 14 . fig6 and 7a illustrate a modification in the construction of the staple guide 12 in order to accommodate the thread 20 secured to the staple 14 . in the modification of fig6 and 7a , the inner surface of the staple guide 12 is formed with a pair of grooves 22a serving as the recesses for accomodating the two sides of the thread 20 . the manner of using the illustrated stapler device will now be described particularly with reference to fig8 a - 8e . thus , the staple 14 , together with its attached thread 20 , is loaded into the staple guide 12 while the staple is in its straight condition as illustrated at 14 &# 34 ; in fig3 . depressing trigger 18 causes a high - pressure pulse of air to be applied to ejector pin 16 . this pulse causes ejector pin 16 to impact against the end face 14c of the staple 14 , thereby driving the staple into the bone as shown in fig8 a and 8b . as soon as the staple penetrates the bone , it starts to return to its normal , curved shape as shown in fig8 c and 8d . the staple is thus firmly anchored to the bone with its attached thread 20 extending through the opening formed by the staple through the bone , as shown in fig8 e . following is one procedure for performing the above - described operation : a 20f urethral catheter is inserted into the bladder , and a balloon is inflated to 20 cc and retracted gently downwardly against the bladder neck . the surgeon inserts two fingers into the vagina , pressing the interior vaginal wall with one finger on each side of the urethra , which is felt because of the inserted catheter . by pressing the fingers upwardly and backwardly , the bladder neck and proximal urethra are pressed against the posterior wall of the pubic bone . at this stage , two staples are ejected longitudinally on each side of the urethra , about 1 - 2 cm apart . the two threads on each side of the urethra are tied one to the the other . they may be tied on the vaginal mucosa , in which case the tension will embed the threads to the sub - mucosa after some time . alternatively , the threads may be tied under the vaginal mucosa by passing one of the threads on the same side . the threads may be made of a monofilament non - absorbent material , as well as of an absorbent material , dependent on the preference of the physician . in cases where the urethra itself is very wide , the threads may be used for engaging and elevating the urethra to the posterior pubic bone as in a &# 34 ; sling operation &# 34 ;. the stapler barrel 10 in fig1 is preferably of a flexible plastic tube . fig9 illustrates a variation wherein the stapler barrel is in the form of a closed helical wire 110 enclosed within a thin flexible tube 111 , which increases the flexibility of the barrel and thereby facilitates its placement at the proper direction . fig1 illustrates a variation wherein the barrel , therein designated 210 , is a stiff or rigid tube . fig1 illustrates a further variation wherein the stapler , therein designated 302 , includes two barrels 310a , 31ob in parallel relation to each other to enable two staples with attached threads to be ejected at the same time . in the modification illustrated in fig1 , each of the staple guides 321a , 312b receives a staple - thread unit 314a , 314b ejected by an ejector pin 316a , 316b received in the respective barrel , and both ejector pins are driven at the same time by high pressure pulses produced upon depression of the trigger 318 . fig1 - 18 illustrate other constructions of staple - thread units which may be used . the unit illustrated in fig1 includes a staple 114 and a thread 120 similar to the construction illustrated in fig2 and 3 , except that the hole 114b through which the thread 120 is passed is at the rear end of the staple , rather than at the middle . fig1 illustrates a construction wherein the staple 214 is provided with a bore 214b extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the staple 214 with the end of the thread 220 received and fixed therein by crimping the staple . fig1 illustrates a construction wherein the bore 314b is in the base 314c of staple 314 and extends along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the staple 314 , the thread 320 being received within the bore 314b and fixed therein by crimping the staple . fig1 illustrates a construction similar to that of fig1 , except that part of the base 414c of the staple 414 , formed with the axial bore 414b for receiving the thread 420 , is cut away so that the impact of the ejector pin against the base of the staple will not impact against the end of the thread . fig1 illustrates a further variation wherein the staple 514 is formed with a plurality of barbs 515 projecting from its outer surface , to fix the staple to the bone which it penetrates . the thread 520 is passed through a hole 514b in the staple . fig1 illustrates a staple 614 made of bent wire with the thread 620 passing through a loop 614b in the bent wire . fig1 illustrates a staple 714 with a split tail 714c , which is straightened when inserted into the staple guide 12 . the thread 720 passes through a hole 714b in the staple . while the invention has been described with respect to one particular application , it will be appreciated that the described stapler device and stapler - thread units may - be used for other applications , e . g ., for shoulder dislocations , endoscopic operations , or the like . the stapler may also be electrically operated and may use other mechanical impact devices for driving the stapler . the staples themselves may be of known bio - absorbable materials . many other variations and applications of the invention will be apparent .	0
the present invention can be applied to any wireless communication device including , but not limited to , a cell phone , a pda ( personal digital assistant ), or a gps ( global positioning system ). in general wireless communication systems , communication network service providers from different systems or regions use various communication protocols or two - way pager communication protocols ; however , the present invention is not limited to any kind of protocols . the present invention discloses a tablet pc ( personal computer ) transformer , typically referred to a computer shaped in the form of a notebook or a slate with capabilities of being written on , via the use of digitizing tablet technology or a touch screen . referring now to fig1 , a block diagram of a wireless and portable communication device of the present invention is shown . for the sake of simplicity , an example embodiment of the portable communication device is introduced hereinafter as an explanation ; however , such an example embodiment not used to limit the present invention in anyway , i . e ., the present invention can be modified to facilitate to use other different kinds of communication systems or protocols without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention . for example , a single chip system can be introduced to integrate chips or processors hereinafter . the portable communication device includes a control unit 100 , such as a cpu ( central processing unit ), which is used to process or control commands , information , data , and computing of the device . memory 105 , for example , rom ( read only memory ), non - volatile memory such as a flash memory and / or ram ( random access memory ) is coupled to the control unit 100 . generally , permanent data is stored in the rom , and an operation program ( os ) or application programs such as driver applications can generally be stored in the non - volatile memory which can still retain the data stored therein when a power supply is unavailable and can be read or written repeatedly when the power supply is available . the system operation program ( os ) and application programs stored in the non - volatile memory control the execution of all necessary functions and can be presented on the main display 115 through the user interface 110 after processed by the cpu or the control unit 100 . an input unit 170 is coupled to the control unit 100 to facilitate a user to key in commands or data . the main display 115 is a screen of a general portable communication device , such as a lcd or oled display . the antenna system 120 may be a multi - band antenna or can be composed by a plurality of antennas , according to demands . aforementioned antenna may be dipole antenna , plane antenna , inverted - f antenna , fractal antenna , etc . the antenna system 120 is coupled to a wireless communication module 100 a to receive signals . the wireless communication module 100 a is suitable for transferring information during movement , and may generally include : converting signals to an if ( intermediate frequency ) through oscillator signals of a mixing region of a receiver . the converted signals are modified to a bandwidth predetermined by the protocol at a transmitter , and transmitted by the antenna system 120 . a modem is coupled to the receiver and the transmitter to modulate or de - modulate signals . aforementioned protocol can be an audio / video wireless communication protocol , which may include , but not limited to international telecommunications unit ( itu ): 3g , 3 . 5 g , 4g , w - cdma , cdma2000 , cdma2001 , td - cdma / td - scdma , uwc - 136 , and dect . a base band processor 145 is coupled to the modem of the wireless communication module 100 a to process the signals with a predetermined bandwidth and communication protocols . a second wireless communication module 1006 may be introduced , which may include , but not limited to , wifi , wimax , or 802 . 11 ( a , b , g , n ), and can exist individually or together with the wireless communication module 100 a . signals processed by the base band processor 145 include control signals and audio signals , the control signals are transmitted to the control unit 100 and the audio signals are transmitted to a codec 150 ; a voice converter 155 is coupled to the codec 150 to convert digital signals to analog signals or to convert analog signals to digital signals . a microphone 160 and a speaker 165 are coupled to a voice converter 155 respectively . a sim card connector ( not shown in fig1 ) is introduced to facilitate insertion of a sim card into the system . the sim card can be connected to the control unit 100 , via the sim card connector such that information and password stored in the sim card can be accessed by the control unit 100 . in addition , the present invention may also include a digital image capture module 200 connected to the control unit 100 to capture images , which may be a cmos image sensor or cco array . generally , a main display of a conventional portable communication device is too small to display an entire webpage . as a result , the user has to move the webpage continuously , thereby causing an inconvenient to the user . the present invention includes a detecting unit 104 arranged to detect whether the internet is connected thereto or not . if an internet signal is detected or a browser is activated , the control unit 100 activates a switching device 102 and transfer internet signals or alternatively , all or part of information to the extension display 185 to drive the extension display 185 to display all or part of the information , thereby facilitating a visual display of webpage information . a display area of the extension display 185 is greater than a display area of the main display 115 , and the user can determine whether the display is switched or not . in the case , the portable communication device 10 may drive the main display 115 and the extension display 185 at the same time . for a type of built - in extension display , a receiving device 188 is provided to receive the extension display 185 . an example of such an extension display 185 is a flexible display , such as an oled display . the flexible extension display can be rolled and received in a storage space , and can be drawn back to spread out the display . aforementioned oled ( organic light - emitting diode ) is also called oled ( organic electroluminesence display ). advantages of oled include luminescence , wide view angle , high contrast , low power consumption , high response speed , full color , simplified manufacturing process , etc . the species of oled display comprise single - color type , multi - color type , and full - color type , etc . oled displays can be classified as pmoled ( passive matrix oled ) and amoled ( active matrix oled ) according to the differences of driving means . pled ( polymer light emitting diode ) may also be introduced . folding mechanism can also be introduced to facilitate a flexible display according to the present invention . for example , a receiving device 188 can be a folding mechanism to receive the extension display 185 . when the detecting unit 104 detects that the folding mechanism is under operation , then internet signals or all or part of information is transferred to the extension display 185 for an extension display . a receiving device 188 can also be a roller - type receiving device , shown in fig3 a - 3e , including : a reel 305 for rolling a flexible display 300 ; a central fixed stick 306 ; a spring rolled around the central fix stick 306 in the reel 305 ; and a locking mechanism including a ratchet 315 and a detent 315 a used to prevent the spring 310 from loosening when the flexible display 300 is spread out , shown in fig3 b and fig3 d , and to loosen the spring 310 when the flexible display 300 is rolled up , shown in fig3 c and fig3 e . as further shown in fig3 b and fig3 d , the flexible display 300 can be fixed or secured after it is extended . the flexible display 300 may be a flexible oled rolled around the reel 305 . for receiving the flexible display 300 , a user can just release the flexible display 300 after pulling hard , and then the flexible display 300 will be rolled up . generally , the reel 305 is provided with a spring 310 rolled around a central fixed stick 306 configured in the reel 305 . tighten the flexible display 300 which is spread out , and then a locking mechanism 315 , such as a ratchet 315 and a detent 315 a , can be introduced to prevent the spring 310 from being loosen when the flexible display 300 is extended . however , the ratchet 315 will not clamp when the flexible display 300 is pulled suddenly , thereby loosening the spring 310 , such that the flexible display 300 will be rolled up , shown in fig3 c and fig3 e . fig2 shows a block diagram of a portable communication device according to another embodiment of the present invention . in the embodiment shown in fig2 , an external extension interface 186 is introduced . when the detecting unit 104 detects an external signal , a switching signal is transferred to the switch device 102 , so as to transfer internet data or signals or at least part of information to the external extension display 185 to drive the extension display 185 to display the image or video . aforementioned “ switching ” can be achieved manually or automatically by the software . aforementioned detecting unit 104 can be a single circuit or an integrated circuit ( ic ) and may obtain parameters directly or indirectly . messages received by the wireless is portable communication device of the present invention can transfer all or part of webpage information manually or automatically to the extension display 185 by the switch device 102 to enable a user to browse the webpage . other embodiments are similar to aforementioned embodiments , and the difference is described as follows . when the detecting unit 104 detects video or dynamic , still image signals , such as video format , photo format , digital tv signals or mpeg signals , the control unit 100 activates the switching device 102 to switch video signals to the extension display 185 . for example , a commercial processor which can process and decode the compressed mpeg file may be introduced , such as a media player chip having a h . 264 codec engine . for example , the processor chip is composed by a cpu core , a media engine , a graphics processor , and a virtual mobile engine ( vme ). the cpu core is based on the design of r4000 of mips , and comprises a floating point processor ( fpu ) and a vector floating point processor ( vfpu ), such that the ability of floating point computing can reach more than 2 . 6gflops per second ; the media engine can use r4000 which is an identical one used in the cpu core , and includes an independent embedded 2 mb memory to assist the system to process audio / video stream . thus , an embedded memory is introduced to adapt to the vector process unit including h . 264 decompression , and various process demands such as audio process . a utilization rate of the processor chip may be improved by design of altering information process dynamically , thereby simplifying design of the chip and reducing the loss of power . software can also be introduced to decode or process signals . referring now to fig4 , another example of a tablet computer transformer 2000 having an external extension display 185 according to the present invention is shown . a control unit 402 is provided in the tablet computer transformer 2000 , and the portable communication device 10 may be , for example , mobile phone , media player , digital camera or digital video camera . the tablet computer transformer 2000 having an external extension display 185 and the portable communication device 10 are connected through the extension interface 186 a set aside or in the backside of the tablet computer transformer 2000 . the portable communication device 10 is provided with a driver to drive the external extension display 185 . the driver application may be installed in the external extension display 185 . a backup power ( or extension power ) 400 is electrically coupled to the control unit 402 to provide power by the tablet computer transformer 2000 or recharge the portable communication device 10 or the peripheral device , thereby extending the operation duration of the portable communication device 10 or the peripheral device . a charging interface 410 is provided for recharging the external extension display 185 or the tablet computer transformer 2000 from an external power or to recharge the portable communication device 10 or the peripheral device by the tablet computer transformer 2000 . an image capturing device 408 , such as a cmos or cco sensor , and extension speakers 406 are also respectively and electrically coupled to the control unit 402 or / and the extension interface 186 a in order to transmit the image captured by the image capturing device 408 to a remote terminal , or to output the video signal and / or the audio signal downloaded by the portable communication device 10 to the extension display 185 and the speaker 406 via the extension interface 186 a , thereby transforming the portable communication device 10 into a tablet computer . extension memory 404 is electrically coupled to the control unit 402 and / or the extension interface 186 a to act as an extension memory or a backup memory for the portable communication device 10 . a plug - in memory card or flash memory card may be utilized . the external extension display 185 includes a touch screen to receive instructions , via human fingers &# 39 ; touch , thereby controlling the external extension display 185 or the portable communication device 10 . the touch technologies include a resistance type , a capacitance type , an extra sonic type , and an optical type . the present invention may relay image or video signals to the external extension display 185 to transform the portable communication device 10 into a tablet personal computer and to extend the operation duration or memory storage for the portable communication device 10 , the digital image capturing device or the media player . fig5 shows a block diagram of a tablet computer transformer having an external extension display according to an embodiment of the present invention . in contrast , fig5 a shows a backside of a tablet computer transformer having a receiving slot or cavity to accommodate insertion of a portable communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention . as shown in fig5 and fig5 a , the external extension display 185 is provided with a receiving slot or cavity 414 set in the tablet computer transformer 2000 to receive insertion of the portable communication device 10 into the external extension display 185 in order to integrate the tablet computer transformer 2000 and the portable communication device 10 by the extension interface 186 a . in the case , the extension interface 186 a is set in the receiving slot or cavity 414 to allow and accommodate insertion of the entire portable communication device 10 into the receiving slot or cavity 414 for integrating with the tablet computer transformer 2000 . in a preferred embodiment , the receiving slot or cavity 414 is set on the back side surface of the tablet computer transformer 2000 as shown in fig5 a and fig7 . other examples are shown in fig6 and fig7 . these examples include all or part of the elements in the embodiment as shown in fig1 , fig2 , fig4 , fig5 , and fig5 a . as shown in fig6 and fig7 , an extension processor 412 is coupled to the control unit 402 ; and the extension interface 186 a in order to upgrade the portable communication device 10 to a dual core processor for improved performance . fig8 shows a scheme including the control unit 402 and the extension processor 412 . the extension processor 412 includes a processor 810 which is coupled with a first cache 820 and a second cache 830 respectively . a cross processor interface 840 is electrically coupled to the first cache 820 and the second cache 830 . a memory controller 850 and a data transmission interface 860 are coupled to the cross processor interface 840 to determine data output and input to / from the control unit 100 and the processor 810 . the present invention discloses a tablet computer transformer system designed to transform a mobile phone and a media player into a tablet personal computer . the data may be processed by the portable communication device 100 , the media player or the extension display . the image video or internet data are transferred from the portable communication device 100 , the media player to the external extension display 185 to allow a user to browse a webpage and watch video by the external extension display 185 having a larger display area . in another example embodiment , the second wireless communication module 1008 may be coupled to the extension interface 186 a to achieve wireless transmission . under the case , the extension interface 186 a fulfills the requirement of the wireless transmission protocols and specification . aforementioned units and modules can be combined arbitrarily according to demands . as will be understood by persons skilled in the art , the foregoing preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrative of the present invention rather than limiting the present invention . having described the invention in connection with a preferred embodiment , modification will now suggest itself to those skilled in the art . thus , the invention is not to be limited to this embodiment , but rather the invention 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 structures . while the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described , it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention .	6
with reference to the enclosed figures , a blistering machine 1 is shown ( fig1 ), which includes the feeding device 2 , proposed by the invention . the machine 1 has been shown only partially , in those parts considered the most relevant to the invention . a blister band 3 is moved continuously by conveying means , not shown , with a given forward speed and in a forward direction av ; the band is horizontal and with its axis parallel to the forward direction . in the shown example , the band has identical rows 3 h of blisters 4 , arranged crosswise to the forward direction ( see fig3 as an indication ). a plurality of inclined channels 6 , carried by a stationary framework 24 , integral with the machine 1 structure , is situated in a station r and above the band 3 for filling the blister band 3 with various articles 5 , 5 a , 5 b , 5 c , for example tablets . the articles 5 , 5 a , 5 b , 5 c in a row are fed by gravity one after another through the channels 6 , where they slide in a direction parallel to their longitudinal axis , and are handled by the feeding device 2 of the blister band 3 , interposed between the band 3 and the channels 6 . the device 2 includes , for each channel 6 , a radial unit 21 , having a plurality of radially extending needle - like elements 21 h , 21 a , 21 b , each of which has a pair of spaced apart needles ( fig4 , 5 , 9 ) and has axis perpendicular to the axis of the associated channel 6 . the radial unit is operated e . g . stepwise by operating means ( not shown ) and is aimed at acting , as it will result clear from the following treatment , on the articles 5 , 5 a , 5 b , 5 c fed through the associated channel 6 , so as to hold a given article 5 , 5 a , 5 b , 5 c and support those disposed thereabove . a rotating element 22 is functionally interposed between the band 3 and each radial unit 21 and rotates about an axis parallel to the axis of the unit . the radial unit 21 has for example two identical arms , a first arm 22 j and a second arm 22 k , perpendicular to the rotation axis and angularly equidistant , and are operated continuously by operating means , likewise not shown , as they are known . the rotating element 22 and the radial unit 21 are driven in opposite rotation with respect to each other , i . e . in a first direction r 1 and a second direction r 2 . moreover , the terminal portions of each arm 22 j , 22 k of each rotating element 22 form means 22 h , capable of receiving an article 5 , 5 a , 5 b , 5 c released by the radial unit 21 and accompanying it , simultaneously with the rotation in the first direction r 1 , into a corresponding blister 4 of the blister band 3 , in the way described later . it is specified that each channel 6 extends up to the blister band 3 and has a longitudinal slit 30 , which is wide less narrow than the articles 5 , 5 a , 5 b , 5 c . the slit 30 faces the rotating element 22 so as to allow partial introduction of the arms 22 j , 22 k of the latter during the operation . according to a preferred embodiment and in accordance with the enclosed figures , all the rotating elements 22 are keyed onto a single shaft 23 rotated by the activating means . the device 2 for feeding the blister band 3 with various articles 5 , 5 a , 5 b , 5 c , proposed by the invention , performs identical work cycles , each of which concludes filling of a series 3 h of blisters 4 with articles 5 , 5 a , 5 b , 5 c . moreover , the way of filling the blisters 4 is the same for each group including a channel 6 and the associated radial unit 21 and the rotating element 22 , therefore later the working description will be referred to only a general cycle and group , in accordance with what has been shown in fig2 to 10 : actually , if the work step schematized in fig2 is taken as the beginning of a work cycle , fig6 , 7 , 8 , 10 show the subsequent steps , until the end . the radial unit 21 is operated stepwise in the rotation direction r 2 , in time relation with the operation of the rotating element 22 and at the end of the work cycle ( fig8 , 10 ). in particular in the work configuration shown in fig2 , it is kept motionless and one of its needle - like elements 21 a is situated below a first article 5 a to hold it and to support the other ones above ( respectively second article , third article , and so on ) contained inside the associated channel 6 . another article 5 is released by the radial unit 21 onto the support means 22 h , for example of the first arm 22 j , in the cycle preceding the one being considered , after relative rotation of the radial unit 21 by a prefixed angular step . as it has been said , the rotating element 22 is keyed onto the shaft 23 and is operated continuously by actuating means , in step relation with the motion of the blister band 3 . the rotating element 22 receives , on the means 22 h , the article 5 released by the radial unit 21 and accompanies it , simultaneously with its own rotation in the direction r 1 into a corresponding blister 4 ( fig2 , 6 , 7 ) of the passing band 3 , without falls or pushes . the release step for the first article 5 a is shown in fig8 , 10 , and corresponds to the end of the operation cycle being considered . the radial unit 21 is rotated by an angular step in the second rotation direction r 2 to cause the insertion of a second needle - like element 21 b , adjacent to the first needle - like element 21 a , below the second article 5 b , and the release of the first article 5 a directly onto the support means 22 h of the second arm 22 k , which involve the channel 6 during their rotary movement . thus , the first article 5 a is accompanied by the means 22 h along the terminal portion of the channel 6 , likewise guided by the conformation of the latter , into a corresponding blister 4 of the blister band 3 , as described above . the radial unit 21 is operated in precise step relation with the rotation of the arms 22 j , 22 k so as to cause a smooth release of the first article 5 a onto the relative support means 22 h , without falls or pushes , which could jeopardize its integrity . the release without fall is possible due to the interaction of the pair of needles 21 j of the first unit 21 a with the support means 22 h : actually , the reciprocal position of the needles 21 j does not interfere with the support means 22 h and their rotation by an angular step makes the first article 5 a go to rest on the support means 22 h , thus leaving them free ( see fig1 ). moreover , the usual conformation of the tablets ( see for example also fig4 , 9 ) allows a perfect insertion of the pair of needles 21 j of the second needle - like element 21 b below the second article 5 b , without pushes , friction or any possible interference . the forward speed of the blister band 3 and the tangential speed of the rotating element 22 are not only connected functionally ( due to the step relation between the operation of the rotating element 22 and of the band 3 ), but they are also comparable so as to allow the article 5 to be introduced into the blister 4 without damages . the operation of the radial unit 21 by one step causes the introduction of the second needle - like element 21 b below the second article 5 b and the release of the first article 5 a . obviously , the beginning of the subsequent cycle ( not shown ) coincides with the situation shown qualitatively in fig2 ; in fact , the radial unit 21 is motionless and holds the second article 5 b supporting also the ones situated thereabove , contained inside the associated channel 6 . the rotation of the radial unit 21 by one angular step causes the gradual sliding , without leaps ( as it happens in prior art ) of the articles 5 , 5 c contained inside the associated channel 6 , protecting their integrity also in this case . the advantageous technical - functional features of the device 2 proposed by the invention allow also the partial filling of the blister band 3 , according to the production needs ( e . g . preparation of free or trial samples with a reduced number of tablets ), after the deactivation of one or more radial units 21 for one or more work cycles . thus , the blister packs leaving the blistering machine 1 can contain a number of articles 5 , 5 a , 5 b , 5 c included between zero and the number of blisters 4 made therein . the above description refers to the working of one of the groups of the device 2 for feeding the blister band 3 , each of which includes a channel 6 and associated radial unit 21 and rotating element 22 . it results in a relative shift of the rotating elements 22 keyed onto the shaft 23 equal to or different from zero , depending respectively on the perfect alignment of the blisters 4 of each row 3 h , as shown in fig2 to 10 , or otherwise as in fig1 , 12 . in the latter case , each blister 4 a of a generic row 3 h is offset with respect to the corresponding blister 4 e of the adjacent row by a prefixed step and is situated upstream or downstream of the remaining blisters 4 b , 4 c , 4 d of the same row 3 h by prefixed distance , even zero ( for example , between the blisters 4 b , 4 c ), with respect to the forward direction av . in this sense , pairs of blisters 4 b , 4 c , belonging to the same row 3 h of blisters 4 a , 4 b , 4 c , 4 d , aligned crosswise , correspond to associated rotating elements 22 , all aligned , whereas pairs of blisters 4 a , 4 b , belonging to the same row 3 h of blisters 4 a , 4 b , 4 c , 4 d , situated upstream or downstream with respect to the forward direction av , correspond to associated rotating elements 22 , angularly moved in relation to the prefixed step and by an angle corresponding to the mutual distance of the blisters 4 a , 4 b of the pair , considered along the longitudinal extension of the blister band . the main advantage of the present invention lies in the fact that it has defined a device for feeding a blister band with various articles , such as pills , capsules , tablets , which is wholly compatible with all existing types of tablet products , from the most compact to the most friable , intended for cases , in which taking of the tablet medicines is difficult , for example children , elderly persons or persons suffering from particular pathologies . therefore , the so conceived technical solution resolves heavy technical drawbacks of the prior art devices , reported in the introductory note , working in optimal way with a wide range of articles , theoretically without rejected items and maintaining high production rate , functionality and reliability of the blistering machine , on which it is mounted . a further advantage of the invention lies in the fact that it has conceived a device , which is extremely versatile and can be adapted to many kinds of blister bands , as it has already appeared from the description , from the ones having aligned rows of blisters , fig3 , to the ones , which have offset blisters , as shown as an indication in fig1 . another advantage of the invention lies in the fact that it has conceived a device for feeding a blister band with various articles , such as tablets , capsules , pills , whose cost is limited with respect to the obtained results .	1
in referring to drawings , and particular fig1 the butterfly valve 1 of this invention is disclosed . as shown , the butterfly valve is designed for locating within a flow line , or pipe system , particularly one that may be used in the trucking industry , or with respect to the shipping industry in general , where valve means are required for preventing the flow of liquids , or other flowable materials , such as granular materials , through its closure , but may be manipulated into an opened conditions , to allow for the free flow of the same . normally , for example , these types of valves are used in the outlet line from a tank trailer , to retain its contents within the vehicle , as during shipment , but that when it arrives at its destination , and its piping system is connected to its site of usage , the valve may then be opened to allow for the free flow of its contents . as disclosed , normally , such butterfly valves are constructed of a tubular housing , as at 2 , and which housing may be fabricated of semi - cylindrical portions , such as disclosed at 3 and 4 , and which integrally incorporate a pair of mating flanges , at 5 , secured together by means of a fastening means , such as the bolts 6 , as shown . furthermore , the tubular housing may include a series of integral mounts , as at 7 , which incorporate apertures 8 therethrough , to facilitate the innerconnection of the butterfly valve into the pipe line , and securement to the pipe flanges ( not shown ), when mounted into operative position . as is also known in the art , a gasket 9 normally mounts upon the inner surface of the tubular housing 2 , extending entirely around its inner perimeter , and which is designed to provide for a slight cushioning to facilitate the sealed closure of the valve , when manipulated into that condition . see also fig2 . the gasket 9 normally secures onto the dove tail extensions of the tubular housing , as disclosed at 10 . as is also known in the art , a disc for the butterfly valve , as shown at 11 , secures upon a stem 12 , which stem is designed for inserting through a pair of aligned and diametrically arranged apertures , as at 13 and 14 , to assure the securement of the butterfly valve into its operative position , allow for hermetic sealing of the disc 11 at its outer peripheral edges within the gasket 9 , when aligned into closure . as can be seen in fig1 the disc 11 of the butterfly valve has been pivoted 90 °, into its opened position . on the other hand , as disclosed in fig2 the disc 11 has been pivoted back into closure , and is aligned within the gasket 9 , to provide for its sealed closure . as can also be noted , the gasket 9 has a teflon liner 15 molded upon the inner surface of said gasket , and cooperates with the teflon coating applied to the disc 11 , to assure tight sealing of the disc within the tubular housing , when complete closure of the butterfly valve is required . one condition for this current invention is to provide for remedying of deficiencies that prevailed in prior art type of butterfly valves . for example , as can be seen in fig3 where the disc 16 for a butterfly valve had previously been prepared and coated with a teflon material , in its formation upon the valve stem 17 , as shown herein , normally such valve stems have a recessed portion , as disclosed at 18 , and when the disc 16 is coated with its teflon material , in addition to its extension portion 19 , when the teflon sets , it has a tendency to shrink , leaving substantial gaps , as shown at 20 , provided at either side of the fabricated disc . this is undesirable , since frequently when the butterfly valve is located into an operative position , when installed within a flow line , and should any caustic or acidic material or fluids be stored within the tank trailer , as the butterfly valve is manipulated between opened and closed conditions , frequently such fluids have a tendency to migrate or permeate through the tight condition that should prevail in the mounting of the disc within its valve housing , and such caustic solution , when it migrates to these areas , such as shown at said 20 , has a tendency to form corrosion upon the stem of the valve , can cause deterioration of any contiguous surfaces of the gasket 9 , that rubs against the teflon extensions 19 , or thereabove , and generally , over a period of time , leads to undesirable and unacceptable leakage , even when the valve is closed , which is just intolerable , and would not be approved by regulations . these deficiencies have been previously summarized . as can be seen from the current invention , as also disclosed in fig2 and 4 , this current invention includes the addition of a particularly configured sleeve 21 to the inner surface of the aperture that is provided through the gasket 9 , and through which the stem 12 locates , and this particular sleeve 21 is fabricated also of teflon material , with its upper surface pivotally engaging snuggly against the teflon extension 22 that extends upwardly and downwardly from the disc 11 , so as to assure that there is a teflon - upon - teflon contact between these pivotable movable components , at this location , so as to assure that any contained liquids or flowable materials , within the tank trailer , will be sealed within the flow line , and not permeate out through the valve stem , and little or no deterioration can result , since the caustic solution never attains access to either the metallic portions of the stem 12 , or contact the formed gasket 9 . furthermore , as can be seen in fig4 when the teflon material is coated upon the disc 11 of the butterfly valve , it is coated sufficiently upwardly and downwardly along the stem 12 , so as to abut against the stem shoulder , as at 23 , to assure that there is constantly a contact between the teflon sleeve 21 , and the reduced portions of the stem , as at 18 , as previously explained , and which tended to cause the deficiency in the prior art valve structures . furthermore , when the valve stem and butterfly valve is assembled , o - rings , such as at 24 , are secured into position , by means of the tubular housing , to compress against the outward extending flanged edges of the teflon sleeve 21 , and likewise against the outer surfaces of the integral teflon extensions 22 of disc 11 , to assure that there can be no fluid leakage at this position , entirely around the outer circumference of the valve , at this peripheral position . also , said flanged edges act as a seat for the said o - rings 24 . as can be seen more clearly in fig5 which is an exploded view of the upper segment of the disc 11 , as previously shown and described in fig2 it can be seen that when the teflon coating is applied to the disc 11 , its extensions , as at 22 , as provided upon the valve stem 12 , extend all the way up to its shoulder area , as at 23 , as previously explained . then , when the valve stem inserts through the aperture provided through the gasket liner 15 , there is an initial sealing contact between the liner extension , as at 25 , and the outer surface of the disc extension 22 . also , when the gasket 9 is positioned upon the valve stem , which actually is done simultaneously since the liner 15 is coated or molded onto the gasket 9 , the extensions 25 provide a shielding of the rubber or other polymeric surface of the gasket , at that position , from contact with any caustic or acidic solution that may be transported within the tank trailer . then , as the disc 11 of the valve extends upwardly through the gasket , its teflon coated extensions 22 further shield the gasket from contact with any such solution . but , to assure complete isolation , the particularly configured sleeve 21 is provided , and it includes an upper reduced diameter area 26 , that integrally extends downwardly into a flared tubular portion 27 , with the reduced portion 26 snuggly and contiguously contacting the surface of the disc extension 22 , to prevent the escape of any fluids therethrough , while the lower expanded diameter area 27 overlaps the gasket liner area 25 , so as to prevent the leakage of any materials there around . the upper edge of the sleeve 21 has the said outwardly flaring flange , as at 28 , and against which the o - ring 24 mounts , when the valve is assembled . a similar type of flaring sleeve 21 is also provided at the bottom of the disc , as can be seen in fig2 for sealed mounting of the lower portion of the stem 12 within its pivot mount . thus , when constructed in this manner , it has been determined and found that fluid leakage is curtailed , that none of any of the caustic or acidic solutions that are being transported will leak out of these hermetically sealed areas , as a result of the additions of the sleeves 21 within the gasket assembly , and since the extensions 22 not only extend fully and abut up against the shoulders of the stem 12 , there is always a teflon - upon - teflon seal formed within the entire disc pivot assembly , to assure hermetic sealing thereat , and prevent fluid leakage , and the resultant deterioration that has heretofore damaged the industry . variations or modifications to the subject matter of this invention may occur to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the disclosure provided herein . such variations , if within the spirit of this invention , are intended to be encompassed within the scope of any claims to patent protection issuing upon this development . the disclosure as provided herein is done so for illustrative purposes only .	5
the digital cinema system specification has security provisions that contain both forensic data and security information on screen , location , time , date and film content . digital cinema permits the addition of special information ( such as forensic information ) to content that was not previously possible with conventional film techniques . all of this data can be used for small lookup tables to produce a code such as the following example : given 16 screens ( 2 digits ), 1000 locations ( four digits ), 24 hours , 7 days , 12 months , and a given year , a lookup table is used to produce a unique pattern for a specific viewing . one example would be screen # 04 ( screen inside a specific theatre ), location # 0249 ( glendale shopping center in indianapolis ), # 14 for hours ( 2 pm ), # 3 for days ( wednesday ), # 04 for month ( april ), # 07 for year ( 2007 ). the code would be 04 - 0249 - 14 - 3 - 04 - 07 or 0402491430407 . another variation could use a code for the day of the month ( 1 - 31 ) as well as or instead of the day of the week where the digit “ 10 ” could be coded as an “ a ”, digit “ 11 ” coded as a “ b ”, etc . using as many different symbols ( including foreign characters ) as necessary . this could be encrypted with another algorithm or used directly . to use the above code directly , the 14 digits are mapped to optional scenes by letter ( 0 = a , 1 = b , . . . ) and then repeated to present / show / display the forensic content in the following order : scene # code # selected scene unused scenes 1 0 selects forensic scene 1a 1b , 1c , 1d , . . . 2 4 selects forensic scene 2e 2a , 2b , 2c , 2d , 2f , 2g , . . . 3 0 selects forensic scene 3a 3b , 3c , 3d , 3e , . . . 4 2 selects forensic scene 4c 4a , 4b , 4d , 4e , . . . 5 . . . in the event that a particular scene did not have enough different scene builds , then the code could be wrapped around in a modulo fashion . for example , still using the above code , scene 6 would need at least 10 different scene builds . if there were not 10 different scene builds of scene 6 , but only 6 different scene builds ( a - f ), then the code “ 9 ” would get scene build “ d ” because the codes would wrap around modulo 5 . the same result would be appropriate if the day of the month was used . the forensic code found in the digital stream can also be used as source to control the scene selections along with the time and date of the actual play time . this is similar to the repeated use of the same code in a modulo fashion . that is , since the above code / key has 14 digits , then scene 15 starts over again using the first digit of the code . the algorithm receives the code number and proceeds to control the bit stream to play the selected forensic scene segment such as 1a , 2e , . . . and does not use the remaining forensic segments of 1b , 1c , 1d , 2a , 2b , . . . for this showing . on a hard drive , this is a simple process of reading the streaming data from one location ( scene # 1 ), jumping to the location of the next selected scene and streaming it ( scene # 2c ), and then jumping to the next standard location ( scene # 3 ). since the time codes match in each of the forensic segments , the stream will play without errors . the rate control may be an issue due to additional forensic streams being introduced into a limited bandwidth system but this issue can be dealt with by keeping the forensic segments small in number and simple in content . when done properly , all digital cinema standards can be honored during the presentation or showing while making a unique presentation that has completely invisible forensic content . this forensic information is very visible to the naked eye when specifically watching for the forensic scenes segments . the recovery of the forensic information can also be automated since each location of the forensic marks is known by the studio and each selected scene could have its own spectral profile at each location . retailers could also use this concept when sending out dvds as a unique disk where the forensic information is already in place or by mastering a dvd that is partnered with a secure processor that makes a unique showing real time via the secure processor . the identification ( id ) of the processor could be recovered via the forensic information which then could to be traced back to an individual or a uniquely registered box . by using the standards for digital cinema and adding some controls , we can alter the movie content in a subtle manner so a trained eye will be able to extract the forensic markings directly from the pirated video or simplify their automated searches . the idea is to create multiple sequences of multiple scenes ( called scene versions / variations / builds ), each with subtle differences in the content . these differences / characteristics could be the coloration of specific items , variations in the objects shown in each scene , or perhaps a difference in the length of a scene each time the movie is shown . the structure of the movie content for the present invention is very similar to a program stream for dvd playback where parallel clips are available inside the projector . the projector will pick one of the possible streams in many different places during the actual playback to make a unique showing of the movie play . when the content is stored on disc drives or other random access medium , this process of forensic selection can be performed in real time / on the fly in a theatre or performed at a much faster time when authoring dvds or writing to another hard drive . since the streams are mastered at the same time and are full movie content , the audience will not see annoying artifacts such as dots or degraded objects in the movies . meanwhile the pirate would have to compare , on a frame by frame basis , two different video captures to visually inspect the content for the forensic marks since they are encrypted by means of the normal movie scenes and not an added mark to the content . this method would also work for audio clues such as background sounds or voices . the present invention is also adaptable for use on any movie by cutting out small clips of the content occasionally or introducing different sounds but this introduces some serious synchronization issues with the timestamps , audio / video lip - sync , and the subtitles synchronization . however , if only the video objects in the scenes are altered and the substitutions occur in a one - for - one frame swap , then no synchronization issues will exist . if required , the synchronization issues of differing scene lengths can be addressed by limiting the switching times to areas where the data is synchronized properly for switching or the introduction of additional synchronization markers in the content just for this purpose . fig1 depicts the method for building a scene . for a given scene an object such as a car in the background is selected and it is colored in accordance with a selected set of colors . the selected set of colors may or may not be tied to the colors available for that particular model that particular year . that is , for a given make and model , teal green may be an option for color but that car make and model may not have had teal green as an available color that year . the selected color set may be limited only by the colors available to be displayed rather than the actual colors available from the manufacturer for that year &# 39 ; s make and model . the object selected could just as easily be the background music that is being played . for example , the scene may involve two people sitting in a car carrying on a conversation and the background audio on the car radio ( music etc . . . . ) could be different for each scene build . given the amount of music available , the number of scene builds for such an object is almost infinite . a scene is picked to replicate and the item to differentiate the scene is selected . the main scene clip is copied into multiple clips and each one processed slightly differently with emphasis on the selected item . if the selected item is a car moving in the background , today &# 39 ; s technology can change the color of the car with special tracking software so that only the car needs to be selected , the color chosen , and then the software will provide the remaining effort to recolor the car during the entire time it is on the screen . forensics normally work on subtle differences in the film to make the process simple . in this case , the car that is selected is normally not the main car in the scene and the audience can see it but their attention is elsewhere . if the same car appears in another scene when it is a different color , the audience would naturally assume it is another car . generally speaking , color memory is not very well developed in humans and the change would go unnoticed by a vast majority of the audience . the next scene version / build / variation is then processed with another color for the car and so on . each scene is then jpeg 2000 compressed exactly the same as all of the digital cinema content so no difference is found on the quality of each separate scene variation / version / build . any other appropriate compression means may be used . fig2 a is a flowchart of the method at a post - production service provider in accordance with the principles of the present invention . the number of scenes in the digital cinema content file is determined at 205 . this may be accomplished by counting the number of scenes in the file or it may be provided in the file header or by any other reasonable and appropriate means . a scene counter / index is then set at 210 indicative of the number of scenes in the digital cinema content file . this may be an up - counter initialized to zero , which is used to count up to the number of scenes or a down - counter used to count down to zero from the number of scenes or any other reasonable and appropriate means . a down - counter was chosen for this exemplary embodiment of the present invention . a scene is then accepted / received / retrieved from the digital cinema content file at 215 . the verbs above can be used interchangeably depending on whether the digital cinema content file is transmitted electronically , shipped on a storage medium or any other reasonable and appropriate means . a scene object / segment , such as a car , to be modified is then selected or determined at 220 . the number of differences that can be assigned to this scene object / segment based on color , texture sound , etc . is then determined at 225 . a differences counter / index is then set at 230 indicative of the number of differences . once again this could be an up - counter or a down - counter or any other reasonable and appropriate means . a down counter was selected for this exemplary embodiment of the present invention . as an example , if a car was selected as the scene object / segment the available colors could be selected based on all colors available or as indicated above the colors available by that manufacturer for that make and model for that year . a scene is then built at 235 and a time stamp is added at 240 . the newly built scene is stored at 245 on any reasonable and appropriate storage medium . the differences counter / index is decremented at 250 . the differences counter / index is tested at 255 to determine if it is zero . if the differences counter / index is not zero then another scene is built staring at 235 . if the differences counter / index is zero then the scene counter / index is decremented at 260 and the scene counter / index is tested at 265 to determine if it is zero . if the scene counter / index is not zero then another scene is accepted / received / retrieved from the digital cinema content file at 215 . if the scene counter / index is zero then the process is complete for this digital cinema content file . fig2 b illustrates exemplary results of the method of fig2 a . the scenes are time stamped and assembled as shown in fig2 b and 3 . scene 2 is used as the single scene in this example where “ n ” different scene builds were generated for scene 2 based on “ n ” differences for the selected scene object / segment . each scene build was time stamped after it was built . fig2 c is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of post - production apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention . module / component 270 accepts digital cinema content and determines the number of scenes in the digital cinema content file . a counter is then set indicative of the number of scenes in the digital cinema content file and used as the control for loop control 299 being adjusted / decremented / incremented and tested ( compared ) within loop control 299 . a scene is accepted / received / retrieved from the digital cinema content file and a scene object / segment is selected to be modified by 275 . the number of differences / characteristics is determined by 280 . a counter is set indicative of the number of characteristics / differences for the scene object / segment and used as the control for loop control 297 being adjusted / decremented / incremented and tested ( compared ) within loop control 297 . scene build / version / variation is generated by 285 . the scene build generated by 285 is time stamped at 290 and compressed and stored by 295 . components / modules indicated as a single module having multiple functions may be split into multiple components . similarly multiple modules / components having single functions may be combined into a single component / module . fig3 illustrates an exemplary storage arrangement of the scene builds in accordance with the principles of the present invention . fig3 depicts the digital cinema content including all of the scene builds for exemplary scene 2 stored on a hard drive or other storage medium . the digital cinema content could be shipped to the theaters on a storage medium or transmitted to the theaters electronically . the digital cinema content could be encrypted prior to electronic transmission or even encrypted on the storage medium . one or more keys ( including the forensic code / key ) could be sent to the theaters either electronically or on a different storage medium . fig4 a is a flowchart of the method at a theater in accordance with the principles of the present invention . a digital cinema content file is accepted / received / retrieved at 405 and decrypted with a key if it was encrypted . similarly , a forensic code is accepted / received / retrieved at 410 . the number of scenes in the digital cinema content file is determined at 415 . this may be accomplished by counting the number of scenes in the file or it may be provided in the file header or by any other reasonable and appropriate means . a scene counter / index is then set at 420 indicative of the number of scenes in the digital cinema content file . this may be an up - counter initialized to zero , which is used to count up to the number of scenes or a down - counter used to count down to zero from the number of scenes or any other reasonable and appropriate means . a down - counter was chosen for this exemplary embodiment of the present invention . a time stamped scene build is then selected from the digital cinema content file based on the forensic code at 425 . as indicated above if there are more digits in the forensic code than there are scene builds available then the scene builds are selected in a “ wrap around ” modulo manner . the selected scene is then displayed at 430 . the term “ display ” also includes digital projection of the scene . the scene counter / index is then decremented at 435 . a test is performed at 440 to determine if the scene counter / index is zero . if the scene counter / index is not zero then another scene build is selected at 425 . if the scene counter / index is zero then the process is complete for this digital cinema content file . fig4 b is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention . the processing inside the projector at a theater is shown in fig4 b where an algorithm in a controller located in the projector determines which scene is displayed for a unique showing . note that only the projector and the algorithm developer will know which scene ( 2a , 2b , . . . or 2n ) will be selected at the time of the showing . in this exemplary embodiment , multiplexers ( muxes ) are used for selection of time stamped scene builds . these multiplexers can be reused and need not necessarily be duplicated . any other reasonable and appropriate means can be used to select the time stamped scene builds from the digital cinema content file . an embodiment of the present invention includes a module for accepting the digital cinema content file , a module for accepting the forensic code , a module for selecting a time stamped scene build from the digital cinema content file based on the forensic code and a module for displaying / digitally projecting the selected time stamped scene build . the processing through the embodiment would be controlled by the number of scenes in the digital cinema content file . the selection module may include mulitplexers or any other reasonable and appropriate selection means . the displaying / digitally projection module may also include a means for decompressing the selected scene build . fig5 depicts an exemplary forensic segment in a scene of digital cinema content . in this example , a car was selected as the scene object / segment to be modified . as originally digitally captured ( filmed ) the car might be red . in another scene build the car might be blue , yellow , black , white , green etc . the colors selected for the scene object / segment might be all of the available colors ( maximum based on the number of bits available to encode such ) or may be limited by the colors available from the manufacturer for that make and model for that year . if the selected scenes are kept short , this concept does not significantly increase the size of the total digital cinema content shipped or transmitted to the theaters . while the method described above requires a special processor for the content , it would be possible to utilize the present invention without requiring a special processor in the projector . in this case , the content that the studio ships or transmits to the theaters would be slightly different as it is delivered to each theater . it is also possible to have multiple different scenes in the video to extend the number of possible different videos . if each multiple scene had three possible differences and there were twenty such scenes in the movie , this would allow for 14 million different variations . however , to forensically analyze the clip would only require finding 20 specific scenes and determining the object categorization . it is to be understood that the present invention may be implemented in various forms of hardware , software , firmware , special purpose processors , or a combination thereof . preferably , the present invention is implemented as a combination of hardware and software . moreover , the software is preferably implemented as an application program tangibly embodied on a program storage device . the application program may be uploaded to , and executed by , a machine comprising any suitable architecture . preferably , the machine is implemented on a computer platform having hardware such as one or more central processing units ( cpu ), a random access memory ( ram ), and input / output ( i / o ) interface ( s ). the computer platform also includes an operating system and microinstruction code . the various processes and functions described herein may either be part of the microinstruction code or part of the application program ( or a combination thereof ), which is executed via the operating system . in addition , various other peripheral devices may be connected to the computer platform such as an additional data storage device and a printing device . it is to be further understood that , because some of the constituent system components and method steps depicted in the accompanying figures are preferably implemented in software , the actual connections between the system components ( or the process steps ) may differ depending upon the manner in which the present invention is programmed . given the teachings herein , one of ordinary skill in the related art will be able to contemplate these and similar implementations or configurations of the present invention .	6
a scalable cell therapy facility comprises a number of discrete processing units ( unit 1 to unit n ) isolated from one another by physical walls , barriers or other demarcation . each processing unit comprises a number of identical processing stations ( p 1 / 1 to p 1 / n in unit 1 ; p 2 / 1 to p 2 / n in unit 2 ; pn / 1 to pn / n in unit n ) appropriate for the unique processing operation to be carried out within the unit . patient samples ( s 1 to sn ) are received by unit 1 in uniquely encoded closed sample containers and processed on processing stations p 1 / 1 to p 1 / n using a separate uniquely coded closed disposable processing component 1 for each sample . processed samples in closed components appropriate to the workflow stage are sequentially passed through unit 2 to unit n to complete the processing workflow using uniquely coded closed processing components 2 to n at each stage . at each stage of processing transfer of processed patient material from component to component is tracked by recording component unique identities maintaining an identity custody chain . unit 1 to unit n may comprise physically separated rooms or zones within a facility with the operations of processing platforms and handling and transfer of components and samples being carried out by one or more operating staff . alternatively unit 1 to unit n may comprise designated areas within a larger area or room where processing platforms operate automatically and transfer of components and samples is performed by one or more robot devices . the facility comprising unit 1 to unit n may be housed within a larger facility , such as a hospital or other treatment centre , or may be a self - contained unit capable of independent operation . the facility may be housed in a prefabricated building , vehicle , craft , vessel or other container suitable for deployment to a suitable location for processing cell therapy materials . the facility may be situated locally or remotely to patients providing samples and / or undergoing treatment . where the facility is located remotely to patient sampling and / or patient treatment locations patient samples and / or final therapeutic materials are transported from and / or to patients in sealed uniquely encoded containers and remote location ( s ) are connected to the facility by means to allow transmission and receipt of patient and sample identities to provide means to maintain physical and identity integrity for samples and processed materials . the parallel processing facility maintains physical separation of samples within the processing units by use of disposable closed processing components at all stages in the processing work flow from sample receipt to formulation of the therapeutic material for administration . the facility is readily scalable by increasing the number of processing stations in each unit and the numbers of processing stations in each unit may be tailored to provide the optimum efficiency and throughput to the facility by having a larger number of stations in units where the processing step has a long duration and a smaller number of stations in units which short processing steps ( e . g . a small number of stations in the sample isolation unit ; a larger number of stations in the cell expansion unit ). segregation of processing stations by function enables the provision of the optimum environment ( lighting , electrical power and other services , temperature control etc .) required for the processing stations within a common unit . these characteristics of the unitised parallel processing facility provide a number of key advantages over the shortcomings of conventional duplicated parallel operations where all processes for a single patient are carried out within a separate room ( e . g . redundant duplication of equipment , scalability requiring additional space and equipment services ). description of one possible illustrative embodiment of the scalable cell therapy processing facility is made with reference to fig1 . the facility comprises a number of processing cells ( unit 1 to unit n ) wherein samples from patient 1 [ 101 ] to patient n [ 102 ] are processed in parallel in separate closed disposable containers within the facility to maintain patient sample integrity and identity at all times . a sample s 1 [ 103 ] containing cells from patient 1 [ 101 ] is collected in a uniquely encoded disposable container and transferred to unit 1 [ 104 ] to begin processing . unit 1 [ 104 ] comprises a number of processing stations p 1 / 1 [ 105 ] to p 1 / n [ 111 ] suitable for performing the first step in the cell processing work flow . patient sample s 1 [ 103 ] is processed on processing station p 1 / 1 [ 105 ] using a uniquely encoded disposable processing component 1 [ 106 ]. other samples from patient 2 to patient n [ 102 ] are processed in parallel with sample n [ 110 ] from patient n [ 102 ] processed on processing station p 1 / n [ 111 ] using a uniquely encoded disposable processing component 1 [ 106 ]. following completion of processing in unit 1 , sample 1 [ 116 ] is moved in a closed container to the next processing unit , unit 2 [ 107 ] for the next stage of processing on processing station p 2 / 1 [ 108 ] using a uniquely encoded disposable processing component 2 [ 109 ] suitable for the processing operation to be carried out . processing of samples continues in parallel through processing units unit 3 [ 112 ] to unit n [ 113 ] in which the final stage of processing is performed using a separate uniquely encoded disposable processing component for each processing stage and each patient sample . the fully processed therapy sample 1 [ 114 ] is transported in a uniquely encoded disposable closed container for administration to patient 1 [ 101 ] from whom the starting sample [ 103 ] was taken . other samples from patient 2 to patient n are similarly processed in parallel through the facility at all times being isolated in enclosed uniquely encoded disposable containers with the fully processed therapy sample n [ 115 ] being administered to patient n [ 102 ] from whom the starting sample [ 110 ] was taken . the preceding description of one possible embodiment of the present invention is provided for illustrative purposes only . those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other means of providing the key required features of the present invention for a unitised parallel processing cell therapy facility are possible . all components in the processing chain , including an identity bracelet or other identification means worn by the patient , carry unique encoding . suitable encoding means include but are not limited to encoding using tags in printed , magnetic or electronic form which may be read by light , electronic or magnetic means , such as barcodes , qr codes , rfids or transponders . it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of encoding means are suitable for use in the method of the current invention . one suitable encoding means comprises light activated micro - transponders , such as those from the pharmaseq company described in wo2002037721 , u . s . pat . no . 5 , 981 , 166 and u . s . pat . no . 6 , 361 , 950 , which are small ( 500 × 500 × 200 μm ) low cost silicon devices which store a unique 30 bit read - only identity code and emit the code as radio frequency signal when powered and interrogated with a light emitting reader device . all processing components ( sample collection tube , cell purification components , cell culture and expansion components etc .) are pre - registered in a facility component registry where each component &# 39 ; s function and intended stage of use in the processing workflow is logged against the component &# 39 ; s unique identifier code . in the descriptions of embodiments described herein the term ‘ transponder ’ is intended to encompass any means of encoding a unique sample identity which may be read by suitable reading means . at each stage in the therapy processing workflow the identifier code is read into a unique patient specific record in a central database . the first entry in the database is the identity code from the patient bracelet . at sample collection ( e . g . blood collection ) the sample collection component identity code is read and two actions are carried out ; 1 . the sample collection component identity code is checked against the component registry to confirm the correct component is being used for that stage in processing and ; 2 . the sample collection component identity code is added as the second entry to the custody chain of component identity codes in the patient record . following sample collection the filled collection component is transferred to the next operation in the processing workflow to perform a processing step using a processing component specific to that workflow stage and two actions are carried out ; 1 . the processing component identity code is checked against the component registry to confirm the correct component is being used for that stage in processing and ; 2 . the processing component identity code is added as the third entry to the custody chain of component identity codes in the patient record . processing of the patient sample continues through the necessary operations with each transfer of physical sample from component to component being accompanied by the check and record actions 1 & amp ; 2 with the processing components being added as the fourth to the nth entry in the custody chain . at the end of the processing workflow when the therapeutic material is ready for administration to the patient the following actions are carried out ; 1 . the identity codes of the component containing the therapeutic material and the patient identity bracelet are both read and ; 2 . the patient record data base custody chain of component identity codes is checked stepwise to ensure that all component identity codes track back to the same patient identity . further features of the custody chain include the ability to link all component identity codes to electronic manufacturer &# 39 ; s and / or supplier &# 39 ; s batch records whereby scanning of the component appends electronic copies of component batch record files to the patient record file to enable traceability of all components used in processing the patient &# 39 ; s sample . in addition all commercially supplied reagents ( e . g . cell growth media ) carry transponders on their containers with identity codes linked to the manufacture &# 39 ; s batch records allowing electronic copies of records , certificates of analysis etc . to be appended to the patient record . to allow for the use of non - commercially supplied , bespoke or other special reagents or formulations which may be prepared within the facility , additional encoded reagent containers are provided for filling and storage of facility produced reagents ( e . g . virus preparations for transduction of car t - cells in cancer immunotherapy ). these principles are demonstrated in the following illustrative embodiment by reference to fig2 . the patient undergoing cell therapy wears an identity bracelet [ 201 ] or other non - removable identifying device comprising a unique readable transponder code [ 202 ]. the transponder code is read by a reader [ 203 ] connected to a central database and the code stored in the patient &# 39 ; s individual database record [ 204 ]. at the first stage in the cell therapy process a sample , for example of blood , is taken from the patient into a sample collection tube or container [ 206 ] carrying a unique transponder code . the transponder code for the sample collection tube or container is read by the reader [ 203 ] and the identity code for the filled tube or container stored in the patient &# 39 ; s database record [ 204 ]. the transponder code is also used to check the component function by reading a component registry [ 205 ] containing component functions matched to component transponder numbers for all components in the cell processing workflow . to further process the sample collection tube or container containing the patient &# 39 ; s blood sample the sample collection container or tube [ 206 ] must be connected to the first component [ 207 ] in the processing workflow . prior to connection the transponder on the first component [ 207 ] is read by the reader [ 203 ] and checked against the component registry [ 205 ] to confirm if the component is the next correct component in the processing sequence . if the component is correct the component transponder code is appended to the patient &# 39 ; s database record [ 204 ]. if the component is not correct the operator is notified to select the correct component . the sample is sequentially processed through each stage in the workflow using processing components 2 [ 208 ], 3 [ 209 ], 4 [ 210 ] through to processing component n [ 211 ] with the number of components determined by the complexity and steps in the workflow . at each stage in sample transfer between components the transponder codes on each component are read by the reader [ 203 ], checked against the component registry [ 205 ] and recorded in the patient &# 39 ; s database record [ 204 ]. when sample processing is complete and the therapeutic material is present in the last processing component [ 211 ] ready for administration to the patient the transponder code on the component [ 211 ] and on the patient identity bracelet [ 202 ] are read on the reader [ 203 ] and the identity numbers checked against the patient record in the database record [ 204 ] to ensure that the transponder identity number for the final component containing the therapeutic material [ 211 ] tracks back through the custody chain of successive transponder codes stored in the database record [ 204 ] to the same patient identity bracelet [ 202 ] transponder code read at sample collection . matching of all transponder component identity codes in the patient database record [ 204 ] confirms that the sample and therapy relate to the same patient in the identity custody chain and therapy can proceed by administration of the sample stored in the final processing container [ 211 ]. the described embodiment is provided for illustrative purposes only and those skilled in the art will appreciate that other means of achieving an identity custody chain providing the key features of the invention are possible . a further key aspect of the present invention is means to achieve a physical and identity custody chain which prevents contamination , cross - contamination or partial or whole loss of a patient sample by environmental exposure in a non - sterile environment or through operator error . all samples and processed materials are handled , processed and stored in closed disposable containers which are specific to each stage of the processing workflow and interface with each processing station in the workflow . all such process components are joined by connection means which prevent ; 1 . cross contamination of patient samples by cross - mixing of parallel processing sample workflows being performed in the same processing unit . 2 . loss of patient sample or processed material through the incorrect order of use of components . to maintain the physical separation and identity of the processed patient sample all connections between processing components 1 to n in the processing workflow are made using connectors furnished with means to prevent loss , mixing or cross - contamination of the sample integrity through operator error . such connectors are designed and operated to ; a . allow only the correct sequence of processing components to be used in processing the patient sample preventing loss of the patient sample through use of incorrect components in sequential steps of the processing workflow . b . allow only components linked to the patient identity to be coupled together preventing mixing or cross - contamination of the sample with another sample being processed through the facility in parallel . c . maintain a record of the identity of the patient sample at all stages in the workflow preventing mixing or cross - contamination of the sample with another sample being processed through the facility in parallel . d . prevent the re - use of components preventing mixing or cross - contamination of the sample with another sample being processed through the facility in parallel . these principles are demonstrated in the following illustrative embodiment by reference to fig3 . connectors providing sample physical and identity integrity comprise a female [ 301 ] connector linked via tubing [ 302 ] to a first processing component and a male connector [ 303 ] linked via tubing [ 304 ] to a second processing component . the male connector [ 303 ] and the female connector [ 301 ] are designed so as to form a liquid - and air - tight junction between two components when correctly connected . the connectors are further provided with means to establish a sterile connection when connectors are joined together in a non - sterile environment , such as that described in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 679 , 529 . the male connector [ 303 ] carries blocking pins [ 305 ] orientated to fit into location holes [ 312 & amp ; 313 ] located in the front face of the female connector [ 301 ]. the blocking pins are prevented from entering the location holes [ 312 & amp ; 313 ] by metal blocking shields [ 314 & amp ; 315 ] held in slots within the female connector [ 301 ] which prevent coupling of the connectors to form a junction between the processing components . the male and female connectors carry identity transponders [ 306 ] encoding the individual identities of the processing components attached to each of the connectors . to form a join between the connectors the male [ 303 ] and female [ 301 ] connectors are placed in a reading device [ 309 ] comprising means to align the connectors and means to read information from the identity transponders [ 306 ] carried on each connector . on activation of the reader [ 309 ] the identity codes of the two connectors are read and the device software performs a component compatibility match check [ 310 ] to determine whether the two connectors present in the device form a correct sequential component coupling for sample processing . additional checking is performed by the reader [ 309 ] software to further ensure the physical separation and identity of the patient sample , for example the identity codes from the transponders [ 306 ] are checked to ensure that the component being offered to receive the patient sample at a step in the processing workflow is not a waste component having been previously used . if the match checking operation [ 310 ] confirms the correct identity of the paired connectors a power supply [ 311 ] is activated to energise electromagnets [ 307 & amp ; 308 ] held within the reading device . activation of the electro magnets pulls the blocking shields [ 314 & amp ; 315 ] outwards and away from the location holes [ 312 & amp ; 313 ] in the female connector to an open position [ 316 & amp ; 317 ] allowing the blocking pins [ 305 ] in the male connector to enter the location holes [ 312 & amp ; 313 ] in the female connector . the connectors are now pushed together to provide a secure operating connection [ 318 ] between the processing components . following correct connection the reader [ 309 ] additionally records the identity code of each connector from the transponders [ 306 ] and sends the data to the patient sample record to provide a sample identity custody chain . if the match checking operation [ 310 ] detects that the two connectors do not have the correct identities to form a correct sequential component coupling for sample processing , power is not supplied to the electromagnets [ 307 & amp ; 308 ] preventing the coupling of the connectors . the reader software then prompts the operator to select the correct components to form an operable connection . the described embodiment is provided for illustrative purposes only and those skilled in the art will appreciate that other means of providing component connection meeting the required principles of maintaining sample physical and identity integrity may be used . such means include but are not limited to alternative methods of component encoding such as barcoding , and magnetic strip and rfid tagging to identify correct components for connection . alternative means for prevention of connection of incorrect sequential components include but are not limited to providing a sequential series of unique connectors with varying mirrored dispositions of pins and holes or grooves and ridges which physically preclude the connection of mismatched connectors . such connection means can be designed and disposed to ensure that the output from a first component will connect only to the input of a second component , the output from the second component will connect only to the input of a third component and so on for a series of n components with the output of the n - 1th component connecting only to the input of the nth component in the series . additionally the connectors may be colour and or shape coded to aid in manual or automated selection of correct components and connection pairings . a further key aspect of the invention is the provision of processing instructions to a processing station directly from , or in response to , a processing component connected to a processing station . each processing component comprises means to instruct a processing station on the type of processing component and if applicable , the variant type of the processing component and to instruct a processing station on processing the patient sample held within the processing component . a processing component variant type may comprise a different size , capacity or other feature of the component which requires individual processing instructions specific to that variant . such individual processing instructions may have variant specific instructions for reagent volumes , pressures , flow rates , incubation times etc . which are specific for the optimum operation of that processing component variant . for example a processing component for performing cell isolation may be provided in two variants for processing different volumes of blood ; such variants will require different reagent volumes and hence different processing instructions . similarly a processing component used for cell expansion , such as a disposable bioreactor for cell culture , may be provided in different sizes and culture capacities to allow the growth of different numbers of cells for use in therapy ; such variants will utilise different volumes of culture media and different processing instructions . linking processing instructions to a processing component and providing such instructions to a processing platform operably connected to the processing component provides ; a ) means to ensure that the instructions for processing a patient sample within the processing component are correct for that component , obviating risk of sample loss through use of incorrect processing instructions . b ) means to ensure that variants of processing components performing the same operation at a different scale are provided with specific processing instructions necessary for the correct processing . c ) means to remove operator errors by directly instructing processing stations . d ) means to permit processing to be carried out in an automated environment using robotic means to achieve the processing workflow where each processing station in the workflow is appropriately instructed to perform a processing operation on receipt of a processing component . these principles are demonstrated in the following illustrative embodiments by reference to fig4 . in a first further embodiment of the invention a processing component [ 402 ] is operably connected to a processing station [ 401 ] by connectors [ 406 ] to permit sample processing wherein the processing component comprises a transponder [ 403 ] carrying a unique identity code . the unique identity code is linked to a database in a central instruction store [ 405 ] to specific processing instructions for the type and variant of processing component carrying the transponder [ 403 ]. the identity code carried by the transponder [ 403 ] is read by a reader [ 404 ] connected to the processing station [ 401 ] and checked to confirm that the processing component is of the correct type for processing on the processing station [ 401 ]. on receipt of the identity code the reader [ 404 ] retrieves processing instructions from the instruction store [ 405 ] by wired or wireless communication and the received instructions are passed to the processing station [ 401 ] to permit the correct operation of the processing station in processing the patient sample contained in the processing component [ 402 ]. in a second further embodiment of the invention ( fig5 ) a processing component [ 502 ] is operably connected to a processing station [ 501 ] by connectors [ 505 ] to permit sample processing wherein the processing component comprises a transponder [ 503 ] carrying a unique identity code . the processing component [ 502 ] additionally comprises a stored processing instruction set [ 504 ] specific to the type and variant of the processing component [ 502 ]. the identity code carried by the transponder [ 503 ] is read by a reader [ 505 ] connected to the processing station [ 501 ] and checked to confirm that the processing component is of the correct type for processing on the processing station [ 501 ]. the processing instruction set [ 504 ] is also read by the reader [ 505 ] by wired or wireless means and the processing instructions passed to the processing station [ 501 ]. the processing instruction set [ 504 ] carried by the component [ 502 ] may be stored and read by a variety of means including , but not limited to , storage of processing instructions by barcoding , qr coding , magnetic and solid state memory , and reading of processing instructions by optical or electronic means . in a further variant identity coding and instruction storage may comprise a single data store carried on each processing component . while preferred illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described , one skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments , which are presented for purposes of illustration only and not by way of limitation . the present invention is limited only by the claims that follow .	6
the following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention . as used herein , the word “ exemplary ” means “ serving as an example , instance , or illustration .” thus , any embodiment described herein as “ exemplary ” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments . all of the embodiments described herein are exemplary embodiments provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims . furthermore , there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field , background , brief summary , or the following detailed description . those of skill in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks , modules , and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware , computer software , or combinations of both . some of the embodiments and implementations are described above in terms of functional and / or logical block components ( or modules ) and various processing steps . however , it should be appreciated that such block components ( or modules ) may be realized by any number of hardware , software , and / or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions . to clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software , various illustrative components , blocks , modules , circuits , and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality . whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system . skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application , but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention . for example , an embodiment of a system or a component may employ various integrated circuit components , e . g ., memory elements , digital signal processing elements , logic elements , look - up tables , or the like , which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices . in addition , those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments described herein are merely exemplary implementations . the various illustrative logical blocks , modules , and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor , a digital signal processor ( dsp ), an application specific integrated circuit ( asic ), a field programmable gate array ( fpga ) or other programmable logic device , discrete gate or transistor logic , discrete hardware components , or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein . a general - purpose processor may be a microprocessor , but in the alternative , the processor may be any conventional processor , controller , microcontroller , or state machine . a processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices , e . g ., a combination of a dsp and a microprocessor , a plurality of microprocessors , one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a dsp core , or any other such configuration . the word “ exemplary ” is used exclusively herein to mean “ serving as an example , instance , or illustration .” the steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware , in a software module executed by a processor , or in a combination of the two . a software module may reside in ram memory , flash memory , rom memory , eprom memory , eeprom memory , registers , hard disk , a removable disk , a cd - rom , or any other form of storage medium known in the art . an exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such the processor can read information from , and write information to , the storage medium . in the alternative , the storage medium may be integral to the processor . the processor and the storage medium may reside in an asic . the asic may reside in a user terminal . in the alternative , the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal . in this document , relational terms such as first and second , and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions . numerical ordinals such as “ first ,” “ second ,” “ third ,” etc . simply denote different singles of a plurality and do not imply any order or sequence unless specifically defined by the claim language . the sequence of the text in any of the claims does not imply that process steps must be performed in a temporal or logical order according to such sequence unless it is specifically defined by the language of the claim . the process steps may be interchanged in any order without departing from the scope of the invention as long as such an interchange does not contradict the claim language and is not logically nonsensical . furthermore , depending on the context , words such as “ connect ” or “ coupled to ” used in describing a relationship between different elements do not imply that a direct physical connection must be made between these elements . for example , two elements may be connected to each other physically , electronically , logically , or in any other manner , through one or more additional elements . in one embodiment , the system for building diagnostic algorithms is implemented in an aircraft . in other embodiments , the system may be implemented in a land , marine , or amphibious vehicle . referring now to fig1 , an architecture 100 for building reconfigurable diagnostic algorithms includes a function library 102 , a loadable diagnostic image ( also referred to as an integrated reference model ( irm )) 104 , and an algorithm execution unit ( aeu ) 106 . in accordance with a preferred embodiment , function library 102 includes a plurality of reusable , functional modules in the form of discrete blocks of compiled code ; that is , they are stored in machine readable format to minimize compiling errors at run time . in this way , the modules may be certified or pre - approved prior to their inclusion in the library . this is particularly important in aviation , government , and military applications where software and other product components must undergo testing and / or verification by an oversight authority such as the federal aviation administration ( faa ), national transportation safety board ( ntsb ), department of transportation ( dot ), department of defense ( dod ), or other regulatory agency . the functional modules in library 102 may be simple or complex , and may operate on scalar , vector , or combinatorial inputs . functions may range from simple “ add ”, “ subtract ”, “ multiply ”, or “ divide ” functions , to more complex trending , regression , fast fourier transform ( fft ), and hierarchical and customizable tasks . other functions may include analog and digital functions representing low , high , and band pass filters , prognostic and predictive functions , and the like . the various functions may also have one or associated parameters which may be defined by the user . for example , the function “ low pass filter ” may have an associated parameter “ filter order ” which the user may define to be a first , second , or third order filter . the “ low pass filter ” function may also have an associated parameter which allows the user to define filter coefficients , for example . the various functions and their associated parameters in library 102 are a priori known and complied as machine readable code prior to inclusion in the library . function library 102 , irm 104 , and aeu 106 cooperate to implement a reconfigurable , on board , code execution architecture . aeu 106 , by itself , does not “ know ” which functions to execute , in what order , or how to assign inputs , outputs , and parameters when constructing an algorithm . for this purpose , a user interface ( not shown ) may be provided including input / output hardware such as a human readable display , keyboard , mouse , toggle , or the like for facilitating user interaction with system architecture 100 to thereby allow the operator to configure the algorithms for execution by aeu 106 . with continued reference to fig1 , an exemplary irm 104 is illustrated as a data sheet which includes identifies a particular algorithm ( e . g ., algorithm 1 ), the various functions included in the algorithm , and any inputs , outputs , and parameters associated with the algorithm . in the example shown in fig1 , the following functions are included in the algorithm : a low pass filter 122 , a regression module 124 , a trending module 126 , and a calculation module 128 . before execution the algorithm , “ snapshot ” data 108 is captured . these data may include , for example , sensed or target values of various parameters such as temperature , speed , and the like . snapshot data 108 and irm data 104 are provided to aeu 106 , whereupon aeu 106 calls the designated functions from library 102 , and executes the algorithm . a local memory 130 may be used for the temporary storage of data and other values and parameters , as needed . aeu 106 provides appropriate output values 132 in accordance with the outputs defined in irm 104 . referring now to fig2 , four different exemplary algorithms ( algorithms 1 - 4 ) are shown operating on respective inputs m 1 and m 2 to produce respective outputs y 1 and y 2 . more particularly , algorithm 1 illustrates a string of two functions , namely , function a and function b , selected from function library 102 . function a has input ports ai 1 and ai 2 and output ports ao 1 and ao 2 . similarly , function b has input ports bi 1 and bi 2 , and output ports bo 1 and bo 2 . algorithm 1 has been configured such that input m 1 is applied to input port ai 1 of function a , and input m 2 is applied to input port ai 2 of function a . algorithm 1 is also configured such that output y 1 is output from port bo 1 of function b , and output y 2 is produced by output port bo 2 of function b . with continued reference to fig2 , algorithm 2 is similar to algorithm 1 except that the external inputs are switched ; that is , in algorithm 2 input m 2 is applied to input port all of function a , and input m 1 is applied to input port ai 2 of function a . hence , the two algorithms ( namely , algorithm 1 and algorithm 2 ) will produce different outputs . this highlights the dynamic reconfigurability of system 100 in that algorithm 2 may be constructed from algorithm 1 by simply switching inputs m 1 and m 2 from respective input ports ai 1 and ai 2 , in the first instance ( algorithm 1 ), to respective input ports ai 2 and ai 1 in the second instance ( algorithm 2 ). this also highlights the ease by which the user may construct a new , stand alone algorithm from a previous algorithm . in an analogous manner , algorithm 3 may be conveniently constructed by reconfiguring algorithm 1 to apply the output from port ao 1 to port bi 2 ( instead of port bi 1 ), and to apply the output from port ao 2 to port bi 1 ( rather than port bi 2 ). similarly , algorithm 4 may be constructed from algorithm 1 in the following manner : substituting function g for function a ; appending function c to function b ; and applying the outputs of function b to the input ports of function c . referring now to fig3 and 4 , a block flow diagram and associated specification sheet are set forth for implementing the algorithm “ y = ax + b ”. with particular reference to fig3 , functions j and k are selected from library 102 and strung together to build an exemplary algorithm “ n ”. in the illustrated example , function j represents the mathematical operator “ multiply ” and is assigned evaluation order number one . function k represents the mathematical operator “ add ” and is assigned evaluation order number two . inputs m 1 and m 2 are applied to input ports ji 1 and ji 2 , respectively , of function j . output port jo 1 of function j is connected to input port ki 1 of function k ( to thereby apply the output from port jo 1 to port ki 1 ), and input m 3 is applied to input port ki 2 of function k . with continued reference to fig3 and 4 , parameters “ a ” and “ x ” are assigned to inputs m 1 and m 2 , respectively , and parameter “ b ” is assigned to input m 3 . when the specification sheet shown in fig4 a is applied to aeu 106 at run time , algorithm “ n ” produces the value ( parameter ) “ y ”, assigned to output y 1 , in the equation “ y = ax + b ” as follows : i ) function j is initially executed to multiply input m 1 by input m 2 to yield the product “ ax ” identified as variable “ temp ”; ii ) function k is then executed to add input m 3 (“ b ”) to the value “ temp ” (“ ax ”); and iii ) the sum “ ax + b ” is output from function k , expressed as variable “ y ”; and iv ) the variable “ temp ” is discarded at the end of execution since it is not used . referring to fig5 , a method 500 for building and executing diagnostic algorithms in accordance with an embodiment includes providing a library of function modules ( task 504 ), and compiling the library and algorithm execution unit ( aeu ) 106 as one application ( task 506 ). the code base , including the executable application and its associated irm 104 , may then be deployed ( task 508 ). at runtime , snapshot data 108 are measured ( task 510 ) and recognized by aeu 106 ( task 512 ). with continued reference to fig5 , it will be appreciated that prior to code deployment , the function modules and their execution order are selected by the operator ( task 514 ) as discussed above . in similar fashion , the operator defines the inputs , outputs , and any temporary variables for the functions , as needed ( task 516 ). this information is used to construct irm 104 ( task 518 ). aeu 106 then executes the modules associated with the measured inputs ( task 520 ). while at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the invention , it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist . it should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples , and are not intended to limit the scope , applicability , or configuration of the invention in any way . rather , the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention . it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims .	6
fig2 shows an ethernet hub 200 in accordance with the present invention which has four network ports 240 each connectable to a computer 220 ( or other type of network station ) by a network cable 230 . it should be noted that the 4 - port ethernet hub in fig2 is depicted for the purpose of reducing the complexity of the illustration ; an ethernet hub in accordance with the present invention can have more than four network ports . in accordance with the present invention , the improved ethernet hub 200 as shown in fig2 is implemented with a packet buffer memory 210 . when the ethernet hub 200 receives data packets from any of the four network ports 240 , the received data packets are temporally stored in the packet buffer memory 210 ; at the same time each of the data packets previously stored in the packet buffer memory 210 is read out in a first - in - first - out approach and is forwarded to all the other network ports except the network port from which the data packet is originally received . in other words , instead of broadcasting received data packets over a shared signal bus to all connected computers 120 as the traditional ethernet hub 100 in fig1 does , the ethernet hub 200 in fig2 performs a store - and - broadcast operation to each of the received data packets by means of the packet buffer memory 210 . the operations of the packet buffer memory 210 is controlled by the associated control circuitry which is responsible for both writing ingress data packets from each of the network ports 240 of the ethernet hub 200 into the packet buffer memory 210 and reading each of the stored data packets from the packet buffer memory 210 which is then forwarded as an egress data packet to the other respective network ports 240 . an ingress data packet refers to an incoming data packet a network port 240 receives from an externally connected computer 220 , and an egress data packet refers to an outgoing data packet that is to be sent out from the network port 240 to the externally connected computer 220 . in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention , under the operations of the packet buffer memory control circuitry , ingress data packets will be discarded when the packet buffer memory 210 becomes full and is not able to accept more ingress data packets until the packet buffer memory 210 becomes available again as the result of the previously stored data packets being read out . an egress data packet may also be discarded at a network port 240 when the network port 240 becomes over - subscribed in which the total throughput of egress data packets is more than the bandwidth of the network port 240 can accommodate for . for instance , for a network port 240 operating at the date rate of 100 mbps , when the total throughput of egress data packets toward the network port 240 is more than 100 mbps , the network port 240 becomes over - subscribed and will drop the otherwise outgoing data packets . because of data packet buffering provided by the packet buffer memory 210 , each network port 240 of the ethernet hub 200 of the present invention is able to send and receive data packets simultaneously to and from the connected computer 220 without causing signal collisions . in other words , the ethernet hub 200 in fig2 enables full - duplex communications among the connected computers 220 . preferably , the network port 240 of the ethernet hub 200 can be implemented with a multi - speed ethernet phy asic ( application specific integrated circuit ) chip such as the 10 / 100 / 1000base - t ethernet phy 88e1111 from marvell technology group ltd to support gigabit ethernet connection . higher data rate such as 10 gbps connection is also possible with a 10g phy asic chip . alternatively , a selected network port 240 of the ethernet hub 200 can be implemented with an optical / electrical transceiver to send and receive data packets to and from the connected computer 220 over an optical cable 230 . the optical / electrical transceiver can be a pluggable module such as the ftlf8519p2xcl made by finisar corporation , which is a small form factor pluggable ( sfp ) optical transceiver module in compliance with an industry standard proposed by msa ( multiple source agreement ) group . fig3 is a block diagram of an ethernet hub in accordance with the present invention which provides two monitor ports for use as an inline packet sniffing device . the ethernet hub 300 in fig3 includes four network ports which are designated as a first inline port 310 , a second inline port 320 , a first monitor port 330 and a second monitor port 340 . the ethernet hub 300 includes a packet buffer memory which is not shown in fig3 for reducing the complexity of illustration . in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention , the ethernet hub 300 is configured in such a way that the ingress data packets of the first inline port 310 are forwarded ( broadcasted ) to all the other three network ports , i . e ., the second inline port 320 , the first monitor port 330 and the second monitor port 340 after being stored in the packet buffer memory ( not shown in fig3 ), and the ingress data packets of the second inline port 320 are forwarded to all the other three network ports , i . e ., the first inline port 310 , the first monitor port 330 and the second monitor port 340 after being stored in the packet buffer memory ( not shown in fig3 ). as such , the ethernet hub 300 provides a functionality of inline packet sniffing by enabling the passage of full - duplex data packet traffic between the two computers 350 and 360 connected to the first inline port 310 and the second inline port 320 respectively , and at the same time digitally coping the two - way full - duplex data packet traffic to the first monitor port 330 and the second monitor port 340 for output to the two connected computers 370 and 380 respectively . in fig3 , both the two computers 370 and 380 are monitoring stations for capturing and analyzing the full - duplex data packet traffic running between two computers 350 and 360 connected by the ethernet hub 300 placed as an inline device in between the two computers 350 and 360 . because the output from each of the first and second monitor ports 330 and 340 is a digital copy of data packet traffic that aggregates the two - way full duplex data packet flow between the two inline ports 310 and 320 , the first and second monitor ports 330 and 340 are also referred to as aggregation monitor ports respectively . optionally , the two aggregation monitor ports 330 and 340 can be configured to discard ingress data packets received by each of the aggregation monitor ports 330 and 340 from the respective connected monitoring stations 370 and 380 . this is advantageous in situations where no ingress data packets of a monitor port are allowed to interfere with the data packet traffic traveling between the two inline ports 310 and 320 . as can be seen , there exists situations when the aggregated data throughput of the full - duplex data packet traffic between two inline ports 310 and 320 is more than the bandwidth of each of the aggregation monitor ports 330 and 340 can accommodate . when such situations occur , the otherwise egress data packets will be discarded by the aggregation monitor ports 330 and 340 . for example , if the two inline ports 310 and 320 and the two aggregation monitor ports 330 and 340 operate at the same ethernet date rate of 1 gbps , the aggregated traffic throughput of the full duplex traffic between the two inline ports 330 and 340 can be as high as 2 gbps , which will over - subscribe each of aggregation monitor ports 330 and 340 , and therefore , the aggregation monitor ports 330 and 340 have to discard egress data packets when over - subscription occurs . it should be noted that although only two aggregation monitor ports 330 and 340 are depicted in fig3 , the ethernet hub 300 in fig3 can be implemented with a single aggregation monitor port or more than two aggregation monitor ports in accordance with the present invention . fig4 is a block diagram of an ethernet hub in accordance with another embodiment of present invention which provides both an aggregation monitor port and two separate non - aggregation monitor ports for use as an inline packet sniffing device . the ethernet hub 400 in fig4 includes five network ports which are designated as a first inline port 410 , a second inline port 420 , an aggregation monitor port 430 , a first non - aggregation monitor port 440 and a second non - aggregation monitor port 450 . in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention , the ethernet hub 400 operates similarly to the ethernet hub 300 in fig3 except that the first non - aggregation monitor port 440 is configured to only receive a digital copy of ingress packets from the first inline port 410 and the second non - aggregation monitor port 450 is configured to only receive a digital copy of ingress data packets of the second inline port 420 . as such , each of the two non - aggregation monitor ports 440 and 450 receives the data packet traffic between two inline ports 410 and 420 only in one direction , packet drop / loss due to port over - subscription would never occur to the non - aggregation monitor ports 440 and 450 . usually the two non - aggregation monitor ports 440 and 450 must be connected to a monitoring station 490 with two network interfaces which has to run a software program to merge the two individual data packet streams from each of the non - aggregation monitor ports 440 and 450 to establish a digital copy of the full - duplex data packet traffic running between the two network stations 460 and 470 that are connected to the two inline ports 410 and 420 respectively . therefore , use of the two non - aggregation monitor ports usually is not as convenient as use of an aggregation monitor port for capturing the full - duplex data packet traffic between two inline ports , but it can avoid any packet drop / loss due to port over - subscription . one main advantage of the ethernet hub 400 in fig4 in accordance with the present invention is that the ethernet hub 400 as a single device provides both an aggregation monitor port 430 connectable to a monitoring station 480 and a pair of non - aggregation monitor ports 440 and 450 connectable to the monitoring station 490 ; a user can thus select which monitor port ( s ) to use based on the estimated actual throughput of data packet traffic between the two inline ports 410 and 420 . the aggregation monitor port 430 is usually used when the inline data packet traffic is light , and the non - aggregation monitor ports 440 and 450 are usually used when the inline data packet traffic is heavy and busy . optionally , the aggregation monitor port 430 and the two non - aggregation monitor ports 440 and 450 are configured to discard their respective ingress data packets . this is advantageous in situations where no ingress data packets of a monitor port are allowed to interfere with the data packet traffic between the two inline ports . in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention , the ethernet hub 400 in fig4 is replaced with an ethernet switch with least five network ports which are configured as a first inline port 410 , a second inline port 420 , an aggregation monitor port 430 , a first non - aggregation monitor port 440 and a second non - aggregation monitor port 450 . the ethernet switch 400 receives data packets from each of the network ports , store them in a built - in packet buffer memory and then forward the data packets to their respective destination port or ports based on the header info ( i . e ., the destination mac address and source mac address as specified in the ethernet standard ieee 802 . 3 ) of each of received data packets . in addition to storing and forwarding data packets as a traditional ethernet switch does , the ethernet switch 400 in accordance with the present invention forwards the ingress data packets associated with the first inline port 410 to the second inline port 420 , the aggregation monitor port 430 and the first non - aggregation port 440 , and forwards the ingress data packets associated with the second inline port 420 to the first inline port 410 , the aggregation monitor port 430 and the second non - aggregation monitor port 450 . as such , the ethernet switch 400 in accordance with the embodiment of the invention can be used as both an ethernet switch and an inline packet sniffing device that is provided with both an aggregation monitor port 430 and a pair of non - aggregation monitor ports 440 and 450 . the forced forwarding of data packets in an ethernet switch for the purpose of monitoring data packet traffic regardless of the destination mac address information in the data packets is also referred to as “ port mirroring ”. the ethernet switch as described herein provides a novel approach of mirroring data packets to both an aggregation monitor port and a pair of non - aggregation ports by a single device . fig5 is a block diagram of an ethernet hub in accordance with the present invention which includes at least two copper network ports and at least two optical network ports , wherein either a pair of copper network ports or a pair of optical network ports are configured as two inline ports based on the presence status of a pluggable optical transceiver module connectable to one of the optical network ports . as shown in fig5 , the ethernet hub 500 has five network ports including three copper network ports 510 , 520 and 530 and two optical network ports 540 and 550 which are connectable to their respective network stations 560 , 562 , 564 , 566 and 568 . each copper network port , typically implemented with an rj45 jack , sends and receives ethernet signals ( e . g ., 10 / 100 / 1000base - t ethernet ) to and from its connected network station over a copper cable 570 of twisted wire pairs ( e . g ., cat5e network cable ), and each optical network port sends and receives ethernet signals ( e . g . 1000base - x ethernet ) to and from its connected network station over a optical cable 580 which usually consists at least two optical fibers for full duplex signal transmission . according to the present invention , each of the two optical network ports 540 and 550 on the ethernet hub is an electrical interface adapted for connecting to a pluggable optical transceiver module ( 545 , 555 ) which performs the conversions between optical and electrical signals . an example of such a pluggable optical transceiver module is the ftlf8519p2xcl made by finisar corporation , which is a small form factor pluggable ( sfp ) optical transceiver module in compliance with an industry standard specified by the msa ( multiple source agreement ) group . according to an embodiment of the present invention , the ethernet hub 500 detects if or not the pluggable optical transceiver module 555 is being connected / engaged with the optical network port 550 , and then executes one of two prescribed packet forwarding schemes according to the presence status of the pluggable optical transceiver module . if the optical transceiver module 555 is detected being present on the selected optical network port 550 , the two optical network ports 540 and 550 are selected as the two inline ports and therefore the ingress data packets received on each of the optical inline ports 540 and 550 are forwarded ( broadcasted ) to all the other network ports including the other optical inline port . if the optical transceiver module 555 is not detected being present on the optical network port 550 , two selected copper network ports 510 and 520 , are configured as the two inline ports and therefore the ingress data packets received on each of the two copper inline ports 510 and 520 are forwarded to all the other network ports including the other copper inline port . in this case , of course , the optical port 550 will not be usable because it is not connected with the pluggable optical transceiver module 555 . according to the present invention , the ethernet hub 500 configures the packet forwarding scheme from two prescribed packet forwarding schemes after a circuit reset ( e . g ., a power on reset ) to the ethernet hub 500 based on the presence status of the pluggable optical transceiver module . in other words , a packet forwarding scheme is configured automatically during the initialization process of the ethernet hub according to the presence status of the pluggable transceiver module after a circuit reset is applied or occurs to the ethernet hub . as can be appreciated , the ethernet hub 500 as depicted in fig5 provides a distinct advantage that the ethernet hub 500 can be used as an inline packet sniffing device for sniff packets on either a copper connection or an optical connection and the configuration of inline ports from two copper network ports or two optical network ports is automated without the need for a more complicated user command interface like those managed ethernet switches . in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention , the ethernet hub 500 in fig5 is replaced with an ethernet switch with least five network ports which includes three copper network ports 510 , 520 and 530 and two optical network ports 540 and 550 . the ethernet switch 500 detects the presence status of the pluggable optical transceiver module 555 on one selected optical network port 550 . if the optical transceiver module 555 is connected on the selected optical network port 550 , the selected optical port 550 is configured as the “ mirroring from ” port and the ingress and egress data packets of the “ mirroring from ” port network 550 are forwarded ( mirrored ) to at least one monitor (“ mirrored to ”) port that is selected from the other network ports ( 510 , 520 , 530 , 540 ) not including the “ mirroring from ” port 550 . if the pluggable optical transceiver module 555 is not connected on the selected optical network port 550 , a prescribed copper network port is configured as the “ mirroring from ” port and the ingress and egress data packets of the “ mirroring from ” port are forwarded ( mirrored ) to at least one monitor (“ mirrored to ”) port that is selected from the other network ports not including the prescribed “ mirroring from ” port . such an embodiment of the present invention enables the ethernet switch 500 to support a port mirroring functionality in which the selection of the “ mirroring from ” port from either a prescribed copper network port or a prescribed optical network port is automated without the need for a more complicated user command interface like those managed ethernet switches . fig6 is a detailed circuit schematic view of generating the presence signal of a pluggable optical transceiver module in one selected optical port in the ethernet hub or switch in fig5 . as shown in fig6 , the pluggable optical transceiver module 610 has a presence connector pin 620 and a ground connector pin 630 which are internally wired ( electrically shorted ) together ; the optical port 640 has a corresponding presence connector pin 650 and a corresponding ground connector pin 660 ; the presence connector pin 650 is connected to an voltage rail 680 ( e . g ., + 3 . 3v ) via a pull - up resistor 670 ( e . g ., a 4k7 ohm resistor ) and the ground connector pin 660 is connected to the ground 690 . when the optical transceiver module 610 is not engaged with the optical port 640 , the presence signal 695 is pulled up to the voltage level of the power rail 680 , representing a logic “ high ”, which indicates that the pluggable optical transceiver module 620 is not connected to the optical port 640 . when the pluggable optical transceiver module 610 is engaged with the optical port 640 , the corresponding presence connector pin 650 and the ground connector pin 660 on the optical port 640 are electrically connected with the presence connector pin 620 and the ground connector pin 630 on the pluggable optical fiber module 610 , which will pull down the presence signal 695 to the voltage level of the ground 690 , representing a logic “ low ”, which indicates the pluggable optical transceiver module 610 is being connected on the optical port 610 . although the present invention has been described in terms of various embodiments , it is to be understood that such disclosure is not to be interpreted as limiting . various changes and modifications will no doubt become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the above disclosure . accordingly , it is intended that the appended claims be interpreted as covering all changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention . as a result , the invention is not limited to the specific examples and illustrations discussed above , but only the following claims and their equivalents .	7
specific embodiments of the present invention are now described with reference to the figures , wherein like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements . unless otherwise indicated , the terms “ distal ” and “ proximal ” are used in the following description with respect to a position or direction relative to the treating clinician . “ distal ” and “ distally ” are positions distant from or in a direction away from the clinician , and “ proximal ” and “ proximally ” are positions near or in a direction toward the clinician . in addition , the term “ self - expanding ” is used in the following description with reference to one or more stent structures of the prostheses hereof and is intended to convey that the structures are shaped or formed from a material that can be provided with a mechanical memory to return the structure from a compressed or constricted delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration . non - exhaustive exemplary self - expanding materials include stainless steel , a pseudo - elastic metal such as a nickel titanium alloy or nitinol , various polymers , or a so - called super alloy , which may have a base metal of nickel , cobalt , chromium , or other metal . mechanical memory may be imparted to a wire or stent structure by thermal treatment to achieve a spring temper in stainless steel , for example , or to set a shape memory in a susceptible metal alloy , such as nitinol . various polymers that can be made to have shape memory characteristics may also be suitable for use in embodiments hereof to include polymers such as polynorborene , trans - polyisoprene , styrene - butadiene , and polyurethane . as well poly l - d lactic copolymer , oligo caprylactone copolymer and poly cyclo - octine can be used separately or in conjunction with other shape memory polymers . the following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention . although the description of the invention is in the context of loading a heart valve prosthesis onto a catheter assembly , the devices and methods described herein can also be used for loading other devices onto catheter assemblies . furthermore , there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field , background , brief summary or the following detailed description . fig1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a catheter assembly 2 for delivering a transcatheter heart valve prosthesis 14 to an implantation site . in the illustrated example , catheter assembly 2 includes a shaft assembly 10 and a sheath assembly 6 . the shaft assembly 10 includes a handle 12 , a carrier shaft 19 , a connector shaft 15 , a distal tip assembly 3 , a distal coupling structure 13 , and a sleeve 11 . the connector shaft 15 interconnects the carrier shaft 19 and the distal tip assembly 3 , and in some constructions has a reduced - sized diameter to permit placement of a prosthetic heart valve 14 over the connector shaft 15 . the distal tip assembly 3 is disposed at the distal end of the shaft assembly 10 . though not shown in fig1 , a guide wire lumen can be formed through shafts 15 and 19 . carrier shaft 19 is sized to be slidably received within the sheath assembly 6 , and is configured in the illustrated exampled for releasable coupling with the heart valve prosthesis 14 . the carrier shaft 19 forms or includes a coupling device 17 . the coupling device 17 is configured to selectively retain a proximal portion of the heart valve prosthesis 14 . the coupling device 17 is configured to releasably mount the heart valve prosthesis 14 to the shaft assembly 10 when the heart valve prosthesis 14 is forced to a collapsed state within the sheath assembly 6 . the sheath assembly 6 is configured to permit deployment of the heart valve prosthesis 14 from the loaded state shown in fig1 . the catheter assembly 2 is configured to transition from the loaded state in which the sheath assembly 6 encompasses the heart valve prosthesis 14 to a deployed state in which the sheath assembly 6 is withdrawn from the heart valve prosthesis 14 . the catheter assembly 2 shown in fig1 is merely an example of delivery system that can be used to deliver a heart valve prosthesis transluminally to a desired treatment site . further description of catheter assembly 2 can be found in u . s . patent application publication no . 2011 / 0264198 , the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein . as shown , catheter assembly 2 includes coupling device 17 which selectively retains a proximal portion of heart valve prosthesis 14 . as shown in fig1 , coupling device 17 includes two connections on opposite sides of carrier shaft . a user loading heart valve prosthesis 14 onto catheter assembly 2 must ensure that coupling device 17 and heart valve prosthesis 14 are properly connected at both connection points . similarly , in a catheter assembly 2 such as shown in fig1 , the user must ensure that distal coupling structure 13 and heart valve prosthesis 14 are properly connected when loading prosthetic heart valve 14 onto catheter assembly 2 . as discussed above , loading of heart valve prosthesis 14 onto catheter assembly 2 is generally performed in a liquid solution disposed in a reservoir of a loading tray . fig2 shows an embodiment of a loading tray 22 including a visualization device 100 . other embodiments of the loading tray and visualization device are possible . modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention . therefore , the following detailed description is not meant to be limiting . further , the systems and methods described below can be implemented in many different embodiments of hardware . any actual hardware described is not meant to be limiting . the operation and behavior of the systems and methods presented are described with the understanding that modifications and variations of the embodiments are possible given the level of detail presented . in the embodiment shown in fig2 , loading tray 22 is configured to be used with a catheter assembly 2 that may be similar to the catheter assembly 2 shown in fig1 . as described above , catheter assembly 2 generally includes a handle 12 located at a proximal end of catheter assembly 2 , a distal tip assembly 3 , and a sheath assembly 6 between distal tip assembly 3 and handle assembly 12 . it is understood that catheter assembly 2 is merely an exemplary embodiment of a catheter assembly that can be used in conjunction with the devices described herein . similarly , loading tray 22 , described in detail below , is merely an exemplary embodiment of a loading tray that can be used in conjunction with the visualization device described herein . the present invention is not limited to visualization devices that can be used with loading trays and catheter assemblies as the one described herein . the visualization devices described herein can be used with loading trays having different configurations of reservoirs and receptacles , and with catheter assemblies having different types of handle assemblies , sheath assemblies , and distal tip assemblies . loading tray 22 will be described briefly herein in conjunction with the visualization devices described herein . loading tray 22 , however , can be any conventional loading tray adapted to include the visualization devices described herein . for example , and not by way of limitation , loading tray 22 can be the loading tray described in u . s . patent application publication no . 2012 / 0103840 , which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein . briefly , loading tray 22 is made of a tray body 23 defining a handle assembly receptacle 24 for seating handle assembly 12 of catheter assembly 2 , an elongate delivery shaft receptacle 28 for seating sheath assembly 6 of catheter assembly 2 , and a reservoir 34 for holding a fluid ( not shown in fig2 ). tray body 23 can be made of various polymer or composite materials including , for example , polyethylene terephthalate glycol ( petg ). tray body 23 can be molded and have a thickness of approximately 1 . 0 - 1 . 4 mm . the present invention , however , is not limited to polymer materials and can include other suitable materials , for example , stainless steel . a top surface 46 of tray body 23 generally defines the uppermost horizontal plane of loading tray 22 . reservoir 34 has a bottom surface 44 that is below a portion of delivery shaft receptacle 28 that is contiguous with reservoir 34 . when reservoir 34 is filled with a fluid and handle assembly 12 is seated in the handle assembly receptacle 24 , distal tip assembly 3 is submerged in the fluid in reservoir 34 . in the present embodiment , reservoir 34 is defined by a right wall 36 , a back wall 38 , a left wall 40 , and a front wall 42 that extend downward from top surface 46 to horizontal bottom surface 44 to form a rectangular recess . the depth of the reservoir 34 may vary depending upon the depth necessary to load a medical device on distal tip assembly 3 while submerged in the fluid in reservoir 34 . for example , when loading tray 22 is used to load a heart valve prosthesis on catheter assembly 2 , the depth of reservoir 34 can be approximately 62 - 68 mm . although reservoir 34 is rectangular in the illustrated embodiment , the present invention includes a tray that defines reservoirs having other shapes , for example , hemispheres , squares , and cylinders . in an embodiment , loading tray 22 may also include a cover 74 , as shown in fig2 . further , a crimping device 78 can be stored in loading tray 22 for delivery . similarly , the loading tray may be modified to accommodate any of the visualization devices described in the embodiments below such that the visualization devices may be shipped with the loading tray , crimping device , catheter , medical device , and / or other devices associated with the procedure for which catheter is intended . other features of loading tray 22 shown in fig2 are not described herein , but are explained in u . s . patent application publication no . 2012 / 0103840 , which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein . in the embodiment shown in fig2 , a visualization device 100 is disposed within reservoir 34 of loading tray 22 . visualization device 100 allows for easier visualization of the portion of catheter assembly 2 facing bottom surface 44 of reservoir 34 . in the embodiment of fig2 and 3 , visualization device 100 is not attached to loading tray 22 such that visualization device 100 can slide within reservoir 34 to allow the user to visualize different parts of catheter assembly 2 and heart valve prosthesis 14 while loading heart valve prosthesis 14 onto catheter assembly 2 . however , visualization device in other embodiments could be attached or otherwise coupled to loading tray 22 , as described in more detail below . fig3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of visualization device 100 . visualization device 100 includes a frame 102 with a right wall 104 , a left wall 106 , and a floor or bottom surface 108 . right and left walls 104 , 106 are attached to and extend generally perpendicularly away from floor 108 . frame 102 also includes a front support runner 110 and a back support runner 112 spanning a portion of an open top 118 of frame 102 . frame 102 includes an open front 114 and an open back 116 . the terms “ left ”, “ right ”, “ front ”, “ back ”, “ top ”, and “ bottom ” as used with respect to visualization device 100 do not limit visualization device 100 to any particular orientation . instead , the terms as used with respect to visualization device 100 are intended to be consistent with the manner in which the terms are used to describe the walls of reservoir 34 of loading tray 22 . further , when referring to the “ open top ”, “ open front ”, and “ open back ” of the frame , those skilled in the art would recognize that these refer to planes between the walls that allow for a user to access the area . further , these areas need only be generally open in that there can be some support at the edges of the open plane provided that the user can access the catheter assembly through the open front and open back of the frame . accordingly , when visualization device 100 is placed into reservoir 34 of loading tray 22 , as shown in fig2 , right wall 104 of frame 102 is disposed adjacent or against right wall 36 of reservoir 34 , left wall 106 of frame 102 is disposed adjacent or against left wall 40 of reservoir 34 , and floor 108 of frame 102 is disposed adjacent or against bottom surface 44 of reservoir 34 . similarly , open top 118 is oriented in the direction of top 46 of loading tray 22 , open front 114 is oriented in the direction of front wall 42 of reservoir 34 , and open back 116 is oriented in the direction of back wall 38 of reservoir . also , front support runner 110 spanning a portion of open top 118 is disposed near the intersection of open front 114 and open top 118 and back support runner 112 spanning a portion of open top 118 is disposed near the intersection of open back 116 and open top 118 . front and back support runners 110 , 112 are coupled to or rest on top edges of right wall 104 and left wall 106 , and span the distance between right and left walls 104 , 106 . the walls of frame 102 may be formed from a clear plastic material , such as an acrylic material . however , any material may be used that is suitable for the purpose of frame 102 , as described in more detail below . a mirror 120 is coupled to floor 108 of frame 102 . mirror 120 can be a conventional mirror or can be a mirror with magnification . as used herein , the term “ mirror ” means a reflecting surface such as , but not limited to , a polished metal or glass with a silvery , metallic , or amalgam backing . in one non - limiting example , mirror 120 has two - times magnification . mirror 120 may be coupled to floor 108 by any means known to those skilled in the art . for example , and not by way of limitation , mirror 120 may be coupled to bottom surface 108 using an adhesive . in another example , mirror 120 may simply abut floor 108 such that the weight of mirror 120 keeps mirror 120 abutting against floor 108 when visualization device 100 is disposed in reservoir 34 . further , a magnifying glass 122 may rest against front and back support runners 110 , 112 of open top 118 of frame 102 . alternatively , front and back runners 110 , 112 may be excluded and magnifying glass 122 may rest against top edges of left and right walls 104 , 106 . magnifying glass 122 may be coupled to front and back support runners 110 , 112 , such as by an adhesive , but such coupling is not necessary . magnifying glass 122 may magnify at any desirable , for example , but not limited to , two times magnification . in a method of using visualization device 100 with loading tray 22 , visualization device 100 is placed in reservoir 34 such that right and left walls 104 , 106 of visualization device 100 abut right and left walls 36 , 40 of reservoir 34 and floor 108 of visualization device abuts bottom surface 44 of reservoir 34 . the catheter assembly 2 is placed in tray 22 such that tip assembly 3 is placed in a liquid solution which fills at least a portion of reservoir 34 . catheter assembly is extended through open front 114 and open back 116 of frame 102 such that the tip assembly 3 is located between open top 118 and floor 108 of frame 102 . magnifying glass 122 may or may not be disposed on front and back support runners 110 , 112 of frame 102 such that the user looks through magnifying glass 122 to see tip assembly 3 of catheter assembly 2 . the user can look at mirror 120 on floor 108 of frame 102 to see a reflection of the portion of tip assembly 3 facing away from open top 118 of frame 102 ( i . e ., portion facing mirror 120 ). accordingly , when loading heart valve prosthesis 14 onto catheter assembly 2 , generally near tip assembly 3 , the user can directly see the portion of the catheter assembly facing top 118 and see a reflection of the portion of the catheter assembly 2 facing mirror 120 in mirror 120 . this permits the user to see any connections on the portion of the catheter assembly 2 facing mirror 120 without having to twist catheter assembly 2 or lift catheter assembly 2 out of the liquid solution in reservoir 34 . this also permits the user to observe the portion of catheter assembly facing mirror 120 to ensure that the heart valve prosthesis 14 is properly loaded onto catheter assembly 2 . fig4 - 5 show another embodiment of a loading tray 22 with a visualization device at least partially incorporated into the loading tray 22 . loading tray 22 will not be described in detail as the features therein are the same as in fig2 except where specifically described herein with respect to fig4 - 5 . in particular , instead of a separate frame as described in fig2 - 3 , a mirror 220 is incorporated into bottom surface 44 of tray 22 . mirror 220 may be a separate piece coupled to bottom surface 44 , or can be formed integral with bottom surface 44 . for example , and not by way of limitation , mirror 220 may be adhesively attached to bottom surface 44 such that mirror 220 faces the open top of reservoir 34 . mirror 220 may be coupled to bottom surface 44 of reservoir 34 in other ways such that a user utilizing tray 22 can see a reflection in the mirror 220 showing an underside of a catheter disposed within reservoir . for example , and not by way of limitation , mirror 220 may be snap fit into clips or other mechanism on bottom surface 44 , or press fit onto bottom surface 44 . in another non - limiting example , at least a portion of bottom surface 44 of reservoir 34 may be transparent and mirror 220 may be coupled to an underside of bottom surface 44 , such as by adhesive , a snap fit or a press fit arrangement . in another non - limiting example , bottom surface 44 of reservoir 34 may be made of a reflecting material or a reflecting material may be added to bottom surface 44 . for example , and not by way of limitation , aluminum oxide may be vapor deposited onto bottom surface 44 to make bottom surface reflective . as shown , mirror 220 covers substantially all of bottom surface 44 of reservoir 34 . however , mirror 220 can be any suitable size such that mirror 220 can be used to observe a side of the catheter assembly facing mirror 220 when a portion of the catheter assembly is disposed in the reservoir . mirror 220 may or may not include magnification . for example , and not by way of limitation , mirror 220 may have two times magnification to make it easier for the user to see the desired portions of the catheter assembly and heart valve prosthesis . further , a magnifying glass 222 can be used in conjunction with mirror 220 . magnifying glass 222 may rest on top surface 46 of tray at left and right walls 36 , 40 of reservoir 34 . magnifying glass 222 may be coupled to top surface 46 , such as by an adhesive , or may be provided separate from tray 22 such that magnifying glass 222 can be moved to the desired area by the user . magnifying glass 222 may have any magnification desirable for use in assisting a user load a prosthetic heart valve onto a catheter assembly . for example , and not by way of limitation , magnifying glass 222 may have two times magnification . fig6 shows an illustration of heart valve prosthesis 14 being loaded onto a catheter assembly 2 as seen using a visualization device as described herein . in fig6 , the reference numerals ending in “ a ” are as reflected in mirror 120 , 220 . in particular a crimper 78 is used to load heart valve prostheses 14 onto catheter assembly 2 within sheath assembly 6 . coupling device 17 couples shaft 19 to heart valve prosthesis 14 . as can be seen in fig6 , a user must observe that the coupling device 17 is connected to heart valve prosthesis 14 along a direct line of vision of the user and in the reflection at 17 a . as the heart valve prosthesis 14 continues to be loaded onto catheter assembly 2 , the user can observe that the heart valve prosthesis is smoothly crimped within sheath 6 on both a direct line of vision and as reflected in mirror 120 , 220 . while various embodiments according to the present invention have been described above , it should be understood that they have been presented by way of illustration and example only , and not limitation . it will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . it will also be understood that each feature of each embodiment discussed herein , and of each reference cited herein , can be used in combination with the features of any other embodiment . all patents and publications discussed herein are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety .	0
fig1 illustrates an embodiment of the management system of the present invention . in the figure , short - life software objects are depicted as circles and long - life software objects are depicted as boxes . referring to fig1 , a terabit switch 2 receives network management traffic , in the form of oam requests or more generally management requests , from a network management system 4 and forwards this traffic to a management system 6 residing in the terabit switch 2 . the management system 6 is partitioned into three functional units : a protocol unit 8 , a request unit 10 and an action unit 12 . in a typical terabit switch 2 configuration there could be tens of instances of the protocol and request units implemented on dedicated processing or control cards , hereinafter referred to generally as processor cards , and hundreds of instances of the action units implemented on network interface and switching fabric cards , hereinafter referred to generally as network interface cards . a distributed computing infrastructure 7 is used by the management system 6 to execute multiple instances of each of the functional units 8 , 10 , 12 on available computing resources in the terabit switch 2 . a high - performance common object request broker architecture ( corba )- like distributed object environment for intra - process and inter - process object communication such as nortel &# 39 ; s real time asynchronous communication environment ( race ™) could be used to achieve the distributed computing infrastructure 7 . furthermore , an event server 9 of the distributed computing infrastructure 7 is used by the management system 6 to distribute computer processing unit ( cpu ) utilization information for effective and balanced computing resource utilization in the terabit switch 2 . as additional network interface and switching fabric cards are added to the switch 2 , in order to increase the switching capacity of the switch to support growth in network traffic , the processing resources of these added cards provide additional processing capacity that can be used by the management system 6 to process a corresponding increase in network management traffic . hence , the management system 6 is a scalable management system for processing network management traffic in a terabit switch . furthermore , software restarts , re - compiles , and re - designs are not required by the management system 6 to support the increase in network management traffic . the management system 6 achieves more consistence response time for users under heavily loaded network management conditions , as compared to current monolithic oam systems , by utilizing available processing resources of the network interface cards . the response time of current monolithic oam systems tends to increase more quickly than embodiments of the present invention as network management traffic increases since , in current monolithic oam systems , only one processor is available to run the management software . each instance of the protocol unit includes : a network management system ( nms ) protocol agent 20 in communication with the network management system 4 , a protocol converter 22 in communication with the nms protocol agent 20 and selected instances of request units , and a protocol unit resource broker 24 in communication with the protocol converter 22 and the distributed computing infrastructure 7 . each instance of the request unit includes : a request object server 30 in communication with a particular instance of the protocol unit and the distributed computing infrastructure 7 , a request object 32 created by the request object server 30 and in communication with the particular instance of the protocol unit , a resource model 34 in communication with the request object 32 and selected instances of the action unit , and a request unit resource broker 36 in communication with the request object 32 and the resource model 34 . each instance of action unit includes : an action object factory 44 in communication with the particular instance of request unit , an action object 40 created by the action object factory 44 and in communication with a particular instance of request unit , and a managed object 42 in communication with the action object 40 . referring to fig1 and 2 the operation of the management system 6 will now be described . in step 1 , box 1001 in fig2 , an operator or a vpn customer sends oam requests 100 , in the form of an nms protocol message 101 , from the network management system 4 to the management system 6 . then the nms protocol agent 20 sends the message 101 to the protocol converter 22 . the protocol message 101 can be in the form of any standard network management protocol message such as snmp , http or cli messages used to manage the terabit switch . hereinafter , the oam requests are also referred to as management requests . in step 2 , box 1002 in fig2 , the protocol converter 22 receives the message 101 , then tracts and converts the oam requests 100 embedded within the nms protocol message 101 into a generic switch resource access format ( e . g ., pock &# 39 ; s sid ) and oam operations 102 . the possible oam operations are get , get next , set , create , delete , and transaction . in step 2 a , box 1012 and 1013 , the protocol unit resource broker 24 receives periodic cpu utilization information 106 broadcast from the available request units 10 via the distributed computing infrastructure 7 and event server 9 by way of a request object server message 104 . in step 3 , box 1003 in fig2 , the protocol unit resource broker 24 uses this information to select a particular request unit 10 that will facilitate load balancing among the request units and instructs the protocol converter 22 to dispatch the oam requests 101 to the selected request unit 10 . in step 4 , box 1004 in fig2 , the protocol convertor 22 instructs the request object server 30 in the selected request unit 10 to create , shown by a dashed arrow 108 in fig1 , the appropriate oam request object ( s ) 32 for serving the oam request ( s ) 100 . the request object server 30 then creates the request object 32 in the selected request unit 10 . in step 5 , box 1005 in fig2 , the newly created request object 32 consults the resource model 34 via a request object message 110 to determine whether it can obtain the desired information for the oam requests 100 in the resource model 34 . for provisional attributes of the switch 2 where the resource model 34 contains the information , the request object 32 returns the values and terminates itself ( step 10 ). for operational attributes of the switch 2 , the resource model 34 instructs the request object 32 via a resource model message 111 the appropriate action unit 12 with which it should communicate for completing the oam requests . the action unit 12 selection decision is based on the information contained in the request unit resource broker 36 with the following selection criteria : location of the managed object for serving the oam requests 100 the appropriate action unit 12 for serving the oam requests 100 based on the cpu utilization of all action units obtained in step 10 over time in step of 6 , box 1006 in fig2 , the request object 32 instructs , via a create message 112 , the appropriate action unit &# 39 ; s action object factory 44 to create an action object 40 to carry out the oam requests . in step 7 , box 1007 in fig2 , the action object factory 44 creates , shown by a dashed arrow 114 , the action object 40 for serving the oam requests 100 . in step 8 , box 1008 in fig2 , the action object 40 communicates with the managed object 42 , via an action object message 116 , and the resource model 34 , via another action object message 118 , in order to complete the oam requests 100 . completion of the request 100 includes the following operations : carrying out the operation of the oam request 100 , which can be get , getnext , set , create , and delete by communicating with the appropriate managed object executing the pre - condition and post - condition logic of the oam request 100 . for example , the pre - condition logic of an oam set request to turn the administration status of a port to down status can be to verify whether there is any on - going traffic in any virtual circuits of the port . this may require the action object 40 to communicate with the resource model 34 providing concurrency access to a managed object 42 so that when multiple oam requests 100 are destined to the same managed object 42 at the same time , no oam requests 100 are blocked providing a type - safe interface to the managed object 42 so that inconsistencies in software interfaces are caught during software development time instead of at run - time in step 9 , box 1009 in fig2 , the action object 40 passes the operation result from the managed object and the current cpu utilization of the action unit 12 to the request object 32 via an update message 120 . the action object 40 then terminates itself and returns its computing resources back to the management system 6 . in step 10 , box 1014 in fig2 , the request object 32 updates the request unit resource broker 36 , via an update message 122 , about the cpu utilization of the action unit . over time , request unit resource broker 36 has a clear picture of the current cpu utilization of all action units 12 of the terabit switch 2 . in step 11 , box 110 in fig2 , the request object 32 returns the results 124 to the protocol convertor 22 . the request object 32 then terminates itself and returns its computing resources back to the management system 6 . in step 12 , box 1011 in fig2 , the nms protocol agent 20 reformats the result for presentation using the user selected nms protocol and returns the reformatted result 126 to the network management system 4 . as stated earlier , there can be tens of instances of both the protocol units 8 and the request units 10 and hundreds of instances of the action units 12 for a typical management system 6 configuration for a terabit switch 2 . fig3 shows an example of a deployment scenario of the management system 6 in a terabit switch 2 . note that fail tolerance configuration ( active and standby processing cards ) of the terabit switch 2 is not shown in the figure . instances of each functional unit of the management system 6 are shown as labeled boxes in network interface 300 and processor cards 302 as appropriate . the management system 6 includes many instances of the action units 12 , six of which are shown as action units 12 a to 12 f in six network interface cards 300 a to 300 f . the management system 6 further includes several instances of the protocol units 8 and the request units 10 , five of each are shown as protocol units 8 a to 8 e and requests units 10 a to 10 e in five processor cards 302 a to 302 e . the event server 9 and a name server 11 of the distributed computing infrastructure 7 are shown as residing on a sixth processor card 302 f . for further clarity , tables 1 , 2 , and 3 show the number of instances , life cycle , and run - time location of each of the software components of the management system 6 . numerous alterations , variations and adaptations to the embodiments of the invention described above are possible within the scope of the invention , which is defined by the claims .	7
the content distribution network ( cdn ) of the present invention provides a comprehensive system solution to delivering streaming media and other digital content files to end - user systems with a consistent , high quality of service . the end - user systems participate in a distributed network of peer computer systems , organized into a tiered set of content sources , that store and , on request , selectively forward content to any other peer computer system within the network . the distribution of content and the coordination of content requests is mediated through a centralized server system , which maintains a directory catalog of the available content and of the location of the content within the network . in the preferred embodiments of the present invention , each unit typically represented by a content file , is segmented into discrete parts that are each uniquely identified in the catalog maintained by the mediation server system . multiple copies of each segment are preferably distributed to cache stores maintained throughout the network to ensure redundant sources of segments for any requesting peer computer system . the distribution of segments within the network of caches is determined by the mediation server system . while entire sets of segments may be distributed to individual peer computer systems , the mediation server system can also operate to ensure that only fragmentary portions of content units are stored by individual peer computer systems . through fragmentary storage , the effective security of the corresponding content units is fundamentally increased . the redundant distribution of segments permits transfer of the entire set of segments to a requesting peer with an assured high quality of service . the mediation server system preferably manages the transfer of content segments within and between the various storage tiers of content distribution network , including content seeding peer computer systems , dedicated content distribution platforms , and end - user client node computer systems . the seeding peers preferably operate as the source of new content segments for distribution to the content distribution network and as ultimate backup sources for segments of requested content . the dedicated content distribution platforms preferably operate as a middle tier for content distribution , affording a greater fan - out of the transfer load in distributing content segments to the end - user client systems . these content distribution platforms may also be used as dedicated sources of proprietary or other content that for licensing or other reasons will not be distributed for persistent storage in the end - user tier of content caches . finally , the end - user client node tier is typically a highly heterogenous collection of typically independently operated computer systems , each used to host a segment storage cache and to participate on an ad - hoc basis in the content distribution network . client node systems may support caches of varying size , network connections of varying capacity , and be available on independent schedules . requests for selected content units and cache content update requests are submitted to the mediation server through preferably persistent network connections . manifest lists of the segments may be returned directly or indirectly through an identification of a location within the peer network where a copy of the manifest list is stored . based on a manifest list , content segments are independently requested by and transferred to nodes of the content distribution system . the peer driven segment retrieval process is cooperatively monitored by the mediation server and , as needed , alternate source locations for segments are provided . information on the performance of individual peers and the patterns of requests are collected and evaluated on a generally dynamic basis for the generation of request manifest lists . this information is also utilized as a basis for the generation of cache update manifest lists , used to control the background transfer and controlling the storage distribution of content segments throughout the network to optimize the delivery of content in anticipation of demand . a preferred architecture of a cdn system 10 , consistent with the present invention , is shown in fig1 . the cdn system 10 preferably includes a central server system 12 and a peer content storage network 14 . while logically operating as a centralized system , the various server computer systems that cooperatively function as the central server system 12 can be remotely located , duplicated , and scaled as needed for management , performance and commercial requirements . the operational functions of the central server system 12 include the preparation , including segmentation , of new content for publication , the distribution and management of content segments throughout the peer content storage network 14 , monitoring the effective performance and actual content segment transfers between various peer nodes within the content storage network 14 , and responding to content and cache update requests . in the preferred embodiments of the present invention , new content is initially prepared through a content publisher system 16 by encoding or transcoding a new content file or other unit of content to one of several defined media content formats . the currently preferred formats include the microsoft ® wma streaming media and the motion picture experts group mpg3 formats . other formats can be equivalently processed and used . the content file is then encrypted through a license encoding server . in the preferred embodiments of the present invention , a microsoft digital rights management ( drm ) encryption system is utilized to encrypt the content and subsequently manage the serving of licenses by a license server 20 . a content unit identifier , uniquely corresponding to the encrypted , encoded content file , and the drm generated license key are provided to the license server 20 . encrypted , encoded content files are segmented by a content segmentation server 22 . as illustrated in fig2 a , representing a first preferred embodiment , a content file 24 is divided into segments 26 1 - n , each with a defined segment size , generally within the range of 25 kilobytes and 2 megabytes and typically on the order of 100 kilobytes . each segment is then assigned the unique content unit identifier 28 and a segment sequence identifier 30 , permitting a particular content file 24 to be reassembled in order from a collection of the content segments 26 1 - n . the resulting construction of named segments 32 are then transferred to a seeding peer server 34 and stored in a seeding cache 36 for subsequent distribution further into the peer content storage network 14 . preferably , the seeding peer server 34 is considered part of the peer content storage network 14 . segment catalog records 38 1 - n are generated in correspondence with the named segments 32 1 - n . for named segment 32 2 , the corresponding segment catalog record 38 2 includes a copy of the content unit identifier 28 and segment sequence identifier 30 of the named segment 32 2 . a security value 40 , based on the data content of the segment 26 2 , and a field 42 , permitting storage of one or more location identifiers are also included in the segment catalog record 38 2 . preferably , the security value 40 is an md5 hash , multi - byte checksum , or other data value signature of the segment 26 2 sufficient to subsequently authenticate the data integrity of the segment 26 2 . the location identifiers are preferably surrogate client identifiers assigned to the peer nodes within the content storage network 14 . these surrogate client identifiers are preferably resolvable by the central server system 12 to peer network storage cache addresses , preferably in a uniform resource identifier ( uri ) form . the current uri of a client node can be determined whenever the client node reconnects with the central server system 12 . in resolving a location identifier for a client computer system that is currently unavailable , a null uri is returned . preferably , location identifiers uniquely correspond to peer nodes . in an alternate embodiment , where the location identifier further identifies a particular cache store of named segments 32 , the location identifier revolves to a uri identifying a node and cache combination . the segment catalog records 38 are stored to a content catalog database maintained by a database server 44 . as created , the location field 42 of the segment catalog records 38 initially contain only the location identifier of the seeding peer 34 . whenever a named segment 32 is copied to or deleted from a segment cache within the storage content network 14 , the location field 42 the corresponding segment catalog record 38 is updated to reflect the current set of location identifiers specifying the content caches from which the segment can be obtained . in response to a content unit request , the corresponding segment catalog records 38 are prepared and returned as part of a content manifest . in preparing the content manifest , the individual segment catalog records 38 are expanded by resolving the location identifiers to the complete uris for the referenced named segments 32 . the requesting peer thus receives the necessary information to directly retrieve and validate the named segments 32 needed to reconstruct the requested content file 24 . a second preferred embodiment of content segmentation and cataloging is shown in fig2 b . as before , named segments 32 are created from the content file 24 . groups of segments , preferably representing contiguous portions of the content file 24 are transferred to the seeding peer 34 and subsequently distributed as segment groups to content segment caches within the content storage network 14 . a content manifest file 38 ′ is generated in combination with the named segments 32 . the content manifest file 38 ′ includes the unique content unit identifier 28 , a list 30 ′ of the segment sequence identifiers for the named segments 32 , and the security values 40 ′ for each of the named segments 32 . in the preferred embodiment of the present invention , the content manifest file 38 ′ is distributed as an implied first member of each segment group . alternately , the content manifest file 38 ′ may be distributed separately through the seeding peer 34 to the content segment caches of selected , typically high availability peer computer systems within the content storage network 14 . a series of manifest catalog records 38 ″ x are also created combination with the named segments 32 and manifest content file 38 ′. each manifest catalog record 38 ″ x is established for a respective segment group for the content file 24 . a manifest catalog record 38 ″ x includes the unique content unit identifier 28 , a list 30 ″ of the segment sequence identifiers for the corresponding sequence group of named segments 32 , a manifest security value 40 ″, and one or more location identifiers 42 ″ that specify the content caches storing the corresponding segment group of the content file 24 . the manifest security value 40 ″ is preferably an md5 hash , multi - byte checksum , or other data value signature of the content manifest file 38 ′ sufficient to subsequently authenticate the integrity of the content manifest file 38 ′. where the content manifest file is separately distributed , an additional set of one or more location identifiers are included with the identification identifiers 42 ″ to specify available content segment caches that store copies of the content manifest 38 ′. the location identifiers 42 ″ as stored by the content catalog are updated as the content manifest 38 ′ and segment groups are copied between and deleted from content segment caches within the content storage network 14 . in response to a content unit request , the manifest catalog records 38 ″ x are returned to the requesting peer computer system . the location identifiers 42 ″ are expanded uris prior to returning the manifest catalog record 38 ″. the requesting peer computer system can then obtain a copy of the manifest content file 38 ′ and validate the copy against the manifest security value 40 ″. individual named content segments 32 can then be requested from any peer computer system that persistently stores an encompassing segment group . this second preferred embodiment of content segmentation and cataloging is presently preferred based on the reduced load incurred by the central server system 12 . the content manifest file 38 ′, due at least to the number and size of included security values 40 ′, may be an appreciable fraction of the - size of the corresponding content file 24 . distribution and retrieval of the content manifest file 38 ′ from the content storage network 14 greatly reduces the file transfer load imposed on the central server system 12 . in the preferred embodiments of the present invention , the central server system 12 supports persistent connections established between the remotely distributed nodes of the peer content storage network 14 and a persistent network proxy server 46 . the persistent connections are preferably initiated by a client node of the peer connection storage network 14 to a defined tcp / ip socket supported by the persistent network proxy server 46 . these persistent connections are utilized to permit peer nodes to supply the central server system 12 with a then current surrogate client identifier , report status and performance information from the peer connection storage network 14 to the central server system 12 and to request and obtain manifests . in the absence of specific activity , as an ongoing background activity , active client nodes utilize the persistent connections to signal a continuing availability to participate in segment data transfers within the peer content storage network 14 . in response to activity , client nodes also report outbound segment transfer load levels and other performance indicators affected by ongoing peer network , participation , including any communication failures that may occur . client nodes actively performing inbound segment data transfers from other nodes of the peer connection storage network 14 preferably also utilize the persistent connections to report network data transfer rates and latency information against other identified client nodes . the persistent network proxy server 46 preferably collects and records this status and performance information in a network status database maintained by the database server 44 . the data contained with the network status database , in effect , represents peer network map useful to plan use of the peer content storage network 14 . content unit requests , as submitted by the client nodes , are directed through the persistent network proxy server 46 to a host broker server 48 . each content unit request provides the unique content unit identifier for the requested content unit . a search of the content catalog database locates the catalog records corresponding to the content segments necessary to construction the requested content unit . the referenced locations identifiers are evaluated against the performance information represented by the network peer network map to select an optimal , redundant set of content segments . this evaluation preferably reflects a load - balancing of the ongoing segment data transfer demands on the potentially participating nodes of the peer connection storage network 14 . the evaluation also considers the reported network data transfer rates between the requesting client node or similarly situated client nodes and the potentially participating nodes . as a product of the evaluation , the host broker server 48 can produce a content records listing a set of content segments , collectively representing the requested content unit , that can be retrieved from specified locations within the peer content storage network 14 . the specified locations determined by the host broker server 48 thus collectively represent a mediated balancing of the need to broadly distribute the system - wide content segment transfer load across the available peer network nodes and ensure effectively uninterrupted delivery of each requested content unit to the requesting peer nodes . preferably , complete content manifest - based working specification of the requested content unit is dynamically constructed by a requesting client node . the content manifest file is retrieved either from another client node or through the host broker server 48 . based on the segment catalog records 38 ″ x or the segment group index records 38 ″ x , including the content unit and segment sequence identifiers , segment security values , and the expanded location identifiers 42 , 42 ″, the working content manifest is constructed by the client node . preferably , the expanded location identifiers are presented in a priority ordered by segment sequence number and relatively preferred location from which to transfer the segment as determined by the performance and load - balancing evaluation performed by the host broker server 48 . the distribution of named content segments 32 throughout the peer connection storage network 14 is , in the preferred embodiments of the present invention , actively performed by the peer nodes of the peer connection storage network 14 . named content segments 32 are placed by a content segmentation server 22 , individually or as members of segment groups , in the content segment cache 36 of one or more seeding peer servers 34 . the named content segments 32 are then dispatched typically through the internet 50 in response to peer node requests to various dedicated content distribution network platforms 52 , client node platforms 54 , 56 , and potentially other seeding servers 34 . preferably , all peer nodes within the peer connection storage network 14 implement content servers , such as peer node applications 58 , 60 , to support the network transfer of named content segment 32 between respective local content segment caches 36 . 62 , 64 . the progressive distribution , including redistribution , of named content segments 32 is predominately effected by the peer node applications 58 , 60 and any secondary seeding peer servers 34 directly requesting sets of named content segments 32 for storage in the associated content segment caches 36 , 62 , 64 . additional distribution and redistribution of named content segments 32 , again individually or as members of segment groups , follows from the on - demand transfer of the named content segments 32 of content units requested by individual client nodes . as named content segments 32 are received by a requesting client node 54 , a copy is stored at least transiently in the associated content segment cache 64 pending streaming to a client media player 66 . strategic control over the distribution of the named content segments 32 is preferably performed by a manifest manager server 68 . in accordance with the present invention , at least the dedicated content distribution network platforms 52 and client node platforms 54 , 56 periodically issue cache update manifest requests to the central server system 12 through the persistent connections with the network proxy server 46 . cache update manifest requests are also preferably issued on each initiation of a persistent connection . a content unit request may also be treated as a cache update manifest request . in the preferred embodiments of the present invention , the manifest manager server 50 determines a distribution patters of named content segments 32 based on an ongoing analysis of the peer network map , a log of the recent content unit requests and segment transfers , as stored by the broker server 48 to the database server 44 , and optionally constraints and hints provided by central server system 12 administrators . in general , the goal of the analysis is to maximize the availability of named content segments 32 to likely requesting peer nodes over network connections of sufficient , reliable bandwidth , subject to the segment cache storage size , load limitations , and reported peer node relative network connection bandwidth of individual peer nodes . while , in a present implementation , this dynamic analysis is performed on a progressive batch basis , a near real time evaluation and analysis of the collected data is preferred . constraint information may be employed in the analysis to restrict the distribution of the named content segments 32 of particular content units to defined dedicated content distribution network platforms 52 , as may be externally determined appropriate for certain types of content . constraint information may also specify language or other meta - data attributes of content units that can be actively considered in the analysis to determine an appropriate distribution pattern for content units . other constraint information may be provided to specify periods within which specific content units will be available , permitting controlled , progressive distribution of content segments prior to a release date and subsequent retirement after a close date . hinting information is preferably provided to the manifest manager 70 to peremptorily drive the distribution of named content segments 32 . the hinting information may be specified in terms of the priority and prevalence of the distribution of named content segments 32 corresponding to particular content units . the prevalence hints may indicate desired levels of redundant copy distribution over geographic and other domains . alternately , or in addition , the hinting information may be specified by associating empirical and historically - derived distribution patterns with specified content units . particularly in the case of historically - derived patterns , the distribution of previously distributed content units can be used as a reference for projecting the likely demand distribution of newly released content units . the central server system 12 preferably includes one or more web servers 72 , which may be geographically distributed , to provide typically end - user accessible interfaces for the selection of content units . the web servers 72 connect through network connections to the database server 44 to obtain browsable and searchable lists of the content units available through the mediating operation of the central server system 12 . in accordance with the present invention , select web servers 72 may be designated as the sole or limited selection source for defined content units . consequently , these select web servers 72 may be operated as the apparent source of proprietary or branded content , at least from the perspective of end - users , yet obtain the full use and benefit of the cdn system 10 in distributing the proprietary and branded content units . a preferred embodiment of a peer application 60 is detailed in fig3 . executed as a component of a system application on a client platform 54 , a system manager 80 implements the top - level procedural logic of the peer application 80 . a network connection agent 82 provides a persistent proxy interface to the network proxy 46 , supporting the bidirectional transfer of control messages 84 , such as content unit and cache management requests , and data 86 , including request and cache update manifests . named content segments 32 are requested and received , in a preferred embodiment of the peer application 60 , through an http client component 88 from remote peers . a file receiver component 90 , supervised by the system manager 80 , performs the detailed transfer control of data files and named content segments 32 through the connection agent 82 and http client 88 relative to a local content segment cache 64 . as each named content segment 32 is received , a security value is regenerated based on the data of contained segment 26 and compared against a corresponding security value 40 , 40 ′, as provided in the current request or cache update manifest . a comparison failure with the security value 40 , 40 ′ indicates a corrupt named content segment 32 , which is discarded . valid named content segments 32 are stored to a content segment cache 64 under the management control of a cache manager component 92 and the system manager 80 . preferably , the content segment cache 64 is encrypted subject to a drm license . accesses to the named content segments 32 require an encryption key acquired through a license manager component 94 , which provides an interface 96 to a conventional drm client 68 and , as required through the connection agent 82 , to the remote license server 20 . the peer application 60 preferably implements an http server 98 to provide conventional streaming content connectivity to an external client media player 66 or other streaming media content client . a streaming content component 100 coordinates between the system manager 80 , for initial set - up of the content streaming session , and the cache manager 92 , for the ordered retrieval of named content segments 32 corresponding to a requested content unit . retrieved named content segments 32 are progressively passed by the streaming server 100 from the local content segment cache 64 to the http server 98 for relay to a media player 66 . the http server 98 also supports named content segment 32 transfer requests from other peer nodes of the peer connection storage network 14 . a segment server component 102 is utilized to manage named content segment 32 transfers , subject to segment transfer session management performed by the system manager 80 . the transfer of named content segments 32 to the http server 98 is coordinated by the segment server 100 with the cache manager 92 for selection of the request identified named content segments 32 from the content segment cache 64 . a preferred architecture 110 of a content delivery network central server system 12 , exclusive of segment preparation and publication components , is shown in fig4 . a conventional hardware - based network connection load balancer 112 supports a scalable set of cdn server systems 114 , 116 . each cdn server systems 114 , 116 implements a set of executable server components that are implemented on one or more conventional network connected server computer systems . the cdn server systems 114 , 116 share access to a cdn database 118 configured to store oltp accessible data and an archive database providing storage of recently logged and historical data that can be used for analytic and reporting purposes . a client proxy component 120 maintains the direct socket connections for the persistent client sessions established against the active peer nodes of the peer connection storage network 14 . a startup message is received by the client proxy component 120 from ach peer node upon joining the peer connection storage network 14 . completion messages are received as different processes are completed by the peer nodes . a proxy manager 122 monitors the connections established with the client proxy component 120 to maintain a data structure representing the peer nodes that are currently active and accessible . periodic status messages are exchanged to actively monitor the state of the connected peer nodes . failures in the status exchange are preferably analyzed with the result of redirecting a peer mode to another cdn server system 114 , 116 , which may be able to establish a more reliable network connection , or the connection is disconnected and the peer node is identified as inactive . a client session component 124 establishes defined contexts for communications with each of the peer nodes connected to the client proxy 120 . within each context , information is gathered through various progress , status , and logging messages received from the peer nodes . the collected information , as well as the activity state information managed by the proxy manager , is stored to the cdn database 118 for subsequent use in performance analysis and activity reporting . a host broker component 126 receives , through the client proxy 120 , the peer node content unit requests . through oltp database accesses , the host broker determines an optimal set of peer nodes from which the requesting peer node can download the named content segments 32 corresponding to the requested content unit . preferably , the host broker selects all active peer nodes that store named content segments 32 , individually or in segment groups , of the requested content unit and then orders identical copies of the named content segments 32 by the load level of the source peer node and the evaluated connection speed between the source and requesting peer nodes . the top segment catalog record 38 , 38 ″ entries for named content segments 32 are selected and provided in one or more request catalog messages that are then returned to the requesting peer . a file session component 128 actively monitors the ongoing named content segment 32 download and streaming operations of the individual peer nodes within corresponding client sessions . in conjunction with the host broker component 126 , a unique file session identifier is provided in each content unit request manifest . when a streaming content unit transfer is terminated , the peer node provides a session finished message to the file session component 128 . a file session finished message is also provided when a peer node has completed a content segment cache update , based on a provided cache update manifest . a file session finished message includes the request or cache update manifest corresponding file session identifier and information detailing the required transfer time , number of source peer nodes used , and other statistically relevant information . network communications failures with particular source peer nodes and other error conditions are also reported . the acquired information is stored to the cdn database 118 for subsequent use in performance analysis and activity reporting . a cache manifest manager 130 is responsible for establishing the distribution of named content segments throughout the peer connection storage network 14 . the collected information stored by the cdn database 118 is periodically evaluated on a daily or shorter basis . newly available content units , as represented by stored segment catalog records 38 , are considered in the evaluation . an updated distribution plan is ultimately produced and stored by the cache manifest manager 130 to the cdn database 118 . a peer cache update manager 132 is responsive to cache update manifest requests , as periodically issued by the peer nodes . based on the segment distribution plan determined by the cache manifest manager 130 and preferably further qualified by recognition of the ongoing named content segment 32 transfers dynamically reported to the file session component 128 , a cache update manifest specific to the requesting peer node is generated and returned . a license manager component 134 is responsive to license request messages issued by client nodes in connection with content unit requests . the request manifest , in addition to providing a requisite set of segment catalog records 38 , preferably identifies the type of licensing encryption , if any , applied to the requested content unit . a license request message includes the request corresponding content unit identifier 28 , a license location identifier , which specifies the licensing authority for the requested content and requesting client node , and the license type identifier . the specified license type permits the license manager 134 to validate the requested content unit license against the typically external licensing authority . in the preferred embodiments of the present invention , the license manager 134 utilizes a by the license manager 134 and provided to a license server 136 . the license is thus available to the client media player 66 for use in decrypting the streaming media content unit as received through the client peer application 60 . a license response message is also returned through the client proxy 120 to the requesting peer node in response to the license request message . the license response message either acknowledges the availability of the license key or provides a validation failure explanation . the preferred process 140 implemented by a client peer application 60 is shown in fig5 . in connection with the execution of the peer application 60 , a client media player 66 , web browser or other client application , executed on the client platform 54 , permits an end - user to select and login 142 to a chosen web server 72 . preferably , a list of available content units is displayed for selection 144 by the end - user . based typically on an end - user selection , a content unit request is issued 146 to the cdn server system 114 currently supporting the persistent connection to the peer application 60 . the content unit request is brokered 148 and a request manifest 150 is returned . upon receipt of the request manifest , the client peer application 60 determines whether an encryption license applies to the requested content unit . a license validation 154 is obtained where required . the segment catalog records 38 , 38 ″ provided by the request manifest are parsed and corresponding named content segment 32 transfer requests are progressively issued 156 to the segment catalog record 38 , 38 ″ identified peer nodes . as the requested named content segments 32 received 158 , the integrity of each named content segment 32 is checked 160 . valid named content segments are preferably at least transiently stored 162 to the content segment cache 64 . an updated cache update manifest provided in combination with the request manifest can determine which named content segments 32 are to be persistently retained in the content segment cache 64 . named content segments 32 that fail the integrity check are re - requested from the same or an alternate peer node . in the preferred embodiments of the present invention , once at least the initial named content segment 32 has been received , streaming 164 of the requested content unit is enabled to the attached client media player 66 . as permitted by the client media player 66 , web browser or other client application , a new content unit can be selected 144 at any time , terminating the current transfer , and causing a new content unit request to be issued 146 . periodic updates of the content segment cache 64 are scheduled by the client peer application 60 . cache update requests are preferably issued 166 automatically by the peer application 60 to the current connected cdn server system 114 . a cache update manifest is generated 168 and returned 170 to the requested client peer application 60 . the cache update manifest is parsed by the client peer application 60 to identify any named content segments 32 , as specified by corresponding segment catalog records 38 , that are not currently stored by the content segment cache 64 . requests for the non - resident named content segments are issued 156 and the named content segments 32 are received 158 and stored 162 to the content segment cache 64 . in an alternate embodiment of the present invention , the cache update manifest provides meta - information that is used by the client peer application 60 to qualify cache update operations . the cache update manifest meta - information is utilized to specify the schedule of cache update requests and the location of the cdn server system 114 , 116 to use as the target of the next cache update request . the meta - information may also be provided to specify a delay schedule for issuance of named content segment 32 transfer requests . this allows the cache update manager 132 to fully mediate the data transfer load on the peer content storage network 14 both in terms of selecting the transfer source peer nodes utilized and the temporal distribution of the load imposed on those nodes . such mediation is particularly valuable to optimally schedule the load placed on the seeding peers 34 and dedicated cdn platforms 52 particularly where the peer content storage network 14 includes a large number of peer nodes . the managed client peer process 180 of named content segment request and retrieval is shown in greater detail in fig6 . the contents of request and cache update manifests , including meta - information , are initially parsed 182 upon receipt of the manifests . deferred operations are preferably handled through a periodic re - parsing of the manifests at the deferred time intervals . in anticipation of the receipt of new named content segments 32 beyond a client platform 54 defined cache size , named content segments 32 no longer identified in the current cache update manifest are deleted 184 from the content segment cache 64 . preferably , multiple named content segments 32 are requested 156 concurrently from the peer content storage network 14 . each concurrently requested named content segment 32 is also redundantly requested from multiple peer node locations . the total number of concurrent named content segment 32 transfers allowed is a dependent on the maximum acceptable load permitted on the client platform 54 . excluding the redundant transfers , a default limit is set at four concurrent transfers of unique named content segments 32 . as redundant copies of named content segments are received 158 , the transfer bandwidths of each are monitored . once a reasonably stable gauge of the transfer bandwidths can be determined , adjusted potentially for different transfer start times and the anticipated remaining length of the named content segment 32 , only the highest bandwidth transfer for each named content segment 32 maintained . a failure to complete any of these remaining transfers is detected 186 . a severe reduction in the transfer bandwidth is also preferably treated as a transfer failure . redundant requests for the same named content segment 32 are again reissued 188 to multiple peer node locations determinable from the manifests . named content segments 32 are stored 162 to the content segment cache 64 as received 158 . a security value for the segment data may be accumulated as the named content segment 32 is received or computed once the named content segment 32 once the transfer is completed . the actual security value is then compared 190 to the security value 40 provided in the corresponding segment catalog record 38 . on a comparison failure , the received named content segment 32 is deleted from the content segment cache 64 . redundant requests for the named content segment 32 are again reissued 188 . preferably , detailed information , including the connection latency , average bandwidth and the reliability of transferring named content segments 32 relative to the requesting client platform 54 , is collected by the client peer application 60 . information detailing transfer failures and data integrity failures , along with the identity of the peer nodes participating in the failed transactions , is also collected . the performance information is reported to the connected cdn server system 114 , 116 , preferably in connection with the transfer completion of each content unit transfer and cache update . thus , an efficient peer - to - peer content distribution network system architecture capable of efficiently providing a high quality of service in the delivery of multimedia data streams to end - users has been described . while the present invention has been described particularly with reference to operation over the public internet , the present invention is equally applicable to the distribution over other public and private communications networks . additionally , the present invention is also applicable to the rapid and efficient distribution of digital information that may have use other than as streaming media content . in view of the above description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention , many modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiment will be readily appreciated by those of skill in the art . it is therefore to be understood that , within the scope of the appended claims , the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described above .	7
triple mode selector means 32 , triple mode selector , drawing ( fig5 ), is housed in means 35 , drawing ( fig6 ). mean 32 , triple mode selector , has a triple ( three ) function mode . in mode 1 means 32 is set in rimfire firing mode , drawing ( fig1 ), and strikes means 28 , drawing ( fig2 ), when means 35 , drawing ( fig6 ), is activated from a fully cocked position when trigger means 6 , drawing ( fig1 , 14 , 15 ), is depressed . in mode 2 means 32 is set for centerfire firing mode , drawing ( fig1 ,) and will strike means 29b , drawing ( fig4 ), when means 35 , drawing ( fig6 ) is in a fully cocked position when trigger means 6 , drawing ( fig1 , 14 , 15 ) is depressed . in mode 3 means 32 is set for black - powder firing mode , drawing ( fig1 ), and will strike means 29a , drawing ( fig3 ) when means 35 , drawing ( fig6 ), is activated from a fully cocked position when means 6 , drawing ( fig1 , 14 , 15 ), is depressed . means 35 , drawing ( fig6 ), is activated by a spring means 38 , drawing ( fig1 ), and a rod means 37 , drawing ( fig1 ), and released into motion when means 6 drawing ( fig1 , 14 , 15 ) is depressed , thus firing the weapon . triple mode firing pins . means 1 , receiver frame , drawing ( fig1 ), houses means 28 , 29a , and 29b , in a position as to allow means 32 , triple mode firing pin drawing ( fig5 ), to strike means 28 , 29a , and 29b when means 35 ( drawing fig6 ), is activated and means 32 is positioned in the desired mode . a . means 28 rimfire firing pin , drawing ( fig2 ), will operate independently of means 29a , drawing ( fig3 ), and means 29b drawing ( fig4 ). b . means 29b , drawing ( fig4 ), the center firefiring pin will operate independently if means 28 , drawing ( fig2 ), and means 29a , drawing ( fig3 ), when struck by means 32 , drawing ( fig5 ), as means 35 , is activated c . means 29a , drawing ( fig3 ), the black powder firing pin houses within itself means 28 , drawing ( fig2 ). both means 28 and means 29a operate together when struck by means 32 , drawing ( fig5 ). d . when means 32 is positioned in black powder firing mode on means 35 , drawing ( fig6 ), and means 35 is activated by pulling on means 6 trigger , drawing ( fig1 ), which starts the forward pushing of means 38 , hammer push spring , drawing ( fig1 ), guided by means 37 , hammer activating rod , drawing ( fig1 ), which pushes means 35 , drawing ( fig1 and 6 ), in a forward motion until means 32 drawing ( fig1 and 5 ) strikes the pin in which mode means 32 is set to strike . all of the above takes place after the means 35 , the hammer , is pulled back to fully cocked position and means 6 , trigger is pulled to start the activating swing of means 35 . tab a on means 47 , drawing ( fig9 ), firing mechanism lock key is to be inserted into recess b on means 46 , firing mechanism lock , drawing ( fig8 ), as shown on drawings ( fig1 , 14 , 15 ) in which the means 46 firing mechanism lock is shown in unlocked position and turned or rotated clockwise until means 46 , firing mechanism lock , stops rotating . means 46 , firing mechanism lock , stops the activating swing of means 35 , drawing ( fig6 ) as shown on drawing ( fig1 ) and will not allow means 35 hammer , drawing ( fig6 ), to strike means 28 , 29a , or 29b , means 28 , rimfire firing pin , means 29a black powder firing pin , means 29b center fire firing pin as shown on drawings 2 , 3 , and 4 . thus locking the firing mechanism which in turn stops the weapon from being fired . capability of firing , rimfire , center fire , and black powder barrels from the same receiver frame . means 1 , receiver frame , drawing ( fig1 ), is capable of firing means 3a , drawing ( fig1 ), centerfire barrel means 3b , drawing ( fig1 ), rimfire barrel , and means 3c , drawing ( fig1 ), black powder barrel from the same receiver frame , drawing ( fig1 ). means 3a , drawing ( fig1 ), is a center fire barrel for center fire calibers . means 3b , drawing ( fig . 11 ), is a rimfire barrel for rimfire calibers . means 3c , drawing ( fig1 ), is a black powder barrel for black powder calibers . as stated above in this application , the changing of barrels has long since been established , and it is not an attempt of this application to attempt to show the changing of barrels . it is , however , as is disclosed herein an object of this patent application to present an invention capable of firing several types and styles of ammunition from the same receiver frame , namely , rim fire calibers , center fire calibers , and black powder calibers . this is achieved by removing means 12 , drawing ( fig1 ), barrel pivot pin from receiver frame at point c then removing the existing barrel from the receiver frame and replacing the removed barrel with the barrel of choice into the receiver frame and reinserting means 12 into means 1 at point c therefore , it is possible for this invention to fire center fire calibers , rimfire calibers and black powder calibers from the same receiver frame . a . when means 3a , drawing ( fig1 ), center fire barrel is installed into means 1 , drawing ( fig1 ), then means 32 , drawing ( fig5 ), must must be adjusted for center fire firing mode , drawing ( fig1 ), so that means 32 , drawing ( fig5 ), strikes means 29b , drawing ( fig4 ), center fire firing pin to fire the gun when means 35 , drawing ( fig6 ), is released by the pulling of means 6 , drawing ( fig1 ), the trigger . b . when means 3b , drawing ( fig1 ), rim fire barrel is installed into means 1 , drawing ( fig1 ), then means 32 , drawing ( fig5 ), must be adjusted to rim fire firing mode , drawing ( fig1 ), so that means 32 , drawing ( fig5 ), strikes means 28 , drawing ( fig2 ), rim fire firing pin to fire the gun when means 35 , drawing ( fig6 ), is released by the pulling of means 6 , drawing ( fig1 ), the trigger . c . when means 3c , drawing ( fig1 ) , black powder barrel is installed into means 1 , drawing ( fig1 ), then means 32 , drawing ( fig5 ), must be adjusted for black powder firing mode , drawing ( fig1 ) so that means 32 , drawing ( fig5 ), will strike means 29a , drawing ( fig3 ), black powder firing pin to fire the gun when means 35 , drawing ( fig6 ), is released by the pulling of means 6 , drawing ( fig1 ), the trigger . the following is a list of the various reference numerals and parts designated thereby as illustrated in the drawings hereof :	5
the benzimidazole derivatives of the present invention can be prepared by various methods , for example they can be prepared by the methods of reaction formula - 1 through reaction formula - 4 as follows . reaction formula - 1 ## str3 ## [ wherein r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , a and n are the same as defined above .] the method as shown in reaction formula - 1 is the reaction of a benzimidazole compound ( a carboxylic acid ) of the formula ( 2 ) with an amine of the formula ( 3 ) by a common amide bond formation reaction . the acid amide bond formation reaction can easily be carried out by the reaction conditions of amide bond formation known in the art . for example , ( a ) a mixed - acid anhydrides method : i . e ., a method by reacting a carboxylic acid ( 2 ) with an ester of alkylhalocarboxylate to form a mixed - acid anhydride , then by reacting it with an amine ( 3 ); ( b ) an activated ester method : i . e ., a method by changing a carboxylic acid ( 2 ) to an activated ester form , e . g ., p - nitrophenyl ester , n - hydroxysuccinimide ester , 1 - hydoxybenztriazole ester , or the like , then by reacting the activated ester with an amine ( 3 ); ( c ) a carbodiimide method : i . e ., a method by reacting a carboxylic acid ( 2 ) with an amine ( 3 ) in the presence of an activating agent , e . g ., dicyclohexylcarbodiimide , carbonyldiimidazole or the like ; ( d ) other method ; for example , a method by changing a carboxylic acid ( 2 ) with a dehydrating agent , e . g ., acetic anhydride to form carboxylic acid anhydride , then by reacting said acid anhydride with an amine ( 3 ); a method by reacting an ester of a carboxylic acid ( 2 ) and a lower alcohol , with an amine ( 3 ) at an elevated temperature ; a method by reacting a acid halogenide of a carboxylic acid ( 2 ), e . g ., a carboxylic acid halide , with an amine ( 3 ), and the like can be exemplified . the mixed acid anhydride , which is used in the above - mentioned a mixed - acid anhydrides method , can be prepared by a method similar to that employed in common schotten - baumann reaction , said mixed - acid anhydride is used without being isolated from the reaction system , and reacted with an amine ( 3 ) to obtain a benzimidazole compound of the general formula ( 1 ) of the present invention . the above - mentioned schotten - baumann reaction is carried out in the presence of a basic compound . as to the basic compound to be used in the reaction , usual basic compounds used in schotten - baumann reaction , for example organic bases such as triethylamine , trimethylamine , pyridine , dimethylaniline , 1 - methyl - 2 - pyrrolidinone ( nmp ), n - methylmorpholine , 1 , 5 - diazabicyclo [ 4 . 3 . 0 ] nonene - 5 ( dbn ), 1 , 8 - diazabicyclo [ 5 . 4 . 0 ] undecene - 7 ( dbu ), 1 , 4 - diazabicyclo [ 2 . 2 . 2 ] octane ( dabco ) and the like , and inorganic bases such as potassium carbonate , sodium carbonate , potassium hydrogencarbonate , sodium hydrogencarbonate and the like can be exemplified . said reaction is generally carried out at about - 20 to 100 ° c ., preferably at about 0 to 50 ° c ., and the reaction time is about 5 minutes to 10 hours , preferably about 5 minutes to 2 hours . the reaction of the thus obtained mixed acid anhydride with an amine ( 3 ) is carried out at about - 20 to 150 ° c ., preferably at about 10 to 50 ° c ., and the reaction time is about 5 minutes to 10 hours , preferably about 5 minutes to 5 hours . generally , the mixed - acid anhydride method is carried out in a solvent . as to the solvent to be used for the reaction , any solvent commonly used for the mixed - acid anhydride method can be used , specifically halogenated hydrocarbons such as chloroform , dichloromethane and the like ; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene , p - chlorobenzene , toluene , xylene and the like ; ethers such as diethyl ether , diisopropyl ether , tetrahydrofuran , dimethoxyethane and the like ; esters such as methyl acetate , ethyl acetate and the like ; aprotic polar solvents such as n , n - dimethylformamide , dimethyl sulfoxide , acetonitrile , hexamethylphosphoric triamide and the like ; and mixed solvents thereof can be exemplified . as to the alkylhalocarbonic acid ester used in the mixed - acid anhydride method , methyl chloroformate , methyl bromoformate , ethyl chloroformate , ethyl bromoformate , isobutyl chloroformate and the like can be exemplified . ratio of the amounts of a carboxylic acid ( 2 ), an alkylhalocarboxylic acid ester and an amine ( 3 ) used in said method may be equimolar quantities , respectively , and within the range of about 1 to 1 . 5 times the molar quantities of the alkylhalocarboxylic acid ester and the carboxylic acid ( 2 ), respectively , can be used to 1 molar quantity of the amine ( 3 ). among the methods ( d ), in case of using the method by reacting carboxylic acid halide with an amine ( 3 ), said reaction can be carried out , in the presence of a basic compound , in a suitable solvent . as to the basic compound to be used , known compound selected from a wide range can be used , for example in addition to the basic compounds used in the schotten - baumann reaction , sodium hydroxide , potassium hydroxide , sodium hydride , potassium hydride and the like can be exemplified . as to the solvent to be used in the reaction , for example in addition to the solvents used in the above - mentioned mixed acid anhydride method , alcohols such as methanol , ethanol , propanol , butanol 3 - methoxy - 1 - butanol , ethyl cellosolve , methyl cellosolve and the like ; pyridine , acetone , water can be exemplified . ratio of the amount of amine ( 3 ) and to the amount of carboxylic acid halide is not specifically restricted and can be suitably selected from a wide range , generally , at least about an equimolar quantity , preferably about an equimolar to 5 times the molar quantity of the latter may be used to the former . generally , said reaction is carried out at about - 20 to 180 ° c ., preferably at about 0 to 150 ° c ., and generally , the reaction is completed within for about 5 minute to 30 hours . furthermore , the amide bond formation reaction shown in the above - mentioned reaction formula - 1 can also be carried out by reacting a carboxylic acid ( 2 ) with an amine ( 3 ), in the presence of a phosphorus compound as a condensing agent , such as phenylphosphin - 2 , 2 &# 39 ;- dithiopyridine , diphenylphosphinyl chloride , phenyl - n - phenylphosphoramide chloridate , diethylchlorophosphate , diethyl cyanophosphate , diphenylphosphoric acid azide or bis ( 2 - oxo - 3 - oxazolidinyl ) phosphinic chloride , as a condensing agent . said reaction is carried out , in the presence of the solvent and the basic compound used in the reaction of the above - mentioned carboxylic acid halide with an amine ( 3 ) generally at about - 20 to 150 ° c ., preferably at about 0 to 100 ° c ., and the reaction is generally completed within about 5 minute to 30 hours . the amounts of the condensing agent and the carboxylic acid ( 2 ) may be about equimolar quantity , preferably about equimolar to 2 times the molar quantity , respectively to the amount of the amine ( 3 ). the reaction as shown in reaction formula - 1 can also be carried out by reacting an ester of carboxylic acid ( 2 ) and a lower alcohol with an amine ( 3 ) in a solvent or without solvent , and in the presence or absence of a basic compound . generally , the reaction is carried out at about room temperature to 200 ° c ., preferably at about room temperature to 120 ° c . and generally , the reaction is completed within 30 minutes to 5 hours . the amine ( 3 ) is used in an amount at least 0 . 5 times the molar quantity , preferably 0 . 5 to 3 times the molar quantity to an equimolar quantity of the ester of carboxylic acid ( 2 ) and a lower alcohol . as to the solvent to be used in this reaction , any solvent used in the above - mentioned reaction of a carboxylic acid halide with an amine ( 3 ) can also be used . as to the basic compound to be used in this reaction , in addition to the basic compounds used in the above - mentioned method for reacting an carboxylic acid halide with an amine ( 3 ), for example an alkali metal alcoholate , such as sodium methylate , sodium ethylate , potassium methylate , potassium ethylate or the like can be exemplified . the reaction as shown in reaction formula - 1 can also be carried out by reacting , in a suitable solvent , an aluminum compound such as lithium aluminum hydride , trimethyl aluminum and the like as a condensing agent with an amine ( 3 ), then reacting the resulting reaction product with an ester of carboxylic acid ( 2 ) and a lower alcohol . as to the solvent used in this reaction , ethers such as dioxane , diethyl ether , diglyme , tetrahydrofuran and the like ; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene , toluene , xylene and the like ; aliphatic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane , heptane , hexane and the like ; and the mixtures of these solvents can be exemplified . the amine ( 3 ) may be used at least in an equimolar quantity , preferably in an equimolar to 5 times the molar quantity of the ester of the carboxylic acid ( 2 ) and lower alcohol . the condensing agent may be used at least in an equimolar quantity , preferably in an equimolar to 1 . 5 times the molar quantity of the ester of the carboxylic acid ( 2 ) and lower alcohol . the reaction of the condensing agent with the amine ( 3 ) is generally carried out at about - 80 to 100 ° c ., and the reaction is generally completed within for about 30 minutes to 20 hours . the subsequent ester reaction of the carboxylic acid ( 2 ) with the lower alcohol is carried out generally at room temperature to 200 ° c ., preferably at about room temperature to 150 ° c ., and the reaction is generally completed within 1 to 10 hours . reaction formula - 2 ## str4 ## [ wherein r 1 , r 2 , a and n are the same as defined above ; r 3a is a heterocyclic group as defined in r 3 which may have 1 to 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of : a group of the formula -- b -- r 4 ( b and r 4 are the same as defined above ); a lower alkenyl group ; a lower alkoxycarbonyl group ; a phenoxy - lower alkyl group which may have cyano groups as the substituents in the phenyl ring ; a halogen substituted - lower alkyl group ; and a lower alkoxycarbonyl substituted - lower alkyl group ; further r 3a is a heterocyclic group as defined in r 3 , having a group of the formula -- nh -- in said heterocyclic group : r 3b is a heterocyclic group as defined in r 3 which may have 1 to 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of : a group of the formula -- b -- r 4 ( b and r 4 are the same as defined above ); a lower alkenyl group ; a lower alkoxycarbonyl group ; a phenoxy - lower alkyl group which may have cyano groups as the substituents in the phenyl ring ; a halogen substituted - lower alkyl group ; and a lower alkoxycarbonyl substituted - lower alkyl group ; further r 3b is a heterocyclic group as defined in r 3 , having a group of the formula -- n ( r 7 )-- ( r 7 is a group of the formula -- b -- r 4 ( wherein b and r 4 are the same as defined above ); a lower alkenyl group , a lower alkoxycarbonyl group ; a phenoxy - lower alkyl group which may have cyano groups as the substituents in the phenyl ring ; a halogen substituted - lower alkyl group ; or a lower alkoxycarbonyl substituted - lower alkyl group ) in said heterocyclic group ; x is a halogen atom , a lower alkanesulfonyloxy group , an arylsulfonyoxy group or an aralkylsulfonyloxy group ]. as to the lower alkanesulfonyloxy group , specifically methanesulfonyloxy , ethanesulfonyloxy , propanesulfonyloxy , isopropanesulfonyloxy , butanesulfonyloxy , tert - butanesulfonyloxy , pentanesulfonyloxy and hexanesulfonyloxy groups and the like can be exemplified . as to the arylsulfonyloxy group , specifically substituted or unsubstituted arylsulfonyloxy groups such as phenylsulfonyloxy , 4 - methylphenylsulfonyloxy , 2 - methylphenylsulfonyloxy , 4 - nitrophenylsulfonyloxy , 4 - methoxyphenylsulfonyloxy , 3 - chlorophenylsulfonyloxy and α - naphthylsulfonyloxy groups and the like can be exemplified . as to the aralkylsulfonyloxy group , specifically substituted or unsubstituted aralkylsulfonyloxy groups such as benzylsulfonyloxy , 2 - phenylethylsulfonyloxy , 4 - phenylbutylsulfonyloxy , 4 - methylbenzylsulfonyloxy , 2 - methylbenzylsulfonyloxy , 4 - nitrobenzylsulfonyloxy , 4 - methoxybenzylsulfonyloxy , 3 - chlorobenzylsulfonyloxy and α - naphthylmethylsulfonyloxy groups can be exemplified . the reaction of a compound ( 1a ) with a compound ( 4 ) is carried out , generally in a suitable inert solvent , in the presence or absence of a basic substances . as to the inert solvent , for example aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene , toluene , xylene and the like ; ethers such as tetrahydrofuran , dioxane , diethylene glycol dimethyl ether and the like ; halogenated hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane , chloroform , carbon tetrachloride and the like ; lower alcohols such as methanol , ethanol , isopropanol , butanol , tert - butanol and the like ; acetic acid , ethyl acetate , acetone , acetonitrile , pyridine , dimethyl sulfoxide , dimethylformamide , hexamethylphosphoric triamide ; and mixtures of these solvents can be exemplified . as to the basic substances , carbonates such as sodium carbonate , potassium carbonate , sodium hydrogencarbonate , potassium hydrogencarbonate and the like ; metal hydroxide such as sodium hydroxide , potassium hydroxide and the like ; sodium hydride , potassium metal , sodium metal , sodium amide ; metal alcoholates such as sodium methylate , sodium ethylate and the like ; organic bases such as pyridine , n - ethyldiisopropylamine , dimethylaminopyridine , triethylamine , 1 , 5 - diazabicyclo [ 4 . 3 . 0 ] nonene - 5 ( dbn ), 1 , 8 - diazabicyclo -[ 5 . 4 . 0 ] undecene - 7 [ dbu ], 1 , 4 - diazabicyclo [ 2 . 2 . 2 ] octane ( dabco ) and the like can be exemplified . ratio of the amounts of compound ( 1a ) and compound ( 4 ) is not specifically restricted and can be selected from a wide range , generally at least about an equimolar quantity , preferably about an equimolar to 10 times the molar quantities of the latter may be used to the former . the reaction is generally carried out at about 0 to 200 ° c ., preferably at about 0 to 170 ° c ., and generally , the reaction is completed within 30 minutes to 75 hours . alkali metal halogenides such as sodium iodide , potassium iodide ; or copper metal powder may be added to the reaction system . reaction formula - 3 ## str5 ## [ wherein r 1 , r 2 , a and n are the same as defined above ; r 3c is a heterocyclic group as defined in r 3 , which may have 1 to 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of : a group of the formula -- b -- r 4 , ( b and r 4 are the same as defined above ); a lower alkenyl group ; a lower alkoxycarbonyl group ; a phenoxy - lower alkyl group which may have cyano groups as the substituents in the phenyl ring ; a halogen substituted - lower alkyl group ; and a lower alkoxycarbonyl substituted - lower alkyl group ; further r 3c is a heterocyclic group as defined in r 3 , having a group of the formula -- n ( r 9 )-- ( r 9 is a halogen substituted - lower alkyl group ) in said heterocyclic group ; r 3d is a heterocyclic group as defined in r 3 , which may have 1 to 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of : a group of the formula -- b -- r 4 ( b and r 4 are the same as defined above ); a lower alkenyl group ; a lower alkoxycarbonyl group ; a phenoxy - lower alkyl group which may have cyano groups as the substituents in the phenyl ring ; a halogen substituted - lower alkyl group ; and a lower alkoxycarbonyl substituted - lower alkyl group ; further , r 3d is a heterocyclic group as defined in r 3 , having a group of the formula -- n ( r 10 )-- ( r 10 is a group of the formula -- b -- r 4 ( b and r 4 are the same as defined above ); or a phenoxy - lower alkyl group which may have cyano groups as the substituents in the phenyl ring ) in said heterocyclic group ; r 8 is a group of the formula -- r 4a ( r 4a is a heterocyclic group as defined in r 4 , having at least one group of the formula -- n & lt ; in said heterocyclic group , or a group of the formula -- nr 5 r 6 ( r 5 and r 6 are the same as defined above ); or a phenoxy group which may have cyano groups as the substituents in the phenyl ring ]. the reaction of a compound ( 1c ) with a compound ( 5 ) is carried out under the reaction condition similar to the reaction condition of a compound ( 1a ) with a compound ( 4 ) in the above - mentioned reaction formula - 2 . reaction formula - 4 ## str6 ## [ wherein r 1 , r 2 , a and n are the same as defined above ; r 3e is a heterocyclic group as defined in r 3 , which may have 1 to 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of : a group of the formula -- b -- r 4 ( b and r 4 are the same as defined above ); a lower alkenyl group ; a lower alkoxycarbonyl group ; a phenoxy - lower alkyl group which may have cyano groups as the substituents in the phenyl ring ; a halogen substituted - lower alkyl group ; and a lower alkoxycarbonyl substituted - lower alkyl group ; further r 3e is a heterocyclic group as defined in r 3 , having a group of the formula -- n ( r 15 )--, ( r 15 is a phthalimide substituted - lower alkyl group ) in said heterocyclic group ; r 3f is a heterocyclic group as defined in r 3 which may have 1 to 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of : a group of the formula -- b -- r 4 ( b and r 4 are the same as defined above ); a lower alkenyl group ; a lower alkoxycarbonyl group ; a phenoxy - lower alkyl group which may have cyano groups as the substituents in the phenyl ring ; a halogen substituted - lower alkyl group ; and a lower alkoxycarbonyl substituted - lower alkyl group ; further r 3f is a heterocyclic group as defined in r 3 , having a group of the formula -- n ( r 16 )-- ( r 16 is an amino group - substituted lower alkyl group ) in the heterocyclic ring ; r 3g is a heterocyclic group as defined in r 3 , which may have 1 to 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of : a group of the formula -- b -- r 4 ( wherein b and r 4 are the same as defined above ); a lower alkenyl group ; a lower alkoxycarbonyl group ; a phenoxy - lower alkyl group which may have cyano groups as the substituents in the phenyl ring ; a halogen substituted - lower alkyl group ; and a lower alkoxycarbonyl substituted - lower alkyl group ; further r 3g is a heterocyclic group as defined in r 3 , having a group of the formula -- n ( b - nr 5a r 11 )-- ( b is the same as defined above ; r 5a is a hydrogen atom , a lower alkyl group , a cycloalkyl group , a pyridylcarbonyl group , an isoxazolylcarbonyl group which may have 1 to 3 lower alkyl groups as the substituents ; a pyrrolycarbonyl group or an amino group substituted - lower alkyl group which may have lower alkyl groups as the substituents ; r 11 is a lower alkyl group , a cycloalkyl group or an amino group substituted - lower alkyl group which may have lower alkyl groups as the substituents ) in said heterocyclic group ; r 3h is a heterocyclic group as defined in r 3 , which may have 1 to 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of : a group of the formula -- b -- r 4 ( b and r 4 are the same as defined above ); a lower alkenyl group ; a lower alkoxycarbonyl group ; a phenoxy - lower alkyl group which may have cyano groups as the substituents in the phenyl ring ; a halogen substituted - lower alkyl group ; and a lower alkoxycarbonyl substituted - lower alkyl group ; further r 3h is a heterocyclic group as defined in r 3 , having a group of the formula -- n ( b -- nr 5a r 14 ) ( b and r 5a are the same as defined above ; and r 14 is a pyridylcarbonyl group , an isoxazolylcarbonyl group which may have 1 to 3 lower alkyl groups as the substituents , or a pyrrolylcarbonyl group ) in said heterocyclic group ; r 12 and r 13 are each , a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group , respectively ]. the reaction for introducing a compound ( 1f ) from a compound ( 1e ) can be carried out by reacting a compound ( 1e ) with hydrazine in a suitable solvent or by hydrolysis of a compound ( 1e ). as to the solvent to be used in the reaction of a compound ( 1e ) with hydrazine , in addition to water , solvents similar to those can be used in the reaction of a compound ( 1a ) with a compound ( 4 ) in the above - mentioned reaction formula - 2 can be used . this reaction is carried out generally at about room temperature to 120 ° c ., preferably at about 0 to 100 ° c ., and the reaction is generally completed within 0 . 5 to 15 hours . the amount of hydrazine is at least about an equimolar quantity , preferably an equimolar to 5 times the molar quantities can be used to a compound ( 1e ). the above - mentioned hydrolysis reaction of a compound ( 1e ) can be carried out in a suitable solvent or without solvent , in the presence of an acid or basic compound . as to the solvent to be used , water , lower alcohols such as methanol , ethanol , isopropanol and the like ; ketones such as acetone , methyl ethyl ketone and the like ; ethers such as dioxane , tetrahydrofuran , ethylene glycol dimethyl ether and the like ; fatty acids such as acetic acid , formic acid and the like ; and mixtures of these solvents can be exemplified . as to the acid to be used , mineral acids such as hydrochloric acid , sulfuric acid , hydrobromic acid and the like ; organic acid such as formic acid , acetic acid , aromatic sulfonic acid such as p - toluenesulfonic acid and the like can be exemplified . as to the basic compound to be used , metal carbonates such as sodium carbonate , potassium carbonate and the like , metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide , potassium hydroxide , calcium hydroxide , lithium hydroxide and the like can be exemplified . generally , said reaction is suitably carried out at about room temperature to 200 ° c ., preferably at about room temperature to 150 ° c ., and generally the reaction is completed within about 10 minutes to 25 hours . the reaction of a compound ( 1f ) with a compound ( 8 ) is carried out under the reaction condition similar to that of employed in the reaction of a compound ( 2 ) with a compound ( 3 ) in the above - mentioned reaction formula - 1 . the reaction of a compound ( 1f ) with a compound ( 6 ) is carried out , generally in a suitable inert solvent , in the presence or absence of a basic substance . as to the inert solvent to be used in the reaction , aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene , toluene , xylene and the like ; ethers such as tetrahydrofuran , dioxane , diethylene glycol dimethyl ether and the like ; halogenated hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane , chloroform , carbon tetrachloride and the like ; lower alcohols such as methanol , ethanol , isopropanol , butanol , tert - butanol and the like ; acetic acid , ethyl acetate , acetone , acetonitrile , pyridine , dimethyl sulfoxide , dimethyl formamide , hexamethylphosphoric triamide ; or mixtures of these solvents can be exemplified . as to the basic substances to be used in the reaction , carbonates such as sodium carbonate , potassium carbonate , sodium hydrogen - carbonate , potassium hydrogencarbonate ; metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide , potassium hydroxide ; sodium hydride , potassium metal , sodium metal , sodium amide , metal alcoholates such as sodium methylate , sodium ethylate and the like ; organic bases such as pyridine , n - ethyldiisopropylamine , dimethylaminopyridine , triethylamine , 1 , 5 - diazabicyclo [ 4 . 3 . 0 ] nonene - 5 ( dbn ), 1 , 8 - diazabicyclo [ 5 . 4 . 0 ] undecene - 7 ( dbu ), 1 , 4 - diazabicyclo -[ 2 . 2 . 2 ] octane ( dabco ) and the like can be exemplified . ratio of the amounts of a compound ( 1f ) to a compound ( 6 ) is not specifically restricted , and can be selected from a wide range , at least about an equimolar quantity , preferably an equimolar to 10 times the molar quantities of the latter may be used to the former . said reaction is carried out generally , at about 0 to 200 ° c ., preferably at about 0 to 170 ° c ., and the reaction is completed within 30 minutes to 75 hours . into the reaction system , an alkali metal halogenides such as sodium iodide , potassium iodide or the like , copper powder may be added . the reaction of a compound ( 1f ) with a compound ( 7 ) is carried out without solvent or in a suitable solvent , in the presence of a reducing agent . as to the solvent to be used in the reaction , water ; alcohols such as methanol , ethanol , isopropanol and the like ; acetonitrile ; formic acid , acetic acid ; ethers such as dioxane , diethyl ether , diglyme , tetrahydrofuran and the like ; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene , toluene , xylene and the like ; and mixtures of these solvents can be exemplified . as to the reducing agent , formic acid , ammonium formate , alkali metal salts of fatty acid such as sodium formate ; hydride reducing agents such as sodium borohydride , sodium cyanoborohydride , lithium aluminum hydride and the like ; catalytic hydrogenation reducing agents such as palladium - black , palladium - carbon , platinum oxide , platinum black , raney nickel and the like can be exemplified . in case of using formic acid as a reducing agent , reaction temperature is generally at about room temperature to 200 ° c ., preferably at about 50 to 150 ° c . may be suitable , and the reaction is completed within about 1 to 10 hours . formic acid may be used in a large excess amount against a compound ( 1f ). in case of using hydride reducing agent , reaction temperature is generally at about - 30 to 100 ° c ., preferably at about 0 to 70 ° c . may be suitable , and the reaction is completed for about 30 minutes to 12 hours . reducing agent may be used generally in about an equimolar to 20 times the molar quantities , preferably about 1 to 6 times the molar quantities to a compound ( 1f ). particularly , in case of using lithium aluminum hydride as the reducing agent , preferably ethers such as diethyl ether , dioxane , tetrahydrofuran , diglyme and the like ; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene , toluene , xylene and the like may be used . furthermore , in case of using a catalytic hydrogenation reducing agent , the reduction is carried out in hydrogen gas atmosphere under about normal pressure to 20 atmospheric pressure , preferably about normal pressure to 10 atmospheric pressure , on the other hand in case of using reduction in the presence of a hydrogen donating agent such as formic acid , ammonium formate , cyclohexene , hydrazine hydrate or the like , the reducing reaction may be carried out at about - 30 to 100 ° c ., preferably at about 0 to 60 ° c ., and generally the reaction is completed within 1 to 12 hours . the catalytic hydrogenation reducing agent may be used generally in an amount of 0 . 1 to 40 % by weight , preferably 1 to 20 % by weight to compound ( 1f ). the hydrogen donating agent may be used in an amount of a large excess quantity to compound ( 1f ). compound ( 7 ) may be used , generally at least in an equimolar quantity , preferably an equimolar to a large excess quantity to compound ( 1f ). the reaction of compound ( 1f ) with compound ( 9 ) is carried out without solvent or in a suitable solvent , in the presence or absence of a basic compound . as to the suitable solvent , for example aromatic hydrocarbons as previously mentioned ; lower alcohols such as methanol , ethanol , propanol and the like ; dimethylformamide , dimethyl sulfoxide and the like ; halogenated hydrocarbons such as chloroform , methylene chloride and the like ; acetone , pyridine and the like can be used . as to the basic compound for example , organic bases such as triethylamine , pyridine , sodium hydroxide , potassium hydroxide , sodium hydride and the like can be exemplified . the above - mentioned reaction can also be carried out in a solvent , such as acetic acid , in the presence of a mineral acid such as sulfuric acid . ratio of the amount of compound ( 9 ) may be used in an equimolar to a large excess quantity to the starting material , and the reaction is carried out generally at about 0 to 200 ° c ., preferably at about 0 to 150 ° c ., and the reaction is completed within 0 . 5 to 20 hours . compound ( 2 ) and compound ( 3 ) which are used for the starting materials are easily prepared by methods as shown in reaction formula - 5 through reaction formula - 9 as follows . reaction formula - 5 ## str7 ## [ wherein r 1 and r 2 are the same as defined above ; r 17 is a lower alkoxy group ; r 18 is a lower alkoxy group ; r 19 is a lower alkyl group ; x 1 , x 2 and x 3 are each hydrogen atom , respectively ]. the reaction of a compound ( 9a ) with a compound ( 10 ) can be conducted in a suitable solvent in the presence of an acid . as to the solvent to be used in the reaction , for example water , lower alcohols such as methanol , ethanol , isopropanol and the like ; ketones such as acetone , methyl ethyl ketone and the like ; ethers such as dioxane , tetrahydrofuran , ethylene glycol dimethyl ether and the like ; fatty acids such as acetic acid , formic acid and the like ; mixtures of these solvents , can be mentioned . as to the acid to be used in the reaction , mineral acids such as hydrochloric acid , sulfuric acid , hydrobromic acid and the like ; organic acids such as formic acid , acetic acid , aromatic sulfonic acids such as p - toluenesulfonic acid can be exemplified . a compound ( 10 ) may be used at least in an equimolar quantity , preferably an equimolar to 2 times the molar quantities to a compound ( 9a ). said reaction is carried out preferably at about room temperature to 200 ° c ., desirably at about room temperature to 150 ° c ., the reaction is generally completed within 0 . 5 to 5 hours . the reaction of a compound ( 11 ) with a compound ( 12 ) is carried out under the reaction condition similar to that employed in the reaction of a compound ( 1a ) with a compound ( 4 ) in the above - mentioned reaction formula - 2 . in the case , a compound ( 12 ) may be used as a solvent in a large excess quantity . the reaction for introducing a compound ( 13 ) to a compound ( 2a ), and the reaction for introducing a compound ( 2a ) to a compound ( 2 ) are carried out under the reaction condition similar to that employed in the hydrolysis for introducing a compound ( 1e ) to a compound ( 1f ) among the reactions shown in the abovementioned reaction formula - 4 . the reaction of a compound ( 9a ) with a compound ( 10a ) is carried out under the reaction condition similar to that employed in the above - mentioned reaction of a compound ( 9a ) with a compound ( 10 ), or is carried out in a suitable solvent , in the presence or absence of an acid , in the presence of an oxidizing agent . as to the solvent to be used therein , water ; lower alcohol such as methanol , ethanol , isopropanol and the like ; ethers such as dioxane , tetrahydrofuran , ethylene glycol dimethyl ether and the like ; fatty acids such as acetic acid , formic acid and the like ; n - hexane ; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene , toluene and the like ; and mixtures of these solvents can be exemplified . as to the oxidizing agent to be used therein , iodine , nitro compounds such as nitrobenzene ; dehydrogenating catalysts such as palladium - carbon , can be exemplified . a compound ( 10a ) may be used generally at least in an equimolar quantity , preferably in an equimolar to 3 times the molar quantities to a compound ( 9a ). an oxidizing agent may be used generally in 0 . 1 times the molar quantity or more , preferably 0 . 1 to 2 times the molar quantities . the reaction is completed within for about 10 minutes to 5 hours . the reaction temperature and the acid to be used are similar to the reaction conditions employed in the above - mentioned reaction of a compound ( 9a ) with a compound ( 10 ). in said reaction , when an oxidizing agent is added , then the desired compound ( 2a ) of high purity can be obtained in high yield . reaction formula - 6 ## str8 ## [ wherein r 3a , r 3b , a , n , r 7 and x are the same as defined above ; r 20 is an amino group or a group capable to convert into an amino group ]. as to a group of r 20 capable to convert into an amino group , groups which can be converted into an amino group by conventional method , e . g ., reduction , hydrolysis or the like , such as a nitro group , a cyano group , an azide group , a phthalimide group , can be exemplified . the reaction of a compound ( 3a ) with a compound ( 4 ) is carried out under the reaction condition similar to that employed in the reaction of a compound ( 1a ) with a compound ( 4 ) in the above - mentioned reaction formula - 2 . reaction formula - 7 ## str9 ## [ wherein r 3c , r 3d , a , n , r 20 and r 8 are the same as defined above .]. the reaction of a compound ( 3c ) with a compound ( 5 ) is carried out under the reaction condition similar to that employed in the reaction of a compound ( 1c ) with a compound ( 5 ) in the above - mentioned reaction formula - 3 . reaction formula - 8 ## str10 ## [ wherein r 3e , a , n , r 20 , r 3f , r 3g , r 3h , r 11 , r 12 , r 13 , r 14 and x are the same as defined above ]. the reaction for introducing a compound ( 3e ) to a compound ( 3f ) is carried out under the reaction condition similar to that employed in the reaction of a compound ( 1e ) with a compound ( 1f ) in the above - mentioned reaction formula - 4 . the reaction of a compound ( 3f ) with a compound ( 6 ) or a compound ( 7 ) is carried out under the reaction condition similar to that employed in the reaction of a compound ( 1f ) with a compound ( 6 ) or a compound ( 7 ) in the above - mentioned reaction formula - 4 . the reaction of a compound ( 3f ) with a compound ( 8 ) or a compound ( 9 ) is carried out under the reaction condition similar to that employed in the reaction of a compound ( 1f ) with a compound ( 8 ) or a compound ( 9 ) in the above - mentioned reaction formula - 4 . each one of compounds ( 3a ), ( 3b ), ( 3c ), ( 3d ), ( 3e ), ( 3f ), ( 3g ) and ( 3h ) wherein r 20 is nitro group , can be introduced to each one of the corresponding compounds ( 3a ), ( 3b ), ( 3c ), ( 3d ), ( 3e ), ( 3f ), ( 3g ) and ( 3h ) wherein r 20 is amino group by reducing reaction . said reducing reaction is carried out for example ( i ) by reducing each one of the former compounds in a suitable solvent by using a hydrogenation catalyst or ( ii ) by reducing each one of the former compounds in a suitable inert solvent , by using a chemical reducing agent such as a mixture of a metal or metal salt with an acid ; or a metal or metal salt with an alkali metal hydroxide , sulfide , ammonium salt ; or a hydride reducing agent such as lithium aluminum hydride . in case of conducting the above - mentioned method of ( i ) by using the hydrogenation catalyst , as to the solvents for example , water , acetic acid , alcohols such as methanol , ethanol , isopropanol and the like ; hydrocarbons such as hexane , cyclohexane and the like ; ethers such as dioxane , tetrahydrofuran , diethyl ether , diethylene glycol dimethyl ether and the like ; esters such as ethyl acetate , methyl acetate and the like ; aprotic polar solvents such as n , n - dimethylformamide and the like ; and mixtures of these solvents can be exemplified . as to the catalyst to be used for catalytic hydrogenation , palladium , palladium - black , palladium - carbon , platinum , platinum oxide , copper chromite , raney nickel and the like can be exemplified . the catalyst may be used generally , in an amount of 0 . 02 to an equivalent quantity to the starting material . the reaction is carried out generally at about - 20 to 150 ° c ., preferably at about 0 to 100 ° c ., and under 1 to 10 atmospheric pressure of hydrogen gas , and the reaction is completed generally within 0 . 5 to 10 hours . further , an acid such as hydrochloric acid may be added to the reaction system . in case of conducting method of ( ii ) as above , a mixture of iron , zinc , tin or stannous chloride with a mineral acid such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid ; or iron , ferrous sulfate , zinc or tin with an alkali metal hydroxide such as sodium hydroxide , a sulfide such as ammonium sulfide , ammonia water , an ammonium salt such as ammonium chloride ; or a hydride reducing agent such as lithium aluminum hydride may be used as a reducing agent . as to the inert solvent to be used in the reaction , water , acetic acid , methanol , ethanol , dioxane or the like may be exemplified . in case of using lithium aluminum hydride as the reducing agent , ethers such as diethyl ether , dioxane , tetrahydrofuran , diglyme and the like may preferably be used as the solvent . the condition of the above - mentioned reducing reaction may be suitably selected in accordance with the reducing agent to be used , for example , in case of using a mixture of stannous chloride with hydrochloric acid as the reducing agent , the reaction may be carried out advantageously at about 0 to 80 ° c ., and for about 0 . 5 to 10 hours . the reducing agent is used at least in an equimolar quantity , generally in an equimolar to 5 times the molar quantities to the starting compound . each one of compounds ( 3a ), ( 3b ), ( 3c ), ( 3d ), ( 3e ), ( 3f ), ( 3g ) and ( 3h ), wherein r 20 is nitrile group can be introduced to each one of the corresponding compounds ( 3a ), ( 3b ), ( 3c ), ( 3d ), ( 3e ), ( 3f ), ( 3g ) and ( 3h ), wherein r 20 is amino group by reducing reaction . for this reducing reaction , a hydride reducing agent is preferably used . as to the hydride reducing agent , lithium aluminum hydride , lithium borohydride , sodium borohydride , diborane and the like can be exemplified . the reducing agent is used at least in an equimolar quantity , preferably in the range of an equimolar to 15 times the molar quantities to the starting compound . said reducing reaction is carried out in a suitable solvent , for example water ; lower alcohols such as methanol , ethanol , isopropanol and the like ; ethers such as tetrahydrofuran , diethyl ether , diisopropyl ether , diglyme and the like ; and mixtures of these solvents , and generally at about - 60 to 150 ° c ., preferably - 30 to 100 ° c ., and for about 10 minutes to 15 hours . in case of using lithium aluminum hydride or diborane as the reducing agent , anhydrous solvents such as tetrahydrofuran , diethyl ether , diisopropyl ether , diglyme and the like can be used as the solvent . further , in case of using sodium borohydride as the reducing agent , the reaction is advantageously proceeded by adding a metal halide such as cobalt chloride or the like to the reaction system . each one of compounds ( 3a ), ( 3b ), ( 3c ), ( 3d ), ( 3e ), ( 3f ), ( 3g ) and ( 3h ), wherein r 20 is a phthalimido group can be introduced to each one of the corresponding compounds ( 3a ), ( 3b ), ( 3c ), ( 3d ), ( 3e ), ( 3f ), ( 3g ) and ( 3h ), wherein r 20 is an amino group by treating under the reaction condition similar to that of employed in the reaction for introducing compound ( 1e ) to compound ( 1f ) in the above - mentioned reaction formula - 4 . each one of compounds ( 3a ), ( 3b ), ( 3c ), ( 3d ), ( 3e ), ( 3f ), ( 3g ) and ( 3h ), wherein r 20 is an azido group can be introduced to each one of the corresponding compounds ( 3a ), ( 3b ), ( 3c ), ( 3d ), ( 3e ), ( 3f ), ( 3g ) and ( 3h ), wherein r 20 is an amino group by treating under the condition similar to those employed in the above - mentioned reduction of nitro group by using a catalytic hydrogenation or reduction of nitrile group by using a hydride reducing agent . reaction formula - 9 ## str11 ## [ wherein r 1 , r 2 and x are the same as defined above ; r 21 is a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group ]. the reaction of a compound ( 14 ) with a compound ( 15 ) is carried out under the reaction condition similar to that employed in the reaction of a compound ( 1a ) with a compound ( 4 ) as shown in the above - mentioned reaction formula - 2 . a compound represented by the general formula ( 1 ), wherein r 3 is a substituted or unsubstituted 2 ( 1h )- quinolinonyl group can be introduced to the corresponding compound wherein r 3 is a substituted or unsubstituted 3 , 4 - dihydro - 2 ( h )- quinolinonyl group when the former is subjected to reducing reaction . a compound represented by the general formula ( 1 ), wherein r 3 is a substituted or unsubstituted 3 , 4 - dihydro - 2 ( 1h )- quinolinonyl group can be introduced to the corresponding compound wherein r 3 is a substituted or unsubstituted 2 ( 1h )- quinolinonyl group when the former is subjected to dehydrogenation reaction . in carrying out the above - mentioned reducing reaction , a usual catalytic hydrogenation condition can be applied . as to the catalyst to be used in the reaction , metal catalysts such as palladium , palladium - carbon , platinum , raney - nickel and the like can be exemplified , and such a catalyst is used in usual catalytic quantity . further , as to the solvent to be used in the reaction , alcohols such as methanol , ethanol , isopropanol and the like ; ethers such as dioxane , tetrahydrofuran and the like ; aliphatic hydrocarbons such as hexane , cyclohexane and the like ; esters such as ethyl acetate ; fatty acids such as acetic acid can be exemplified . said reducing reaction can be carried out either under normal pressure or under high pressure condition , and generally about under normal pressure to 20 kg / cm 2 , preferably under normal pressure to 10 kg / cm 2 . the reaction may be carried out generally at about 0 to 150 ° c ., preferably at about room temperature to 100 ° c . the above - mentioned dehydrogenation reaction is carried out in a suitable solvent , by using an oxidizing agent . as to the oxidizing agent , for example benzoquinones such as 2 , 3 - dichloro - 5 , 6 - dicyanobenzoquinone , chloranil ( 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 - tetrachlorobenzoquinone ) and the like ; n - bromosuccinimide , n - chlorosuccinimide , halogenating agents such as bromine and the like ; dehydrogenation catalysts such as selenium dioxide , palladium - carbon , palladium - black , palladium oxide , raney - nickel and the like can be exemplified . the amount of the halogenating agent is not specifically restricted , and can be suitably selected from a wide range , generally about 1 to 5 times , prefereably 1 to 2 times the molar quantities may be used to the starting compound . the dehydrogenation catalyst may be used in a usual catalytic amount . as to the solvent , ethers such as dioxane , tetrahydrofuran , methoxyethanol , dimethoxyethanol and the like ; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene , toluene , xylene , cumene and the like ; halogenated hydrocarbons such as dichloromethan , dichloroethan , chloroform , carbon tetrachloride and the like ; alcohols such as butanol , amylalcohol , hexanol and the like ; protic polar solvents such as acetic acid ; aprotic polar solvents such as dimethylformamide , dimethyl sulfoxide , hexamethylphosphoric trimamide and the like can be exemplified . said reaction is carried out generally at about room temperature to 300 ° c ., preferably at about room temperature to 200 ° c ., and is completed generally for about 1 to 40 hours . among compounds represented by the general formula ( 1 ), a compound having acidic group can form a salt with pharmaceutically acceptable basic compound . as to such basic compound for example , metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide , potassium hydroxide , lithium hydroxide , calcium hydroxide and the like ; carbonates or bicarbonates of alkali metals such as sodium carbonate , sodium hydrogencarbonate and the like ; alkali metal alcoholates such as sodium methylate , potassium ethylate and the like can be exemplified . furthermore , among compounds represented by the general formula ( 1 ), a compound having basic group can form a salt with common pharmaceutically acceptable acid . as to such acid for example , inorganic acids such as sulfuric acid , nitric acid , hydrochloric acid , hydrobromic acid and the like ; organic acids such as acetic acid , p - toluenesulfonic acid , ethanesulfonic acid , oxalic acid , maleic acid , fumaric acid , citric acid , succinic acid , benzoic acid and the like can be mentioned . these salts can also be used , similar to compounds represented by the general formula ( 1 ) in free form , as compounds of effective ingredient in the present invention . moreover , compounds represented by the general formula ( 1 ) involve inevitably their sterioisomers and optical isomers , and these isomers can also be used as compounds of effective ingredients . the objective compounds prepared by each of these reaction formulas - 1 to - 4 can be isolated from the reaction system by common separating methods , and can be further purified . as to methods for separation and purification , for example , distillation , recrystallization , column chromatography , ion - exchange chromatography , gel chromatography , affinity chromatography , preparative thin layer chromatography , solvent extraction and others can be applied . benzimidazole derivatives represented by the general formula ( 1 ) are used for pharmaceuticals as in the forms of usual general pharmaceutical preparations . said pharmaceutical preparations are formulated by using usually used diluents such as fillers , bulking fillers , binders , wetting agents , disintegrants , surface active agents , lubricants ; or excipients . the pharmaceutical preparations can be selected from various administration forms in accordance with the therapeutic purposes . as to typical administration forms , there can be exemplified tablets , pills , powders , liquids , suspensions , emulsions , granules , capsules , suppositories , injection preparations ( liquids , suspensions , etc .) and the like . for the purpose of shaping the administration unit form into the tablets , various carriers which are well - known in this field can be widely used . as to the examples of carriers , excipients such as lactose , white sugar , sodium chloride , glucose , urea , starch , calcium carbonate , kaolin , crystal - line cellulose , silicic acid and the like ; binders such as water , ethanol , propanol , simple syrup , glucose solution , starch solution , gelatin solution , carboxymethyl cellulose , shellac , methyl cellulose , potassium phosphate , polyvinylpyrrolidone and the like ; disintegrants such as dry starch , sodium alginate , agar - agar powder , laminaran powder , sodium hydrogencarbonate , calcium carbonate , polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters , sodium laurylsulfate , monoglyceride of stearic acid , starch , lactose and the like ; disintegration inhibitors such as white sugar , stearin , cacao butter , hydrogenated oils and the like ; absorption accelerators such as quaternary ammonium salts , sodium laurylsulfate and the like ; wetting agents such as glycerin , starch and the like ; adsorbents such as starch , lactose , kaolin , bentonite , colloidal silicic acid and the like ; lubricants such as refined talc , stearates , boric acid powder , polyethylene glycols and the like can be mentioned . the tablets preparations can be further shaped into tablets coated with usual tablet coating , for example sugar coated tablets , gelatin film coated tablets , tablets coated with enteric coating , tablets coated with film coating , or double layer tablets and multiple layer tablets . for the purpose of shaping the administration unit into pills , various carriers which are well - known in this field can be widely used . as to the examples of carriers , excipients such as glucose , lactose , starch , cacao butter , hydrogenated vegetable oils , kaolin , talc and the like ; binders such as powdered acacia , powdered tragacanth , gelatin , ethanol and the like ; disintegrants such as laminaran , agar - agar and the like can be exemplified . for the purpose of shaping the administration unit into suppositories , various carriers which are well - known in this field can be widely used . as to the examples of carriers , polyethylene glycols , cacao butter , higher alcohols , esters of higher alcohols , gelatin , semi - synthesized glycerides and the like can be mentioned . for the purpose of shaping the administration unit form into capsules , the benzimidazole derivative as the effective ingredient is mixed with the above - mentioned various carriers and the mixture thus obtained is placed into rigid gelatin capsules or soft capsules . for the purpose of shaping the administration unit into injection preparations , liquid preparations , emulsion preparations and suspension preparations are sterilized , further these preparations are preferably isotonic to the blood , and the all diluents which are conventionally used in this field can also be used for example , water , ethyl alcohol , macrogols , propylene glycol , ethoxylated isostearyl alcohol , polyoxylated isostearyl alcohol , polyoxyethylenesorbitan fatty acid esters can be used . additionally , for the purpose to prepare isotonic injection solutions , an adequate amount of sodium chloride , glucose or glycerin may be added to the injection preparations , further , usual dissolving additives , buffering agents , local anesthetics and the like may be added . moreover , if necessary , coloring agents , preservatives , spices , flavors , sweetening agents and others may be added to the pharmaceutical preparations . the amount of the benzimidazol derivative as effective ingredient to be contained in the pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention is not specifically restricted and can be suitably selected from a wide range , and generally about 1 to 70 % by weight , preferably 5 to 50 % by weight of the active ingredient may be contained in the pharmaceutical preparations . methods for administering the pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention are not restricted , they can be administered in accordance with various forms of preparations , age of the patient , distinguish of sex and other conditions , the degree of the symptom and the like . for example , tablets , pills , liquids , suspensions , emulsions , granules and capsuled are administered orally . while , injection preparations are intravascularly administered , singly or by mixing with common transfusions such as glucose or amino acid solutions , and if necessary , they are singly administered intramuscularly , intracutaneously , subcutaneously or intraperitonealy . suppositories are administered to the rectum . dose of pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention is suitably selected depend on the usage , age of the patient , distinguish of sex and other conditions , and degree of the symptom , and generally the amount of effective compound may be about 0 . 6 to 50 mg / kg of the body weight per day . the effective compound to be contained in the administration unit form may preferably be in the range of about 10 to 1000 mg . the amount of compound of the effective ingredient to be formulated in the pharmaceutical preparation for external use of the present invention is not specifically restricted and can be suitably selected from a wide range , generally , 0 . 01 to 20 % by weight , preferably 0 . 1 to 5 % by weight thereof may be formulated . as to the basic excipients used for external pharmaceutical preparations of the present invention , oily bases and water - soluble bases which are well known in this field can be selected from a wide range , provided that they show not any phamacological activities by themselved . as to the oily bases , specifically oils and fats such as peanut oil , rubber oil , soybean oil , corn oil , rapeseed oil , cottonseed oil , castor oil , camellia oil , coconut oil , olive oil , cacao butter , lanolin , beef tallow , squalane and wool fat and the like ; chemically changed such as hydrogenated reformed products of these fats and oils ; mineral oils such as vaseline , paraffin , silicone oil ; higher fatty acid esters , such as isopropyl myristate , n - butyl myristate , isopropyl linolate , cetyl licinolate , stearyl licinolate , diethyl sebacate , disopropyl adipate ; higher aliphatic alcohol such as cetyl alcohol , stearyl alcohol ; waxes such as bleched beeswax , spermaceti , japan wax and the like ; higher aliphatic acid such as stearic acid , oleic acid , palmitic acid and the like ; mixtures of mono -, di - and tri - glycerides of natural saturated fatty acid having 12 to 18 carbon atoms and the like can be exemplified . among these fats and oils , the various vegetable oils and the mixtures of mono -, di - and tri - glycerides are especially preferable . furthermore , as to the water - soluble basic excipients , specifically polyethylene glycol , propylene glycol , glycerin , glycerogelatin , methyl cellulose , hydroxymethyl cellulose , hydroxyethyl cellulose , hydroxypropyl cellulose , hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose , hydroxyvinyl polymer , polyvinyl alcohol and the like can be exemplified . in the present invention , these basic excipients may be used singly or may be used by mixing with 2 or more of them . in using the pharmaceutical preparations for external use of the present invention , commonly used additives such as water , surface active agents , gelling agents , preservatives , antioxidant , buffering agents , ph controlling agents , wetting agents , antiseptics , coloring agents , fragrant agents and the like can be suitably added thereto in accordance with the necessity . the form of pharmaceutical preparations for external use of the present invention is not specifically restricted , and in the forms of an ointment , cream , lotions , emulsion and gel are preferably used , such forms of them can be prepared in accordance with usual methods . in order to explain more clearly , the present invention will be illustrated by referring to examples of pharmaceutical preparations , reference examples , examples and pharmacological tests as follow . ______________________________________1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 -{ 1 -[ 3 -( 1 - 150 g pyrazolyl ) propyl ] indol - 5 - ylaminocarbonyl } benzimidazole avicel 40 g ( trademark for microcrystalline cellulose , manufactured by asahi chemical industry co . , ltd .) corn starch 30 g magnesium stearate 2 g hydroxypropylmethylcellulose 10 g polyethylene glycol 6000 3 g castor oil 40 g ethanol 40 g______________________________________ 1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 -{ 1 -[ 3 -( 1 - pyrazolyl )- propyl ] indol - 5 - ylaminocarbonyl } benzimidazole of the present invention , avicel , corn starch and magnesium stearate were mixed together and ground , the thus obtained mixture was shaped into the form of tablets by using a conventional pounder ( r 10 mm ) for sugar coating . the thus obtained tablets were coated with a film coating agent consisting of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose , poloxyethylene glycol 6000 , castor oil and ethanol to prepare film coated tablets . ______________________________________1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 -[ 1 - isopropyl - 150 . 0 g tetrazol - 5 - yl ) methyl - 3 , 4 - dihydro - 2 ( 1h )- quinolinon - 6 - yl - aminocarbonyl ] benzimidazole citric acid 1 . 0 g lactose 33 . 5 g dicalcium phosphate 70 . 0 g pluronic f - 68 30 . 0 g sodium laurylsulfate 15 . 0 g polyvinylpyrrolidone 15 . 0 g polyethylene glycol ( carbowax 1500 ) 4 . 5 g polyehtylene glycol ( carbowax 6000 ) 45 . 0 g corn starch 30 . 0 g dried sodium stearate 3 . 0 g dried magnesium stearate 3 . 0 g ethanol q . s . ______________________________________ 1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 -[ 1 - isopropyltetrazol - 5 - yl ) methyl - 3 , 4 - dihydro - 2 ( 1h )- quinolinon - 6 - ylaminocarbonyl ] benzimidazole , citric acid , lactose , dicalcium phosphate , pluronic f - 68 and sodium laurylsulfate were mixed together . the thus obtained mixture was sieved through a sieve of no . 60 , the obtained sieved mixture was granulated under wet condition with an alcohol solution containing polyvinylpyrrolidone , carbowax 1500 and 6000 . the granulated product was formed to paste like lump by adding ethanol , as occasion arises . next , corn starch was added thereto and mixing operation of said mixture was continued until uniform granules were formed . the granules were sieved through a sieve of no . 10 , then the sieved granules were placed in a tray and dried at 100 ° c . in an oven for 12 to 14 hours . the dried granules were sieved through a sieve of no . 16 , then dried sodium laurylsulfate and dried magnesium stearysulfate were added to the dried granules . the whole mixture of dried granules were mixed well and were compressed , by using a tablet machine , into the desired shape of tablets to be used for the core portions of coated tablets . the above - mentioned core portions of the tablets were treated with a varnish , and the surface thereof were coated with talc powder for preventing from the absorption of moisture . the surface of the treated core portions were further coated with a primary coating layer , and were further coated with a varnish to make them having a sufficient number of layers on the surface for preparing coated tablets for oral administration . in order to make the coated core portions of tablets into complete spherical form and to make the treated surface smoothly , the coated tablets were further coated with primary coating layers and smoothing coating layers . the coated tablets were color coated until the desired color of the surface were obtained . after the coated tablets were dried , the surface thereof were polished to make them uniform gloss . ______________________________________1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 -{ 1 -[ 3 - 5 . 0 g ( imidazol - 1 - yl ) propyl ] indol - 5 - ylaminocarbonyl }- benzimidazole polyethylene glycol ( m . w . 4000 ) 0 . 3 g sodium chloride 0 . 9 g polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate 0 . 4 g sodium metabisulfite 0 . 1 g methylparaben 0 . 18 g propylparaben 0 . 02 g distilled water for injection 10 . 0 ml______________________________________ the above - mentioned methylparaben , propylparaben , sodium metabisulfite and sodium chloride were dissolved in a half volume of the above - mentioned distilled water at 80 ° c ., under stirring . the solution thus obtained was cooled to 40 ° c ., then 1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 -{ 1 -[ 3 -( imidazole - 1 - yl ) propyl ] indol - 5 - ylaminocarbonyl } benzimidazole of the effective ingredient of the present invention , next polyethylene glycol and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate were dissolved in this order in the above - mentioned solution . then to the thus obtained solution was added the remaining volume of distilled water for injection to adjust the final volume of the injection composition into the predetermined volume , then was sterilized by sterilizing filtration by using a suitable filter paper to prepare injection preparation . to 100 ml of acetic acid solution containing 20 g of 2 - benzylamino - 4 - chloroaniline was added 15 ml of o - methyl - trichloroacetoimidate at 0 to 25 ° c ., and stirred the mixture at room temperature for 3 hours . then water was added to the reaction mixture , the separated crystals were collected by filtration to obtain 29 . 6 g of 1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 - trichloromethylbenzimidazole in the form of pale brown powder . 5 . 94 ( 2h , s ), 7 . 04 ( 2h , d , j = 6 . 5 hz ), 7 . 25 - 7 . 5 ( 5h , m ), 7 . 88 ( 1h , d , j = 9 . 0 hz ). fifty ( 50 ) ml of methanol suspension containing 5 g of 1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 - trichloromethylbenzimidazole and 7 . 7 g of potassium carbonate was heated and refluxed for 24 hours . after the reaction mixture was filtrated , the solvent was removed by distillation under reduced pressure , the residue thus obtained was dissolved in chloroform , then after removal of the insoluble matters by filtration , the solvent was removed by distillation to obtain 4 . 7 g of 1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 - trimethoxymethylbenzimidazole in the form of brown oily substance . said oily substance was dissolved in 50 ml of acetone , and 1 g of p - toluenesulfonic acid was added , the mixture was refluxed for 2 hours , the solvent was removed under reduced pressure . the residue thus obtained was dissolved in chloroform , and the solution was washed with water , an aqueous solution saturated with sodium hydrogencarbonate , then was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate , and the solvent was removed by distillation . the residue was crystallized by using diisopropyl ether - ethyl acetate to obtain 2 . 84 g of methyl 1 - benzyl - 6 - chlorobenzimidazole - 2 - carboxylate in the form of light brown powdery product . to 4 . 4 g of 5 - nitro - 1 -( 3 - phthalimidopropyl )- indole was added 200 ml of dimethylformamide , further was added 0 . 15 g of 10 % palladium - carbon and hydrogenized at 65 ° c ., under the pressure of 4 kg / cm 2 , for 7 hours . after the reaction was finished , the reaction mixture was filtrated , and the solvent was removed by distillation under reduced pressure . the thus obtained residue was treated to a silica column chromatography ( eluent : 3 % methanol / dichloromethane ) to obtain 3 . 4 g of 5 - amino - 1 -( 3 - phthalimidopropyl ) indole in the form of brown needle crystals . 2 . 16 - 2 . 28 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 73 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 4 . 12 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 6 . 28 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 6 . 64 - 6 . 69 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 9 ( 1h , d , j = 2 hz ), 7 . 11 - 7 . 14 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 7 - 7 . 73 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 82 - 7 . 86 ( 2h , m ). by using suitable starting materials , and by method similar to that employed in reference example 3 , there were obtained compounds of reference examples 15 - 22 , 26 - 33 , 47 and 49 . to 2 . 3 g of lithium aluminum hydride was added 100 ml of tetrahydrofuran , under stirring condition , and 6 g of 5 - cyano - 1 -[ 3 -( 2 - isopropyl - imidazol - 1 - yl ) propyl ] indole was gradually added thereto . the mixture was refluxed for 4 hours , then after confirmation of that the reaction was finished , under cooling at 0 ° c ., 2 . 3 ml of water , 2 . 3 ml of 10 % aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide and 7 ml of water were gradually added thereto . the reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate , then filtrated with celite , and the solvent was removed by distillation , 5 . 3 g of 5 - aminomethyl - 1 -[ 3 -( 2 - isopropylimidazol - 1 - yl ) propyl ] indole was obtained in the form of yellow oily product . 1 . 22 ( 6h , d , j = 7 hz ), 2 . 3 - 2 . 4 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 7 - 2 . 8 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 81 ( 2h , t , j = 7 . 5 hz ), 3 . 95 ( 2h , s ), 4 . 16 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 6 . 51 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 6 . 77 ( 1h , d , j = 1 . 5 hz ), 6 . 98 - 7 . 04 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 19 ( 2h , s ), 7 . 57 ( 1h , s ). by using a suitable starting material and by a method similar to that employed in reference example 4 , there was obtained a compound of reference example 5 shown in table 1 as follows . table 1______________________________________r . sup . 3 --( a ) n -- r . sup . 20 reference example no . r . sup . 20 --( a ) n -- r . sup . 3 crystal form______________________________________ 5 nh . sub . 2 -- ch . sub . 2 -- brown solid______________________________________ 1 . 5 grams of 5 - nitroindole was dissolved in 70 ml of dimethylformamide , then 370 mg of sodium hydride ( in oil ) was added thereto , the mixture was stirred under nitrogen gas stream at 60 ° c . for 1 hour . under cooling at 0 ° c ., 1 . 63 g of 5 - chloromethyl - 1 - isopropyl - 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrazole was added , the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 . 5 hours . after the reaction was finished , water was added to the reaction mixture , then the separated crystals were collected by filtration and washed with water . the crystals were dissolved in dichloromethane , the solution was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate , and the solvent was removed by distillation under reduced pressure . the residue obtained was subjected to a silica gel column chromatography ( eluent : dichloromethane → 3 % methanol / dichloromethane ), there was obtained 2 . 3 g of 1 -( 1 - isopropyl - 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrazol - 5 - ylmethyl )- 5 - nitroindole as in the form of yellow powder . 1 . 35 ( 6h , d , j = 6 . 5 hz ), 4 . 37 - 4 . 47 ( 1h , m ), 5 . 70 ( 2h , s ), 6 . 79 - 6 . 81 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 27 - 7 . 30 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 48 ( 1h , d , j = 9 hz ), 8 . 12 - 8 . 17 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 59 ( 1h , d , j = 2 hz ). by using suitable starting materials and by method similar to that employed in reference example 6 , there were obtained compounds of reference examples 7 to 49 as shown in tables 2 to 8 as follows . table 2__________________________________________________________________________r . sup . 3 --( a ) n -- r . sup . 20reference example no . r . sup . 20 --( a ) n -- r . sup . 3 crystal form__________________________________________________________________________ 7 no . sub . 2 -- yellow powdery product - 8 no . sub . 2 -- yellow powdery product - 9 no . sub . 2 -- yellow powdery product - 10 no . sub . 2 -- yellow powdery product - 11 no . sub . 2 -- brown oily product - 12 no . sub . 2 -- brown powdery product__________________________________________________________________________ table 3__________________________________________________________________________r . sup . 3 --( a ) n -- r . sup . 20reference example no . r . sup . 20 --( a ) n -- r . sup . 3 crystal form__________________________________________________________________________ 13 no . sub . 2 -- dark yellow powdery product - 14 no . sub . 2 -- dark yellow powdery product - 15 nh . sub . 2 -- # str21 ## - 16 nh . sub . 2 -- brown oily product - 17 nh . sub . 2 -- pale brown oily product - 18 nh . sub . 2 -- pale brown oily product__________________________________________________________________________ table 4__________________________________________________________________________r . sup . 3 --( a ) n -- r . sup . 20reference example no . r . sup . 20 --( a ) n -- r . sup . 3 crystal form__________________________________________________________________________ 19 nh . sub . 2 -- black oily product - 20 nh . sub . 2 -- brown powdery product - 21 nh . sub . 2 -- dark violet oily product - 22 nh . sub . 2 -- dark violet oily product - 23 nh . sub . 2 -- ch . sub . 2 -- yellow oily product - 24 cn -- pale yellow oily product__________________________________________________________________________ table 5__________________________________________________________________________r . sup . 3 --( a ) n -- r . sup . 20reference example no . r . sup . 20 --( a ) n -- r . sup . 3 crystal form__________________________________________________________________________ 25 nh . sub . 2 -- # str31 ## - 26 nh . sub . 2 -- brown oily product - 27 nh . sub . 2 -- oily product - 28 nh . sub . 2 -- brown oily product - 29 nh . sub . 2 -- black oily product - 30 nh . sub . 2 -- brown oily product - 31 nh . sub . 2 -- brown oily product__________________________________________________________________________ table 6__________________________________________________________________________r . sup . 3 --( a ) n -- r . sup . 20reference example no . r . sup . 20 --( a ) n -- r . sup . 3 crystal form__________________________________________________________________________ 32 nh . sub . 2 -- brown needle crystals - 33 nh . sub . 2 -- brown oily product - 34 no . sub . 2 -- yellow powdery product - 35 no . sub . 2 -- yellow powdery product - 36 no . sub . 2 -- yellow powdery product - 37 no . sub . 2 -- yellow powdery product - 38 no . sub . 2 -- yellow powdery product__________________________________________________________________________ table 7__________________________________________________________________________r . sup . 3 --( a ) n -- r . sup . 20reference example no . r . sup . 20 --( a ) n -- r . sup . 3 crystal form__________________________________________________________________________ 39 no . sub . 2 -- yellow powdery product - 40 no . sub . 2 -- yellow oily product - 41 no . sub . 2 -- yellow oily product - 42 no . sub . 2 -- yellow powdery product - 43 no . sub . 2 -- yellow powdery product - 44 cn -- pale yellow oily product - 45 no . sub . 2 -- brown powdery product__________________________________________________________________________ table 8__________________________________________________________________________r . sup . 3 --( a ) n -- r . sup . 20reference example no . r . sup . 20 --( a ) n -- r . sup . 3 crystal form__________________________________________________________________________ 46 no . sub . 2 -- yellow solid product - 47 nh . sub . 2 -- black oily product - 48 no . sub . 2 -- yellow powdery product - 49 nh . sub . 2 -- dark brown oily product__________________________________________________________________________ the nmr spectrum data of compounds obtained in the above - mentioned reference examples are shown as follows . 1 . 60 ( 2h , brs ), 4 . 07 ( 2h , d , j = 1 hz ), 7 . 10 - 7 . 26 ( 3h , m ), 7 . 36 - 7 . 39 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 65 - 7 . 68 ( 1h , m ) 8 . 12 ( 1h , brs ). 2 . 2 - 2 . 4 ( 2h , m ), 4 . 20 ( 2h , t , j = 7 . 5 hz ), 4 . 29 ( 2h , t , j = 7 . 5 hz ), 6 . 44 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 6 . 77 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 7 . 0 - 7 . 2 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 35 - 7 . 45 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 5 - 7 . 75 ( 3h , m ), 7 . 97 - 8 . 02 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 58 ( 1h , d , j = 2 hz ). 2 . 4 - 2 . 5 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 86 ( 3h , s ), 4 . 07 - 4 . 13 ( 4h , m ), 6 . 47 ( 1h , t , j = 2 . 5 hz ), 6 . 69 ( 1h , d , j = 3 . 5 hz ), 6 . 83 - 6 . 88 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 01 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 7 . 07 - 7 . 18 ( 4h , m ), 8 . 06 ( 1h , dd , j = 2 . 5 hz , 9 hz ), 8 . 59 ( 1h , d , j = 2 . 5 hz ). 2 . 2 - 2 . 3 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 97 ( 2h , t , j = 6 hz ), 4 . 46 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 6 . 77 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 7 . 23 - 7 . 27 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 37 - 7 . 51 ( 3h , m ), 7 . 67 - 7 . 72 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 98 ( 1h , dd , j = 2 hz , 9 hz ), 8 . 57 ( 1h , d , j = 2 hz ). 2 . 25 - 2 . 35 ( 2h , m ), 4 . 07 ( 2h , t , j = 6 hz ), 4 . 48 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 6 . 78 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 7 . 07 - 7 . 19 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 61 - 7 . 78 ( 4h , m ), 8 . 0 ( 1h , dd , j = 2 hz , 9 hz ), 8 . 58 ( 1h , d , j = 2 hz ). 1 . 57 ( 6h , d , j = 6 . 5 hz ), 2 . 2 - 2 . 3 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 89 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 3 . 08 ( 2h , t , j = 9 hz ), 3 . 44 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 3 . 67 ( 2h , t , j = 9 hz ), 4 . 4 - 4 . 6 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 24 ( 1h , d , j = 9 hz ), 7 . 85 - 7 . 9 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 99 - 8 . 03 ( 1h , m ). 1 . 9 - 2 . 0 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 01 ( 2h , t , j = 8 . 5 hz ), 3 . 37 ( 2h , t , j = 9 hz ), 3 . 66 ( 4h , m ), 6 . 51 ( 1h , d , j = 9 hz ), 7 . 78 - 7 . 96 ( 6h , m ). 2 . 0 - 2 . 1 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 02 ( 2h , t , j = 8 . 5 hz ), 3 . 25 ( 2h , t , j = 7 . 5 hz ), 3 . 62 ( 2h , t , j = 8 . 5 hz ), 3 . 74 ( 3h , s ), 4 . 21 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 6 . 30 - 6 . 35 ( 2h , m ), 6 . 73 - 6 . 78 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 05 ( 1h , d , j = 2 . 5 hz ), 7 . 32 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 7 . 38 ( 1h , d , j = 9 hz ), 7 . 80 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 90 - 7 . 95 ( 1h , m ). 2 . 0 - 2 . 1 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 02 ( 2h , t , j = 8 . 5 hz ), 3 . 27 ( 2h , t , j = 7 . 5 hz ), 3 . 62 ( 2h , t , j = 9 hz ), 4 . 26 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 6 . 34 ( 1h , d , j = 9 hz ), 6 . 44 - 6 . 45 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 98 - 7 . 15 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 38 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 7 . 48 - 7 . 56 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 80 ( 1h , d , j = 2 . 5 hz ), 7 . 93 ( 1h , dd , j = 2 . 5 hz , 9 hz ). 2 . 35 - 2 . 45 ( 2h , m ), 4 . 00 - 4 . 11 ( 4h , m ), 6 . 33 - 6 . 34 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 52 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 6 . 64 - 6 . 68 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 94 - 7 . 22 ( 7h , m ), 7 . 64 ( 1h , d , j = 7 . 5 hz ). 2 . 35 - 2 . 45 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 85 ( 3h , s ), 3 . 99 - 4 . 07 ( 4h , m ), 6 . 33 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 6 . 43 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 6 . 64 - 6 . 68 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 83 - 6 . 88 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 94 - 6 . 97 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 01 - 7 . 04 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 10 - 7 . 13 ( 2h , m ). 2 . 25 - 2 . 35 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 4 - 3 . 6 ( 2h , br ), 3 . 85 ( 2h , t , j = 6 hz ), 4 . 30 ( 2h , t , j = 6 . 5 hz ), 6 . 28 - 6 . 30 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 62 - 6 . 66 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 92 - 6 . 97 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 0 - 7 . 15 ( 3h , m ), 7 . 23 - 7 . 26 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 33 - 7 . 39 ( 1h , m ) 2 . 3 - 2 . 4 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 3 - 3 . 7 ( 2h , br ), 3 . 89 ( 2h , t , j = 8 hz ), 4 . 38 ( 2h , t , j = 8 hz ), 6 . 26 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 6 . 6 - 6 . 7 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 75 - 6 . 81 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 91 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 0 - 7 . 1 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 17 - 7 . 20 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 4 - 7 . 5 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 58 ( 1h , d , j = 8 hz ). 1 . 55 ( 6h , d , j = 6 . 5 hz ), 2 . 1 - 2 . 25 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 8 - 3 . 4 ( 8h , m ), 4 . 51 - 4 . 62 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 2 - 6 . 6 ( 3h , m ) 1 . 92 - 2 . 04 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 6 - 3 . 5 ( 8h , brm ), 3 . 83 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 6 . 3 - 6 . 6 ( 3h , m ), 7 . 67 - 7 . 86 ( 4h , m ). 2 . 0 - 2 . 2 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 8 - 3 . 0 ( 4h , m ), 3 . 19 ( 2h , t , j = 8 hz ), 3 . 86 ( 3h , s ), 4 . 25 ( 2h , t , j = 6 . 5 hz ), 6 . 2 - 6 . 3 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 4 - 6 . 5 ( 2h , m ), 6 . 57 ( 1h , s ), 6 . 84 - 6 . 88 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 08 - 7 . 11 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 26 ( 1h , t , j = 5 hz ). 2 . 1 - 2 . 2 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 8 - 3 . 0 ( 4h , m ), 3 . 20 ( 2h , t , j = 8 hz ), 4 . 29 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 6 . 2 - 6 . 3 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 4 - 6 . 6 ( 3h , m ), 7 . 1 - 7 . 3 ( 3h , m ), 7 . 38 ( 1h , d , j = 8 hz ), 7 . 64 ( 1h , d , j = 7 . 5 hz ). 1 . 22 ( 6h , d , j = 7 hz ), 2 . 3 - 2 . 4 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 7 - 2 . 8 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 81 ( 2h , t , j = 7 . 5 hz ), 3 . 95 ( 2h , s ), 4 . 16 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 6 . 51 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 6 . 77 ( 1h , d , j = 1 . 5 hz ), 6 . 98 - 7 . 04 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 19 ( 2h , s ), 7 . 57 ( 1h , s ). 2 . 23 - 2 . 33 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 45 ( 2h , t , j = 6 hz ), 4 . 38 ( 2h , t , j = 6 . 5 hz ), 6 . 60 ( 1h , d , j = 3 . 5 hz ), 7 . 2 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 44 ( 2h , d , j = 1 hz ), 7 . 98 ( 1h , t , j = 1 hz ). 2 . 6 - 2 . 7 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 8 - 2 . 9 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 55 ( 2h , brs ), 4 . 4 - 4 . 6 ( 2h , m ), 5 . 1 - 5 . 3 ( 2h , m ), 5 . 8 - 6 . 0 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 5 - 6 . 6 ( 2h , m ), 6 . 8 - 6 . 9 ( 1h , m ). 2 . 36 - 2 . 46 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 3 - 3 . 7 ( 2h , br ), 4 . 0 - 4 . 1 ( 4h , m ), 6 . 2 - 6 . 4 ( 2h , m ), 6 . 6 - 6 . 7 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 93 ( 1h , d , j = 2 hz ), 7 . 0 - 7 . 1 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 30 ( 1h , d , j = 2 hz ), 7 . 56 ( 1h , d , j = 1 . 5 hz ). 2 . 4 - 2 . 6 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 1 - 3 . 8 ( 2h , br ), 4 . 1 - 4 . 3 ( 4h , m ), 6 . 33 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 6 . 68 ( 1h , dd , j = 8 . 5 hz , 2 hz ), 6 . 9 - 7 . 1 ( 3h , m ), 7 . 97 ( 2h , d , j = 12 hz ). 2 . 0 - 2 . 1 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 85 - 2 . 9 ( 4h , m ), 3 . 19 ( 2h , t , j = 9 hz ), 4 . 11 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 6 . 25 ( 1h , d , j = 8 hz ), 6 . 45 - 6 . 5 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 5 - 6 . 6 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 93 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 08 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 49 ( 1h , s ). 1 . 7 - 2 . 0 ( 4h , m ), 2 . 2 - 2 . 4 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 5 - 2 . 7 ( 4h , m ), 2 . 9 - 3 . 0 ( 4h , m ), 3 . 01 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 3 . 24 ( 2h , t , j = 8 hz ), 6 . 37 ( 1h , d , j = 8 hz ), 6 . 4 - 6 . 5 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 56 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 3 - 7 . 4 ( 3h , m ), 7 . 52 ( 2h , d , j = 7 hz ). 1 . 43 ( 6h , d , j = 6 . 5 hz ), 2 . 4 - 2 . 5 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 59 ( 2h , t , j = 8 hz ), 4 . 1 - 4 . 2 ( 1h , m ), 4 . 29 ( 2h , t , j = 6 . 5 ), 6 . 3 ( 1h , d , j = 2 . 5 hz ), 6 . 62 - 6 . 66 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 92 - 7 . 03 ( 3h , m ). 1 . 25 ( 6h , d , j = 6 . 5 hz ), 4 . 2 - 4 . 3 ( 1h , m ), 5 . 57 ( 2h , s ), 6 . 4 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 6 . 64 - 6 . 69 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 9 ( 1h , d , j = 2 hz ), 6 . 99 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 7 . 1 ( 1h , d , j = 8 . 5 hz ). 2 . 16 - 2 . 28 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 73 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 4 . 12 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 6 . 28 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 6 . 64 - 6 . 69 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 9 ( 1h , d , j = 2 hz ), 7 . 11 - 7 . 14 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 7 - 7 . 73 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 82 - 7 . 86 ( 2h , m ). 2 . 35 - 2 . 5 ( 8h , m ), 4 . 0 - 4 . 1 ( 4h , m ), 6 . 35 ( 1h , d , j = 2 . 5 hz ), 6 . 67 - 6 . 70 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 96 - 7 . 06 ( 4h , m ), 7 . 57 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 70 ( 1h , s ). 1 . 5 - 1 . 7 ( 1h , br ), 1 . 76 - 1 . 87 ( 4h , m ), 2 . 1 - 2 . 2 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 43 - 2 . 5 ( 4h , m ), 2 . 7 - 2 . 8 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 08 ( 2h , t , j = 8 . 5 hz ), 3 . 33 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 3 . 68 ( 2h , t , j = 8 . 5 hz ), 6 . 32 ( 1h , d , j = 9 hz ), 7 . 2 - 7 . 4 ( 3h , m ), 7 . 52 ( 2h , d , j = 7hz ), 7 . 88 ( 1h , s ), 8 . 02 - 8 . 06 ( 1h , m ). 2 . 1 - 2 . 18 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 09 ( 2h , t , j = 8 . 5 hz ), 3 . 20 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 3 . 59 ( 2h , t , j = 8 . 5 hz ), 4 . 07 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 6 . 17 ( 1h , d , j = 9 hz ), 6 . 92 ( 1h , t , j = 1 . 5 hz ), 7 . 12 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 48 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 91 ( 1h , s ), 8 . 02 - 8 . 06 ( 1h , m ). 2 . 1 - 2 . 2 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 61 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 4 . 36 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 6 . 75 ( 1h , d , j = 2 . 5 hz ), 7 . 71 - 7 . 76 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 8 - 7 . 9 ( 4h , m ), 7 . 99 - 8 . 04 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 55 ( 1h , d , j = 2 hz ). 2 . 18 - 2 . 29 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 57 ( 2h , t , j = 6 . 5 hz ), 4 . 40 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 6 . 78 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 7 . 62 - 7 . 73 ( 2h , m ), 8 . 02 - 8 . 06 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 57 ( 1h , d , j = 2 hz ). 2 . 40 - 2 . 51 ( 2h , m ), 4 . 11 ( 2h , t , j = 6 . 5 hz ), 4 . 19 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 6 . 31 ( 1h , t , j = 2 hz ), 6 . 69 - 6 . 71 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 24 - 7 . 34 ( 3h , m ), 7 . 59 ( 1h , d , j = 1 . 5 hz ), 8 . 08 - 8 . 13 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 59 ( 1h , d , j = 2 hz ). 2 . 2 - 2 . 4 ( 2h , m ), 4 . 19 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 4 . 32 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 6 . 77 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 7 . 65 - 7 . 68 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 99 - 8 . 06 ( 2h , m ), 8 . 50 ( 1h , s ), 8 . 58 ( 1h , d , j = 2 hz ). 2 . 0 - 2 . 1 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 09 ( 2h , t , j = 8 hz ), 3 . 4 - 3 . 5 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 6 - 3 . 7 ( 4h , m ), 6 . 33 - 6 . 38 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 89 ( 1h , s ), 8 . 03 - 8 . 08 ( 1h , m ). 1 . 5 ( 6h , d , j = 6 . 5 hz ), 2 . 4 - 2 . 6 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 68 ( 2h , t , j = 6 . 5 hz ), 4 . 3 - 4 . 4 ( 1h , m ), 4 . 47 ( 2h , t , j = 6 . 5 hz ), 6 . 71 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 7 . 2 - 7 . 3 ( 2h , m ), 8 . 0 - 8 . 1 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 59 ( 1h , d , j = 2 hz ). 1 . 35 ( 6h , d , j = 6 . 5 hz ), 4 . 37 - 4 . 47 ( 1h , m ), 5 . 70 ( 2h , s ), 6 . 79 - 6 . 81 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 27 - 7 . 30 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 48 ( 1h , d , j = 9 hz ), 8 . 12 - 8 . 17 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 59 ( 1h , d , j = 2 hz ). 2 . 33 ( 3h , s ), 2 . 37 ( 3h , s ), 2 . 45 - 2 . 56 ( 2h , m ), 4 . 09 - 4 . 20 ( 4h , m ), 6 . 74 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 6 . 94 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 15 - 7 . 21 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 58 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 72 ( 1h , s ), 8 . 05 - 8 . 09 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 60 ( 1h , d , j = 2 hz ). 1 . 22 ( 6h , d , j = 7 hz ), 2 . 3 - 2 . 4 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 6 - 2 . 8 ( 1h , m ), 3 . 84 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 4 . 19 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 6 . 63 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 6 . 78 ( 1h , d , j = 1 . 5 hz ), 7 . 01 ( 1h , d , j = 1 . 5 hz ), 7 . 16 ( 1h , d , j = 3 . 5 hz ), 7 . 2 - 7 . 3 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 4 - 7 . 5 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 0 ( 1h , s ). 2 . 1 - 2 . 2 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 5 - 3 . 7 ( 6h , m ), 4 . 2 - 4 . 3 ( 2h , m ), 6 . 63 ( 1h , d , j = 9 hz ), 7 . 67 ( 1h , d , j = 2 . 5 hz ), 7 . 78 - 7 . 87 ( 1h , m ). 2 . 1 - 2 . 2 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 3 - 3 . 4 ( 4h , m ), 4 . 06 ( 2h , t , j = 6 . 5 hz ), 4 . 23 ( 2h , t , j = 4 . 5 hz ), 6 . 42 ( 1h , d , j = 9 hz ), 6 . 95 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 13 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 50 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 67 ( 1h , d , j = 2 . 5 hz ), 7 . 78 ( 1h , d , j = 2 . 5 hz , 9 hz ). 2 . 0 - 2 . 1 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 1 - 3 . 2 ( 4h , m ), 4 . 04 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 4 . 22 ( 2h , t , j = 4 . 5 hz ), 6 . 2 - 6 . 3 ( 2h , m ), 6 . 35 - 6 . 45 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 93 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 09 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 49 ( 1h , s ). 2 . 0 - 2 . 1 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 4 - 3 . 5 ( 4h , m ), 3 . 78 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 4 . 25 ( 2h , t , j = 4 . 5 hz ), 6 . 56 ( 1h , d , j = 9 hz ), 7 . 64 ( 1h d , j = 2 . 5 hz ), 7 . 73 - 7 . 88 ( 5h , m ). 1 . 95 - 2 . 04 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 17 - 3 . 23 ( 4h , m ), 3 . 77 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 4 . 22 ( 2h , t , j = 4 . 5 hz ), 6 . 2 - 6 . 24 ( 2h , m ), 6 . 5 - 6 . 55 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 7 - 7 . 74 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 83 - 8 . 02 ( 2h , m ). to 926 mg of 5 - methoxyindole was added 30 ml of dimethylformamide and 230 mg of sodium hydride ( in oil ), this mixture was stirred under nitrogen gas stream at 60 ° c . for 1 hour . then 1 . 5 g of 1 -( 3 - chloropropyl )- 5 - nitroindole was added to the reaction mixture and stirred at room temperature overnight . the reaction mixture was further stirred at 60 ° c . for 5 . 5 hours , then water was added thereto , and the crystals being separated were collected by filtration , and washed with water . the washed crystals were subjected to a silica gel column chromatography ( eluent : dichloromethane ), there was obtained 1 . 8 g of 1 -[ 3 -( 5 - methoxyindol - 1 - yl ) propyl ]- 5 - nitroindole as in the form of yellow powdery product . 2 . 4 - 2 . 5 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 86 ( 3h , s ), 4 . 07 - 4 . 13 ( 4h , m ), 6 . 47 ( 1h , t , j = 2 . 5 hz ), 6 . 69 ( 1h , d , j = 3 . 5 hz ), 6 . 83 - 6 . 88 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 01 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 7 . 07 - 7 . 18 ( 4h , m ), 8 . 06 ( 1h , dd , j = 2 . 5 hz , j = 9 hz ), 8 . 59 ( 1h , d , j = 2 . 5 hz ). by using suitable starting materials , and by a method similar to that employed in reference example 50 , there were obtained compounds of the above - mentioned reference examples 7 , 9 , 10 , 12 - 18 , 20 - 23 , 26 - 29 , 32 - 36 , 38 , 39 , 43 , 44 and 46 - 49 . to 500 ml of ethanol solution containing 26 g of 2 - benzylamino - 4 - chloroaniline was added 45 . 7 g of polymer form ( 45 - 50 % toluene solution ) of ethyl glyoxylate , further 28 . 4 g of iodine was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 minutes . then 27 . 8 g of sodium thiosulfate aqueous solution was added thereto , the crystals being separated were collected by filtration , and washed with water and ethanol , then dried . there was obtained 26 . 1 g of ethyl 1 - benzyl - 6 - chlorobenzimidazol - 2 - carboxylate as in the form of pale brown powdery product . 1 . 45 ( 3h , t , j = 7 hz ), 4 . 49 ( 2h , q , j = 7 hz ), 5 . 85 ( 2h , s ), 7 . 1 - 7 . 5 ( 7h , m ), 7 . 85 ( 1h , d , j = 8 . 5 hz ). by using a suitable starting material , and by a method similar to that employed in reference example 51 , compound of the above - mentioned reference example 2 was obtained . a mixture of 2 . 2 g of methyl 1 - benzyl - 6 - chlorobenzimidazol - 2 - carboxylate and 5 . 3 g of 1 -[ 3 -( 2 - isopropylimidazol - 1 - yl ) propyl ]- 5 - aminomethylindole was stirred at 80 ° c . for 1 . 5 hours , after confirmed that the starting materials were disappeared , the reaction mixture was dissolved in chloroform , then washed with water and an aqueous solution saturated with sodium chloride , and dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate , then the solvent was removed by distillation under reduced pressure . the resulting residue was subjected a silica gel column chromatography ( eluent : 3 % methanol / dichloromethane ), then fumaric acid was added and recrystallized from diisopropyl ether - ethanol , there was obtained 4 g of 1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 -{ 1 -[ 3 -( 2 - isopropylimidazol - 1 - yl ) propyl indol - 5 - ylmethylaminocarbonyl } benzimidazole · fumarate as in the form of pale yellow powdary product . 1 . 10 ( 6h , d , j = 7 hz ), 2 . 1 - 2 . 3 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 8 - 2 . 95 ( 1h , m ), 3 . 88 ( 2h , t , j = 7 . 5 hz ), 4 . 20 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 4 . 55 ( 2h , d , j = 6 . 5 hz ), 5 . 98 ( 2h , s ), 6 . 43 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 6 . 62 ( 2h , s ), 6 . 66 ( 1h , d , j = 1 . 5 hz ), 7 . 10 ( 1h , d , j = 1 . 5 hz ), 7 . 15 - 7 . 38 ( 10h , m ), 7 . 53 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 77 ( 1h , d , j = 8 . 5 hz ), 7 . 84 ( 1h , d , j = 1 . 5 hz ), 9 . 57 ( 1h , t , j = 4 hz ) 130 milligrams of lithium aluminum hydride was suspended in 70 ml of tetrahydrofuran , then 2 . 2 g of 6 - amino - 3 , 4 - dihydro - 2 ( 1h )- quinolinone was added gradually thereto , and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight . the reaction mixture was further stirred for 2 hours under refluxing condition , then 1 g of methyl 1 - benzyl - 6 - chlorobenzimidazol - 2 - carboxylate was added , the reaction was continued by refluxing for 3 hours . after the reaction was finished , then water and 10 % aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide were added , the reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and filtered with celite , and the filtrate was washed with chloroform , the solvent was removed by distillation under reduced pressure . to the residue thus obtained was added ethanol and heated , the insoluble matters were collected by filtration and recrystallized from dimethylformamide , there was obtained 0 . 11 g of 1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 -( 3 , 4 - dihydro - 2 ( 1h )- quinolinon - 6 - ylaminocarbonyl ) benzimidazole as in the form of yellow powdery product . melting point : higher than 290 ° c . 1 h - nmr ( 250 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) δ ppm : 2 . 44 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 2 . 87 ( 1h , t , j = 7 hz ), 5 . 99 ( 2h , s ), 6 . 83 ( 1h , d , j = 9 hz ), 7 . 21 - 7 . 40 ( 6h , m ), 7 . 57 - 7 . 6 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 72 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 86 - 7 . 88 ( 2h , m ), 10 . 08 ( 1h , s ). to 2 . 2 g of 5 - amino - 1 -[ 3 -( 1 - isopropyl - 5 - tetrazolyl ) propyl ] indole was added 40 ml of toluene , then this mixture was stirred under nitrogen gas atmosphere by cooling in a methanol - ice bath . to this reaction mixture was added 4 ml of n - hexane solution of 2m trimethylaluminum dropwise from syringe , then reaction mixture was stirred for 20 minutes , and further stirred at room temperature for 1 hour . 2 . 18 grams of methyl 1 - benzyl - 6 - chlorobenzimidazol - 2 - carboxylate was added to the reaction mixture and was stirred for 5 to 6 hours under refluxing condition . next , 10 % hydrochloric acid was added , and the crystals being separated were collected by filtration . water - chloroform was added to the crystals , this solution was made alkaline with 10 % aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide , then was filtered with celite , the chloroform layer was washed with water , an aqueous solution saturated with sodium chloride . the chloroform layer was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure . the residue thus obtained was subjected to a silica gel column chromatography ( eluent : 3 % methanol / dichloromethane ), and recrystallized from ethyl acetate - n - hexane , there was obtained 2 . 27 g of 1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 -{ 1 -[ 3 -( 1 - isopropyltetrazol - 5 - yl ) propyl ] indol - 5 - ylaminocarbonyl } benzimidazole as in the form of yellow needle crystals . by using suitable starting materials , and by methods similar to those employed in examples 1a to 1c , there were obtained compounds of examples 2 to 50 as shown in tables 9 to 33 as follows . table 9______________________________________ # str56 ## - example 2 structure r . sup . 3 : # str57 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str58 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : brown granules recrystallization ethyl acetate solvent : melting point : 205 - 207 ° c . form of compound : free formexample 3 structure r . sup . 3 : # str59 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str60 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : pale yellow needles recrystallization methanol solvent : melting point : 187 - 188 ° c . form of compound : free form______________________________________ table 10______________________________________example 4 structure r . sup . 3 : # str61 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str62 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : pale yellow needles recrystallization ethanol solvent : melting point : 129 - 130 ° c . form of compound : free formexample 5 structure r . sup . 3 : # str63 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str64 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : colorless needles recrystallization ethyl acetate - ethanol solvent : melting point : 154 - 155 ° c . form of compound : free form______________________________________ table 11______________________________________example 6 structure r . sup . 3 : # str65 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str66 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : pale yellow needles recrystallization chloroform - ethyl acetate solvent : melting point : 165 - 166 ° c . form of compound : free formexample 7 structure r . sup . 3 : # str67 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str68 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : yellow needles recrystallization methanol - ethyl acetate solvent : melting point : 196 - 197 ° c . form of compound : free form______________________________________ table 12______________________________________example 8 structure r . sup . 3 : # str69 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str70 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : brown granules recrystallization ethyl acetate - n - hexane solvent : melting point : 191 - 192 ° c . form of compound : free formexample 9 structure r . sup . 3 : # str71 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str72 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : pale brown powdery recrystallization ethyl acetate - diisopropyl ether solvent : melting point : 194 - 195 ° c . form of compound : free form______________________________________ table 13______________________________________example 10 structure r . sup . 3 : # str73 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str74 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : yellow granules recrystallization ethyl acetate - n - hexane solvent : melting point : 106 - 108 ° c . form of compound : free formexample 11 structure r . sup . 3 : # str75 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str76 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : yellow needles recrystallization cloroform solvent : melting point : 206 - 207 ° c . form of compound : free form______________________________________ table 14______________________________________example 12 structure r . sup . 3 : # str77 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str78 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : yellow needles recrystallization dimethylformamide - water solvent : melting point : 217 - 218 ° c . form of compound : free formexample 13 structure r . sup . 3 : # str79 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str80 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : pale yellow needles recrystallization dichloromethane - n - hexane solvent : melting point : 146 - 147 ° c . form of compound : free form______________________________________ table 15______________________________________example 14 structure r . sup . 3 : # str81 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str82 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : colorless needles recrystallization ethyl acetate - n - hexane solvent : melting point : 178 - 179 ° c . form of compound : free formexample 15 structure r . sup . 3 : # str83 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str84 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : yellow needles recrystallization ethyl acetate - n - hexane solvent : melting point : 190 - 191 ° c . form of compound : free form______________________________________ table 16__________________________________________________________________________example 16 structure r . sup . 3 : # str85 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str86 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : pale yellow needles recrystallization ethyl acetate solvent : melting point : 229 - 231 ° c . ( decomposed ) form of compound : free formexample 17 structure r . sup . 3 : # str87 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str88 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : pale yellow powdery recrystallization ethyl acetate solvent : melting point : 197 - 198 ° c . form of compound : free form__________________________________________________________________________ table 17______________________________________example 18 structure r . sup . 3 : # str89 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str90 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : pale yellow powdery recrystallization ethanol - diisopropyl ether solvent : - form of compound : # str91 ## - example 19 structure r . sup . 3 : # str92 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str93 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : yellow powdery recrystallization methanol - diisopropyl ether solvent : melting point : 189 - 190 ° c . - form of compound : ## str94 ## ______________________________________ table 18______________________________________example 20 structure r . sup . 3 : # str95 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str96 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : yellow needles recrystallization chloroform solvent : melting point : 186 - 187 ° c . form of compound : free formexample 21 structure r . sup . 3 : # str97 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str98 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : pale brown powdery recrystallization ethanol - ethyl acetate solvent : melting point : 277 ° c . form of compound : free form______________________________________ table 19______________________________________example 22 structure r . sup . 3 : # str99 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str100 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : yellow needles recrystallization ethyl acetate - ethanol solvent : melting point : 155 - 156 ° c . form of compound : free formexample 23 structure r . sup . 3 : # str101 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str102 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : white powdery recrystallization ethyl acetate solvent : melting point : 160 - 161 ° c . form of compound : free form______________________________________ table 20______________________________________example 24 structure r . sup . 3 : # str103 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str104 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : yellow powdery recrystallization ethyl acetate - dichloromethane solvent : melting point : 169 - 170 ° c . form of compound : free formexample 25 structure r . sup . 3 : # str105 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str106 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : pale yellow powdery recrystallization ethyl acetate - n - hexane solvent : melting point : 166 - 167 ° c . form of compound : free form______________________________________ table 21______________________________________example 26 structure r . sup . 3 : # str107 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str108 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : pale brown needles recrystallization ethyl acetate - n - hexane solvent : melting point : 156 ° c . form of compound : free formexample 27 structure r . sup . 3 : # str109 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str110 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : bright yellow needles recrystallization ethyl acetate - n - hexane solvent : melting point : 157 ° c . form of compound : free form______________________________________ table 22______________________________________example 28 structure r . sup . 3 : # str111 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str112 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : yellow granules recrystallization dimethylformamide - water solvent : melting point : 213 - 221 ° c . form of compound : free formexample 29 structure r . sup . 3 : # str113 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str114 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : bright yellow needles recrystallization ethyl acetate - n - hexane solvent : melting point : 136 - 137 ° c . form of compound : free form______________________________________ table 23______________________________________example 30 structure r . sup . 3 : # str115 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str116 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : colorless granules recrystallization ethyl acetate solvent : melting point : 187 - 188 ° c . form of compound : free formexample 31 structure r . sup . 3 : # str117 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str118 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : white amorphous form of compound : hydrochloride______________________________________ table 24______________________________________example 32 structure r . sup . 3 : # str119 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str120 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : colorless needles recrystallization ethyl acetate - n - hexane solvent : melting point : 173 - 174 ° c . form of compound : free formexample 33 structure r . sup . 3 : # str121 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str122 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : yellow powdery recrystallization ethanol - n - hexane solvent : melting point : 153 - 155 ° c . form of compound : free form______________________________________ table 25______________________________________example 34 structure r . sup . 3 : # str123 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str124 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : yellow needles recrystallization ethyl acetate solvent : melting point : 139 - 140 ° c . form of compound : free formexample 35 structure r . sup . 3 : # str125 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str126 ## - --( a ) n --: -- form of compound : free form______________________________________ table 26______________________________________example 36 structure r . sup . 3 : # str127 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str128 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : yellow needles form of compound : free formexample 37 structure r . sup . 3 : # str129 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str130 ## - --( a ) n --: -- form of compound : free form______________________________________ table 27______________________________________example 38 structure r . sup . 3 : # str131 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str132 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : brown solid form of compound : free formexample 39 structure r . sup . 3 : # str133 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str134 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : plae yellow oily form of compound : free form______________________________________ table 28______________________________________example 40 structure r . sup . 3 : # str135 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str136 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : yellow powdery form of compound : free formexample 41 structure r . sup . 3 : # str137 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str138 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : yellow powdery recrystallization dimethylformamide solvent : melting point : higher than 290 ° c . form of compound : free form______________________________________ table 29______________________________________example 42 structure r . sup . 3 : # str139 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str140 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : yellow powdery recrystallization ethyl acetate - n - hexane solvent : melting point : 183 - 184 ° c . form of compound : free formexample 43 structure r . sup . 3 : # str141 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str142 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : pale yellow powdery recrystallization ethyl acetate solvent : melting point : 195 ° c . form of compound : free form______________________________________ table 30______________________________________example 44 structure r . sup . 3 : # str143 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str144 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : yellow powdery recrystallization ethanol solvent : melting point : 200 - 202 ° c . - form of compound : # str145 ## - example 45 structure r . sup . 3 : # str146 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str147 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : colorless needles recrystallization ethyl acetate - ethanol solvent : melting point : 227 - 228 ° c . form of compound : free form______________________________________ table 31______________________________________example 46 structure r . sup . 3 : # str148 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str149 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : pale brown powdery recrystallization chloroform - isopropyl alcohol solvent : melting point : higher than 290 ° c . form of compound : free formexample 47 structure r . sup . 3 : # str150 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str151 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : bright yellow needles recrystallization ethyl acetate - diisopropyl ether solvent : melting point : 146 - 148 ° c . form of compound : free form______________________________________ table 32______________________________________example 48 structure r . sup . 3 : # str152 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str153 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : yellow powdery recrystallization ethyl acetate - n - hexane solvent : melting point : 175 - 176 ° c . form of compound : free formexample 49 structure r . sup . 3 : # str154 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str155 ## - --( a ) n --: -- form of compound : free form______________________________________ table 33______________________________________example 50 structure r . sup . 3 : # str156 ## - r . sup . 1 : 6 - cl - r . sup . 2 : # str157 ## - --( a ) n --: -- crystal form : yellow amorphous form of compound : free form______________________________________ the nmr spectrum data of compounds obtained in the above - mentioned examples are shown as follow . 1 h - nmr ( 250 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) δ ppm : 1 . 10 ( 6h , d , j = 7 hz ), 2 . 1 - 2 . 3 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 8 - 2 . 95 ( 1h , m ), 3 . 88 ( 2h , t , j = 7 . 5 hz ), 4 . 20 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 4 . 55 ( 2h , d , j = 6 . 5 hz ), 5 . 98 ( 2h , s ), 6 . 43 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 6 . 62 ( 2h , s ), 6 . 66 ( 1h , d , j = 1 . 5 hz ), 7 . 10 ( 1h , d , j = 1 . 5 hz ), 7 . 15 - 7 . 38 ( 10h , m ), 7 . 53 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 77 ( 1h , d , j = 8 . 5 hz ), 7 . 84 ( 1h , d , j = 1 . 5 hz ), 9 . 57 ( 1h , d , j = 4 hz ). 1 . 7 - 1 . 9 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 89 ( 2h , t , j = 8 hz ), 3 . 07 ( 2h , t , j = 7 . 5 hz ), 3 . 2 - 3 . 4 ( 4h , m ), 5 . 99 ( 2h , s ), 6 . 0 - 6 . 1 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 47 ( 1h , d , j = 8 . 5 hz ), 6 . 7 - 6 . 8 ( 1h , m ), 6 . 8 - 6 . 9 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 2 - 7 . 5 ( 7h , m ), 7 . 57 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 8 - 7 . 9 ( 2h , m ), 8 . 0 - 8 . 1 ( 1h , m ) 2 . 25 - 2 . 4 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 9 - 3 . 1 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 5 - 3 . 65 ( 2h , m ), 4 . 1 - 4 . 3 ( 4h , m ), 5 . 97 ( 2h , s ), 7 . 02 ( 1h , t , j = 7 . 5 hz ), 7 . 11 - 7 . 43 ( 9h , m ), 7 . 60 - 7 . 64 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 71 - 7 . 75 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 81 ( 1h , d , j = 1 . 5 hz ), 9 . 09 ( 1h , s ), 9 . 25 ( 1h , t , j = 8 hz ). 2 . 2 - 2 . 35 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 4 - 3 . 5 ( 2h , m ), 4 . 3 - 4 . 4 ( 2h , m ), 6 . 05 ( 2h , s ), 6 . 5 - 6 . 6 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 1 - 7 . 2 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 2 - 7 . 5 ( 9h , m ), 7 . 7 - 7 . 8 ( 1h , m ), 8 . 1 - 8 . 2 ( 1h , m ), 9 . 62 ( 1h , s ). 2 . 26 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 75 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 4 . 2 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 6 . 06 ( 2h , s ), 6 . 48 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 7 . 24 - 7 . 5 ( 10h , m ), 7 . 7 - 7 . 86 ( 5h , m ), 8 . 07 ( 1h , s ), 9 . 60 ( 1h , s ). 1 . 26 ( 3h , t , j = 7 hz ), 4 . 15 - 4 . 3 ( 2h , m ), 4 . 84 ( 2h , s ), 6 . 06 ( 2h , s ), 6 . 56 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 7 . 12 ( 1h , d , j = 3 hz ), 7 . 23 - 7 . 47 ( 7h , m ), 7 . 75 ( 1h , d , j = 8 . 5 hz ), 8 . 12 ( 1h , s ), 9 . 62 ( 1h , s ). 1 . 95 - 2 . 1 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 92 ( 2h , t , j = 8 . 5 hz ), 3 . 13 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 3 . 36 ( 2h , t , j = 8 hz ), 3 . 83 ( 2h , t , j = 7 . 5 hz ), 6 . 02 ( 2h , s ), 6 . 44 ( 1h , d , j = 8 . 5 hz ), 7 . 25 - 7 . 33 ( 7h , m ), 7 . 39 ( 1h , d , j = 1 . 5 hz ), 7 . 52 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 69 - 7 . 73 ( 3h , m ), 7 . 82 - 7 . 85 ( 2h , m ), 9 . 40 ( 1h , s ). 2 . 2 - 2 . 3 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 10 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 3 . 44 ( 2h , t , j = 6 hz ), 3 . 75 - 3 . 85 ( 2h , m ), 4 . 30 ( 2h , t , j = 6 hz ), 5 . 97 ( 2h , s ), 7 . 03 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 12 - 7 . 37 ( 10h , m ), 7 . 61 - 7 . 66 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 8 - 7 . 9 ( 1h , m ). 1 . 31 ( 2h , brs ), 1 . 70 - 1 . 81 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 83 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 2 . 97 ( 2h , t , j = 8 hz ), 3 . 12 ( 2h , t , j = 7 . 5 hz ), 3 . 36 ( 2h , t , j = 8 hz ), 6 . 02 ( 2h , s ), 6 . 45 ( 1h , d , j = 8 . 5 hz ), 7 . 23 - 7 . 32 ( 7h , m ), 7 . 38 ( 1h , d , j = 2 hz ), 7 . 53 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 71 ( 1h , d , j = 9 hz ), 9 . 43 ( 1h , s ). 2 . 44 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 2 . 87 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 5 . 99 ( 2h , s ), 6 . 83 ( 1h , d , j = 9 hz ), 7 . 21 - 7 . 40 ( 6h , m ), 7 . 57 - 7 . 6 ( 1h , m ), 7 . 72 ( 1h , s ), 7 . 86 - 7 . 88 ( 2h , m ), 10 . 08 ( 1h , s ). 6 . 01 ( 2h , s ), 6 . 50 ( 1h , d , j = 9 . 5 hz ), 7 . 22 - 7 . 41 ( 7h , m ), 7 . 84 - 7 . 93 ( 4h , m ), 8 . 25 ( 1h , s ). 1 . 9 - 2 . 1 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 5 - 2 . 6 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 8 - 3 . 0 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 6 - 3 . 8 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 9 - 4 . 1 ( 2h , m ), 5 . 99 ( 2h , s ), 7 . 1 - 7 . 5 ( 7h , m ), 7 . 6 - 8 . 0 ( 4h , m ). 1 . 9 - 2 . 1 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 28 - 3 . 34 ( 4h , m ), 3 . 77 ( 2h , t , j = 7 hz ), 4 . 26 ( 2h , t , j = 4 hz ), 6 . 01 ( 2h , s ), 6 . 63 ( 1h , d , j = 9 hz ), 7 . 11 - 7 . 40 ( 9h , m ), 7 . 70 - 7 . 74 ( 3h , m ), 7 . 81 - 7 . 87 ( 2h , m ), 9 . 34 ( 1h , s ). to 0 . 66 g of 1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 -( indol - 5 - ylaminocarbonyl ) benzimidazole was added 50 ml of dimethylformamide , further added 170 mg of oily sodium hydride , said mixture was stirred under nitrogen gas atmosphere at 60 ° c . for 1 hour . under cooling at 0 ° c ., 0 . 14 ml of allyl bromide was added to the reaction mixture , and stirred at room temperature overnight , then water was added thereto and extracted with ethyl acetate , the extract was washed with water and an aqueous solution saturated with sodium chloride . the washed extract was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate , and the solvent was removed by distillation under reduced pressure . the residue thus obtained was subjected to a silica gel column chromatography ( eluent : 10 % n - hexane / dichloromethane ), recrystallized from ethyl acetate - ethanol , there was obtained 0 . 35 g of 1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 -( 1 - allylindol - 5 - ylaminocarbonyl ) benzimidazole as in the form of colorless needle crystals . by using suitable starting materials and by a method similar to that of employed in example 51 , there were obtained compounds of the above - mentioned examples 3 , 4 , 6 - 8 , 10 - 20 , 22 - 29 , 31 , 33 - 40 , 42 - 45 and 47 - 50 . to 3 . 8 g of 1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 -[ 1 -( 3 - chloro - propyl ) indol - 5 - ylaminocarbonyl ] benzimidazole was added 100 mg of dimethylformamide , further added 1 . 4 g of 1h - 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrazol , 2 . 2 g of potassium carbonate and 7 . 2 g of sodium iodide , the mixture was heated and stirred at 100 ° c . for 2 days . water was added to the reaction mixture , and extracted with ethyl acetate , the extract was washed with water and an aqueous solution saturated with sodium chloride . the washed extract was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate , and the solvent was removed by distillation under reduced pressure . the residue thus obtained was subjected to a silica gel column chromatography ( eluent : ethyl acetate / n - hexane = 1 / 1 ), after separation of isomers , there were obtained 1 . 1 g of 1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 -{ 1 -[ 3 -( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrazol - 1 - yl ) propyl ] indol - 5 - ylaminocarbonyl } benzimidazole ( a ) as in form of colorless needle crystals by recrystallization from ethyl acetate - n - hexane , and 0 . 9 g of 1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 -{ 1 -[ 3 -( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 - tetrazol - 2 - yl )- propyl ] indol - 5 - ylaminocarbonyl } benzimidazole ( b ) as in the form of pale yellow needle crystals by recrystallization from dichloromethane - n - hexane . by using suitable starting materials , and by a method similar to that of employed in example 52 , there were obtained compounds of the above - mentioned examples 3 , 4 , 6 - 8 , 10 - 12 , 17 - 20 , 23 - 29 , 31 , 33 , 34 , 36 , 38 , 40 , 43 , 44 , 47 , 48 and 50 . to 5 g of 1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 -[ 1 -( 3 - phthalimidopropyl ) indol - 5 - ylaminocarbonyl ] benzimidazole was added 100 ml of ethanol and stirred , then 0 . 5 ml of hydrazine hydrate was added thereto , the mixture was refluxed overnight . after cooled the reaction mixture to room temperature , then white crystals were removed by filtration . water was added to the filtrate , and made alkaline with 10 % aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide . this mixture was extracted with dichloromethane , the extract was washed with water , an aqueous solution saturated with sodium chloride then was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate . the solvent was removed by distillation under reduced pressure . the residue thus obtained was crystallized from ethyl acetate - n - hexane , there was obtained 3 . 2 g of 1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 -[ 1 -( 3 - aminopropyl ) indol - 5 - ylaminocarbonyl ]- benzimidazole as in the form of yellow granular crystals . melting point : 106 - 108 ° c . by using a suitable starting material , and a method similar to that of employed in example 53 , there was obtained compound of the above - mentioned example 40 . to 0 . 29 g of nicotinic acid was added 50 ml of dimethylformamide , further 1 . 2 g of 1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 -[ 1 -( 3 - aminopropyl ) indol - 5 - ylaminocarbonyl ]- benzimidazole and 0 . 7 ml of triethylamine were added , the mixture was stirred under cooling at 0 ° c . next , 0 . 49 g of diethylcyanophosphonate was dissolved in 20 ml of dimethylformamide and added thereto and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 day . after the reaction was finished , water was added then the whole mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate , the extract thus obtained was washed with water and an aqueous solution saturated with sodium chloride . the washed extract was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate , then the solvent was removed by distillation under reduced pressure . the resulting residue was subjected to a silica gel column chromatography ( eluent : 2 % methanol / dichloromethane ), recrystallized from chloroform , there was obtained 1 g of 1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 -{ 1 -[ 3 -( pyridin - 3 - ylcarbonylamino ) propyl ] indol - 5 - ylaminocarbonyl } benzimidazole as in the form of yellow needle crystals . by using suitable starting materials and a method similar to that of employed in example 54 , there were obtained compounds of the above - mentioned examples 9 , 12 , 28 , 33 , 34 and 47 . to 0 . 35 g of 1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 -( 3 , 4 - dihydro - 2 ( 1h )- quinolinon - 6 - ylaminocarbonyl )- benzimidazole was added 30 ml of dioxane and 280 mg of 2 , 3 - dichloro - 5 , 6 - dicyanobenzoquinone , and the reaction mixture was refluxed by heating . over confirming the proceeding of reaction by means of a thin layer chromatography , 2 , 3 - dichloro - 5 , 6 - dicyanobenzoquinone in small quantity was further added and refluxed by heating for 1 day . the crystals being separated were collected by filtration , and recrystallized from chloroform - isopropyl alcohol , there was obtained 1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 -[ 2 ( 1h )- quinolinon - 6 - ylamino - caronyl ] benzimidazole as in the form of pale brown powdery product . melting point : higher than 290 ° c . 1 h - nmr ( 250 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) δ ppm : 6 . 01 ( 2h , s ), 6 . 50 ( 1h , d , j = 9 . 5 hz ), 7 . 22 - 7 . 41 ( 7h , m ), 7 . 84 - 7 . 93 ( 4h , m ), 8 . 25 ( 1h , s ). a mixture of 27 . 9 g of ethyl 1 - benzyl - 6 - chlorobenzimidazol - 2 - carboxylate , 17 . 8 g of 1 -[ 3 -( imidazol - 1 - yl ) propyl ]- 5 - aminoindole , 8 g of sodium methylate and 600 ml of toluene was stirred at 100 ° c . for 1 . 5 hours . the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature , the crystals being separated were collected by filtration and washed with toluene . thus obtained crystals were dissolved in 500 ml of chloroform , then 100 ml of water was added and the mixture was filtrated with celite . the chloroform layer was taken by separation , after washed with water , the chloroform portion layer was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate , and the solvent was removed by distillation to obtain brown oily product . this oily product was dissolved in methanol , further added n - hexane and the crystals being separated were collected by filtration , recrystallized from methanol and dried . there was obtained 31 . 8 g of 1 - benzyl - 6 - chloro - 2 -{ 1 -[ 3 -( imidazol - 1 - yl ) propyl ] indol - 5 - ylamino - carbonyl } benzimidazole . by using suitable starting materials , and by a method similar to that of employed in example 56 , there were obtained compounds of the above - mentioned examples 2 and 4 - 50 . separation and partial purification of pde ( phosphodiesterase ) from human platelets , and measurement of the activity for inhibiting cgmp pde were conducted by the method of hidaka , et al . [ biochimica et biophysica acta , vol . 429 , ( 1976 ), pp . 485 - 497 ]. the platelets obtained from human healthy adult were washed , and suspended in tris - buffer solution , then said suspension was treated by centrifugal separation , the supernatant was subjected to a deae - cellulose treatment and fractionated into fi to fiii fractions by a method of concentration gradient of sodium acetate . thus obtained fi fraction was used as the sample of cgmp - pde . the activity for inhibiting cgmp - pde was measured by using 0 . 4 μm of [ 3 h ]- cgmp . table 34______________________________________ activity for inhibiting test compound of : cgmp - pde [ ic . sub . 50 ( μm )] ______________________________________example 2 0 . 02 example 3 0 . 01 example 4 0 . 06 example 9 0 . 08 example 11 0 . 01 example 20 0 . 01 example 21 0 . 02 example 25 0 . 12 example 28 & lt ; 0 . 01 example 31 0 . 03 example 32 0 . 06 example 33 & lt ; 0 . 01 example 41 0 . 02 example 42 0 . 1 example 44 0 . 014 example 46 & lt ; 0 . 01 example 47 & lt ; 0 . 01______________________________________ ( 2 ) measurement of the activity for inhibiting proliferation of rat a10 cells test was conducted by the modified method of n . morisaki [ atherosclerosis , vol . 71 , ( 1988 ), pp . 165 - 171 ]. the rat a10 cells ( purchased from dainippon pharmaceutical co ., ltd .) were inoculated on a 24 wells immunoplate at a density of 10 , 000 cells / well , and were cultured in 10 % fbs ( fetal bovine serum ) for 2 days , and in order to introduce the cells into the resting stage , the cells were further cultured in a serum - free medium for 2 days . after that , 1 % fbs was added thereto for stimulating the proliferation , of the cells and at the same time , a test compound and 0 . 5 μci / well of [ 3 h ]- thymidine were added . as to the index of synthesized amount of dna , the quantity of [ 3 h ]- thymidine being uptaken by the cells was measured at the time of 24 hours after the final cultivation was started . table 35______________________________________ activity for inhibiting proliferation of rat test compound of : a10 cells [ ic . sub . 50 ( μm )] ______________________________________example 2 0 . 4 example 3 0 . 5 example 4 0 . 3 example 6 0 . 66 example 7 0 . 49 example 11 0 . 97 example 12 0 . 69 example 18 0 . 48 example 20 0 . 85 example 32 0 . 24 example 33 1 . 27 example 42 0 . 95 example 47 0 . 67______________________________________ similar to the activity for inhibiting proliferation of rat a10 cells as mentioned above , the activity for inhibiting proliferation of the human fibroblast ( purchased from dainippon pharmaceutical co ., ltd .) was determined by measuring the uptake amount of [ 3 h ]- thymidine . compounds of examples 3 , 16 , 31 , 33 , 45 and 47 were used for the test , and the measured values of ic 50 were , 0 . 04 μm , 0 . 049 μm , 0 . 18 μm , 0 . 042 μm , 0 . 041 μm and 0 . 021 μm , respectively . test was conducted by the method as disclosed in &# 34 ; current protocol in immunology &# 34 ; [ edited by coligan , et al ., ( 1991 )] chapter 3 , page 12 ( published from willy interscience , inc .). after sacrificed a balb / c strain male mouse , the spleen was enucleated and a suspension of the spleen cells in rpmi - 1640 culture medium was prepared . said suspension was filtered through a nylon fiber mesh , and subjected to a centrifugal separation ( 1 , 200 rpm , for 5 minutes ), there were added on pellet 5 ml of 0 . 15 m ammonium chloride , 10 mm potassium hydrogencarbonate , and 0 . 1 mm disodium salt of edta ( ph 7 . 2 ) per one spleen so as to suspend the cells , and the suspension was incubated at 37 ° c . for 5 minutes . a suitable amount of rpmi - 1640 culture medium was added to the suspension , and this mixture was subjected to a centrifugal separation ( 1 , 200 rpm , for 5 minutes ), the separated cells were washed , after repeated further washing operations twice , the cells were resuspended in rpmi - 1640 culture medium containing 10 % fbs ( rpmi - 10 ). after counted the number of cells by using a hemacytometer , a suspension containing cell density of 10 6 / ml was prepared by diluting with rpmi - 10 culture medium . a test compound was dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide to prepare a solution of 2 × 10 - 2 m , then prepared 6 stages of 10 - fold dilution sequences . each one of these 10 - fold dilution sequences was placed on a 96 - well tissue culture plate in an amount of 10 μl / well ( the final concentrations of test compounds : 10 - 9 to 10 - 4 m ), and added the previously prepared cell suspension in an amount of 190 μl / well . there was added 40 μg / ml of concanavaline a in an amount of 10 μl / well , and incubated at 37 ° for 2 days , under 5 % carbon dioxide gas phase . 20 μci / ml of [ methyl - 3 h ] thymidine was added in an amount of 10 μl / well , after further incubated overnight , by using a cell harvester the cells were recovered on the filter of the harvester . the filter was cut out from the cell harvester and put in a vial , then 5 ml of a scintillation cocktail ( acs - ii ) was added , and measured by using a liquid scintillation counter . by using the compound of example 3 as test compound , ic 50 value was 2 μm . the activity for inhibiting chronic contactive dermatitis [ j . dermatol . sci ., vol . 8 , ( 1994 ), page 54 ] which is analogous to atopic dermatitis being reported by kitagaki , et al . was discussed by using the method as follows . the right - side ear pinna of balb / c strain male mouse was subjected to antigen sensitization by coating with 20 μl of acetone solution of 1 % trinitrochlorobenzene ( tncb ). 7 days after the antigen sensitization , the same right - side pinna was subjected to antigen induction by coating with 20 μl of 1 % tncb acetone solution . the treatment of antigen induction was repeated in every 2 days so as to induced chronic contactive dermatitis . in this test , increase of thickness of the right - side ear pinna was induced by passing into a chronic state of the contactive dermatitis . the test compound was dissolved in acetone - methanol ( 4 : 1 by v / v ) and 20 μl of this solution was administered by coating on the right - side of ear pinna once a day from 24th day after the antigen induction for 2 weeks . as to the control , the only the solvent was similarly administered . the antigen induction by the test compound during administration period was conducted at 30 minutes before the administration . the thickness of the ear pinna of 14th day after the administration was measured by a dial thickness gauge . table 36______________________________________concentration (%) thickness of of compound of ear pinna inhibition example 3 (× 10 μm ) rate (%) ______________________________________0 ( control ) 137 . 1 ± 6 . 2 -- 0 . 1 120 . 4 ± 5 . 3 12 0 . 3 105 . 0 ± 7 . 2 23 * 1 . 0 64 . 5 ± 1 . 6 53 * ______________________________________ * significant difference between the control : p & lt ; 0 . 01 dunnett &# 39 ; s test number of the test animals : 8 test was conducted by the modified method of carlson , et al . [ agents actions , vol . 26 , ( 1989 ), page 319 ]. thus , to the ear pinna of icr strain female mouse , 20 μl of acetone solution of 12 - o - tetradecanoylphorbol - 13 - acetate ( tpa ) in the concentration of 200 μg / ml was coated to induce inflammation . the thickness of ear pinna of 4 hours after the tpa coating was measured , and difference of the last value was defined as the ear pinna inflammation . test compound was dissolved in acetone - methanol ( 4 : 1 by v / v ) to make the concentration of 1 %. 20 μl of test compound solution was coated on the ear pinna 30 minutes before the tpa coating . by using compound of example 3 as test compound , the inflammation was inhibited at the rate of 66 %. ( 7 ) determination of the activity for inhibiting proliferation of rat mesangial cells in accordance with the method of f . jaffer , et al . [ am . j . pathol ., vol . 135 , ( 1989 ), pages 261 - 269 ], the mesangial cells were collected . under anesthetized condition , the kidney of a rat was aseptically enucleated and the medulla renis was cut out , then the cortex renis was pressed to a sieve ( 120 mesh ) made of stainless steel . the fraction of cortex renis passed through the sieve was put on another sieve of 200 mesh and washed with pbs ( phosphate - buffered saline ), the fraction being remained on the sieve was confirmed as the glomerulus . this fraction was cultured in rpmi 1640 medium [ containing 15 % of fetal calf serum ( fcs ), and 5 μg / ml of insulin ] for 4 weeks . this fraction was further subcultured twice , and the remaining cells were thought of as the mesangial cells for use of this experiment . determination of the activity for inhibiting proliferation of rat mesangial cells was conducted in accordance with the method of m . b . ganz , et al . [ am . j . physiol ., vol . 259 , ( 1990 ), pages f269 - f278 ]. thus 2 × 10 4 / ml of mesangial cells were inoculated on a culture plate ( 48 wells , each well having the capacity of 0 . 5 ml ), and cultured with rpmi medium ( containing 15 % fcs ) for 3 days . the rpmi medium was then changed to another rpmi medium wherein the concentration of fcs was decreased to 0 . 5 %, and further cultured for 3 days . next , the rpmi medium was changed to another rpmi medium containing the same concentration of fcs , and added the test compound being dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide ( the final concentration of dimethyl sulfoxide was lower than 0 . 1 %) and 5 ng / ml ( the final concentration ) of platelet - derivered growth factor bb ( pdgf - bb ). after 24 hours , 1 μci / well of [ 3 h ]- thymidine was added , and incubated for additional 24 hours . the supernatant of the culture medium was taken up , and the amount of [ 3 h ]- thymidine up - taken into the cells was measured by use of scintillation counter . ic 50 value measured by using compound of example 3 for the test was 0 . 79 μm .	2
the present invention relates to a computer system , and more particularly to a computer system in which new disk drives can be readily added . in particular , computer systems disclosed in which disk drives are readily identified so that they can be subsequently used in conjunction with other computer systems . fig2 is a block diagram of a computer system 200 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention . computer system 200 shares some similarities with computer system 100 illustrated in fig1 . computer system 200 , however , differs from computer system 100 in several important aspects . in particular , in computer system 200 , peripheral devices 110a - 110n have been replaced , at least in part , with self - identifying peripheral devices 210a - 210n . thus , computer system 200 may include both self - identifying peripheral devices and non - self - identifying peripheral devices . driver 122 may be the same as in fig1 operating system 106 may be replaced with an enhanced operating system 206 which is capable of operating with self - identifying peripheral devices 210a - 210n . keys file 208 ( to be described in more detail below ) has been added . as will be explained in more detail below , self - identifying peripheral devices 210a - 210n transmit data over an interface such as scsi interface 120 ( for example ) to host system 102 and system disk 104 . as previously described , other interfaces such as ipi and mli may be used . any ( or all ) of self - identifying peripheral devices 210a - 210n may be replaced with an alternative self - identifying peripheral device 210a1 through 210n1 ( not shown ) each having a different storage capacity ( for example ) than the respective peripheral device that they replace . this enables a peripheral device to be replaced by the user without making changes to operating system 206 . in a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention , a system and method are presented for licensing selected embedded peripheral software drivers . these licenses represent the intellectual property associated with the development of the software drivers required for use with the corresponding peripheral devices . by charging separately for the license , the company is able to sell the peripheral devices at a price that is more in line with the competition . it also allows the company to recoup its software driver development costs by charging customers according to their use of the company &# 39 ; s software drivers , independent of whether the peripheral devices utilized with those drivers are obtained from a third party vendor or from the company itself . fig3 through 6 are flowchart diagrams illustrating operation of exemplary embodiments of the present invention in accordance with the description set forth above . the description set forth above has referred to the present invention in terms of a peripheral device . operation of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described with a disk drive as the peripheral device . it should be understood , however , that any type of peripheral device ( e . g ., tape ) may be used . at step 310 , a formatting program is executed to format the disk for use . the process of formatting a disk before its initial use is a standard practice in the computer industry and is readily accomplished by one of ordinary skill in the art . in addition , in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention , such a formatting program can be used to place certain pieces of information ( hereafter --&# 34 ; disk identification information &# 34 ; or dii ) in a reserved area on the disk . dii may include , but is not limited to : a ) disk logical attributes -- values which describe logical attributes of the disk . this may be , for example , disk capacity ( which is the logical or useable amount of space available on the disk ) or number of disk partitions ( which is the number of logical partitions into which the physical disk space has been divided ); b ) alphanumeric display code -- this is a string of alphanumeric values which is used to uniquely identify the specific type of disk to external users . this string is used , for example , to identify the disk in system console displays , system log analysis output , etc . ; and c ) original equipment manufacturer ( oem ) code -- this is a predetermined numeric value which is used to uniquely identify the original equipment manufacturer of the disk . additional dii may also be written to the reserved area of the disk . for example , a flag may be set to indicate whether the disk operates in a single or a dual port configuration . it is understood that a disk may be logically removed from use and subsequently reacquired by computer system 200 without necessitating formatting . at step 320 , the operating system establishes contact with the disk device . establishing contact with the disk device by an operating system is well known in the art . at step 330 , the operating system issues an operation such as a scsi inquiry operation to the disk device . such an inquiry operation is also well known in the art . in response to this inquiry , the disk device returns various information to the operating system . exemplary information which is returned to the operating system may include vendor id and product id . the vendor id and product id may be used to verify that the disk is self - identifying ( i . e ., it is not a disk which has been predefined in the operating system software ). if the disk has been predefined in the operating system software , control shifts to step 608 in fig6 via off - page connector a . if , however , at step 340 , the disk has not been predefined in the operating system software , then control shifts to step 350 . at step 350 , the operating system issues an operation such as a scsi read capacity operation to the self - identifying disk device . in response , the disk device will return to the operating system the disk &# 39 ; s block size and number of blocks from which the disk &# 39 ; s maximum physical capacity can be calculated . this information is typically maintained via the micro code included with the disk device . at step 360 , the operating system issues a read operation to the self - identifying disk device . in response , the disk drive returns the dii which has been preferably stored on the disk during formatting . control now shifts to step 410 in fig4 via off - page connector b . referring now to fig4 at step 410 , the operating system verifies that the disk device has indeed been formatted . in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention , this entails having the operating system check to ensure that a predetermined character string ( i . e ., a &# 34 ; validity string &# 34 ;) has been placed on the disk media during the formatting process . if the operating system cannot verify that the disk device has been properly formatted , then control shifts to step 415 where access to the disk device is precluded and an error message is displayed . standard error recovery may then occur . if the operating system determines that the disk device has been properly formatted , then processing proceeds to step 420 . at step 420 , the operating system verifies that the self - identifying disk &# 39 ; s block size ( obtained using the scsi read capacity command ) is supported by the operating system . the operating system may be pre - programmed with a range of block sizes which it supports . thus , the returned block size may simply be compared with that range . if the returned block size is not supported by the operating system , then control shifts again to step 415 and standard error handling may occur . otherwise , if the device &# 39 ; s physical block size is supported by the operating system , control shifts to step 430 . at step 430 , the operating system compares the self - identifying disk device &# 39 ; s formatted capacity ( obtained from the dii ) with the self - identifying disk device &# 39 ; s maximum physical capacity ( which was calculated using information returned by the scsi read capacity command at step 350 ). if the formatted capacity is not less than or equal to the maximum physical capacity , then again control shifts to step 415 for standard error handling . otherwise , so control shifts to step 440 . at step 440 , the alphanumeric display code which has been returned by the disk device at step 360 is evaluated to determine whether this code indicates a device which is supported by the operating system . again , the operating system may be preprogrammed with a range of alphanumeric display codes corresponding to the disk devices which it supports . thus , step 440 may simply involve comparing the alphanumeric display code with the predefined range of data values stored in the operating system . if the operating system does not support a disk device having the returned alphanumeric display code , then processing may again be transferred to step 415 for error handling . otherwise , processing proceeds with step 450 . at step 450 , the self - identifying disk &# 39 ; s formatting capacity ( obtained from the dii ) is evaluated to determine whether this capacity is supported by the operating system . once again , this may be accomplished by comparing the returned formatted capacity with a predetermined range of values stored in the operating system . if the formatted capacity is not supported by the operating system , once again , processing may proceed to step 415 for standard error handling . otherwise , processing may proceed to step 510 in fig5 via off - page connector c . referring now to fig5 at step 510 , entries are now made in the operating system disk identification tables corresponding to the self - identifying disk . these entries include , but are not limited to , disk capacity , block size and alphanumeric display code . at this point , verification of self - identifying disk status and identity has been completed . at step 520 , the operating system optionally determines whether a license is required to use the self - identifying disk . this may be accomplished , for example , by hard coding the operating system to enforce ( or not enforce ) licensing for self - identifying disks . if no license is required , then , at step 525 , disk initialization is continued as is well known in the art . this may include , for example , reading the disk label , examining the directory structure , determining free and in - use areas on the disk , etc . otherwise , at step 530 , the operating system builds a self - identifying disk license string using information obtained from the scsi read capacity command at step 330 , using information ( e . g ., dii ) obtained from the disk media and derived from the operating system . processing then continues at step 612 in fig6 via off - page connector d . fig6 is a flowchart diagram illustrating the operation of an automated licensing processing / system 600 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention . again , this operation is optional . automated licensing processing / system is described , for example , in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 479 , 612 which is incorporated herein by reference . the operation of the system 600 is described in detail with reference to fig6 through 8 . referring to fig6 the licensing processing system 600 includes steps 612 - 620 . briefly , steps 612 - 620 represent the process of checking the keys file 208 to confirm that any driver license keys 700 ( illustrated in fig7 and described below ) which are required for peripheral devices 210 are present . additionally , steps 612 - 620 represent methods for encouraging a customer to purchase driver licenses ( and thereby obtain the corresponding driver license keys 700 for installation in the keys file 208 ), for any peripheral devices 210 requiring , but not having , corresponding driver license keys 700 in the keys file 208 . a driver license key 700 is a string of ebcdic characters ( for example ) divided into relevant fields . the driver license key 700 is stored in the keys file 208 . the keys file 208 is shown in more detail in fig7 and 8 . fig7 is a conceptual diagram of the keys file 208 including driver license keys 700 ( records a and b ). fig8 shows an example of the contents of an actual keys file 208 . referring to fig7 in the preferred embodiment , the driver license key 700 includes nine fields : a license key id field 705 , a license key formatted capacity field 710 , a license key block size field 715 , a license key host connection field number one 720 , a license key host connection field number two 725 , a license key uniqueness field 730 , a license key quantity field 735 , a license key security id field 740 , and an optional license key expiration date field 745 . the license key id field 705 contains license identification information that indicates the class of group of self - identifying disk devices 210 licensed by the key 700 ( e . g ., scsi disk devices attached to the system via a scsi - 2 channel ). the license key formatted capacity field 710 contains the formatted capacity of the self - identified device licensed by the key . the license key block size field 715 contains the block size of the self - identifying disk device licensed by the key . license key host connection field number one 720 contains a value which is used to make distinctions within a specific type of host connection channel protocol ( e . g ., scsi - 1 , scsi - 2n , scsi - 2w , etc .) within the scsi channel protocol ) used by the device licensed by the key . license key host connection field number two 725 contains a value which is used to indicate the specific type of host connection channel protocol ( e . g ., mli , ipi , scsi , etc .) used by the device licensed by the key . the license key uniqueness field 730 contains a string of characters which is unique for each key and is used to prohibit the manufacture of duplicate driver license keys 700 . the license key quantity field 735 contains the quantity of self - identifying peripheral devices 210 licensed by the key . the license key security id field 740 contains a string of characters ( desirably not viewable by the customer ) used to prohibit creation of unauthorized driver license keys 700 . the optional license key expiration date field 745 contains an expiration date for the license key 700 . after this date , the driver license key 700 will be ignored ( considered invalid ) by the operating system 206 . thus , when a customer desires access of a self - identifying peripheral device 210 of the type that requires a license , the customer must purchase a software driver license for that peripheral device 210 . the corresponding software driver license key 700 is then installed in the keys files 208 . referring back to fig6 if the self - identifying peripheral device 210 requires a driver license , then the process proceeds to decisional step 612 , which determines whether the corresponding license key 700 is installed in the keys file 208 . the operating system 206 searches the keys file 208 for a valid key having the license id field 705 and security id field 740 corresponding to the class or group of self - identifying peripheral devices 210 which includes the self - identifying peripheral device 210 in question . furthermore , license key formatted capacity field 710 , license key block size field 715 , license key host connection field number one 720 , and / or license key host connection field number two 725 are all compared with previously obtained data to determine that the device is licensed by the key . if any of the values previously obtained do not correspond to the values stored in license key 700 , then the operating system 206 displays a licensing violation message and logs the violation in the log file 118 for later retrieval as described above with reference to step 614 . if there is no violation , execution proceeds directly to step 620 and access of peripheral device 210 is permitted . if no valid , matching license key 700 is found , then in the preferred embodiment , the operating system 206 displays a licensing violation message instructing the user to obtain a driver license key 700 in order to access the peripheral device 210 which requires a license , shown in step 614 . additionally , in step 614 , the operating system 206 stores a record of the violation in the log file 118 . this provides the manufacturer of the operating system 206 or the host system 102 a method for periodically checking for licensing violations by scanning the contents of the log file 118 with a log analysis tool . the peripheral device 210 may still be accessed by the customer as shown in step 620 . if , in decisional step 612 , a valid , matching driver license key 700 is located in the keys file 208 , then the process proceeds to decisional step 616 . in decisional step 616 , the operating system 206 sums up the amounts in the quantity fields of all the valid installed keys which license the class or group of peripheral devices 210 which includes the peripheral device 210 in question . if this total is less than the total number of peripheral devices 210 belonging to this class of peripheral devices 210 currently accessed by the system , then the operating system 206 displays a licensing violation message and logs the violation in the log file 218 for later retrieval as described above with reference to step 614 . it is contemplated to preclude access of the peripheral device 210 if a peripheral device 210 is attempted to be accessed without a corresponding license key 700 in the keys file 208 . thus , instead of proceeding to step 614 from decisional step 612 and 616 , the &# 34 ; optional no &# 34 ; path can be chosen . in this case , the system would proceed to step 618 , forcing the customer to obtain a license ( and therefore a license key 700 ) before accessing the unlicensed peripheral device 210 . as a result of the present invention , peripheral device information which was previously required to be pre - defined within operating system software for a peripheral device to be recognized and used by the operating system software , is now obtained directly from the peripheral device media itself . therefore , the operating system software no longer needs to be modified in order to communicate with , for example , a new capacity peripheral device . in addition to the elimination of the software work associated with the implementation of a new capacity peripheral device , the present invention removes the link between operating system software release levels and peripheral devices . this , in turn , allows customers to upgrade to new capacity peripheral devices without the necessity of changing operating system software release levels . overall , the inventors believe that this will result in a decreased time to market for new capacity peripheral devices and an increased potential customer base . also , internal users are now able to test new capacity peripheral devices without the need for a specially modified version of operating system software . there is a significant additional advantage associated with obtaining a peripheral device &# 39 ; s identification information from the peripheral device media itself . it involves using a peripheral device formatting program to make one peripheral device &# 34 ; look like &# 34 ; ( or &# 34 ; masquerade as &# 34 ;) a different peripheral device ( with respect to capacity , alphanumeric display code , etc .). for example , this ability could be used to address the situation that occurs when a customer needs replacement xxx disk devices but the xxx disk device is no longer manufactured . in this case , available yyy disk devices could be made to &# 34 ; look like &# 34 ; xxx disk devices by using a disk formatting program to place the identification information ( e . g ., &# 34 ; dii &# 34 ;) pertaining to disk xxx on disk yyy &# 39 ; s media . once this formatting step has been completed , the operating system ( due to the presence of the invention software ) would treat all reformatted yyy disks as if they were xxx disks . while preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein , it will be understood that such embodiments are provided by way of example only . numerous variations , changes , and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention . accordingly , it is intended that the appended claims cover all such variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention .	6
since a polyalkylthiophene type polymeric substance ( i ) represented by the following general formula : ## str1 ## ( r 1 and r 2 both represent identical or different alkyl group or r 1 represents alkyl group and r 2 represents higher alkyl group with chlorine - substituted end group ; and n represents a positive integer ) has a conjugated double bond system in its principal chain and has a low resistivity of about 10 5 ohms , it can prevent the charging - up due to electron . further , since its c - s bond is readily decomposable by the action of electron beam , it can be used as a positive type resist exhibiting a high sensitivity to electron beam . further , by introducing chlorine into the alkyl group , it becomes crosslinkable with electron beam , and hence it becomes usable as a negative type resist , too . on the other hand , a polymeric substance ( ii ) represented by the following general formula : ## str2 ## ( r 1 , r 2 and r 3 represent identical or different alkyl group or hydrogen ; and n represents a positive integer ) exhibits no electrical conductivity . however , if heat is applied to it , the following reaction : ## str3 ## progresses , as the result of which it becomes exhibiting a high conductivity . by the use of this polymeric substance , charging - up can be prevented . since it has c - s bonds , it can function as a positive type resist exhibiting a high sensitivity to electron beam . concrete example of the above - mentioned polymeric substances ( i ) and ( ii ) include the followings : by using these conductive polymeric substances ( i ) or ( ii ) as bottom layer film of tri - layer resist , a tri - layer resist can easily be prepared without using aluminum film , and thereby an accurate fine pattern showing no butting error nor alingment error due to charging - up can be formed . particularly , polyalkylthiophene type conductive polymeric substances are readily synthesizable , readily soluble into organic solvents and excellent in coating characteristics and they have a higher heat resistance than usual conductive polymer owing to the c - c principal chain , so that they are satisfactorily usable as a resist and as a bottom layer film of multilayer resist . on the other hand , since a quaternary ammonium ion type ion conductive polymeric substance represented by the following formulas : ## str4 ## ( r 1 , r 2 and r 3 represent identical or different alkyl group and n represents a positive integer ) has a quaternary ammonium ion group on its side chain and exhibits a high conductivity , it can prevent the charging - up due to electron . further , since quaternary ammonium ion functions as an electron withdrawing group , scission of the principal chain readily takes place upon exposure to electron beam . further , since this polymer is water - soluble , water can be used as developer . thus , this polymer can be used as a negative type resist of high sensitivity . further , by using these ion conductive polymeric substances in place of the aluminum film in multilayer resist , a multilayer resist can easily be prepared , and an accurate fine resist pattern having no field butting error nor alignment error due to charging - up can be formed . particularly , quaternary ammonium ion type ion conductive polymer is excellent in heat resistance and coating characteristics , so that it is satisfactorily usable as a resist and as bottom layer film of multilayer resist . as concrete examples of the above - mentioned quaternary ammonium ion type ion conductive polymer substance , substances having the following structures can be referred to : ## str5 ## the above - mentioned polymeric substances can be formed into pattern according to generally adopted methods . one example of the method will be mentioned below . thus , the above - mentioned polythiophene type polymeric substance or quaternary ammonium ion type ion conductive polymeric substance is coated on a semiconductor substrate and heat - treated at 100 °- 200 ° c ., whereby the solvent is thoroughly evaporated to leave behind a hard film . onto this organic film , sog is applied as an inorganic film and heat - treated at 100 °- 200 ° c . further , an electron beam resist is applied onto the inorganic film and heat - treated at 100 °- 130 ° c . then , a pattern is written on this resist by means of electron beam and it is developed , whereby an accurate fine resist pattern can be formed . using the resist pattern as a mask , the inorganic film and polymer film are etched , whereby an accurate pattern can be formed . next , this invention will be illustrated more concretely by way of the following examples . this invention is by no means limited by these examples . a polydibutylthiophene having a molecular weight of about 100 , 000 could be prepared by concentrating an ethereal solution of dibutylthiophenen monomer under reduced pressure in the presence of fecl 3 . after dissolving 0 . 1 g of this polymer into 10 cc of methylene chloride , the insoluble matter was filtered off and the filtrate was taken out as a resist solution . the resist solution was dropped onto a semiconductor substrate and spin - coated at 2 , 000 rpm , and the resulting film was baked at 150 ° c . for 30 minutes to obtain a resist film having a thickness of 1 . 2 microns . then , it was exposed to electron beam at an accelerating voltage of 20 kv at a dose of 1 . 0 × 10 - 5 c / cm 2 , after which it was developed with a mixture of methyl isobutyl ketone ( mibk ) and isopropyl alcohol ( ipa ). thus , an accurate positive type resist pattern having no field butting error due to charging - up could be obtained . the loss in film thickness in the unexposed area was hardly noticeable . as the developing solution , polar solvents other than mibk were also usable . the resist film obtained in example 1 was exposed to electron beam at an accelerating voltage of 20 kv at a dose of 5 . 0 × 10 - 5 c / cm 2 , and thereafter it was developed with toluene . as the result , an accurate fine negative resist pattern having no field butting error due to charging - up was obtained . as the developer , nonpolar solvents other than toluene were also usable . an ethereal solution of 1 - chlorobutylthiophene monomer was concentrated under reduced pressure in the presence of fecl 3 to prepare poly ( 1 - chlorobutylthiophene ) having a molecular weight of about 30 , 000 . after dissolving 0 . 1 g of this polymer into 10 cc of methylene chloride , the insoluble matter was filtered off and the filtrate was taken out as a resist solution . the resist solution was dropped onto a semiconductor substrate and spin - coated at 2 , 000 rpm , and the resulting film was baked at 150 ° c . for 30 minutes to form a resist film having a thickness of 1 . 2 microns . then , it was exposed to electron beam at an accelerating voltage of 20 kv at a dose of 5 × 10 - 6 c / cm 2 and developed with toluene . as the result , an accurate negative type resist pattern having no field butting error due to charging - up was obtained . as the solvent , nonpolar solvents other than methylene chloride were also usable . as the developer , any nonpolar solvents other than toluene were also usable . an alcoholic solution of a polymer represented by the above - mentioned formula was concentrated under reduced pressure in the presence of fecl 3 to obtain a polymer having a molecular weight of about 100 , 000 . after dissolving 0 . 5 g of this polymer into 50 cc of ethyl cellosolve acetate , the insoluble matter was filtered off and the filtrate was taken out as a resist solution . the resist solution was dropped onto a semiconductor substrate and spin - coated at 2 , 000 rpm , after which the resulting film was baked at 200 ° c . for 30 minutes to make progress a dehydrating reaction . as the result , a resist film having thickness of 1 . 2 microns was obtained . subsequently , it was exposed to electron beam at an accelerating voltage of 20 kv at a dose of 1 . 0 × 10 - 5 c / cm 2 , and developed with a mixture of mibk and ipa . as the result , an accurate positive type resist pattern having no field butting error due to charging - up was obtained . in the unexposed area , loss in thickness of film was hardly noticeable . fig1 ( a )- 1 ( d ) illustrates the fifth example of this invention . a polymer organic film ( bottom layer film 2 ) was formed by the coating method on a semiconductor substrate 1 and baked at 220 ° c . for 20 minutes . then , sog 3 was spin - coated thereon and baked at 200 ° c . for 20 minutes . then , the polymer obtained in example 1 was coated thereon as electron beam resist 4 , and baked at 150 ° c . for 20 minutes to form a resist film having a thickness of 0 . 5 micron fig1 ( a )). then , it was exposed to electron beam at an accelerating voltage of 20 kv at a dose of 1 × 10 - 5 c / cm 2 and developed with a mixture of mibk and ipa . as the result , an accurate fine resist pattern was obtained ( fig1 ( b )). since it had a high electrical conductivity , no field butting error due to charging - up was noticeable at all . using this resist pattern as a mask , intermediate layer sog 3 was etched ( fig1 ( c )). then , using the intermediate layer as a mask , the bottom layer film 2 was etched . as the result , an accurate and vertical fine resist pattern was obtained ( fig1 ( d )). if a nonpolar solvent was used as the developer , a negative type resist pattern could be obtained . when the polymer prepared in example 3 was used in place of the polymer of example 1 , the result obtained was similar to above . fig2 ( a )- 2 ( d ) illustrates the sixth example of this invention . on semiconductor substrate 1 , the polymer prepared in example 4 was coated as a bottom layer film and baked at 200 ° c . for 30 minutes to form a polymer organic film 11 . then , sog 12 was coated thereon and baked at 200 ° c . for 20 minutes . then , further thereon , polymethyl methacrylate ( pmma ) was coated as electron beam resist 13 and baked at 170 ° c . for 30 minutes ( fig2 ( a )). then , it was exposed to electron beam at an accelerating voltage of 20 kv at a dose of 1 × 10 - 4 c / cm 2 and developed with a mixture of mibk and ipa . as the result , an accurate fine resist pattern having no field butting error due to charging - up was obtained ( fig2 ( b )). using this resist pattern as a mask , dry etching of sog was carried out ( fig2 ( c )). then , using the sog as a mask , etching of polymer organic film was carried out ( fig2 ( d )). thus , an accurate and vertical fine resist pattern was obtained . fig3 illustrates a surface sem photograph of the vicinity of field butting in the pattern thus obtained . no field butting error due to charging - up effect is observable at all , and there is given an accurate fine resist pattern . a polymer was synthesized by polymerizing 10 cc of p - methylstyrene at 40 ° c ., using azobisisobutyronitrile ( aibn ) as polymerization initiator . the resulting polymer was purified by reprecipitation in methanol - tetrahydrofuran system . then , the polymer was dissolved into methyl cellosolve acetate and hydrogen atom of the methyl group was substituted with trimethylammonium to prepare a polymer of the following formula : ## str7 ## this polymer , having a molecular weight of about 100 , 000 , was dissolved into water and the insoluble matter was filtered off . the filtrate was taken out as a resist solution . the resist solution was dropped onto a semiconductor substrate and spin - coated at 2 , 000 rpm and the resulting film was baked at 200 ° c . for 30 minutes to form a resist film having a thickness of 1 . 2 microns . the resist film was exposed to electron beam at an accelerating voltage of 20 kv at a dose of 1 . 0 × 10 - 5 c / cm 2 and then developed with water . as the result , an accurate negative type resist pattern having no field butting error due to charging - up was obtained . a polymer represented by the above - mentioned formula was dissolved into water . the insoluble matter was filtered off , and the filtrate was taken out as a resist solution . the resist solution was dropped onto a semiconductor substrate and spin - coated at 2 , 000 rpm , after which the film was baked at 200 ° c . for 30 minutes to prepare a resist film having a thickness of 1 . 2 microns . the resist film was exposed to electron beam at an accelerating voltage of 20 kv at a dose of 1 × 10 - 5 c / cm 2 and then developed with water . as the result , an accurate negative type resist pattern having no field butting error due to charging - up was obtained . fig4 ( a )- 4 ( d ) illustrates the ninth example of this invention . on semiconductor substrate 1 , a polymer organic film was formed by the coating method as a bottom layer film 32 , and it was baked at 220 ° c . for 20 minutes . then , sog 33 was spin - coated thereon and baked at 200 ° c . for 20 minutes . then , fluoro polymethacrylate was spin - coated thereon as an electron beam resist 34 and baked at 180 ° c . for 30 minutes to form a resist film having a thickness of 0 . 5 micron . on the resist film , the polymer organic film 35 obtained in example 7 was coated and baked at 150 ° c . for 20 minutes ( fig4 ( a )). then , it was exposed to electron beam at an accelerating voltage of 20 kv at a dose of 5 × 10 - 6 c / cm 2 and washed with water to remove the polymer organic film 35 . then , it was developed with a mixture of mibk and ipa to obtain an accurate fine resist pattern ( fig4 ( b )). since this pattern was excellent in conductivity , no field butting error due to charging - up was noticeable at all . using this resist pattern as a mask , intermediate layer sog ( spin on glass ) was etched ( fig4 ( c )). then , using the intermediate layer as a mask , bottom layer film 32 was etched to obtain an accurate and vertical fine resist pattern ( fig4 ( d )). fig5 ( a )- 5 ( d ) illustrates the tenth example of this invention . on semiconductor substrate 1 , the polymer obtained in example 8 was coated as a bottom layer film and baked at 200 ° c . for 30 minutes to form polymer organic film 41 . then , sog 42 was coated thereon and baked at 200 ° c . for 20 minutes . then , polymethyl methacrylate ( pmma ) was coated thereon as an electron beam resist 43 and baked at 170 ° c . for 30 minutes ( fig5 ( a )). then , it was exposed to electron beam at an accelerating voltage of 20 kv at a dose of 1 × 10 - 4 c / cm 2 and developed with a mixture of mibk and ipa . as the result , an accurate fine resist pattern having no field butting error due to charging - up was obtained ( fig5 ( b )). using this resist pattern as a mask , sog was dry - etched ( fig5 ( c )). then , using the sog as a mask , the polymer organic film 41 was etched ( fig5 ( d )). thus , an accurate and vertical fine resist pattern could be obtained . as has been mentioned above , according to this invention , a positive or negative type of resist pattern having a high sensitivity and a high resolving power can be formed by using a polyalkylthiophene system , which is an electrically conductive organic polymeric substance , as an electron beam resist . it should be particularly noted that , in this invention , vapor deposition for the formation of aluminum film is unnecessary , there is no problem of contamination , the process can be simplified , the charging - up phenomenon due to electron can be prevented , and an accurate fine pattern can be formed . further , if a quaternary ammonium ion type polymer , which is an ion conductive polymeric substance , is used as an electron beam resist , a resist pattern having a high sensitivity and a high resolving power can be formed . by using these resists , the influence of charging - up due to the writing electron can be eliminated , and field butting and overlay accuracy can be improved . further , the vapor deposition of aluminum film is unnecessary , there is no problem of contamination and the process can be simplified . particularly since the resists are made of a water - soluble polymer , they can be developed with water and free from the problem of contamination . further , by coating them on the resist of a tri - layer resist or as a bottom layer film , charging - up phenomenon can easily be prevented , by which an accurate and vertical fine resist pattern can be formed . thus , this invention can greatly contribute to the manufacture of super high density integrated circuits .	2
our co - pending european patent application n ° ep 01401631 . 5 filed 20 jun . 2001 describes a digital method for mismatch compensation of the i and q paths of an ofdm transmitter or receiver implementing analogue i / q generation . fig1 and 2 ( taken from our co - pending european patent application ) show an ofdm transceiver system with the sources of the i / q mismatch and the analogue signals in the receiver ( in the context of an architecture with one if frequency ). the method that is described in our co - pending european patent application allows the compensation of the i / q mismatch in an ofdm receiver when there is no offset or a negligible offset between the transmitter and the receiver carrier frequency . however , when the carrier frequency offset becomes bigger , the data transmission quality degrades very quickly ( i . e . higher bit error rate ) and it becomes necessary to implement a different compensation method . the embodiment of the present invention shown in fig3 is applicable to any ofdm receiver implementing analogue i / q generation , compliant or not with the wireless broadband transmission standards such as ieee 802 . 11a , etsi / bran / hiperlan2 and arib / mmac / hiswan mentioned above . in this embodiment of the invention , the i and q mismatch is compensated in the digital signal processor (‘ dsp ’) part of the ofdm receiver , taking advantage of the specific properties of ofdm signals . this compensation substantially reduces the signal impairments with little increase in dsp complexity . the overall solution combines the advantages of a high quality signal and a low power consumption and circuit area . fig3 is a block diagram of the processing section of an analogue i / q receiver of the kind shown in fig1 , similar references being used to designate similar elements . the upper part of fig3 represents the rf front - end and the lower part represents the processing section of the dsp . the two digital signals x i ( n ) and x q ( n ) from the adcs 13 and 14 are sent to the dsp which implements the functions described below : as in most ofdm systems , the receiver ( and transmitter ) generates its clock signals internally from its own crystal ( not shown ). during data transmission , the receiver is tuned nominally to the same channel as the transmitter from which it is receiving the signals but a frequency offset equal to the difference between the transmitter and the receiver carrier central frequency usually appears . when the digital i and q signals enter the dsp , this carrier frequency offset is compensated in the time domain by a frequency offset compensation circuit 16 . the ofdm demodulator 15 performs a fast fourier transform (‘ fft ’) by converting the time domain signals to the frequency domain and recovers the sub - carriers that were transmitted . an i / q mismatch compensation block 17 removes cross - talk between sub - carriers , which is generated by the mismatch between the analogue components of the i and q channels , especially the if mixers , the low pass filter and the analogue to digital converter . the i / q mismatch compensation method is described in more detail below . the signals then pass to a phase offset compensation and equalisation circuit 18 . finally , the data is decoded from the compensated sub - carriers in a circuit 19 . cross - talk between sub - carriers is generated in operation of an ofdm receiver without compensation after the conversion from if to base - band by the mismatch between the analogue components of the i and q channels and increases the data transmission error rate . this cross - talk will now be described by equations and the method to remove this cross - talk in order to improve the data transmission quality will then be analysed . in the time domain , an ofdm signal is the sum of k sinusoidal waveforms , that is to say the sub - carriers that carry the data to be transmitted . each sub - carrier &# 39 ; s amplitude and phase is represented by the complex element s k with k =[− k / 2 , − 1 , . . . , + 1 , + k / 2 ]. the ofdm signal is transmitted after being up converted with a central carrier frequency f c . then , each sub - carrier is sent at the frequency f c + kf s / n , with n being the size of the inverse fast fourier transform (‘ ifft ’) being used for the ofdm modulation and f s the sampling frequency . the signal at the transmitter antenna is represented by the following equation : x ⁡ ( t ) = re ⁡ ( ∑ k = - k 2 k = k 2 ⁢ s k ⁢ ⅇ ( j2π ⁡ ( f c + k n ⁢ f s ) ⁢ t ) ) equation ⁢ ⁢ 1 in the receiver , after down conversion to base - band , the sub - carriers are placed symmetrically around the dc frequency if there is no carrier frequency offset as shown in the upper part of fig4 . with the presence of a carrier frequency offset δf c between the transmitter and the receiver , the sub - carriers are shifted by δf c , as shown in the lower part of fig4 . in a receiver system working with analogue i / q generation , the essential path mismatch originates from the analogue part imperfections . putting g k as the common gain for the i and q path , α k and θ k as the low pass filter and a / d converter amplitude mismatch and phase mismatch , they are function of the sub - carrier k frequency . the if mixers have an amplitude mismatch a and a phase mismatch θ that are independent of the sub - carrier frequency . then , the i and q samples at the output of the receiver a / d converters are modelled as follows : x i ⁡ ( n ) = re ( ∑ k = - k 2 k = k 2 ⁢ ( 1 + α ) ⁢ ( 1 + α k ) ⁢ ⅇ ( j ⁢ ⁢ ( θ + θ k ) ⁢ g k ⁢ s k ⁢ ⅇ ( j ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ π ⁢ n . k n ) ⁢ ⅇ j ⁡ ( 2 ⁢ π ⁢ δ ⁢ ⁢ f c f s ⁢ n + φ 0 ) ) x q ⁡ ( n ) = im ⁡ ( ∑ k = - k 2 k = k 2 ⁢ ( 1 - α ) ⁢ ( 1 - α k ) ⁢ ⅇ ( - j ⁢ ⁢ ( θ + θ k ) ⁢ g k ⁢ s k ⁢ ⅇ ( j ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ π ⁢ n . k n ) ⁢ ⅇ j ⁡ ( 2 ⁢ π ⁢ δ ⁢ ⁢ f c f s ⁢ n + φ 0 ) ) we consider α and α k to be small compared to 1 . then , for sub - carrier k , the overall amplitude mismatch can be represented by a k and the overall phase mismatch by φ k , with a k = α + α k and φ k = θ + θ k . the i and q samples at the output of the receiver a / d converters can be described as follows : x i ⁡ ( n ) = re ⁡ ( ∑ k = - k 2 k = k 2 ⁢ ( 1 + α k ) ⁢ ⅇ ( j ⁢ ⁢ ϕ ⁢ ⁢ k ) ⁢ g k ⁢ s k ⁢ ⅇ ( j ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ π ⁢ n . k n ) ⁢ ⅇ j ⁡ ( 2 ⁢ π ⁢ δ ⁢ ⁢ f c f s ⁢ n + φ 0 ) ) equation ⁢ ⁢ 2 x q ⁡ ( n ) = im ⁡ ( ∑ k = - k 2 k = k 2 ⁢ ( 1 - α k ) ⁢ ⅇ ( - j ⁢ ⁢ ϕ ⁢ ⁢ k ) ⁢ g k ⁢ s k ⁢ ⅇ ( j ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ π ⁢ n . k n ) ⁢ ⅇ j ⁡ ( 2 ⁢ π ⁢ δ ⁢ ⁢ f c f s ⁢ n + φ 0 ) ) equation ⁢ ⁢ 3 where n =− e . . . − 1 , 0 , 1 . . . n − 1 , e being the length of the cyclic extension and φ 0 the phase offset for the first sample . x ⁡ ( n ) = x i ⁡ ( n ) + j · x q ⁡ ( n ) ⁢ ⁢ = ∑ k = - k 2 k = k 2 ⁢ ( i k ⁢ g k ⁢ s k ⁢ c n + j k ⁢ g _ - k ⁢ s _ - k ⁢ c _ n ) ⁢ ⅇ j ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ π ⁢ n . k n ⁢ ⁢ where ⁢ ⁢ i k = cos ⁡ ( ϕ k ) - j · a k ⁢ sin ⁡ ( ϕ k ) , ⁢ j k = a k · cos ⁡ ( ϕ k ) + j · sin ⁡ ( ϕ k ) & amp ; ⁢ ⁢ c n = ⅇ j ⁡ ( 2 ⁢ π ⁢ δ ⁢ ⁢ f c f s ⁢ n + φ 0 ) . equation ⁢ ⁢ 4 the offset frequency compensation is implemented in the time domain by multiplying the received samples by ⅇ - j ⁡ ( 2 ⁢ π ⁢ δ ⁢ ⁢ f c f s ⁢ n + φ 1 ) , the demodulation is performed by a fast fourier transform on the useful samples . the received sub - carrier r i is described by the following equations : r l = i l ⁢ g l ⁢ s l ⁢ ⅇ j ⁡ ( φ 0 + φ 1 ) + ⁢ ⁢ ⅇ - j ⁡ ( φ 0 + φ 1 ) ⁢ ∑ k = - k 2 k = k 2 ⁢ λ l , k ⁢ j k i k ⁢ i _ - k ⁢ g _ - k ⁢ s _ - k equation ⁢ ⁢ 5 with ⁢ ⁢ λ l , k = 1 n ⁢ ⅇ j ⁢ ⁢ π ⁡ ( n - 1 ) ⁢ ( k - l n - 2 ⁢ δ ⁢ ⁢ f c f s ) ⁢ sin ⁡ ( π ⁢ ⁢ n ⁡ ( k - l n - 2 ⁢ δ ⁢ ⁢ f c f s ) ) sin ⁡ ( π ⁢ ⁢ ( k - l n - 2 ⁢ δ ⁢ ⁢ f c f s ) ) equation ⁢ ⁢ 6 equation 5 shows that each received sub - carrier r i is the sum of the transmitted sub - carrier s i multiplied by the coefficient i i and the channel gain g i plus a cross - talk ( right - hand term ), which is dependent on all the other sub - carriers . since the phase φ 1 is known , it can be set to zero for simplification . furthermore , it is known that the effect of a clock frequency offset on the frequency domain symbol is a rotation of sub - carrier k by a phase that depends on the sub - carrier frequency and is denoted by φ vpe ( k ). it can be verified that in the presence of i / q imbalance , carrier and clock frequency offset , equation 5 is modified as follows : r l = i l ⁢ g l ⁢ s l ⁢ ⅇ j ⁢ ⁢ φ 0 ⁢ ⅇ j ⁢ ⁢ φ vpe ⁡ ( k ) + ⁢ ⁢ ∑ k = - k 2 k = k 2 ⁢ λ l , k ⁢ j k i k ⁢ ⁢ ⅇ j ⁢ ⁢ φ 0 ⁢ ⅇ j ⁢ ⁢ φ vpe ⁡ ( - k ) _ ⁢ ⁢ i _ - k ⁢ g _ - k ⁢ s _ - k equation ⁢ ⁢ 7 the i / q mismatch that is represented in these equations is compensated as follows in this embodiment of the present invention . based on equation 7 , and the assumption that the cross - talk term remains small compared to the left - hand term , the compensation is implemented by subtracting the cross - talk from the received signal . then , the corrected signal z i is defined by the equation below : z l = r l - ∑ k = - k 2 k = k 2 ⁢ λ l , k ⁢ j k i k ⁢ r _ - k ⁢ ⁢ = r l - ∑ k = - k 2 k = k 2 ⁢ λ l , k ⁢ a k ⁢ r _ - k equation ⁢ ⁢ 8 and ⁢ ⁢ s l = z l ⁢ ⅇ - j ⁢ ⁢ ϕ vpe ⁡ ( k ) i l ⁢ g l equation ⁢ ⁢ 9 where r i is the received signal and s i is the original transmitted signal . as shown in equation 9 , the transmitted sub - carrier s i is recovered by calculation from z i by doing a phase shift of − φ vpe followed by a division by i i g i . the phase compensation and the equalisation digital treatments in the circuit 18 that follows the i / q mismatch compensation block 17 in the base - band digital ic implement these calculations . if we assume that the amplitude and phase mismatch a k and φ k are small compared to 1 , the second order term in i k can be neglected and the ratio j k / i k can be simplified as follows : i k = cos ⁡ ( ϕ k ) - j · a k ⁢ sin ⁡ ( ϕ k ) ≈ cos ⁡ ( ϕ k ) , ⁢ j k i k = a k · cos ⁡ ( ϕ k ) + j · sin ⁡ ( ϕ k ) cos ⁡ ( ϕ k ) =& gt ; ⁢ a k = j k i k = a k + j · tan ⁡ ( ϕ k ) the corrected signal z i can then be rewritten as : z l = r l - ∑ k = - k 2 k = k 2 ⁢ λ l , k ⁡ ( a k + j · tan ⁡ ( ϕ k ) ) ⁢ r _ - k equation ⁢ ⁢ 10 when there is negligible carrier frequency offset ( δf c ˜ 0 ) the coefficient λ l , k is equal to 1 for k equal to i and 0 otherwise . then equation 8 can be simplified and we obtain the same compensation as in the receiver described in our co - pending european patent application n ° ep 01401631 . 5 : z k = r k −( a k + j . tan ( φ k )) { overscore ( r )} − k equation 11 the complex term a k or the simplified terms a k and tan ( φ k ) are called the i / q mismatch coefficients and are calculated during a calibration procedure ; various calibration procedures are available and a suitable procedure is described below . as shown in the upper part of fig5 , each received sub - carrier is compensated for the i / q mismatch by removing the cross - talk that is generated by a single symmetric sub - carrier when there is no carrier frequency offset . when the carrier frequency offset becomes significant cross - talk is generated by all the other sub - carriers . however , since the function \| sin ( πn . x )/ sin ( πx )\| decreases quickly when \| x \| increases , \| λ l , k \| also decreases quickly with increasing values of  k - l n - 2 ⁢ δ ⁢ ⁢ f c f s  . it has been shown by simulation that it is possible to obtain sufficient compensation while reducing the complexity of the implementation by compensating the cross - talk of a limited number of sub - carriers only . for instance , three or even two sub - carriers ( out of 64 in hiperlan 2 ) are enough in some cases . as shown in the lower part of fig5 , the cross - talk to be subtracted from each received sub - carrier is calculated from a selected number k of other sub - carriers which have the highest λ l , k values ( see equation 6 ) which corresponds to n ⁢  k - l n - 2 ⁢ δ ⁢ ⁢ f c f s  being smaller than a chosen maximum value . for instance the criterion n ⁢  k - l n - 2 ⁢ δ ⁢ ⁢ f c f s  ≤ 2 z l = r l - ∑ k ⁢ λ l , k ⁡ ( a k + j . tan ⁡ ( ϕ k ) ) ⁢ r _ - k ⁢ ⁢ with ⁢ ⁢ n ⁢  k - l n - 2 ⁢ δ ⁢ ⁢ f c f s  ≤ max_value equation ⁢ ⁢ 12 a calibration procedure is used to calculate the mismatch coefficients a k and tan ( φ k ), for each sub - carrier k that are used to implement the i / q mismatch compensation . the calibration procedure is preferably executed once only , after power up of the system and is carried out before normal data transmission in order to avoid adding any overhead to the normal operation . the calibration method may be changed depending on the actual values of the analogue components mismatch in the various components of the rf front - end . the calibration method described below is similar to that described in our co - pending european patent application n ° ep 01401631 . 5 . in fig6 , we illustrate by way of example a preferred configuration of the ofdm transceiver enabling the calibration of the i and q paths . in addition to the receiver section , the transceiver comprises a transmitter section including digital - to - analogue converters (‘ dacs ’) 20 and 21 that normally convert digital i and q transmission signals from the base - band dsp to analogue i and q signals , transmitter low pass filters 22 and 23 that filter the i and q transmission analogue signals respectively and if mixers 8 ′ and 9 ′ that shift the transmitted signal from baseband to an intermediate frequency . during the calibration mode of operation of the transceiver , two training signals s t1 and s t2 are generated by the base - band dsp and sent through i and q calibration paths 24 , 25 and 25 ′ ( shown in thick lines in fig6 ), which are different from the normal data signal path and are created using switches s 1 , s 2 , s 3 s 4 , s 5 and s 6 . this structure is sufficient for the training of the receiver if the transmitter dacs 20 and 21 and the if mixers 8 ′ and 9 ′ are well matched . however , as described in our co - pending european patent application n ° ep 01401631 . 5 , further calibration paths ( not shown ) are preferably provided to invert periodically the route of the i and q training signals s t1 and s t2 so as to compensate for residual mismatch of the transmitter dacs 20 and 21 and if mixers 8 ′ and 9 ′. the first training signal s t1 is used to measure the crosstalk coefficient for the negative sub - carriers ( k =− 1 to − k : 2 ). s t1 is a time domain signal made of at least one symbol . it can either be stored as a set of time domain samples or be obtained by ofdm modulation of a plurality of stored frequency domain components d k = b k e jp k mapped on sub - carriers of frequency ( f c + k f s / n ). in a preferred embodiment , s t1 comprises a single ofdm symbol corresponding to the modulation of k / 2 non - zero components d 1 to d k / 2 such that b k = 1 , p k = 0 , and thus d k = 1 for all k from 1 to k / 2 . after insertion of the cyclic extension , the i and q components are obtained and , for the purposes of this embodiment of the present invention , are used to train the receive path ( although it would also be possible to use them to train the transmit path ). denoting by r k and r − k the fft outputs corresponding to sub - carriers k and − k as described above , the crosstalk coefficients for sub - carrier − k , a − k and tan ( φ k ) are obtained by the following complex operations : a - k = ℜ ⁡ ( r - k r k * ) ⁢ ⁢ and ⁢ ⁢ tan ⁡ ( ϕ - k ) = 𝔍 ⁡ ( r - k r k * ) ⁢ ⁢ with ⁢ ⁢ k = 1 ⁢ ⁢ to ⁢ ⁢ k / 2 the second training signal s t2 is used to measure the crosstalk coefficient for the positive sub - carriers ( k = 1 to k : 2 ). s t2 comprises a single ofdm symbol corresponding to the modulation of k / 2 non - zero components d − 1 to d − k / 2 such that b − k = 1 , p − k = 0 , and thus d − k = 1 for all k from − 1 to − k / 2 . in the same way as the first training signal , the crosstalk coefficients for sub - carrier k , a k and tan ( φ k ) are obtained by the following complex operations : a - k = ℜ ⁡ ( r k r - k * ) ⁢ ⁢ and ⁢ ⁢ tan ⁡ ( ϕ k ) = 𝔍 ⁡ ( r k r - k * ) ⁢ ⁢ with ⁢ ⁢ k = 1 ⁢ ⁢ to ⁢ ⁢ k / 2 . fig7 illustrates a preferred implementation of the compensation with the chosen maximum value of 1 . in this case , the interference from only 2 sub - carriers is removed from each sub - carrier of index i , although it will be appreciated that this implementation can readily be extended to compensation of the cross - talk from a greater number of sub - carriers . the indexes k 1 and k 2 of these sub - carriers are directly computed for each value of i since the frequency offset and the chosen maximum value are known . in more detail , the sub - carriers numbers of indexes i , k 1 and k 2 from the ofdm demodulation fft circuit 17 are selected by a selection circuit 26 for each value of the index i in turn as defined by a counter 27 . in this preferred implementation , the values λ i , k1 and λ i , k2 ( see equation 6 ) are pre - computed and stored in a look - up table 28 for the various values of / and of the frequency offset , although it would also be possible to compute them directly as and when needed . the complex numbers a ( k )= j k / i k = a k + j tan ( φ k ) have also been computed during the calibration phase and are stored in another look - up table 29 . then for each fft sub - carrier output of index i , complex multiplications are performed of a k1 by λ i , k1 in a multiplier 30 and of a k2 by λ i , k2 in a multiplier 31 . complex conjugations of r k1 and r k2 are performed in circuits 32 and 33 and the results are multiplied by the outputs of multipliers 30 and 31 in multipliers 34 and 35 respectively . two complex subtractions of r k1 and r k2 from r i are performed in a sum circuit 36 to obtain the compensated symbol z i . the number of operations per symbol depends on the chosen maximum value , but the resulting complexity is typically small compared to other blocks like fft 15 and in any case much smaller than digital i / q generation complexity . in order to evaluate the effect of the i / q mismatch compensation of the above embodiments of the invention , simulations of packet error rate ( per ) were performed on a hiperlan2 simulator with a carrier frequency offset ranging from − 310 khz to + 310 khz , which is a range wider than the etsi specifications ( 40 ppm between transmitter and receiver clock , corresponding to +/− 200 khz with a 5 ghz channel central frequency ). the results from simulations that implement the i / q mismatch compensation algorithm described by equation 12 ( with max_value equal to 1 ) are shown in fig8 . for comparison , the results from simulations without i / q mismatch compensation and from simulations implementing the algorithm described by equation 11 are shown in the same figure . it will be noted that when the carrier frequency offset is close to zero , the algorithm described by equation 12 and that described by equation 11 produce the same improvement in data transmission and the per is substantially lower than that obtained without i / q mismatch compensation . however , when the carrier frequency offset becomes bigger ( more than a few tens of khz ) the data transmission quality becomes much better for the algorithm described by equation 12 than that described by equation 11 . above a frequency offset of 70 khz , it can be seen that the algorithm described by equation 11 can even degrade the data transmission quality compared to no i / q mismatch compensation at all . this is explained by the fact that the compensation method calculates the cross - talk to be removed from the received sub - carrier using a single symmetric sub - carrier despite the fact that the cross - talk was generated by several other sub - carriers .	7
a prior art differential buffer circuit was described with reference to fig1 a and 1b . in fig2 a high speed differential output buffer in accordance with the present invention includes a bias generator 42 and a output stage 44 . the circuit of fig2 is preferably implemented in complementary metal oxide semiconductor ( cmos ) technology . the bias generator 42 of the differential output buffer 40 includes twelve metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors ( mosfets ) 46 - 66 . a power line 68 is coupled to positive power supply line v dd and a ground line 70 is coupled to negative power supply line v ss . the voltage differential between v dd and v ss is typically + 5 volts , with v ss being at ground potential . mosfets 46 - 50 develop a control signal on a line 72 which is coupled to the gates of mosfets 51 , 56 , and 60 to provide constant current sources of approximately 20 microamperes on lines 74 , 76 , and 78 . the 20 microamperes of current flowing down line 74 towards ground line 70 is dropped first across mosfet 52 and then across mosfet 54 . since the voltage drop across mosfets 52 and 54 is approximately v t + dv each , the voltage on line 80 will be 2 ( v t + dv ) or , approximately , 2 volts . v t is the threshold voltage for the mosfets while dv is given by the relationship where i d , in this example , is 20 microamperes . the variable b in the above equation is given by b = mc ox where m is the mobility of the charge carriers and c ox is the gate capacitance of the mosfets . the variable s in the above equation is given by s = w / l where w is the width of the mosfet gates and l is the length of the mosfet gates . mosfets 56 - 66 increase the noise immunity of the bias generator 42 , and further protect against pump back by external capacitive elements . as mentioned previously , mosfets 56 and 60 serve as constant current sources to provide approximately 20 microamperes of current on lines 76 and 78 . mosfet 62 is configured as a source - follower so that any noise on line 80 will be reflected on a line 82 which , in turn , controls the bias on the gate of mosfet 58 . mosfet 58 will counteracts the noise on line 80 by pulling down the voltage for positive noise spikes and letting the voltage rise for negative noise spikes . mosfet 66 has its source and drain coupled together to serve as a capacitor and is coupled to the line 80 at a node 84 to provide a filtering function for line 80 . the line 80 splits into a pair of lines 80a and 80b at node 84 to provide a regulated voltage source for output stage 44 . the output stage 44 includes six mosfets 86 - 96 . the output stage for 44 has two inputs , namely a d input on a line 98 and a d input on a line 100 . the signals d and d are , of course , inverses of each other and range in voltage levels from 0 to 5 volts . when d is low , mosfet 86 will be turned on and mosfet 90 will be turned off causing q output line 102 to attain a voltage level of approximately v t + 2 dv volts . at the same time , d is high , turning off mosfet 92 and turning on mosfet 96 to pull down output line 104 to ground . when the signals on input lines 98 and 100 are reversed , a high logic level at the d input will turn off mosfet 86 and turn on mosfet 90 pulling the output line 102 to ground , while a low logic level on the d input will turn on mosfet 92 and turn off mosfet 96 , causing output line 104 to reach approximately the voltage level v t + 2 dv . the circuit of fig2 is very advantageous in that it does not require an external power supply such as the one necessary for the operation of the circuit of fig1 a . this circuit also does not require the use of external pull - up resistors which can increase the cost , size and heat dissipation of the digital electronic circuitry . as a consequence , the circuit of fig2 consumes less power , has a lower component count and is more reliable than circuitry in the prior art which perform the same function . it should be noted that bias generator 42 and output stage 44 of differential output buffer 40 operate in an open - loop fashion . in other words , the voltage level on line 80 of bias generator 42 is substantially unaffected by feed - back from the output stage 44 . a closed - loop configuration for a bias generator will be discussed below with reference to fig3 . referring now to fig3 an alternate embodiment of a bias generator 42 &# 39 ; is shown . in this embodiment , components which correspond to the components of the bias generator 42 of fig2 will be indicated by a corresponding primed numeral . the bias generator 42 &# 39 ; includes a power line 68 &# 39 ;, a ground line 70 &# 39 ;, low voltage lines 80a &# 39 ; and 80b &# 39 ;, and output lines 102 &# 39 ; and 104 &# 39 ;. mosfets 46 &# 39 ;- 56 &# 39 ; are interconnected and operated substantially in the same manner as previously described with reference to bias generator 42 . mosfets 106 and 108 of bias generator 42 &# 39 ; are coupled to the constant current line 76 &# 39 ; in the same fashion as mosfets 52 &# 39 ; and 54 &# 39 ; are coupled to constant current line 74 &# 39 ;. a line 118 couples mosfets 52 &# 39 ; and 54 &# 39 ; to mosfet 110 , while a line 120 couples mosfets 106 and 108 to mosfet 112 . the gate of mosfet 110 is coupled to output line 102 &# 39 ;, while the gate of mosfet 112 is coupled to output line 104 &# 39 ;. the bias lines 80a &# 39 ; and 80b &# 39 ; are coupled to lines 76 &# 39 ; and 74 &# 39 ;, respectively . the bias generator 42 &# 39 ; reduces the voltage swing at the outputs of the differential output buffer , thereby greatly reducing power consumption . this is accomplished by a feedback of the voltage levels on lines 102 &# 39 ; and 104 &# 39 ; to mosfets 110 and 112 . in other words , the bias generator 42 &# 39 ; operates with output stage 44 ( or the output stage 44 &# 39 ; of fig4 ) in a closed - loop fashion . when the voltage level on line 102 &# 39 ; reaches v t ( approximately 1 v ) mosfet 110 is turned on to cause mosfet 52 &# 39 ; to pull down line 80b &# 39 ; to v t + dv which , as a consequence , prevents line 102 &# 39 ; from rising above v t . similarly , when the voltage level on line 104 &# 39 ; reaches v t mosfet 112 is turned on to cause mosfet 106 to pull down line 80a &# 39 ; to v t + dv , holding line 104 &# 39 ; to v t . therefore , when bias generator 42 &# 39 ; is used with the output stage 44 of fig2 the voltage range on the q and q outputs will range from ground to v t , i . e . from approximately 0 to 1 volts , which will consume considerably less power than the typical cmos swing of 0 to 5 volts . in fig4 an alternate embodiment 44 &# 39 ; of the output stage 44 of fig2 is shown . again , components which correspond to the components of the output stage 42 of fig2 will be indicated by a corresponding primed numeral . the output stage 44 &# 39 ; is essentially the all n - channel equivalent of the output stage 44 of fig2 . this all n - channel version tends to be faster than the cmos version of fig2 because electrons tend to move faster through n - channels than holes do through p - channels . the output stage 44 &# 39 ; includes mosfets 88 &# 39 ;, 90 &# 39 ;, 94 &# 39 ;, and 96 &# 39 ; which are interconnected substantially identically to that of output stage 44 . in the drawing of fig4 however , mosfets 88 &# 39 ; and 90 &# 39 ; have been drawn in a reverse image to simplify the schematic . output stage 44 &# 39 ; also includes mosfets 122 and 124 . these are connected in a source - follower configuration which causes the voltage levels on lines 126 and 128 to move much less , i . e . from ground to v dd - v t rather than from ground to v dd in the equivalent lines in the output stage 44 of fig2 . this increases the speed of the circuit and reduces power consumption . the gates of mosfets 122 and 96 &# 39 ; are coupled together as are the gates of mosfet 90 &# 39 ; and 124 . when a lo logic level is applied to data input d &# 39 ;, mosfets 90 &# 39 ; and 124 are shut off . at the same time , the complimentary logic level on data input d &# 39 ; turns on mosfets 96 &# 39 ; and 122 . this causes the q &# 39 ; output to go to ground while the q &# 39 ; output will rise to approximately one volt . in the reverse situation , a hi logic level on input d &# 39 ; will turn on mosfets 90 &# 39 ; and 124 while the lo logic level on d &# 39 ; will turn off mosfets 96 &# 39 ; and 122 . this will cause the q &# 39 ; output to rise to approximately one volt while the q &# 39 ; output will approach ground potential . while this invention has been described in terms of several preferred embodiments , it is contemplated that various alterations and permutations thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art . for example , while the best mode known to the inventor is to practice this invention in cmos technology , analogous technologies such a n - channel mos or p - channel mos can also be used . it is therefore intended that the appended claims include all such alterations and permutations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention .	7
embodiments will now be described in detail below and with reference to the drawings . in fig1 , a flexible printed circuit board 10 is shown . the flexible circuit board 10 is a double surface mounted flexible printed circuit board . the flexible printed circuit board 10 includes a first mounting surface 101 and an opposite second mounting surface 102 . the first mounting surface 101 has a number of first electronic components 103 mounted thereon . the second mounting surface 102 has a number of second electronic components 104 mounted thereon . the first electronic components 103 can be different from the second electronic components 104 . each of the first electronic components 103 can be different and each of the second electronic components 104 can also be different . for purpose of illustration only , the first electronic components 103 in the present embodiment have a rectangular parallelepiped configuration , and the second electronic components 104 have a cylindrical configuration . it is understood that the first electronic components 103 and the second electronic components 104 may have other shapes . in fig2 to fig4 , a mounting support 100 for retaining the flexible printed circuit board 10 is shown . the mounting support 100 can be designed to come into contact with the first mounting surface 101 having the first electronic components 103 mounted thereon , or to come into contact with the second mounting surface 102 having the second electronic components 104 mounted thereon . in the first exemplary preferred embodiment , the mounting support 100 is designed to come into contact with the first mounting surface 101 having the first electronic components 103 mounted thereon . the mounting support 100 is board - shaped . the mounting support 100 can be made of metals , such as copper , aluminum , iron and alloys thereof , or organic composites such as polytetrafluoroethylene ( ptfe ), etc . in the first preferred embodiment , the mounting support 100 is an aluminum board with flat surfaces , i . e ., a first surface 110 and a second surface 120 on an opposite side of the mounting support 100 . the first surface 110 is parallel to the second surface 120 . the mounting support 100 has a number of first recesses 112 and a number of through - holes 113 defined in the first surface 110 . the first recesses 112 are configured for receiving the first electronic components 103 mounted on the first mounting surface 101 of the flexible printed circuit board 10 . each of the first recesses 112 corresponds to one of the first electronic components 103 . dimension , configuration and distribution of the first recesses 112 are mated with that of the first electronic components 103 mounted on the flexible printed circuit board 10 . advantageously , for the convenience of placing and taking the first electronic components 103 , the size of the first recesses 112 can be a little larger than that of the first electronic components 103 . in the first preferred embodiment , each of the first recesses 112 has a rectangular parallelepiped configuration so as to receive the first electronic components 103 with a rectangular parallelepiped configuration . the through - holes 113 are defined through the first surface 110 and the second surface 120 . the through - holes 113 may be defined at any position other than the first recesses 112 . the though - holes 113 may have a cross - section of circular , square , rectangular , or other irregular shape . in the first exemplary preferred embodiment , a cross - section of each of the though - holes 113 taken normal to the second surface 120 is circular . each of the through - holes 113 is located adjacent to the respective first recesses 112 . advantageously , the through - holes 113 are arranged so as to surround the first recesses 113 uniformly on the first surface 110 . the mounting support 100 has a second recess 122 defined in the second surface 120 . the second recess 122 may be located at a desired position . a cross - section of the second recess 122 taken normal to the second surface 120 may be circular , square , rectangular , annular or other irregular shape . a sum of a depth of the second recess 122 and a depth of any one of the first recess 112 should be less than a distance from the first surface 110 to the second surface 120 of the mounting support 100 in order to ensure that the second recess 122 does not communicate with the corresponding first recess 112 . in other words , the first recesses 112 defined in the first surface 110 should not communicate with the second recess 122 defined in the second surface 120 . in the first exemplary preferred embodiment , the second recess 122 is in the middle of the second surface 120 . a cross - section of the second recess 122 taken normal to the second surface 120 is square . the through - holes 113 defined through the first surface 110 and the second surface 120 are arranged so as to surround the second recess 122 uniformly on the second surface 120 . in fig5 , a retaining apparatus 150 including the mounting support 100 and the vacuum device 140 is shown . the vacuum device 140 has a number of vacuum inlets 141 therein . the mounting support 100 is disposed on the vacuum device 140 . the second surface 120 of the mounting support 100 contacts with the vacuum device 140 . the through - holes 113 and the second recess 122 communicate with the vacuum inlets 141 . in use , the flexible printed circuit board 10 is placed on the mounting support 100 with the first mounting surface 101 having the first electronic components 103 mounted thereon . the first electronic components 103 mounted on the first mounting surface 101 are received in the corresponding first recesses 112 , and thus the flexible printed circuit board 10 is supported by the mounting support 100 flatly . the through - holes 113 provide suction channels extending from the flexible printed circuit board 10 to the vacuum inlets 141 of the vacuum device 140 . in this way the flexible printed circuit board 10 is held on the mounting support 100 firmly when a vacuum sucking force produced by the vacuum device 140 is applied to the flexible printed circuit board 10 via the through - holes 113 . in the first exemplary preferred embodiment , the through - holes 113 are arranged to surround the first recesses 112 and are distributed uniformly so that the vacuum sucking force can be distributed uniformly . thus the flexible printed circuit board 10 and flexible printed circuit boards cut from the flexible printed circuit board 10 can be fixed on the mounting support 100 flatly and firmly well . meanwhile , air in the second recess 122 is removed using the vacuum device 140 through the vacuum inlets 141 . thus vacuum sucking force acting on the mounting support 100 can be increased , thereby fixing the mounting support 100 on the vacuum device 140 firmly . in fig6 , a mounting support 200 for retaining the flexible printed circuit board 10 according to a second exemplary embodiment is shown . the mounting support 200 is similar to the mounting support 100 in the first exemplary embodiment except that the second surface 220 defines a number of second recesses 222 therein . a cross - section of each of the second recesses 222 taken normal to the second surface 220 can be circular , square , rectangular , annular or other irregular shape . each of the second recesses 222 can have essentially identical configuration and essentially identical depth . the second recess 222 does not communicate with the first recess . if one of the second recesses 222 does not correspond to any first recess in position , a depth of the one second recess 222 can be less than a distance from the first surface 210 to the second surface 220 of the mounting support 200 . in the second exemplary preferred embodiment , a cross - section each of the second recesses 222 taken normal to the second surface 220 is rectangular . the second recesses 222 are in the middle of the second surface 220 and arranged in a parallel manner . each of the second recesses 222 has essentially identical depth and does not communicate with the corresponding first recesses . in fig7 , a mounting support 300 for retaining the flexible printed circuit board 10 according to a third exemplary embodiment is shown . the mounting support 300 is similar to the mounting support 100 in the first exemplary embodiment except that the second surface 320 defines a larger second recess 322 therein . because the second recess 322 is large in size , all the through - holes 313 communicate with the second recess 322 . it can be understood that only one or some of the through - holes 313 communicate with the second recess 322 according to different shapes of the second recess 322 . in fig8 , a mounting support 400 for laser processing the flexible printed circuit board 10 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment is shown . the mounting support 400 is similar to the mounting support 100 in the first exemplary embodiment except that the second surface 420 defines a number of second recesses 422 therein and all the through - holes 413 communicate with the second recesses 422 . in the fourth exemplary preferred embodiment , a cross - section of each of the second recesses 422 taken normal to the second surface 420 is rectangular . the second recesses 422 are arranged parallel to each other . each of the second recesses 422 has essentially identical depth and does not communicate with the corresponding first recesses . each of the second recesses 422 communicates with two of the through - holes 413 . according to different shapes of the second recesses 422 , maybe some of the through - holes 413 communicate with some of the second recesses 422 . while certain embodiments have been described and exemplified above , various other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing disclosure . the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described and exemplified but is capable of considerable variation and modification without departure from the scope of the appended claims .	7
this invention relates to a combination preparation that comprises an erβ - specific agonist and an antiestrogen or serm , preferably an erα - selective antiestrogen , in particular a peripherally selective erα - selective antiestrogen and / or an erα - selective serm . the efficiency of estrogens for treatment of hormone - deficiency - induced symptoms such as hot flashes and atrophy of estrogen target organs , as well as for preventing bone mass loss in perimenopausal women and postmenopausal women is readily confirmed and generally accepted . it is also well - documented that the estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women or in women with ovarian dysfunction that is caused in some other way reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases compared to non - estrogen - treated women ( grady et al . ( 1992 ), ann intern med 117 , 1016 - 1037 ). more recent studies confirm , moreover , a protective action of estrogens against neurodegenerative diseases , such as , e . g ., alzheimer &# 39 ; s disease ( henderson ( 1997 ), neurology 48 ( suppl 7 ), p . 27 - p . 35 ; birge ( 1997 ), neurology 48 ( suppl 7 ), p . 36 - p . 41 ), a protective action with respect to brain functions , such as memory and learning capacity ( mcewen et al . ( 1997 ), neurology 48 ( suppl 7 ), p . 8 - p . 15 ; sherwin ( 1997 ), neurology 48 ( suppl 7 ), p . 21 - p . 26 ), as well as against hormone - deficiency - induced mood swings ( halbreich ( 1997 ), neurology 48 ( suppl 7 ), p . 16 - p . 20 ). in conventional estrogen or hormone replacement therapy , standard estrogens such as estradiol and conjugated estrogens that consist of equine urine are used either by themselves or in combination with a gestagen . because of the stimulating action of standard estrogens on the endometrium , which results in an increased risk of endometrial carcinoma ( harlap , s . ( 1992 ), am j obstet gynecol 166 , 1986 - 1992 ), primarily estrogen / gestagen combination preparations are used in hormone replacement therapy . the estrogen / gestagen combination avoids a hypertrophy of the endometrium , but the occurrence of undesirable intracyclic menstrual bleeding is also linked with the combination . estrogens , which are substances that have an estrogen - like effect on the brain , bones and vascular system but do not have a proliferative effect on the endometrium , represent an alternative to the estrogen / gestagen combination preparations . a class of substances that partially fulfill the desired profile of a selective estrogen are the so - called selective estrogen receptor modulators ( serm ) ( r . f . kauffmann , h . u . bryant ( 1995 ), dn @ p 8 ( 9 ), 531 - 539 ). in this case , these are partial agonists / partial antagonists of the estrogen receptor subtype erα . these serms act on erβ as pure antagonists ( mcinnerney et al . ( 1998 ), endocrinol . 139 , 4513 - 4522 ). because of their antiestrogenic nature , serms are ineffective with respect to the therapy of acute postmenopausal symptoms , such as , e . g ., hot flashes . estrogens exert their physiological action via a receptor protein , the estrogen receptor ( er ). in this case , this is a nuclear - position transcription factor that can be activated by ligands . until a few years ago , it was assumed that estrogens exert their action via a single receptor . recently , however , erβ was discovered as a second subtype of estrogen receptor ( kuiper et al . ( 1996 ), proc . natl . acad . sci . 93 , 5925 - 5930 ; mosselman , dijkema ( 1996 ), febs letters 392 , 49 - 53 ; tremblay et al . ( 1997 ), molecular endocrinology 11 , 353 - 365 ). the expression pattern of erβ differs from that of erα ( kuiper et al . ( 1996 ), endocrinology 138 , 863 - 870 ). erβ thus predominates in the rat prostate over erα ( chang , prins ( 1999 ), the prostate 40 , 115 - 124 ), while erα predominates in the rat uterus . in the brain , areas in which in each case only one of the two er - subtypes is expressed were identified ( shugrue et al . ( 1996 ), steroids 61 , 678 - 681 ; li et al . ( 1997 ), neuroendocrinology 66 , 63 - 67 ). erβ is , i . a ., expressed in areas that are considered to be important for cognitive processes and “ mood ” ( shugrue et al . ( 1997 ), j . comparative neurology 388 , 507 - 525 ). other organs that predominantly express erβ are the gastrointestinal tract ( campbell - thomson ( 1997 ), bioch . biophys . res . com . 240 , 478 - 483 ), the urogenital tract ( kuiper et al . ( 1996 ), endocrinology 138 , 863 - 870 ), the granulosa cells of the ovary ( byers et al . ( 1997 ), mol . endocrinol . 11 , 172 - 182 ), and the myocardium ( gustafsson ( nice , september 1999 ), hearing ). however , predominantly erα is expressed in the liver , the kidney and the pituitary gland ( shugrue et al . ( 1998 ), steroids 63 , 498 - 504 ). in the uterus , erα dominates ( wang et al . ( 1999 ), biol . of reprod . 61 , 955 - 964 ). in bones ( kuiper et al . ( 1998 ), frontiers in neuroendocrinology 19 , 253 - 286 ) and blood vessels , both erα and erβ are expressed ( lafrati et al . ( 1997 ), nature med . 3 , 545 - 48 ). the ers exert - their action as ligand - activated transcription factors . after binding of the hormone , receptor dimerization is carried out . based on the expression of erα and / or erβ in a cell , a homodimer or heterodimer erα and erβ is formed ( cowley et al . ( 1997 ), j . biol . chem . 272 , 19858 - 19862 ). the dimer binds to a specific sequence in the promoter of a target gene , the “ estrogen response element ” ere ( kumar , chambon ( 1988 ), cell 55 , 145 - 156 ; klein - hitpass et al . ( 1986 ), cell 46 , 1053 - 1061 ). binding of the receptor dimer to the ere produces the recruiting of essential transcription factors and the initiation of the transcription . interestingly enough , in cells that express both erα and erβ , the estradiol - induced transcription activation is reduced compared to cells that express only erα . in such cells , erβ acts as a repressor of erα - stimulated transactivation ( hall , mcdonnell ( 1999 ), endocrinology 140 , 5566 - 5578 ). it is attributed to this function of erβ as a modulator of erα with respect to transactivation that in erβ - knock - out mice , the response to estrogen administration in the uterus is more strongly pronounced than in wild - type mice ( gustafsson , steamboat springs ( february 2000 ), hearing ). in addition to the action of er ( s ) as activators of transcripts , they exert control on the expression of other genes by inhibiting their activation by other transcription factors . it thus was shown that estrogens inhibit the expression of the cytokine interleukin - 6 ( il - 6 ) ( pottratz et al . ( 1993 ), j . clin . invest . 93 , 944 - 950 ; stein , young ( 1995 ), mol . cell biol . 15 , 4971 - 4979 ). other inflammation - induced genes are also inhibited by estrogens , such as , e . g ., the coxii - expression in blood vessels of rats ( fritzemeier , hegele - hartung ( 1999 ), handbook of pharmacol ., oettel , schillinger editors , 135 / ii , 21 , 1 - 94 ). il - 6 is considered as a central mediator of immune and inflammation reactions , as well as osteoclastogenesis ( sehgal ( 1992 ), res . immunol ., 724 - 734 ; jones ( 1994 ), clin . endocrinol . 40 , 703 - 713 ). estrogens suppress the il - 6 production by osteoblasts and stroma cells of the bone marrow . since il - 6 stimulates the osteoclast recruitment and maturation , estrogens have an inhibitory effect on this process by inhibiting the il - 6 production . this inhibition of the il - 6 production is carried out by inhibiting the expression of the il - 6 gene ( pottratz et al . ( 1993 ), j . clin . invest . 93 , 944 - 950 ; stein , young ( 1995 ), mol . cell . biol . 15 , 4971 - 4979 ). the er - mediated inhibitory action of the estrogens is produced by inhibition of the activity of transcription factor nf k b . this transcription factor is activated by inflammatory signals ( thanos , maniatis ( 1995 ), cell 80 , 529 - 532 ; didonato et al . ( 1997 ), nature 388 , 548 - 554 ). it is expected that the er interacts directly with nf k b and blocks its binding to the nf k b binding site in the promoter of inflammation - induced genes , such as il - 6 ( ray et al . ( 1997 ), febs lett . 409 , 79 - 85 ). an il - 6 reporter gene assay was described by pottratz et al . ( 1993 ), supra . the ligand - activated er inhibited the activity of a reporter gene , which contained the nf k b - binding site of the il - 6 gene in the promoter , in various cell lines ( pottratz et al . ( 1993 ), j . clin . invest . 93 , 944 - 950 ). a disadvantage of previous estrogen therapies often exists in low organ selectivity . the basic object of this invention consists in developing preparations for an estrogen therapy in which the drawbacks of the prior art are at least partially eliminated . it was found , surprisingly enough , that an organ - selective estrogen therapy is possible by the administration of a combination preparation , including one for erβ - selective agonists and an antiestrogen or a selective estrogen receptor modulator ( serm ). the combination preparation is suitable for therapy or prophylaxis of estrogen - deficiency - induced diseases . the two components of the preparation can be administered in a common dispensing form ( e . g ., a preparation with two components ) or in respectively separate dispensing forms ( two preparations with one component in each case ). the combination preparation according to the invention is extremely well suited for an organ - selective estrogen therapy and clearly has superiority over existing therapies . in a preferred embodiment of the invention , an erα - selective antagonist , in particular a peripherally - selective erα - selective antagonist , is used as an antiestrogen . in another preferred embodiment , an erα - selective serm is used . by the medication , an at least largely complete estrogen action on the organ systems or tissues , such as the bones , the vascular system , the brain functions and components of the immune system is achieved , while only marginal or no estrogenic action on organ systems such as the uterus , liver , mammary gland and pituitary gland is produced . the new medication is superior to conventional estrogen or hormone replacement therapy with estrogens or estrogen / gestagen combinations through a reduced action on the uterus and the avoidance of bleeding . the medication is superior to monotherapy with a serm or an erβ ligand through a more complete protection from estrogen - deficiency - induced bone mass loss . the medication that is described here is superior to the combination of a “ standard ” estrogen such as estradiol with a pure antiestrogen through an improved “ therapeutic window ” ( clear dissociation between bone - protective and uterus - stimulating dosages ). by the special combination of the erβ - selective estrogen with the erα - selective antiestrogen or serm , it is achieved that in cells and organ systems that exclusively or predominantly express erβ , such as , e . g ., the brain , erβ - dependent estrogenic actions are induced through the erβ - selective estrogen components of the preparation . in the uterus , in which erα dominates over erβ , the erα - selective serm or antiestrogen and the erβ - agonist have an antiproliferative action in the same direction . in organs , such as the bone , in which both erα and erβ are expressed , the erα - selective serm or antiestrogen and the erβ estrogen have an additive action with respect to protection against estrogen - deficiency - induced bone mass loss . also , the erα - selective serm or antiestrogen and the erβ - agonist in the vascular system exert an antiproliferative and anti - inflammatory action in the same direction and thus have a synergistic action with respect to protection against vascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis . the invention relates to a combination preparation , its production , therapeutic application and pharmaceutical dispensing forms , consisting of a novel selective estrogen , an erβ - selective estrogen and an antiestrogen , preferably a so - called serm ( s . r . kauffman ; h . u . bryant ( 1995 ), dn @ p 8 ( 9 ), 531 - 539 ). especially preferred is the combination of an erβ - selective estrogen with a serm or with an antiestrogen that has a higher affinity to the rat uterus receptor , in comparison to the rat prostate receptor or to the erα in comparison to the erβ , in particular those compounds that are peripherally - selectively active , i . e ., that do not pass the blood - brain barriers . an example of an erα - selective serm is raloxifene ( barkhelm et al . ( 1998 ), mol . pharmacol . 54 , 105 - 112 ), which is claimed for this application . examples of peripherally selective antiestrogens are zm 182780 , 11β - fluoro - 7α -( 14 , 14 , 15 , 15 , 15 - pentafluoro - 6 - methyl - 10 - thia - 6 - azapentadecyl )- estra - 1 , 3 , 5 ( 10 )- triene - 3 , 17β - diol and other 7α - alkyl - estratrienes ( pct / ep97 / 045517 ) and 11β - fluoro - 7 -( 13 , 13 , 14 , 14 , 15 , 15 , 16 , 16 , 16 - nonafluoro - 6 - methyl - 6 - azahexadecyl )- estra - 1 , 3 , 5 ( 10 )- triene - 3 , 17β - diol . an example of a peripherally selective serm is 5 -( 4 -{ 5 -[( rs )-( 4 , 4 , 5 , 5 , 5 - pentafluoropentyl ) sulfinyl ] pentyloxy } phenyl )- 6 - phenyl - 8 , 9 - dihydro - 7h - benzocyclohepten - 2 - ol . peripherally - selective antiestrogens and serms can be components of the medication that is described here and are claimed for this application . also , other serms , such as 14α , 17α - ethano - 11β -{ 4 -[ 5 -( 2 - pyridinemethylsulfonyl ) pentyloxy ] phenyl }- 1 , 3 , 5 ( 10 ) estratriene - 3 , 17β - diol ( 11β - substituted steroids ), tse 424 and other 2 - phenylindoles ( american home ), em 652 , em 800 , cp 336156 ( lasofoxifenes , pfizer ; hua et al . ( 2000 ), endocrinology 141 , 1338 - 1344 ) can be components of the combination preparation and are claimed for this application . as a component of the combination preparation , an erβ - selective estrogen is the subject of this invention and is distinguished by higher affinity to the estrogen receptor of the rat prostate in comparison to the rat uterus or by higher affinity to erβ in comparison to erα . this comprises substances that were described in earlier patent applications : “ erβ - affine ent - steroids ; 16 - oh - steroids ; nor - steroids ; 8 - β - substituted steroids .” this application also comprises other selective estrogens that were described in various patent applications as possible components of the combination preparation : e . g ., a ) astra , novel estrogens , wo97 / 08188 , 9502921 - 1 , pct / se96 / 01028 ; b ) sumitomo chemical co . ltd ., jp 11292872 ; c ) androstenediol and prodrugs of androstenediol ; pharmaceutical compositions and uses for androstene 3β , 17β - diol , wo99 / 63973 ) and d ) phytoestrogens with higher affinity to erβ in comparison to erα . the erβ - agonist is preferably selected from 3 , 16 - dihydroxyestra - 1 , 3 , 5 ( 10 )- triene derivatives , 8α - h , 9β - h , 10α - h , 13β - h , and 14β - h gonane derivatives , preferably derived from ent - 13 - alkylgonane , 8β - substituted estra - 1 , 3 , 5 ( 10 )- triene derivatives and gona - 1 , 3 , 5 ( 10 )- triene derivatives . examples of especially preferred erβ - antagonists are described in pct / ep00 / 01073 , de 199 17 930 . 1 , de 199 41 105 . 1 and de 100 19 167 . 3 . reference is made expressly to the disclosure of these documents , in particular to the general structural formulas and preferred individual compounds that are shown there . a selective estrogenic action of the preparation according to the invention can be achieved based on the different tissue distribution of erα and erβ by subtype - specific ligands . substances with a preference for erβ compared to erα in the in - vitro receptor binding test were described by kuiper et al . ( kuiper et al . ( 1996 ), endocrinology 138 , 863 - 870 ). then , i . a ., the phytoestrogen genisteine and the dhea - metabolite androstenediol have erβ - selectivity . other erβ - selective estrogens were described in various patents : erβ - affine ent - steroids ; 16 - oh steroids ; nor - steroids ; 8 - β - substituted steroids . this application claims other selective estrogens and prodrugs that were described in various patent applications as possible components of the preparation : a ) astra , novel estrogens , wo97 / 08188 , 9502921 - 1 , pct / se96 / 01028 ; b ) sumitomo chemical co . ltd ., jp 11292872 ; c ) androstenediol and prodrugs of androstenediol ; pharmaceutical compositions and uses for androstene 3β , 17β - diol , wo99 / 63973 ); phytoestrogens with higher affinity to erβ in comparison to erα , such as genisteine . westernlind et al . ( 1998 ) describe a differential action of 16α - hydroxyestrone on the bone , on the one hand , and reproductive organs of the female rat , on the other hand ( westerlind et al . ( 1998 ), j . bone and mineral res 13 , 1023 - 1031 ). our studies produced the fact that 16α - hydroxyestrone binds 3 × better to the human estrogen receptor α ( erα ) than to the human estrogen receptor β ( erβ ). the rba value of the substance in the rat prostate estrogen receptor is 5 × better than the rba value of the substance in the rat uterus estrogen receptor . the dissociation of the substance that is described by westerlind can be attributed , according to our findings , to the preference thereof for erβ in comparison to erα . 16α - hydroxyestrone is a possible component of the preparation that is described here and is claimed for this application . the combination preparation according to the invention is especially suitable for a tissue - selective or organ - selective estrogen therapy ; for example for the prophylaxis or treatment of perimenopausal and postmenopausal symptoms , for hormone substitution , for prophylaxis or treatment of hormone - deficiency - induced symptoms , in particular in ovarian dysfunction , for prophylaxis and treatment of hormone - deficiency - induced bone mass loss and osteoporosis , for prophylaxis and treatment of cardiovascular and vascular diseases , for prophylaxis and treatment of hormone - deficiency - induced and neurodegenerative diseases , for prophylaxis and treatment of hormone - deficiency - induced impairments of memory and learning capacity , and for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases of the immune system . the new medication is especially suitable for the treatment of perimenopausal and postmenopausal symptoms , especially hot flashes , sleep disorders , irritability , mood swings , incontinence , vaginal atrophy and hormone - deficiency - induced mental diseases . the preparation is also suitable for hormone substitution and the therapy of hormone - deficiency - induced symptoms in surgical , medicinal or ovarian dysfunction that is caused in some other way . in addition , the preparation can be used to prevent hormone - deficiency - induced bone mass loss and osteoporosis , to prevent cardiovascular diseases , in particular vascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis , and to prevent hormone - deficiency - induced neurodegenerative diseases such as alzheimer &# 39 ; s disease as well as hormone - deficiency - induced impairment of memory and learning capacity . in addition , the preparation can be used for treating inflammatory diseases of the immune system , in particular autoimmune diseases , such as , e . g ., rheumatoid arthritis . the medication is suitable for therapy and prophylaxis of estrogen - deficiency - induced diseases both of women and men . in men , the medication is especially suitable for the therapy of hormone - deficiency - induced bone mass loss and osteoporosis , for preventing cardiovascular diseases , in particular vascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis , and for preventing hormone - deficiency - induced neurodegenerative diseases , such as alzheimer &# 39 ; s disease as well as hormone - deficiency - induced impairment of memory and learning capacity and for therapy of prostate hyperplasia . in addition , the medication can be used for treating inflammatory diseases and diseases of the immune system , in particular autoimmune diseases , such as , e . g ., rheumatoid arthritis . by the studies resulting in this invention , it was determined that erβ is able to inhibit nf k b - controlled reporter genes . in a reporter gene assay with an nf k b - controlled reporter gene , the serms have thus proven their value as partial antagonists when they exert their action via erα , i . e ., they produce an estrogen - like inhibition of the reporter gene activity and exert an antagonistic ( in terms of an active transrepressing ) action in the presence of estradiol ( fig1 ). this action is reflected in vivo by an antiresorptive ( bone - protective ) action . if serms act via erβ , however , they do not exert any agonistic action on an nf k b - controlled reporter gene ( fig2 ). in co - transfection of erα and erβ , erβ inhibits the erα - mediated agonistic action of the serms ( fig3 ). therefore , no complete protection against estrogen - deficiency - induced bone mass loss can be achieved by a serm alone in vivo , since erα and erβ are expressed in the bone . complete repression of the nf k b - controlled promoter is achieved , however , surprisingly enough , by co - administration of a serm and an erβ - specific estrogen when erα and erβ are co - transfixed in the test cells ( fig4 ). the additive action relative to an inhibition of the nf k b - controlled promoter of serm and erβ - selective estrogen in cultivated cells , which express erα and erβ , involves an additive antiresorptive ( bone - protective ) action in vivo , since bone cells also express both erα and erβ in the intact organism . in addition , it can be arranged that the combination of erβ - specific estrogen and serm in vivo acts additively or synergistically relative to an inhibition of inflammation - induced genes , if the cells of the target organ express both erα and erβ . this holds true , e . g ., for the cardiovascular system . in addition , serms , in particular erα - selective serms , allow a selective estrogen therapy in this respect since they inhibit the estrogen - deficiency - induced bone mass loss and in this case produce little or no stimulation of the uterus growth . their bone - protective ( antiresorptive ) action is based on the inhibition of the expression of the osteoclast - stimulating cytokines . they exert this action via erα in bone cells ( inhibition of nf k b ). serms act on the uterus as antiestrogens ; they inhibit estrogen - stimulated growth of the uterus , in particular the proliferation of the epithelium . they exert this action via erα . serms also exert antiestrogen - and proliferation - inhibiting action on breast cancer cells . in addition , serms that are not peripherally selective show antiestrogenic action on estrogen - induced genes in the brain . in combination with an erβ - selective agonist , this results in an organ - selective or tissue - selective action . thus , for example , the protective estrogen - like actions are achieved without undesirable proliferative effects on the breast and uterus being expected . the amounts of components ( a ) and ( b ) of the pharmaceutical combination preparation according to the invention that are to be administered can all be amounts with which the desired effects are achieved . based on the condition to be treated and the type of administration , the amount of component ( a ) that is to be administered is preferably 0 . 01 μg / kg to 10 mg / kg of body weight , especially preferably 0 . 04 μg / kg to 1 mg / kg of body weight per day . in humans , this corresponds to , for example , a dose of 0 . 8 μg to 800 mg , preferably 3 . 2 μg to 80 mg daily . the amount of component ( b ) that is to be administered is preferably 0 . 01 μg / kg to 10 mg / kg of body weight , especially preferably 0 . 04 μg / kg to 1 mg / kg of body weight per day . a dosage unit of the pharmaceutical combination preparation according to the invention preferably contains 0 . 8 μg to 800 mg each , preferably 1 . 6 μg to 200 mg , of each of components ( a ) and ( b ). the ratio of the two components ( a ) and ( b ) in the combination preparation according to the invention can vary over a wide range and is preferably 1 : 99 to 99 : 1 according to weight , especially preferably 10 : 90 to 20 : 10 according to weight . based on the desired stimulation , it may be advantageous to select the amount of the active ingredients to be administered from the upper or lower range of the above - indicated amount ranges . as a result , the selectivity of the active ingredients can be further increased . the administration of components ( a ) and ( b ) can be carried out simultaneously or in succession . it is possible in particular to administer the active ingredients alternately one after the other . suitable administration protocols are , for example , subcutaneous administration or oral administration . the active ingredients can be administered several times daily , for example one to ten times daily , and over several days , for example over a period of 1 to 60 days , preferably from 1 to 30 days . the pharmaceutical combination preparations contain the active ingredients optionally in a mixture with pharmacologically common vehicles , adjuvants or diluents , as well as optionally with other pharmacologically or pharmaceutically active substances , such as , for example , gestagens . the production of pharmaceutical agents is carried out in a known way . as vehicles and adjuvants , e . g ., those are suitable that are recommended or indicated in the following bibliographic references as adjuvants for pharmaceutics , cosmetics and related fields : ullmanns encyklopädie der technischen chemie [ ullmann &# 39 ; s encyclopedia of technical chemistry ], volume 4 ( 195 . 3 ), pages 1 to 39 ; journal of pharmaceutical sciences , volume 52 ( 1963 ), pages 918 ff ., issued by czetsch - lindenwald , hilfsstoffe für pharmazie und angrenzende gebiete [ adjuvants for pharmaceutics and related fields ]; pharm . ind ., no . 2 ( 1961 ), pages 72 and ff . : dr . h . p . fiedler , lexikon der hilfsstoffe für pharmazie , kosmetik und angrenzende gebiete [ dictionary of adjuvants for pharmaceutics , cosmetics and related fields ], cantor kg , aulendorf in württemberg 1971 . the compounds can be administered orally or parenterally , for example intraperitoneally , intramuscularly , subcutaneously or percutaneously . the compounds can also be implanted in the tissue . for oral administration , capsules , pills , coated tablets , etc ., are suitable . in addition to the active ingredient , the dosage units can contain a pharmaceutically compatible vehicle , such as , e . g ., starch , sugar , sorbitol , gelatin , lubricant , silicic acid , talc , etc . for parenteral administration , the active ingredients can be dissolved or suspended in a physiologically compatible diluent . as a diluent , very often oils are used with or without the addition of a solubilizer , a surfactant , a suspending agent or an emulsifier . examples of oils that are used are olive oil , peanut oil , cottonseed oil , soybean oil , castor oil and sesame oil . the compounds can also be used in the form of a depot injection or an implant preparation that can be formulated so that a delayed release of active ingredient is made possible . implants can contain , as inert materials , e . g ., biodegradable polymers or synthetic silicones , such as , e . g ., rubber gum . in addition , the active ingredients can be worked into , e . g ., a plaster for percutaneous administration . for the production of intravaginal rings ( e . g ., vaginal rings ) or intrauterine systems ( e . g ., pessaries , coils , iuds , mirena ®) that are charged with active ingredients for local administration , various polymers , such as , e . g ., silicon polymers , ethylene vinyl acetate , polyethylene or polypropylene , are suitable . to achieve a better bioavailability of the active ingredient , the compounds can also be formulated as cyclodextrin clathrates . to this end , the compounds are reacted with α -, β - or γ - cyclodextrin or derivatives of the latter ( pct / ep95 / 02656 ). according to the invention , the active ingredients can also be encapsulated with liposomes . in addition , the invention is to be explained by the figures and examples below . here : [ 0052 ] fig1 shows the action of test substances on the expression of an nf k b - controlled reporter gene in an erα - positive cell . [ 0053 ] fig2 shows the action of test substances on the expression of an nf k b - controlled reporter gene in an erβ - positive cell . [ 0054 ] fig3 and 4 show the action of test substances or combinations of test substances on the expression of an nf k b - controlled gene in an erα - positive cell and an erβ - positive cell . the antiestrogenic action of serms is determined by transactivation tests in mvln cells . in this case , these are mcf - 7 breast cancer cells that were transfixed in a stable manner with a vitellogenin - ere - luciferase reporter gene ( demirpence et al . ( 1993 ), j . steroid biochem . mo . biol . 46 , 355 - 364 ). the binding affinity of the new selective estrogens ( erβ - ligands ) and serms was tested in competitive experiments with use of 3h - estradiol as a ligand in estrogen receptor preparations of rat prostates and rat uteri . the preparation of the prostate cytosol and the estrogen receptor test with the prostate cytosol was performed as described by testas et al . ( 1981 ) ( testas , j . et al . ( 1981 ), endocrinology 109 , 1287 - 1289 ). the preparation of the rat uterus cytosol as well as the receptor test with the er - containing cytosol were basically performed as described by stack and gorski , 1985 ( stack , gorski 1985 , endocrinology 117 , 2024 - 2032 ) with some modifications as described by fuhrmann et al . ( 1995 ) ( fuhrmann , u . et al . ( 1995 ), contraception 51 , 45 - 52 ). the erβ - ligands that are claimed in this patent for the application in the combination preparation have a higher binding affinity to estrogen receptors of rat prostates than rat uteri . in this case , it is assumed that erβ predominates in the rat prostates over erα , and erα predominates in the rat uteri over erβ . in accordance with this , we find that the ratio of the binding to prostate and uterus receptors corresponds qualitatively to the quotient of relative binding affinity ( rba ) to human erβ and rat erα ( according to kuiper et al . ( 1996 ), endocrinology 138 , 863 - 870 ). in addition , the predictability of the “ prostate - er versus uterus - er - test system ” with respect to tissue - selective action was confirmed by in vivo studies . substances with a preference for prostate - er are dissociated in vivo with respect to bone and uterus action . the reporter gene assay was performed in u2 - os human osteosarcoma cells as described ( fritzemeier , hegele - hartung ( 1999 ), handbook of pharmacol ., oettel , schillinger editors 135 / ii , 21 , 1 - 94 ). the cells were transfixed in a transient manner with a reporter gene , which was under the control of a promoter that contains an nf k b - binding site . in addition , the cells were transfixed with expression vectors for herα and / or herβ .	0
the compounds of the present invention can be prepared most advantageously by one of several methods as hereinafter described , depending on the final product desired . in order to illustrate the manner in which the above compounds may be prepared and the properties of the compounds , reference is made to the following examples which , however , are not meant to limit or restrict the scope of the invention in any respect . various physical constants of the compounds presented appear in table i . the compounds of the present invention and equivalents thereof possessing substantially similar pharmacological properties may be prepared from the appropriate diamines or 2 - methylthioimidazolines by one of the three methods described below . preparation of the prerequisite diamines and 2 - methylthioimidazolines as well as their alpha - aminonitrile precursors is described in the following publications : matier , w . l . ; owens , d . a . ; comer , w . t . ; j . med . chem ., 1973 , 16 , 901 ; stout , d . m . ; black , l . a . ; matier , w . l . ; j . org . chem ., 1983 , 48 , 5369 ; mai , k . and patil , g . ; tet . lett ., 1984 , 25 , 4583 . a . primary 2 - aminoimidazolines ( y = nh 2 , table ii ) were prepared by reacting cyanogen bromide with diamines obtained through literature procedures . as an example , a solution of beta - amino - 4 - methoxyphenethylamine ( 4 . 5 g , 0 . 0275 mole ) in 70 ml toluene was treated with a solution of cyanogen bromide ( 2 . 9 g , 0 . 0275 mole ) in 35 ml to give a white precipitate . this reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for four hours , then the precipitate was collected by filtration . crystallization of the precipitate from ethanol afforded 4 . 7 g ( 62 . 8 % yield ) of compound 2 . b . secondary and tertiary 2 - aminoimidazolines in which r 2 = h ( table ii ) were prepared by reacting the appropriate amine with the 2 - methylthioimidazoline obtained through literature procedures . as an example , a solution of 2 - methylthio - 4 -( 4 &# 39 ;- methoxyphenyl )- 2 - imidazoline hydroiodide ( 6 . 0 g , 0 . 0171 mole ) and 40 % aq . dimethylamine ( 3 . 86 g , 0 . 0342 mole ) in 30 ml methanol and 30 ml water was stirred at reflux for 16 hours . volatile materials were removed under reduced pressure to give a solid . this solid was crystallized from methanol / diethylether to afford 3 . 2 g ( 53 . 9 % yield ) of compound 6 . c . secondary and tertiary 2 - aminoimidazolines in which r 2 is a group other than hydrogen were prepared by vigorously reacting the desired amine with the appropriately substituted 2 - methylthioimidazoline obtained through literature procedures . as an example , a solution of 2 - methylthio - 3 - methyl - 4 -( 4 &# 39 ;- methoxyphenyl )- 2 - imidazoline hydroiodide ( 8 . 0 g , 0 . 022 mole ) and 40 % aq . methylamine 17 . 0 ml , 0 . 197 mole ) in 100 ml of methanol was sealed in a stainless steel reaction bomb and heated to 110 ° c . for 6 hours . volatile materials were then removed under reduced pressure to give a white solid . this material was crystallized from methanol / diethylether to afford 5 . 6 g ( 73 . 3 % yield ) of white crystalline compound 10 . table i preparation crystallization mp h nmr compound ( reaction solvent ) solvent (° c .) ( δ ) [ α ]. sub . d 1 b ( ch . sub . 3 oh / h . sub . 2 o ) ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 oh /( ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 ). sub . 2 o 169 - 170 [ cd . sub . 3 od ] 2 . 93s ( 6h ), 3 . 50dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 4 . 17t ( 1h , j = 10hz ), -- 5 . 20dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 7 . 20 - 7 . 67m ( 3h ) 2 a ( toluene ) ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 oh 208 - 209 [ d . sub . 2 o / cd . sub . 3 od ] 3 . 47dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 3 . 78s ( 3h ), 4 . 02t ( 1h , -- j = 10hz ), 5 . 07dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 6 . 95d ( 2h , j = 8hz ), 7 . 28d ( 2h , j = 8hz ) 3 a ( toluene ) ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 oh 193 - 194 [ d . sub . 2 o / cd . sub . 3 od ] 3 . 40t ( 1h , j = 9hz ), 3 . 63s ( 3h ), 3 . 90t ( 1h , j = 9hz ) -- 4 . 58s ( 2h ), 4 . 72t ( 1h , j = 9hz ), 6 . 67 - 7 . 47m ( 9h ) 4 a ( toluene ) ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 oh 215 - 216 [ d . sub . 6 - dmso ] 3 . 40dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 4 . 10t ( 1h , j = 10hz ), 5 . 22dd -- ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 7 . 30 - 7 . 80m ( 3h ), 7 . 90 - 8 . 13s ( 1h ) 5 a ( toluene ) ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 oh /( ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 ). sub . 2 o 150 - 151 [ cd . sub . 3 od ] 3 . 45dd ( 1h , j = 7hz , 9hz ), 3 . 73s ( 3h ), 4 . 08t ( 1h , j = 9hz ), -- 5 . 08dd ( 1h , j = 7hz , 9hz ), 6 . 72 - 7 . 45m ( 3h ) 6 b ( ch . sub . 3 oh / h . sub . 2 o ) ch . sub . 3 oh /( ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 ). sub . 2 o 125 - 128 [ cd . sub . 3 od ] 3 . 17s ( 6h ), 3 . 57dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 3 . 83s ( 3h ), -- 4 . 17t ( 1h , j = 10hz ), 5 . 25dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 7 . 05d ( 2h , j = 8hz ), 7 . 48d ( 2h , j = 8hz ) 7 b ( ch . sub . 3 oh / h . sub . 2 o ) ch . sub . 3 oh /( ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 ). sub . 2 o 166 - 167 [ cd . sub . 3 od ] 3 . 07s ( 6h ), 3 . 50dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 3 . 77s ( 3h ), 4 . 13t + 17 . 85 ( 1h , j = 10hz ), 5 . 17dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 6 . 97d ( 2h , j = 8hz ), 7 . 40d ( 2h , j = 8hz ) 8 b ( ch . sub . 3 oh / h . sub . 2 o ) ch . sub . 3 oh /( ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 ). sub . 2 o 165 - 166 [ cd . sub . 3 od ] 3 . 10s ( 6h ), 3 . 50dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 3 . 77s ( 3h ), 4 . 12t - 17 . 80 ( 1h , j = 10hz ), 5 . 17dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 6 . 95d ( 2h , j = 8hz ), 7 . 38d ( 2h , j = 8hz ) 9 a ( toluene ) ch . sub . 3 oh /( ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 ). sub . 2 o 312 [ d . sub . 6 - dmso ] 2 . 67s ( 3h ), 3 . 33dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 3 . 73s ( 3h ), -- 3 . 92t ( 1h , j = 10hz ), 4 . 17s ( 3h ), 4 . 87dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 6 . 95d ( 2h , j = 8hz ), 7 . 30d ( 2h , j = 8hz ) 10 c ( ch . sub . 3 oh ) ch . sub . 3 oh /( ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 ). sub . 2 o 198 - 199 [ cd . sub . 3 od ] 2 . 72s ( 3h ), 3 . 00s ( 3h ), 3 . 47dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 3 . 77s -- ( 3h ), 4 . 07t ( 1h , j = 10hz ), 4 . 98dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 6 . 95d ( 2h , j = 8hz ), 7 . 35d ( 2h , j = 8hz ) 11 c ( dry ch . sub . 3 oh ) ch . sub . 3 oh /( ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 ). sub . 2 o 135 - 136 [ d . sub . 6 - dmso ] 2 . 92s ( 3h ), 3 . 10s ( 6h ), 3 . 33dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), -- 3 . 77s ( 3h ), 4 . 03t ( 1h , j = 10hz ), 4 . 97dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ) 7 . 00d ( 2h , j = 8hz ), 7 . 40d ( 2h , j = 8hz ) 12 a ( toluene ) ch . sub . 3 oh /( ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 ). sub . 2 o 218 - 219 [ cd . sub . 3 od ] 2 . 83s ( 3h ), 3 . 50dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 3 . 85s ( 3h ), -- 4 . 98dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 6 . 83 - 7 . 65m ( 4h ) 13 c ( ch . sub . 3 oh ) ch . sub . 3 oh /( ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 ). sub . 2 o 211 - 213 [ cd . sub . 3 od ] 2 . 75s ( 3h ), 2 . 98s ( 3h ), 3 . 48dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), -- 3 . 78s ( 3h ), 4 . 07t ( 1h , j = 10hz ), 4 . 95dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 6 . 73 - 7 . 40m ( 4h ) 14 b ( ch . sub . 3 oh / h . sub . 2 o ) ch . sub . 3 oh /( ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 ). sub . 2 o 209 [ cd . sub . 3 od ] 3 . 17s ( 6h ), 3 . 58dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 3 . 87s ( 3h ), -- 3 . 90s ( 3h ), 4 . 13t ( 1h , j = 10hz ), 5 . 18dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 6 . 93 - 7 . 10m ( 3h ) 15 b ( ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 oh ) ch . sub . 3 oh /( ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 ). sub . 2 o 180 - 182 [ cd . sub . 3 od ] 2 . 03m ( 4h ), 3 . 47m ( 5h ), 4 . 08t ( 1h , j = 10hz ), 5 . 10dd -- ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 6 . 88d ( 2h , j = 8hz ), 7 . 62d ( 2h , j = 8hz ) 16 b ( ch . sub . 3 cn ) ch . sub . 3 coch . sub . 3 /( ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 ). sub . 2 o 139 - 141 [ d . sub . 6 - dmso ] 1 . 37 - 1 . 77m ( 6h ), 3 . 03 - 3 . 63m ( 5h ), 3 . 77s ( 3h ), -- 4 . 07t ( 1h , j = 10hz ), 5 . 13t ( 1h , j = 10hz ), 7 . 00d ( 2h , j = 8hz ), 7 . 37d ( 2h , j = 8hz ) 17 b ( ch . sub . 3 cn ) ch . sub . 3 coch . sub . 3 /( ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 ). sub . 2 o 156 [ d . sub . 2 o ] 3 . 40 - 4 . 10m ( 10h ), 3 . 83s ( 3h ), 5 . 15dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), -- 7 . 00d ( 2h , j = 8hz ), 7 . 37d ( 2h , j = 8hz ) 18 b ( ch . sub . 3 oh / h . sub . 2 o ) ch . sub . 3 coch . sub . 3 /( ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 ). sub . 2 o 148 - 149 [ cd . sub . 3 od ] 2 . 30s ( 3h ), 3 . 07s ( 6h ), 3 . 50dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), -- 4 . 13t ( 1h , j = 10hz ), 5 . 17dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 7 . 07 - 7 . 43m ( 4h ) 19 b ( ch . sub . 3 oh / h . sub . 2 o ) ch . sub . 3 oh /( ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 ). sub . 2 o 152 - 153 [ cd . sub . 3 od ] 2 . 30 ( 3h ), 3 . 07s ( 6h ), 3 . 50dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), - 26 . 15 4 . 13t ( 1h , j = 10hz ), 5 . 17dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 7 . 07 - 7 . 43m ( 4h ) 20 b ( ch . sub . 3 cn ) ch . sub . 3 oh /( ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 ). sub . 2 o 156 - 158 [ cd . sub . 3 od ] 2 . 97t ( 1h , j = 2hz ), 3 . 17s ( 3h ), 3 . 53dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), -- 3 . 77s ( 3h ), 3 . 17t ( 1h , j = 10hz ), 4 . 27d ( 2h , j = 2hz ), 5 . 20dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 6 . 90d ( 2h , j = 8hz ), 7 . 37d ( 2h , j = 8hz ) 21 b ( ch . sub . 3 oh / h . sub . 2 o ) ch . sub . 3 oh /( ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 ). sub . 2 o 185 - 186 [ cd . sub . 3 od ] 3 . 17s ( 6h ), 3 . 53dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 4 . 17t ( 1h , j = 10hz ), -- 5 . 33dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 7 . 40s ( 4h ) 22 b ( ch . sub . 3 oh / h . sub . 2 o ) ch . sub . 3 oh /( ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 ). sub . 2 o 187 - 189 [ cd . sub . 3 od ] 3 . 03s ( 6h ), 3 . 40dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 4 . 08t ( 1h , j = 10hz ), -- 5 . 13dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 7 . 23 - 7 . 64m ( 3h ) 23 b ( ch . sub . 3 oh / h . sub . 2 o ) ch . sub . 3 oh /( ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 ). sub . 2 o 132 - 133 [ cd . sub . 3 od ] 3 . 13s ( 6h ), 3 . 52dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 3 . 80s ( 3h ), 4 . 17t -- ( 1h , j = 10hz ), 5 . 20dd ( 1h , j = 8hz , 10hz ), 6 . 80 - 7 . 50m ( 4h ) the compounds of the present invention have antiarrhythmic activity and are useful in the suppression of various types of arrhythmias and in the prevention of the recurrence of tachyarrhythmias . they have been found to have effective antiarrhythmic activity while having minimal sympathomimetic effects and can be used in treating patients having cardiac arrhythmias . the antiarrhythmic activity of these compounds was established by various procedures as described . while virtually all the compounds of the invention increased ventricular fibrillation threshold , the primary and secondary 2 - aminoimidazolines were found to have pronounced sympathomimetic effects . of the tertiary 2 - aminoimidazolines , compound 6 ( table ii ) was found to have the best profile , consequently , the optical isomers were prepared and investigated . these additional studies showed that the 1 - isomer ( compound 8 ) lacks the sympathomimetic activity of the racemic mixture and of the d - isomer ( compound 7 ). compound 6 is also active in the atrial flutter model although it is inactive in the ouabain induced arrhythmia model . these biological results have been summarized in table ii and compared to values for bretylium tosylate , the only currently marketed drug for treatment of ventricular fibrillation , and the experimental , orally active drug , bethanidine . to determine the ventricular fibrillation threshold in the dog , the method of joseph f . spear ; moore , e . n . ; and gerstenblith described in circulation , volume xlvi , july 1972 , pages 65 - 73 , was followed . in this method a dog is anesthetized and the femoral artery and vein are cannulated . pacing electrodes are then attached to the right atrial appendage . to determine ventricular fibrillation threshold ( vft ) time , blood gases , esophageal temperature , and mean aterial pressure just prior to vft determination are recorded . the treatment is also recorded . the stimulus is then applied and once fibrillation occurs , it is allowed to continue for fifteen seconds to determine if defibrillation occurs spontaneously . table ii__________________________________________________________________________ ## str3 ## com - pharmacology . sup . 1pound x r . sub . 1 r . sub . 2 y δvft δhr . sup . 2 ( bpm ) δmap . sup . 2 ( mmhg ) __________________________________________________________________________ 1 3 , 4 - dicl h h nhch . sub . 3 + +++ 2 4 - ch . sub . 3 o h h nh . sub . 2 + +++ 3 3 - ch . sub . 3 o h bn nh . sub . 2 + +++ 4 3 , 4 - dicl h h nh . sub . 2 + +++ 5 3 - ch . sub . 3 o h h nh . sub . 2 + +++ 6 4 - ch . sub . 3 o h h n ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 + - 68 - 15 (+ 45 ). sup . 3 7 4 - ch . sub . 3 o h h n ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 + - 22 - 13 (+ 100 ). sup . 3 8 4 - ch . sub . 3 o h h n ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 + - 42 + 4 (+ 15 ). sup . 3 9 4 - ch . sub . 3 o h ch . sub . 3 nh . sub . 2 + +++ 10 4 - ch . sub . 3 o h ch . sub . 3 nhch . sub . 3 + + 41 + 5811 4 - ch . sub . 3 o h ch . sub . 3 n ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 + - 13 - 112 3 - ch . sub . 3 o h ch . sub . 3 nh . sub . 2 + +++ 13 3 - ch . sub . 3 o h ch . sub . 3 nhch . sub . 3 + + 69 + 7014 3 , 4 - dich . sub . 3 o h h n ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 + - 24 - 715 4 - ch . sub . 3 o h h ## str4 ## + - 26 - 216 4 - ch . sub . 3 o h h ## str5 ## ± - 48 - 3017 4 - ch . sub . 3 o h h ## str6 ## + - 36 - 2118 4 - ch . sub . 3 h h n ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 + - 42 - 219 4 - ch . sub . 3 h h n ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 + - 37 - 1020 4 - ch . sub . 3 o h h n ( ch . sub . 3 ) ch . sub . 2 cch + - 55 - 1021 h h h n ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 + + 55 + 5822 3 , 4 - dicl h h n ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 + +++ 23 3 - ch . sub . 3 o h h n ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 + - 40 + 5324 bretylium + + 31 + 82 (+ 42 ). sup . 325 bethanidine + + 112 + 72 (+ 27 ). sup . 3__________________________________________________________________________ . sup . 1 δvft = change in ventricular fibrillation threshold , δhr = change in heart rate , δmap = change in mean arterial + = increase , - = decrease , ± = no change . . sup . 2 relative trends from δvft model ; numerical values from p . b . anesthetized , vagotomized dogs with data at 10 min . . sup . 3 data in parentheses taken at 30 min . defibrillation is then accomplished with the application of 10 to 20 joules extrapericardially . the results are tabulated in table ii . the evaluation of chronotropic effects of compounds of the invention is determined in anesthetized , vagotomized , closed - chest dogs . a dog is anesthetized and an endotracheal tube is inserted . a cannula is inserted into the femoral vein for the administration of the compounds . the heart rate is recorded and the vagus nerve is vagotomized . the compound is injected by rapid i . v . bolus to determine the effect on heart rate . the peak change in mean arterial pressure is recorded . doses are administered at 2 minute intervals . control values , peak responses and time after dosing of peak responses are recorded . the change in heart rate is recorded in table ii .	2
as shown in fig1 , the flight procedure inspecting and validating system used in the embodiment comprises an image capturing apparatus , a storage device , a playing device , and a qar ( quick access recorder ) and is further provided with a data processing module for processing flight data extracted by the qar and a synchronization module for synchronizing video files in time ; the image capturing apparatus is arranged on the aircraft , and connected with an acquisition and storage device ; the qar is connected with the data processing module ; the acquisition and storage device and the data processing module are respectively connected with the synchronization module , and the synchronization module is connected with the playing device . due to limitations and regulations of industries , only the image capturing apparatus and qar in the system are arranged on the aircraft , other devices and modules are not directly arranged on the aircraft and are connected with the aircraft by adopting mobile storage devices or wireless network . more specifically , the flight procedure inspecting and validating system of the embodiment , comprises the image capturing apparatus , the image acquisition and storage device , the playing device , a data processing server in which the data processing module and the synchronized playing module are stored , and the qar , and further comprises a first display screen for displaying actual flight path images captured by the image capturing apparatus , a second display screen and a third display screen which are used for displaying simulation flight path images generated from flight data recorded by the aircraft recorder , and a fourth display screen for displaying two - dimensional pictures of the simulation flight path images . the image capturing apparatus is arranged on the aircraft and is connected with the image acquisition and storage device , the image acquisition and storage device and the qar are respectively connected with the data processing server which is connected with the displaying device , and the displaying device is respectively connected with the first display screen , the second display screen , the third display screen and the fourth display screen . further , the third display screen displays the composite flight simulation videos generated by processing through xplane software , and the fourth display screen displays the simulation videos of 3d images generated by processing through software google earth . further , the first display screen , the second display screen , the third display screen and the fourth display screen are arranged on the same wall . the video capturing apparatus used in the embodiment is a professional camera which may be installed in the front of a cockpit of an aircraft or installed at other appropriate positions for the purpose of collecting images , identical with a driver &# 39 ; s sightline and capable of recording flight environment ; the storage device is a mobile storage device , such as a hard disk drive ; the qar , namely a quick access recorder , is an on - board device , used for monitoring and recording huge amounts of flight parameters and data , having a generally 128 mb recording capacity , capable of recording continuously for up to 600 hours , and capable of collecting hundreds of data at the same time , including most of flight quality parameters of the aircraft , an air operator , by the aid of the qar , may simulate and restore a flight process , find , in the flight process , conditions of the aircraft and problems in terms of crew operation , engine operating conditions , aircraft performance and the like in time , run analysis and searching on causes of abnormalities , master safety trends , and take corresponding measures , thereby eliminating potential accidents such as flaws in the flight procedure and ensuring flight safety ; at present , most of civil aircrafts are fitted with this monitoring apparatus . the data processing module functions in generating videos mainly through a combination of three programs , namely , a qar decoding program , a flight simulation program and a virtual globe program google earth . the qar decoding program used in the embodiment is aerobytes fdm ( version 3 . 2 ) by aerobytes , this program is capable of generating flight simulation videos with quantitative indicators , generating flight parameter over - limit warnings , generating data packets of 3d images processed and generated by the software google earth , generating data packets of composite flight simulation videos processed by software such as xplane , and generating icon files with respect to flight data ; the flight simulation program is a simulation flight procedure xplane made by the game developer austin meyer and used for real and virtual flight training , and this program is capable of producing simulation scenes and multi - view simulation flight animations according to given data ; the google earth virtual globe program is virtual globe software developed by google , this software is capable of arranging satellite photos , aerial photos and gis ( geographic information system ) on a three - dimensional model of earth , uses pictures of public areas , permitted aerial photographic pictures , pictures by the satellite keyhole and town photos taken by many other satellites and even provide pictures that google maps are in the absence of , and this software has a data importing function , a flight route planning function and a global positioning function . the synchronization module functions in synchronizing four images through a synchronizing program , the actual visual videos collected by the video capturing apparatus have local time parameters with an accuracy of second , the simulation visual videos and composite simulation visual videos generated by the data processing module have gps time parameters with an accuracy of second , and the synchronizing program extracts the time parameters which the three types of videos bear and acquires excerpts of the three types of videos according to selected starting and ending time ; picture source data packets which the qar decoding software outputs to the software google earth are data of gps time parameters with an accuracy of second , and the software google earth may be used to acquire excerpts of pictures of aircraft flight paths according to the selected starting and ending time ; the synchronizing program synchronizes the starting and ending times of the four types of images . the playing device plays the four types of images simultaneously on a display through multi - channel video playing software . in conjunction with fig2 and 3 , a method for validating a flight procedure applied in the system for inspecting and validating a flight procedure of embodiment 1 ; the content disclosed in embodiment 1 should also be regarded as the content disclosed in this embodiment ; the method comprises the step of collecting actual visual videos and flight parameters , the step of generating simulation visual videos , the step of generating over - limit alarms , the step of processing data , the step of generating complex simulation visual videos , the step of generating flight trajectory and flight procedure protection area pictures , the step of synchronizing the videos and the step of playing the videos ; wherein : the step of collecting an actual visual video and flight parameters is a step of collecting the actual visual video 1 in fig3 , in this step , an actual flight is performed in an actual location according to the pre - designed flight procedure ; during the flight , the image capturing apparatus in the system stores the captured actual visual video into the storage device , and simultaneously qar records various flight parameters . the step of generating simulation visual videos is a step of generating the simulation visual video 2 in fig3 ; in this step , the data processing module in the system extracts the flight parameters recorded in the data recorder such as qar , a simulation video of flight of the aircraft are made by software such as qar decoding processing software , and the actual flight parameters and the flight parameters in the flight procedure are embedded in the simulation video , such that the two kinds of flight parameters are visible in the videos at the same time ; this step is a step of using qar decoding processing software aerobytes fdm to make a basic flight video , but the image quality of the video made is modest , and cannot fully reflect the environmental factors , but can clearly reflect the flight altitudes and poses and the like of the aircraft itself . wherein the function of making the aircraft flight simulation video having flight parameters by the qar decoding processing software aerobytes fdm according to the data recorded by qar belongs to the prior art . the step of generating over - limit alarms is a step of generating the over - limit alarm in the simulation visual video 2 in fig3 ; in this step , the data processing module in the system extracts the flight parameters recorded in the qar , an alarm is generated with the flight parameter alarm function of the qar decoding processing software , and the alarm is embedded in the simulation video , so that the alarm is visible in the video . wherein the function of generating over - limit alarms by the qar decoding processing software aerobytes fdm according to the data recorded by qar and the preset alarm tolerance belongs to the prior art . in the data processing step , the data processing module generates , via qar decoding processing software , video source data packets used for making composite flight simulation videos and image source data packets used for processing and generating 3d images by software google earth ; this step is a process of using qar decoding processing software aerobytes fdm to process data , the processed data packages are data sources required for generating videos in the next step . wherein the function of generating data source packets matched with the software such as xplane , google earth and the like by the qar decoding processing software aerobytes fdm belongs to the prior art . the step of generating the simulation visual videos is a step of generating the simulation visual video 3 in fig3 ; in this step , the data processing module in the system extracts the video source data packets and generates view - adjustable composite simulation videos by a simulation flight software ; this step is a process of using xplane software to produce high - quality , multi - view flight animations , this video can reflect comprehensive situations of the flight more clearly , details about the aircraft itself , state of the surrounding buildings and topographical conditions and the like are included in the image . the step of generating flight trajectory and flight procedure protection area pictures is a step of generating the flight trajectory and flight procedure protection area picture 4 of fig3 ; in this step , the data processing module in the system extracts an image source data packet , and generates a 3d map picture with the flight path of the aircraft through the data importing function of software google earth ; the software google earth has the function of planning the flight route , and a protection area of the flight procedure can be drawn on the picture through the function of planning the flight route . in the picture , besides the map information , the protection area of the flight procedure and the flight path of the aircraft are also included , the output flight trajectory and the flight procedure protection area picture in fact are the description for the movement process of the aircraft in the flight procedure protection area in the map . in the synchronization step , an actual visual video 1 , a simulation visual video 2 and a complex simulation visual video 3 are temporally synchronized by the synchronization module , and the flight trajectory and flight procedure protection area picture 4 output by the software google earth and with the time period corresponding to that of the abovementioned videos is selected . in the step of playing videos , the actual visual video 1 , the simulation visual video 2 , the complex simulation visual video 3 , and the flight trajectory and flight procedure protection area picture 4 synchronous in the time are simultaneously played through multiple paths of video playing software . in the above steps , the video source data packets generated by the data processing module in the data processing step are data packets for making 3d dynamic videos through xplane software . in the above steps , the time system in the synchronization step is a gps time system , and the synchronization module extracts gps time and local time parameters in the videos , and adjusts the starting points of the videos or the images according to the parameters so as to realize the synchronization of the videos or the images . the method can also be described in another manner the method includes a data processing step , a step of generating flight trajectory and flight procedure protection area pictures , a synchronization step and a playing step ; in the parameter collecting step ( equivalent to the step of collecting actual visual videos and flight parameters and the step of generating over - limit alarms ), actual flight is carried out in an actual location according to the pre - designed flight procedure ; during the flight , the image capturing device in the system stores the captured actual vision into the image collection and storage device , and meanwhile , a flight data access recorder records the various flight parameters , wherein the flight procedure comprises a pre - warning height value of the aircraft from a ground object ; in the step of generating simulation visual videos , the various flight parameters recorded by the flight data access recorder are generated into three - dimensional simulation video for the flight of the aircraft ; in the step of generating complex video images , the actual visual video in the image collection and storage device is extracted , the three - dimensional simulation video during the flight of the aircraft is extracted , and the capturing recording time and the flight data recording time are generated into images of the actual visual video and the simulation video of the flight of the aircraft synchronous in time by taking the navigation satellite time as the reference ; in the step of generating flight trajectory pictures : the three - dimensional simulation video of the flight of the aircraft is extracted according to the synchronization starting point and the flight parameters , and the two - dimensional flight path picture with the flight path of the aircraft and the position of the aircraft is generated ; in the play and verification step , the actual visual video , the three - dimensional simulation video and the two - dimensional flight path picture temporally synchronous are simultaneously played on three display pictures , and an alarm will be given if the flight height value exceeds the pre - warning height value . wherein , the step of generating flight trajectory pictures and the play and verification step are equivalent to the data processing step , the step of generating flight trajectory and flight procedure protection area pictures , the synchronization step and the playing step ; the step of generating three - dimensional simulation videos of flights of the aircraft includes : generating the flight simulation videos with quantized indicator , generating the video data packets which can be treated by software google earth and generating 3d image , generating the video data packets which can be treated by xplane software and generating complex flight simulation . wherein , the various flight parameters comprise flying height , operating parameters , and weather parameters . wherein , the actual flight path image is the actual environmental image observed by the pilot .	6
the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described and illustrated below to encompass axle tubes and methods of managing fluid levels within an axle tube . of course , it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the exemplary embodiments discussed below are merely examples and may be reconfigured without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure . however , for clarity and precision , the exemplary embodiments as discussed below may include optional steps , methods , and features that one of ordinary skill should recognize as not being a requisite to fall within the scope of the present invention . referencing fig1 - 3 , a first exemplary axle tube 100 ( shown without external fluid hoses ) includes a dry center section 102 and corresponding right and left wet sections 104 , 106 mounted to opposing ends of the dry center section . in this exemplary embodiment , each right and left wet section 104 , 106 includes two subsections 108 , 110 . the first subsection 108 is a motor subsection that houses the majority of an electric motor 112 . the second subsection 110 is a transmission subsection and includes transmission components 114 operatively coupled to the electric motor 112 . both the right and left wet sections 104 , 106 are sealed in order to retain oil concurrently lubricating and cooling the transmission components 114 and cooling the electric motor 112 . both of the wet sections 104 , 106 include seals that are operative to retard the inflow of water and other contaminants . referring to fig1 - 6 , the dry center section 102 comprises an enclosure formed by six rectangular walls 230 , 232 , 234 , 236 , 238 , 240 that are mounted to one another . each of the six walls 230 , 232 , 234 , 236 , 238 , 240 corresponds to another of the remaining five walls so that corresponding pairs of walls are generally uniformly spaced apart and oriented in parallel . this orientation provides a box - shaped enclosure that defines a dry interior cavity 246 . the first corresponding pair of walls 230 , 234 ( right and left ) each include a circular through hole 250 large enough to receive a dry portion 252 of an electric motor 112 . as will be discussed in more detail hereafter , the vast majority of the electric motor 112 is housed within the motor subsection 108 . respective elastomeric ring seals 260 interposes an outer housing 262 of each electric motor 112 and an outside surface 264 of each wall 230 , 234 . in particular , the elastomeric ring seal 260 has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the through hole 250 so that the ring seal circumscribes the through hole , but is mounted to the outside surface 264 of each wall 230 , 234 . in particular , the outside surface 264 includes a circular recess 266 that bounds the through hole 250 and provides a seat for a portion of the ring seal 260 . it should be noted that the housing 262 of each electric motor 112 is concurrently mounted to the seal ring 260 , but is not rigidly fastened to the dry center section 102 . rather , the electric motor 112 floats with respect to the dry center section 102 because of the flexibility of the seal rings 260 interposing the walls 230 , 234 and the housing 262 of each electric motor 112 . the second corresponding pair of walls 232 , 236 ( front and back ) are coupled to the right and left walls 230 , 234 and to the third corresponding pair of walls 238 , 240 ( top and bottom ). each front and back wall 232 , 236 includes a plurality of orifices 270 adapted to provide a mounting location for attaching the axle tube to a vehicle frame ( not shown ), thereby providing support to the center of the axle tube . the top and bottom walls 238 , 240 each include a rounded , rectangular through hole 272 . in this exemplary embodiment , the rounded , rectangular through hole 272 of the bottom wall 238 is closed off by a rounded rectangular pan 276 mounted to an exterior surface 278 thereof . in particular , the rounded rectangular pan 276 includes a plurality of orifices ( not shown ) adapted to receive threaded fasteners 280 that extend through the orifices and into holes of the bottom wall 240 in order to allow the pan to be coupled and uncoupled from the bottom wall . in contrast , the rounded , rectangular through hole 272 of the top wall 238 is not entirely closed off . instead , a rounded rectangular pan 284 having a pair of elongated rectangular openings 286 is mounted to an outer surface of the top wall 238 . as with the bottom pan 276 , the top pan 284 includes a plurality of orifices ( not shown ) adapted to receive threaded fasteners 290 that extend through the orifices and into holes of the top wall 238 to couple and uncouple the top pan from the top wall . extending from the top pan 284 and circumscribing the elongated rectangular openings 286 are adapter boxes 294 . each adapter box 294 receives a high voltage subassembly ( not shown ) that is pre - connected and fluidicly sealed in order to establish electrical communication from outside the dry center section 102 and into communication with the electric motors 112 partially located within the dry center section . the adapter boxes 294 also provide connection locations for the air , oil and low voltage lines ( not shown ) that connect to the electric motors 112 . the top pan 284 also includes a plurality of secondary orifices 296 that interpose the adadapter boxes 294 . the dry portion 252 of each electric motor 112 includes numerous connections that provide electrical and fluid communication to the internal components of the electric motor and the transmission components 114 . several electrical connections 300 are provided in order to supply electric current to the internal components . those skilled in the art are familiar with the structure of electric motors and a corresponding detailed discussion of the internal components of each electric motor has been omitted only to further brevity . in addition to the electrical connections 300 , the dry portion 252 also includes an oil supply fitting 302 near the bottom of the dry portion for introducing oil into the interior of the electric motor 112 . and an air supply fitting 304 is also provided as part of the dry portion 252 near the top of the dry portion in order to introduce air into the interior of the electric motor 112 . referring to fig1 and 7 , the remainder of the electric motor 112 is housed within a tube 310 of the motor subsection 108 . the tube 310 comprises a dual ply 312 , 314 cylinder having a series of fluid connections 316 that allow for fluid communication between the interior of the tube and an exterior of the tube . as will be discussed in more detail hereafter , the fluid connections 316 are coupled to hoses ( see fig1 and 13 ). in between the interior ply 314 of the tube 310 and the exterior of the electric motor housing 262 is a reserve cavity 318 that is used to store excess oil when the axle tube 100 is in operation . both tube 310 plies 312 , 314 are welded at one longitudinal end to the outside surface 264 of respective walls 230 , 234 . referencing fig7 and 8 , the opposite longitudinal end of each tube 310 is welded to a circular flange 320 having a plurality of through holes . a first circumferentially outermost set of holes 322 receive fasteners in order to mount the flange 320 to a corresponding flange 360 of the transmission subsection 110 . a second inner circumferential set of holes ( not shown ) receive fasteners 324 in order to mount the flange 320 to an end plate 330 of the electric motor 112 . a gasket 332 interposes the flange 320 and the end plate 330 to ensure a fluid tight seal therebetween . the end plate 330 includes several holes having varying functionality . a first set of holes receive the fasteners 324 in order to mount the electric motor 112 to the flange 320 . a second set of through holes 336 provide communication across the end plate 330 . as will be discussed in more detail hereafter , these holes 336 provide a pathway for fluid ( e . g ., coolant / lubricant , such as oil ) to flow between the interior of the transmission subsection 110 and the reserve cavity 318 . in order to manipulate the flow of fluid between the interior of the transmission subsection 110 and the reserve cavity 318 , the end plate 330 also includes a through hole 338 elevated above an output shaft 340 from the electric motor 112 and above the second set of through holes 336 . the through hole 338 is adapted to provide a pathway for fluid ( e . g ., air ) to flow between the interior of the transmission subsection 110 and the electric motor housing 262 . in this manner , as air pressurizes the interior of the transmission subsection 110 and the interior of the electric motor housing 262 , coolant / lubricant is forced into the reserve cavity 318 . referring to fig9 - 11 , a schematic diagram shows the transmission subsection 110 and the motor subsection 108 coupled to one another and fluidicly sealed . in this manner , lubricant / coolant ( e . g ., oil ) 400 is able to flow between the subsections 108 , 110 , but the subsections generally maintain the same aggregate volume ( subsection 108 plus subsection 110 ) of lubricant / coolant . and the amount of lubricant / coolant 400 located within either subsection 108 , 110 changes depending upon whether the axle tube 100 is operable or not . referencing figs . ( 7 - 9 ), initially , as the axle tube 100 becomes operable ( upon receiving electric current to drive the electric motors 112 and an air supply , and upon being on level ground ), the level of lubricant / coolant 400 within the subsections 108 , 110 is generally the same . this universal level is the result of lubricant / coolant 400 freely flowing between the subsections through the second set of through holes 336 of the end plate 330 ( see fig7 and 8 ). more specifically , the level of lubricant / coolant 400 is the same in the transmission subsection 110 , the reserve cavity 318 , and in the internal cavity 350 of the electric motor 112 . but this universal level does not stay the same during operation of the axle tube 100 . referring to fig6 - 8 and 10 , after the axle tube 100 becomes operable ( upon receiving electric current to drive the electric motors 112 and an air supply ( e . g ., air source 572 in fig1 ), and upon being on level ground ), air is fed into the internal cavity 350 of the electric motor 112 by way of the air supply fitting 304 within the dry portion 252 . the air within the internal cavity 350 of the electric motor 112 builds in pressure based upon the air supply providing air above atmospheric pressure . in exemplary form , the air supply provides air at approximately forty pounds per square inch gauge ( psig ), which is reduced before it reaches the air supply fitting 304 . the air pressure within the electric motor 112 may be , for example , between 0 . 4 - 1 . 0 psig to overcome the head pressure within the reserve cavity 318 and force oil out of the interior of the electric motor through a drain 352 at the base of the electric motor housing 262 . eventually , as the air drives out all or almost all of the lubricant 400 within the interior 350 of the electric motor 112 , air begins to escape through the drain 352 and into the reserve cavity 318 , where it is vented via a vent 580 . in this manner , the air pressure within the interior 350 of the electric motor 112 may be self - regulated . in addition , as the air pressure builds within the internal cavity 250 , the air escapes through the through hole 338 of the end plate 330 that is elevated above the output shaft 340 . thus , the air pressure across the through hole 338 is relatively the same . this means that the air pressure within the internal cavity 350 of the electric motor 112 is the same as the air pressure within the transmission subsection 110 . because of this equalization of pressure , the level of lubricant / coolant 400 across the through holes 336 is generally the same in the transmission subsection 110 and in the internal cavity 350 of the electric motor 112 . but it should also be noted that the transmission subsection 110 includes a retainer wall 354 operative to retain a predetermined level of lubricant 400 within a portion of the transmission subsection that is above the level of lubricant across the through holes 336 . and the level of lubricant within the reserve cavity 318 is also higher than the level of lubricant across the through holes 336 . referencing fig1 , as the air pressure builds within the transmission subsection 110 and the internal cavity 350 of the electric motor 112 , the higher pressure air begins to displace the lubricant / coolant 400 within these areas . as air displaces the lubricant / coolant 400 , the corresponding level of lubricant / coolant 400 within the transmission subsection 110 and the internal cavity 350 drops and the lubricant / coolant is forced into the reserve cavity 318 , thus causing the level of lubricant / coolant to drastically increase — well above the level within the transmission subsection and the internal cavity 350 of the electric motor 112 . eventually , the level of lubricant / coolant 400 within the transmission subsection 110 and the internal cavity 350 reaches an operating level as an equilibrium is established between the air pressure pushing on the lubricant / coolant and the pressure of the lubricant / coolant pushing back on the air . this operating level of lubricant / coolant 400 is determined , in large part , based upon the operating pressure of the air supply . however , those skilled in the art will realize that the operating level of lubricant / coolant 400 may change and , thus , the air pressure supplied by the air supply may also change to accommodate for these changes in the operating level of the lubricant / coolant . when the axle tube 100 no longer is operable ( not electric current to drive the electric motors 112 and no air supply , and upon being on level ground ), the level of lubricant / coolant 400 within the subsections 108 , 110 returns to being uniform ( see fig9 ). specifically , without the air pressure forcing the lubricant / coolant 400 into the reserve cavity 318 , the pressure of the lubricant / coolant within the reserve cavity operates to displace the air and become evenly distributed among the subsections 108 , 110 . referencing fig1 - 14 , the lubricant / coolant 400 flows through a closed loop 500 that includes the interior of the subsections 108 , 110 and a series of interconnected conduits . each tube 310 includes an exit orifice defined by an exit orifice fitting 502 that is positioned near the lowest arcuate location on the tube . the exit orifice fitting 502 is mounted to a rigid outlet conduit 504 that is mounted to a flexible outlet conduit 506 . in this way , the fitting 502 and conduits 504 , 506 cooperate provide sealed flow for lubricant / coolant 400 exiting the reserve cavity 318 and flowing to the end of the outlet conduit 506 . each end of both flexible outlet conduits 506 is coupled to a t - fitting 508 operative to consolidate the dual flows into a single flexible line 514 . this flexible line 514 is operatively coupled to a pump 516 that forces the lubricant / coolant 400 into a discharge flexible conduit 520 that carries the lubricant / coolant to be cooled and cleaned . lubricant / coolant 400 is carried by the flexible conduit 520 and directed into a radiator 526 , which has a second fluid flowing therethrough to lower the temperature of the lubricant / coolant . after the lubricant / coolant 400 has been cooled , a radiator outlet conduit 528 conveys the lubricant / coolant to a filter 530 . the filter 530 is operative to remove contaminants from the lubricant / coolant 400 and discharge clean lubricant / coolant into a feed conduit 534 . the feed conduit 534 is coupled to a manifold 536 that operates to distribute the lubricant / coolant 400 among several input conduits 540 , 542 . the first pair of input conduits 540 are each coupled to a rigid conduit 548 that is coupled to an entrance orifice fitting 550 that defines an entrance orifice . the entrance orifice fitting 550 is mounted to the flange 360 of the transmission subsection 110 and provides an egress point for lubricant / coolant 400 to flow into the interior of the transmission subsection . the second pair of input conduits 542 extends through the secondary orifices 296 ( see fig5 ) of the top pan 284 and into communication with the oil supply fitting 302 of the electric motor 112 ( see fig6 ), thereby providing an egress point for lubricant / coolant 400 to flow into the interior of the electric motor . direct fluid communication between the motor subsections 108 is made possible by a communication line 560 that is coupled to respective outlet fittings 562 mounted to the tube 310 at locations elevated with respect to the exit orifice fittings 502 . in this manner , lubricant / coolant 400 is freely able to flow between one reserve cavity 318 ( see fig7 ) to the other reserve cavity . the communication line 560 comprises two mirror image sections of rigid line ( that generally retains its shape ) that are coupled to a box fitting 563 . the box fitting 563 is coupled to a by - pass conduit 564 that is also coupled to the manifold 536 . in this manner , if the input conduits 540 , 542 become damaged or blocked , the manifold recognizes the resulting pressure difference ( greater or lesser ) and diverts the lubricant / coolant 400 from the manifold 536 into the by - pass conduit 564 , where the lubricant / coolant is directed into the respective reserve cavities 318 using the communication line 560 . otherwise , the by - pass conduit 564 contains stagnant lubricant / coolant 400 . and , as shown in part in fig1 and 11 , an air supply conduit 570 provides air from an air source 572 to the air supply fitting 304 of the electric motor 112 . exemplary air sources include , without limitation , turbochargers and air compressors . in this exemplary embodiment , it is envisioned that the axle tube 100 is included as part of a larger machine having an internal combustion engine with a turbocharger , where at least a portion of the discharged , compressed air from the turbocharger is routed through the air supply conduit 570 . it should also be noted that the tube 310 includes a vent 580 that may be operatively coupled to a vent line ( not shown ) in order to vent air within the reserve cavity 318 as the amount of lubricant / coolant 400 increases , and at the same time allow air into the reserve cavity as the amount of lubricant / coolant decreases . referring to fig1 and 16 , an additional set of schematic diagrams depict alternate closed loop flow paths 600 , 700 for the lubricant / coolant 400 . in this first alternate closed loop 600 , the conduits and components are the same as the first closed loop 500 with the exception of providing an air source 572 or an air supply conduit 570 . in such a circumstance , the lubricant / coolant 400 within the subsections 108 , 110 is not actively managed to direct more lubricant / coolant to the reserve cavities 318 when the electric motor 112 and transmission components are operational . the second alternate closed loop 700 includes the conduits and components of the first closed loop 500 with the exception of omitting the dry center section 102 and the communication line 560 . in this manner , lubricant / coolant 400 is fed directly into the motor subsection 108 and pulled directly from the motor subsection . likewise , the air supply conduit is split and coupled directly to each motor subsection 108 . in this alternate embodiment , because the dry center section 102 is absent , the lubricant / coolant 400 conduits , electrical lines to the electric motors , and air supply line needs to able to withstand partial or total submerging in the lubricant / coolant . it should be noted that while the foregoing embodiment have discussed using compressed air to increase the level of lubricant / coolant 400 within the reserve cavity 318 , it is also within the scope of the disclosure to apply suction to the top of the reserve cavity to pull additional lubricant / coolant within the reserve cavity . in such a circumstance , the vent 580 may be couple to a suction line ( not shown ) that operates to create a low pressure area within the reserve cavity 318 to raise the level of lubricant / coolant 400 . following from the above description and invention summaries , it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that , while the methods and apparatuses herein described constitute exemplary embodiments of the present invention , the invention contained herein is not limited to this precise embodiment and that changes may be made to such embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims . additionally , it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the claims and it is not intended that any limitations or elements describing the exemplary embodiments set forth herein are to be incorporated into the interpretation of any claim element unless such limitation or element is explicitly stated . likewise , it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identified advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fall within the scope of any claims , since the invention is defined by the claims and since inherent and / or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein .	8
as fig1 shows , one starts with a substrate wafer 10 made of a conductor or semi - conductor material . the wafer 10 can be preferably a massive substrate wafer or a wafer constituted by a stack of several layers . in this case , the wafer is considered to be made of a non - insulating material when at least one of the layers that make it up is made of a material that has this property . the broken lines 12 show , for illustrative purposes the limits of a first part 14 and of a second part 16 of an accelerometer armature that one wishes to form in the wafer 10 . the second part 16 , which is still not defined in the wafer , comprises , as the broken lines 12 show , a central area 16a and four extensions 16b which are destined to be formed as suspension beams for the central area 16a . in a complementary fashion , the substrate wafer 10 can be previously prepared to later facilitate making contact , notably onto the second insulated part 16 . to this end , it is possible to carry out an implant of ions into one ( or more ) specified area ( s ) in order to increase the conductivity of it ( them ). these areas are marked in fig1 with reference number 16c and are named &# 34 ; contact area &# 34 ;. it is also possible to choose a wafer 10 made of a relatively conductive material such as a silicon wafer of resistivity of the order of 10 - 2 ω . cm , for example . then , in the contact areas , using known photo - masking and etching techniques , a deposition of tungsten of thickness 200 nm is carried out , for example , in order to provide electrical conduction with the silicon of the wafer 10 . this deposition is followed by a deposition of gold of thickness 500 nm , for example , to allow the soldering of a contact wire . one may note that the depositions of tungsten and gold can be restricted to localised areas such as the areas 16c marked in fig1 but can also cover the whole of part 16 , including the extensions 16b . in this case , however , it is advisable to take care that the metal depositions do not cause a short circuit between the first and second parts 14 , 16 . in a first step of a method , one etches voids 18 in the wafer 10 , located on the wafer in areas surrounding the ends of the beams 16b that will be etched later . in the example illustrated , the voids have a u - shape appropriate to the width of the beams 16b whose ends they surround . the width of the void corresponds approximately to the width of the cuts that will later be made in the wafer to separate the first and second parts . in the example described , the voids 18 go right through the wafer . they are made in the wafer using a dry or wet etching method or an ultrasound or laser micro - machining process . present day anisotropic deep etching equipment makes it possible to etch deep voids or cuts into substrates . for example , it is possible to etch openings or cuts right through a silicon wafer with a thickness of the order of 500 μm or more . a following step of the method is illustrated in fig2 . it corresponds to the placing of an electrically insulating material 20 in the voids . a material is considered to be electrically insulating when it has an electrical conductivity which is substantially negligible in comparison with the electrical conductivity of the wafer material 10 . furthermore , it is considered that the voids 18 , even if they are later filled in with the insulating material 20 , form part of the cuts separating the first and second parts in the same way as cuts made later which are described below . the placing of the insulating material in the cuts can comprise , for example , the deposition of a drop of insulating adhesive in the center of the wafer 10 , the positioning of a silicone foam film on the face of the wafer that includes the drop , and then putting the assembly under a press in order to force the adhesive into the voids 18 . the adhesive is , for example , an adhesive of the epotechni brand , type e505 . the adhesive can be replaced by any polymer or liquid epoxy resin for example , which is capable of being polymerised or dried after its introduction into the voids 18 . the chosen polymer or the resin must however be electrically insulating . according to a variant , the insulating material in the voids 18 can be formed by deposition or by crystal growth . this relates , for example to a layer of silicon or silicon nitride . in fig2 the insulating material is flush with the surface of the wafer 10 . hence the joint is only in contact with the first and second parts on their edges facing the end of each beam . however the layer of insulating material formed in the voids can also extend , in certain cases , at least in part , over the main faces of the wafer 10 . a following step of the method is illustrated in fig3 . this step corresponds to the etching of the cuts 22a , 22b , 22c and 22d . during this etching , carried out in accordance with one of the methods described above , the insulating material joints 20 remain intact . except for these joints , the cuts completely separate the first and second parts 14 , 16 which are then electrically insulated from one another . as shown in fig3 the adjacent edges of the first and second parts have respectively a comb shape with the teeth 24 and 26 interdigitated . the parts 14 and 16 and more particularly the teeth 24 and 26 form respectively the plates of a capacitor . a movement of the part 16 along the direction x , indicated in fig3 by an arrow parallel to the wafer 10 , is capable of causing a change in the capacity of the capacitor . hence , an accelerometer is formed by respectively linking the parts 14 and 16 to a measurement system 30 , represented in a very diagrammatic way in fig3 . the measurement system comprises , for example , a capacitance meter and a calculation unit to convert a change in measured capacity into a value of the acceleration to which the accelerometer was subjected . with regard to this subject , reference may be made to document ( 2 ) mentioned at the end of this description . comb actuators for xy - microstages by v . p . jaecklin et al . sensors and actuators a , 39 ( 1993 ) 83 - 89 yokohama research and development center , murata manufacturing co . ltd . 1 - 18 - 1 akusan , midori - ku , yokohama , 226 , japan , iee 1995 , pp . 278 - 281 .	6
fig2 shows a schematic view of an apparatus for adaptive wireless channel estimation an apparatus for adaptive wireless channel estimation according to the present invention . as shown in fig2 , an apparatus 200 for adaptive wireless channel estimation comprises a pilot - aided channel tracking module 201 , a decision feedback channel tracking unit 203 and an adaptive controller 205 . the pilot - aided channel tracking module 201 and the decision feedback channel tracking unit 203 are combined to connect to an equalizer 207 . fig3 shows a flowchart illustrating the operation of the apparatus for adaptive wireless channel estimation of fig2 . the apparatus for wireless channel estimation is applicable to a moving vehicle in a time - variant environment , such as wireless access on a vehicle environment . in other time - variant wireless access environment , an ofdm - based system can also use the adaptive channel estimate apparatus to improve the reliability of channel information . the following describes the operating flow of fig3 in conjunction with fig2 . when a packet is received , the first step is to initialize the channel estimation . then , the adaptive controller 205 performs an adaptive analysis and calculates a first recursive parameter g 1 , a second recursive parameter g 2 , and an interpolation number interp_no , as shown in step 301 . the adaptive controller 205 targets the channel interference index , such as the environmental signal - to - noise ratio ( snr ) and the speed of the moving vehicle , to perform adaptive analysis . based on the first recursive parameter g 1 and interpolation number interp_no , the pilot - aided channel tracking module 201 performs the channel tracking on an information symbol of the packet , and determines an optimal channel information , as shown in step 302 . in step 302 , an interpolation is performed on a plurality of pilot - aided channel estimations and a plurality of feedback channel estimations at previous time to obtain a plurality of partially updated channel information , to adjust the optimal channel information through the first recursive parameter g 1 , and to update the parameter of the equalizer 207 in real time . the updated equalizer 207 performs channel compensation on the information symbol , as shown in step 303 . in step 303 , the updated equalizer 207 refers to a plurality of partially updated channel information and a signal in frequency axis f obtained from the pilot - aided channel tracking to perform channel compensation . the signal in frequency axis f ( n ) can be signals transformed by a fast fourier transform ( fft ) processing unit . the decision feedback tracking unit 203 performs decision feedback on the compensated information symbol , performs channel tracking according to the recursive parameter g 2 , and performs iterative update on the feedback channel estimation of previous time to provide for the next information symbol , as shown in step 304 . the above steps are repeated until all the information symbols in the packet is processed , as shown in step 305 , and the process proceed to the next received packet . when the interpolation is performed in step 302 , if the information symbol in the packet is the first information symbol , the estimated channel information and pilot information obtained from the long preamble are used in the interpolation . the subsequent symbols use the channel estimation values of decision feedback and the pilot information for interpolation . it is worth noting that the pilot channel estimation values obtained by the symbols can be estimated in several ways , such as least mean square ( lms ). then , the adjustment of the optimal channel information can be performed according to the recursive parameter determined by the environmental quality . in transmitting the packet , the speed of moving vehicle and the environmental snr are the indicators whether the transmitted signals are prone to channel interference . for example , when the moving vehicle moves at a higher speed , and the environmental snr is lower , the channel changes more drastically . therefore , the channel estimation error will increase . hence , recursive parameters g 1 , g 2 should be tuned down and the interpolation number should be reduced . fig4 shows the detailed structure of each element of the pilot - aided channel tracking module and the operation process thereof . as shown in fig4 , the pilot - aided channel tracking module 201 includes a pilot signal generator 401 a , a pilot - aided channel estimation unit 401 b , a channel interpolation module 401 c , and a recursive computing unit 401 d . the operation of pilot - aided channel tracking module 201 is as follows . the pilot signal generator 401 a extracts a plurality of pilot signals from each information symbol to provide to pilot - aided channel estimation unit 401 b . based on the pilot signals , the pilot - aided channel estimation unit 401 b performs a plurality of channel estimations . then , based on interpolation number interp_no , the channel estimations by pilot - aided channel estimation unit 401 b , and the channel information of previous time estimated by the decision feedback channel tracking unit 203 , the channel interpolation module 401 c performs an interpolation to obtain a plurality of partially update channel information . finally , the recursive computing unit 401 d uses lms to adjust the optimal channel information by using the pilot - aided channel estimation values from two successive information symbols and the recursive parameter g 1 determined by the environmental quality . the adjusted optimal channel information is provided to the equalizer 207 for updating parameter in real time . the interpolation number interp_no can also be adjusted according to the environment . the updated equalizer 207 performs channel compensation on the information symbol . fig5 shows an example illustrating the channel estimation method used by the apparatus of the present invention . as shown in fig5 , the present invention uses a plurality of pilot signals for multi - point channel estimation , and uses the pilot - aided channel estimation values h pa ( 0 , 0 )− h pa ( 0 , n ) and the feedback signal channel estimation values t ( 0 , 0 )− i ( 0 , m ) for interpolation to obtain the channel estimation values of a full transmission path , including using an algorithm in channel estimation , adjusting algorithm parameter , updating equalizer parameter , channel compensation , and combining the channel estimation information from decision feedback . because the present invention uses pilot - aided channel estimation values and feedback signal channel estimation values for interpolation , the interpolation range shrinks and resolution increases . combining decision feedback channel estimation also increases the channel estimation precision . furthermore , for the time - variant vehicle environment , the present invention adaptively adjusts the algorithm parameter to improve the time - variant channel tracking . the present invention is also stable when applied to the wireless network access in a high speed vehicle environment . in comparison with the conventional channel estimation method of fig1 , the present invention has a smaller estimation error in multi - path time - variant channel estimation , the better frequency selection , and better adaptation to vehicle environment . in summary , fig6 shows the adaptive channel estimation operation of the present invention cooperating with an equalizer after receiving a packet . as shown in fig6 , step 601 is to perform channel estimation initialization after receiving a packet . as aforementioned , when the information symbol of the packet is the first information symbol , the channel information and pilot - aided information obtained by long preamble are used for interpolation . this detail is omitted from fig6 . the subsequent information symbols use decision feedback channel estimation and pilot - aided information for interpolation . the subsequent information symbols also cooperate with equalizer in adaptive channel estimation . the adaptive controller 205 performs an adaptive analysis 602 for the speed of moving vehicle and the environmental snr . the adaptive analysis 602 calculates the first recursive parameter g 1 , the second recursive parameter g 2 , and the interpolation number interp_no . the first recursive parameter g 1 and the interpolation number interp_no are provided to the pilot - aided channel tracking module 201 for pilot - aided channel tracking 603 , and the second recursive parameter g 2 is provided to the decision feedback channel tracking unit 203 for decision feedback channel tracking 606 . in the pilot - aided channel tracking 603 , the pilot signal generator 401 a extracts pilot - signals from each information symbol , and the pilot signals are used for detailed channel estimation . because pilot signals have certain characteristics , the channel estimation is accomplished with certain precision . based on the pilot signals , the pilot - aided channel estimation unit 401 b performs channel estimations . based on interpolation number interp_no , the pilot - aided channel estimations of the current information symbol from the pilot - aided channel estimation unit 401 b , and the channel information of previous time from the decision feedback channel tracking unit 203 , the channel interpolation module 401 c performs an interpolation to obtain a plurality of partial update channel information h pa1 ( n ). as aforementioned , the recursive computing unit 401 d uses lms to adjust the optimal channel information h lms1 ( n ) by using the pilot - aided channel estimation from two successive information symbols and the recursive parameter g 1 determined by the environmental quality . that is , h lms1 ( n )= h pa1 ( n )* g 1 + h pa1 ( n − 1 )( 1 − g 1 ). in the decision feedback channel tracking 606 , the decision feedback tracking unit 203 uses decision feedback symbol as the training symbol to perform frequency domain response on channel , and uses lms to iteratively update channel estimation values h new ( n ) and h new ( n − 1 ). each information symbol is executed once . in lms algorithm , the recursive parameter g 2 is generated by the adaptive controller 205 . in other words , after using lms for iterative update of channel estimation values , the adjusted channel estimation value is h lms2 ( n ) , where h lms2 ( n )= h new ( n ) g 2 + h new ( n − 1 )*( 1 − g 2 ). the present invention uses channel estimation h lms2 ( n ) that is iteratively updated by the decision feedback channel tracking unit 203 and the optimal channel information h lms1 ( n ) that is adjusted by the pilot - aided channel tracking module 201 to perform the equalizer update 604 . that is , the parameter of equalizer 207 is updated in real time . the updated equalizer 207 performs channel compensation on information symbols . the decision feedback channel tracking unit 203 performs decision feedback on the compensated information symbol , and performs channel tracking based on the recursive parameter g 2 . the updated channel estimation h lms2 ( n ) is provided to the next information symbol . although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments , it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the details described thereof . various substitutions and modifications have been suggested in the foregoing description , and others will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art . therefore , all such substitutions and modifications are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims .	7
with reference now to the attached drawings , embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail below . fig2 shows an example of a frame configuration according to this embodiment . modulation methods are explained below , taking a combination of three kinds — qpsk , 16qam , and 64qam — as an example . in fig2 , a preamble 101 , pilot symbols 103 , and a unique word 104 , are control information , and the preamble 101 includes information on the selected modulation method , including information indicating qpsk , 16qam , or 64qam . data symbols 102 contain data information . the pilot symbols 103 are used to perform estimation of the radio wave propagation environment and coherent detection , and the unique word 104 is a signal for having the receiving apparatus achieve time synchronization with the transmitting apparatus . these items of control information require greater reliability than data symbols . fig3 shows the configuration of a transmitting apparatus according to this embodiment . in fig3 , in a qpsk signal generating section 201 , when the modulation method information included in a control signal among the input transmit digital signals and control signals is qpsk , a quadrature baseband signal is generated in accordance with the frame configuration in fig2 , the in - phase component of the qpsk quadrature baseband signal is output to an in - phase component switching section 204 , and the quadrature phase component of the qpsk quadrature baseband signal is output to a quadrature phase component switching section 205 . in a 16qam signal generating section 202 , when the modulation method information included in a control signal among the input transmit digital signals and control signals is 16qam , a quadrature baseband signal is generated in accordance with the frame configuration in fig2 , the in - phase component of the 16qam quadrature baseband signal is output to the in - phase component switching section 204 , and the quadrature phase component of the 16qam quadrature baseband signal is output to the quadrature phase component switching section 205 . in a 64qam signal generating section 203 , when the modulation method information included in a control signal among the input transmit digital signals and controls signals is 64qam , a quadrature baseband signal is generated in accordance with the frame configuration in fig2 , the in - phase component of the 64qam quadrature baseband signal is output to the in - phase component switching section 204 , and the quadrature phase component of the 64qam quadrature baseband signal is output to the quadrature phase component switching section 205 . the in - phase component switching section 204 switches the input part , based on the quadrature baseband signal in - phase component , input by the qpsk signal generating section 201 , 16qam signal generating section 202 , or 64qam signal generating section 203 , and modulation method information contained in a control signal among control signals input according to a separate rate , so that the quadrature baseband signal in - phase component of the specified modulation method is input , and outputs the input quadrature baseband signal in - phase component to a radio section 206 . the quadrature phase component switching section 205 switches the input part , based on the quadrature baseband signal in - phase component input by the qpsk signal generating section 201 , 16qam signal generating section 202 , or 64qam signal generating section 203 , and modulation method information contained in a control signal among control signals input according to a separate rate , so that the transmit quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component of the specified modulation method is input , and outputs the input quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component to the radio section 206 . the radio section 206 performs predetermined radio processing on the transmit quadrature baseband signal in - phase component output from the in - phase component switching section 204 and the transmit quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the quadrature phase component switching section 205 , and outputs the result to a transmission power amplification section 207 . the transmission power amplification section 207 amplifies the signal that has undergone radio processing by the radio section 206 , and transmits the amplified transmit signal via a transmit antenna 208 . fig4 shows the configuration of a receiving apparatus according to this embodiment . in fig4 , a receive radio section 302 performs predetermined radio processing on a signal received via a receive antenna 301 ( received signal ), and outputs the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component to a synchronization / modulation method determination section 303 , fading distortion estimation section 304 , frequency offset estimation section 305 , qpsk detection section 306 , 16qam detection section 307 , and 64qam detection section 308 . the synchronization / modulation method determination section 303 detects the unique word in fig2 from the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 302 , and achieves time synchronization with the transmitting apparatus based on the detected unique word . in addition , the synchronization / modulation method determination section 303 detects the preamble and identifies modulation method information contained in the preamble . a control signal containing these two items of information is output to the qpsk detection section 306 , 16qam detection section 307 , and 64qam detection section 308 . the fading distortion estimation section 304 estimates distortion due to fading from the pilot symbol in fig2 using the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 302 , and a control signal output from the synchronization / modulation method determination section 303 , and outputs a fading distortion estimation signal to the qpsk detection section 306 , 16qam detection section 307 , and 64qam detection section 308 . the frequency offset estimation section 305 estimates the frequency offset from the pilot symbol in fig2 using the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 302 , and a control signal output from the synchronization / modulation method determination section 303 , and outputs a frequency offset estimation signal to the qpsk detection section 306 , 16qam detection section 307 , and 64qam detection section 308 . when modulation method information contained in the control signal output from the synchronization / modulation method determination section 303 indicates qpsk , the qpsk detection section 306 performs elimination and demodulation of fading distortion and frequency offset in the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 302 , using the fading distortion estimation signal output from the fading distortion estimation section 304 and the frequency offset estimation signal output from the frequency offset estimation section 305 , and outputs a qpsk received digital signal . when modulation method information contained in the control signal output from the synchronization / modulation method determination section 303 indicates 16qam , the 16qam detection section 307 performs elimination and demodulation of fading distortion and frequency offset in the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 302 , using the fading distortion estimation signal output from the fading distortion estimation section 304 and the frequency offset estimation signal output from the frequency offset estimation section 305 , and outputs a 16qam received digital signal . when modulation method information contained in the control signal output from the synchronization / modulation method determination section 303 indicates 64qam , the 64qam detection section 308 performs elimination and demodulation of fading distortion and frequency offset in the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 302 , using the fading distortion estimation signal output from the fading distortion estimation section 304 and the frequency offset estimation signal output from the frequency offset estimation section 305 , and outputs a 64qam received digital signal . next , the operation of a transmitting apparatus and receiving apparatus that have the above - described configuration will be described . first , the transmit digital signal and control signal shown in fig3 are input to the qpsk signal generating section 201 , 16qam signal generating section 202 , and 64qam signal generating section 203 , only the signal generating section that matches the modulation method information of the control signal is operated , and by means of the signal generating section for the relevant modulation method , a quadrature baseband signal is generated , the quadrature baseband signal in - phase component is output to the in - phase component switching section 204 , and the quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component is output to the quadrature phase component switching section 205 . the quadrature baseband signal in - phase component output from the modulation method determination section is switched to the input section corresponding to the modulation method indicated by the control signal by the in - phase component switching section 204 , and is output to the radio section 206 . also , the quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the modulation method determination section is switched to the input section corresponding to the modulation method indicated by the control signal by the quadrature phase component switching section 205 , and is output to the radio section 206 . the transmit quadrature baseband signal in - phase component output from the in - phase component switching section 204 and the transmit quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the quadrature phase component switching section 205 undergo predetermined radio processing by the radio section 206 , and a transmit signal is output to the transmission power amplification section 207 . the transmit signal output from the radio section 206 undergoes power amplification by the amplification section 207 , and is transmitted to the receiving apparatus via the transmit antenna 208 . the signal transmitted by the transmitting apparatus is received by the receiving apparatus via the antenna 301 shown in fig4 . in fig4 , the signal received via the antenna 301 ( received signal ) undergoes predetermined radio processing by the receive radio section 302 , and the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component are output to the synchronization / modulation method determination section 303 , fading distortion estimation section 304 , frequency offset estimation section 305 , qpsk detection section 306 , 16qam detection section 307 , and 64qam detection section 308 . for the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 302 , the unique word shown in fig2 is detected by the synchronization / modulation method determination section 303 , and time synchronization with the transmitting apparatus is achieved based on the detected unique word . in addition , the preamble is detected and modulation method information contained in the preamble is identified . a control signal containing these two items of information is generated , and is output to the fading distortion estimation section 304 , frequency offset estimation section 305 , qpsk detection section 306 , 16qam detection section 307 , and 64qam detection section 308 . for the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 302 , and a control signal output from the synchronization / modulation method determination section 303 , distortion due to fading is estimated from the pilot symbol shown in fig2 by the fading distortion estimation section 304 , and a fading distortion estimation signal is output to the qpsk detection section 306 , 16qam detection section 307 , and 64qam detection section 308 . also , for the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 302 , and a control signal output from the synchronization / modulation method determination section 303 , a frequency offset is estimated from the pilot symbol shown in fig2 by the frequency offset estimation section 305 , and a frequency offset estimation signal is output to the qpsk detection section 306 , 16qam detection section 307 , and 64qam detection section 308 . the detection section corresponding to the modulation method information of the control signal output from the synchronization / modulation method determination section 303 — that is , the qpsk detection section 306 , 16qam detection section 307 , or 64qam detection section 308 — performs elimination and demodulation of fading distortion and frequency offset in the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 302 , using the fading distortion estimation signal output from the fading distortion estimation section 304 and the frequency offset estimation signal output from the frequency offset estimation section 305 , and outputs a received digital signal according to the respective modulation method . the operation of a transmission power amplification section in a radio communication system of this embodiment , and pilot symbol signal point arrangement in each modulation method , will now be described . in this embodiment , the pilot symbol signal point amplitude indicates transmission power in the iq plane , and when transmission power is raised the pilot symbol signal point amplitude increases . fig5 shows the input / output relationship of a conventional transmission power amplification section . in fig5 , reference code 401 denotes the operation point of the transmission power amplification section , indicating the average transmission output power . reference code 402 , reference code 403 , and reference code 404 denote the qpsk , 16qam , and 64qam operating ranges ( level ranges in which input of a signal to be input to the power amplification section is possible ), respectively , and show the transmission power amplification section operating range when the respective modulation method is selected . as shown in fig5 , the operating range is greatest when the modulation method is 64qam . thus , conventionally , the operating range is determined by the modulation method . however , since the transmission power amplification section uses a transmission power amplifier capable of linear amplification of a 16qam modulation method signal , when the modulation method is qpsk or 16qam , linear amplification is possible even if the operating range is extended within a range in which the operating range does not exceed the 64qam operating range . thus , with a radio communication method that performs adaptive modulation according to this embodiment , a method is used whereby pilot symbol signal points are arranged in the iq plane so that the reception sensitivity characteristics of the receiving apparatus are most improved within a range in which the greatest operating range of the transmission power amplifier does not exceed a wide modulation method operating range . that is to say , when the modulation method is qpsk or 16qam , the pilot symbol input level is increased in a range in which the operating range does not exceed the 64qam operating range , and the reception sensitivity characteristics of the receiving apparatus are improved . this method will be described below . fig6 shows qpsk symbol and pilot symbol signal point arrangement in the iq plane according to this embodiment . reference code 501 denotes a qpsk modulation signal point and reference code 502 denotes the pilot symbol signal point . if the pilot symbol signal point amplification is designated r pilot , as r pilot is increased resistance to pilot symbol noise is strengthened in the receiving apparatus , the accuracy of fading distortion estimation by the fading distortion estimation section 304 and the accuracy of estimation by the frequency offset estimation section 305 in the receiving apparatus in fig4 is improved , and high - precision detection processing can be carried out , with the result that the reception sensitivity characteristics of the receiving apparatus are improved . further , fig7 shows 16qam symbol and pilot symbol signal point arrangement in the iq plane according to this embodiment . reference code 601 denotes a 16qam signal point and reference code 602 denotes the pilot symbol signal point . if the pilot symbol signal point amplification is designated r pilot , as r pilot is increased resistance to pilot symbol noise is strengthened in the receiving apparatus , the accuracy of fading distortion estimation by the fading distortion estimation section 304 and the accuracy of estimation by the frequency offset estimation section 305 in the receiving apparatus in fig4 is improved , and high - precision detection processing can be carried out , with the result that the reception sensitivity characteristics of the receiving apparatus are improved . the same also applies to 64qam . next , the operating ranges of two kinds of transmission power amplification sections with different input / output characteristics will be described . fig8 shows the input / output relationship of two kinds of transmission power amplification sections according to this embodiment . in order to attempt a general description , the two kinds of transmission power amplification sections are here designated transmission power amplification section a and transmission power amplification section b . in fig8 , reference code 701 indicates the input / output relationship of transmission power amplification section a , and reference code 702 indicates the input / output relationship of transmission power amplification section b . when the input level is in the operating range indicated by reference code 703 , it can be handled by either transmission power amplification section a or transmission power amplification section b . however , when the input level is in the operating range indicated by reference code 704 , there is a range that cannot be handled by transmission power amplification section a . for example , to consider a communication apparatus for which use of a modulation method up to 16qam is sufficient , assuming that input can be handled by use of a transmission power amplifier that has the input / output characteristic indicated by reference code 701 , power consumption can be kept lower than when using a transmission power amplifier that has the input / output characteristic indicated by reference code 702 . however , assuming that a transmission power amplifier indicated by reference code 702 must be used in order to handle 64qam used in this embodiment , it is possible to secure a wider operating range than the operating range indicated by reference code 703 . that is to say , when a qpsk or 16qam modulation method is used , if the pilot symbol transmission power is increased in the operating range indicated by reference code 704 , the accuracy of fading distortion estimation and frequency offset estimation in the receiving apparatus increases , and the reception sensitivity characteristics of the receiving apparatus improve . in this embodiment , the greatest operating range of the transmission power amplification section is the 64qam operating range . therefore , as a result of making r pilot larger than r qpsk , the operating range in the transmission power amplification section is increased , but as long as the range is within the 64qam method operating range , amplification is still possible when qpsk is selected . the same can be assumed when 16qam is used . taking the above into consideration , it becomes possible to arrive at the kind of transmission power amplification section input / output relationship shown in fig9 . fig9 is a graph showing the input / output relationship of a transmission power amplification section according to this embodiment , in which reference code 801 denotes the operation point of the transmission power amplification section , reference code 802 denotes the qpsk operating range when the pilot symbol signal point amplitude is made greater than the maximum signal point amplitude in conventional qpsk modulation , reference code 803 denotes the 16qam operating range when the pilot symbol signal point amplitude is made greater than the 16qam maximum signal point amplitude , and reference code 804 denotes the 64qam method operating range . note that the operating range denoted by reference code 802 and the operating range denoted by reference code 803 are taken to be smaller than the 64qam operating range . at this time , the qpsk operating range and 16qam operating range in fig9 are greater than when a transmission power amplification section is used as shown in fig5 , but amplification is possible and it is also possible to set the operating range of each modulation method as the same range . meanwhile , in the receiving apparatus , when qpsk or 16qam is used , resistance to pilot symbol noise is strengthened . however , it is not necessarily the case that the pilot symbol amplitude need only be increased , and the fact that there is an optimum amplitude will now be explained using fig1 . fig1 shows a graph of the power ratio of a qpsk modulation pilot symbol and signal point according to this embodiment vs . the desired carrier power to noise power ratio necessary for bit error rates of 10 − 4 and 10 − 6 . reference code 901 indicates the desired carrier power to noise power ratio necessary for a bit error rate of 10 − 4 , and reference code 902 indicates the desired carrier power to noise power ratio necessary for a bit error rate of 10 − 6 . looking at reference code 901 , on the horizontal axis of lowest values of the desired carrier power to noise power ratio at a bit error rate of 10 − 4 ( r 2 pilot / r 2 qpsk ), the value is 2 , and it is not the case that the desired carrier power to noise power ratio decreases even though the pilot signal amplitude increases . the same can be assumed in the case of a 10 − 6 bit error rate indicated by reference code 902 , and it can be said that there is an optimum amplitude of the pilot signal . with this embodiment , the description has been based on a single carrier method , but implementation is also possible in a similar way with a multiplexing method , cdma method , or ofdm ( orthogonal frequency division multiplexing ) method . the fact that this embodiment can also be applied in common amplification will now be explained below using fig1 . fig1 shows the configuration of a transmitting apparatus that performs common amplification according to this embodiment . an f1 modulation section 1001 performs digital modulation of a frequency f1 digital signal , and outputs a frequency f1 transmit signal to an adding section 1004 . an f2 modulation section 1002 performs digital modulation of a frequency f2 digital signal , and outputs a frequency f2 transmit signal to the adding section 1004 . an fn modulation section 1003 performs digital modulation of a frequency fn digital signal , and outputs a frequency fn transmit signal to the adding section 1004 . the adding section 1004 adds the frequency f1 transmit signal , frequency f2 transmit signal , and frequency fn transmit signal , and outputs the transmit signal resulting from the addition to a transmission power amplification section 1005 . the transmission power amplification section 1005 amplifies the transmit signal resulting from the addition and transmits the amplified transmit signal via a transmit antenna 1006 . according to the above - described embodiment , with a radio communication method that performs adaptive modulation , the reception sensitivity characteristics of a receiving apparatus can be improved by placing the pilot symbol signal point in the iq plane so that the reception sensitivity of the receiving apparatus is made optimal , while maintaining the average transmission output power of the transmitting apparatus at a fixed level . a combination of three kinds of modulation methods — qpsk , 16qam , and 64qam — has been taken as an example in the description , but this embodiment is not limited to these modulation methods , and moreover is not limited to switching between three modulation methods . in this embodiment , a known signal point has been taken as an example for the pilot symbol in the description , but this is not a limitation , and a psk modulation signal , for example , may also be used as a pilot symbol . also , in this embodiment , a pilot symbol is used in fading distortion estimation and frequency offset estimation in the receiving apparatus , but these can also be performed using other control information such as a preamble or unique word as shown in fig2 . as regards control information , also , of which channel control information with data eliminated is an example , the same kind of implementation is possible as for a pilot symbol in this embodiment . at this time , control information is characterized in having greater error tolerance for noise compared with data in particular . in embodiment 2 , a communication system modulation method determination method will be described whereby the modulation method is switched according to the radio wave propagation environment and the communication traffic in a radio communication system , transmitting apparatus , and receiving apparatus using the method described in embodiment 1 . fig1 is a drawing showing an example of the frame configuration transmitted by a communication terminal according to this embodiment . the parts in fig1 identical to those in fig2 are assigned the same codes as in fig2 and their detailed explanations are omitted . in fig1 , reference code 1101 denotes a preamble , containing control information . reference code 1102 denotes radio wave propagation environment estimation information , being symbols whereby a communication terminal estimates the radio wave propagation environment of a signal transmitted by the base station , for notification to the base station as radio wave propagation environment information . next the configuration of a base station receiving apparatus will be described . fig1 shows the configuration of a base - station receiving apparatus according to this embodiment . in fig1 , a receive radio section 1202 performs predetermined radio processing on a signal received via an antenna 1201 ( received signal ), and outputs the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component to a synchronization section 1203 and detection section 1204 . the synchronization section 1203 detects the 304 unique word in fig1 from the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 1202 , achieves time synchronization with the communication terminal based on the detected unique word , and outputs a signal as a synchronization signal to the detection section 1204 . the detection section 1204 performs detection processing on a signal transmitted from the communication terminal according to the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 1202 , and the synchronization signal output from the synchronization section 1203 , and outputs a received digital signal to a data detection section 1205 . the data detection section 1205 outputs radio wave propagation environment information to a transmit data generating section 1206 from the received digital signal output from the detection section 1204 based on the frame configuration in fig1 , and outputs receive data . the transmit data generating section 1206 determines the modulation method based on the radio wave propagation environment information from within the radio wave propagation environment information output from the data detection section 1205 and the input transmit data , and outputs a transmit digital signal that has information bits corresponding to the determined modulation method and a control signal notifying the base station of the determined modulation method . if it is determined by the data detection section 1205 that there is a plurality of arriving waves , other parameters indicating the radio wave propagation environment have no effect , and the transmit data generating section 1206 selects qpsk , which has good error tolerance , and issues a request to the communication terminal . this is done to prevent the reception of a plurality of arriving waves , since the receiving apparatus cannot perform signal demodulation in such a case . fig1 shows an example of the frame configuration transmitted by a base station according to this embodiment . the parts in fig1 identical to those in fig1 are assigned the same codes as in fig1 and their detailed explanations are omitted . in fig1 , reference code 1301 denotes modulation method information , being symbols for notifying the communication terminal of the modulation method of the base station . next , the configuration of the transmitting apparatus of a communication terminal apparatus will be described . fig1 shows the configuration of the transmitting apparatus of a communication terminal according to this embodiment . in fig1 , a transmit data generating section 1401 generates a transmit digital signal in accordance with the frame configuration in fig1 from transmit data and a radio wave propagation environment estimation signal , and outputs it to a quadrature baseband signal generating section 1402 . the quadrature baseband signal generating section 1402 generates a transmit quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and transmit quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component from the transmit digital signal output from the transmit data generating section 1401 , and outputs them to a transmit radio section 1403 . the transmit radio section 1403 performs predetermined radio processing on the transmit quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and transmit quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component generated by the quadrature baseband signal generating section 1402 , and outputs a transmit signal to a transmission power amplification section 1404 . the transmission power amplification section 1404 amplifies the transmit signal output from the transmit radio section 1403 and outputs the amplified transmit signal to the base station via a transmit antenna 1405 . fig1 shows the configuration of the receiving apparatus of a communication terminal according to this embodiment . in fig1 , a receive radio section 1502 performs predetermined radio reception processing on a signal received via a receive antenna 1501 ( received signal ), and outputs the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component . a synchronization / modulation method determination section 1506 detects the unique word 104 of the frame configuration transmitted by the base station in fig1 from the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 1502 and achieves time synchronization with the base station , and also detects modulation method information 1301 , estimates the modulation method , and outputs a synchronization signal and modulation method information to each modulation method detection section . if modulation method information indicates qpsk based on the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal , synchronization signal , and modulation method information , the qpsk detection section 1503 performs demodulation and outputs a qpsk - detected received digital signal . if modulation method information indicates 16qam based on the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal , synchronization signal , and modulation method information , the 16qam detection section 1504 performs demodulation and outputs a 16qam - detected received digital signal . if modulation method information indicates 64qam based on the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal , synchronization signal , and modulation method information , the 64qam detection section 1505 performs demodulation and outputs a 64qam - detected received digital signal . an interference wave strength estimation section 1507 estimates interference wave strength from a modulation signal , unique word , or pilot symbol in the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 1502 , and outputs an interference wave strength estimation signal to a radio wave propagation environment estimation section 1511 . a field strength estimation section 1508 estimates the reception field strength or carrier power to noise power ratio from a modulation signal , unique word , or pilot symbol in the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 1502 , and outputs a field strength estimation signal to the radio wave propagation environment estimation section 1511 . a multipath estimation section 1509 estimates the multipath situation from a modulation signal , unique word , or pilot symbol in the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 1502 , and outputs a multipath estimation signal to the radio wave propagation environment estimation section 1511 . a doppler frequency estimation section 1510 estimates the doppler frequency from a modulation signal , unique word , or pilot symbol in the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 1502 , and outputs a doppler frequency estimation signal to the radio wave propagation environment estimation section 1511 . the radio wave propagation environment estimation section 1511 determines and outputs the modulation method to be requested of the base station from the interference wave strength estimation signal , field strength estimation signal , multipath estimation signal , and doppler frequency estimation signal , so that , for example , qpsk is selected when the field strength is weak , when the doppler frequency is large , when there is a plurality of arriving waves , or when the interference wave strength is great . if it is determined by the multipath estimation section 1509 that there is a plurality of arriving waves , other parameters indicating the radio wave propagation environment have no effect , and the radio wave propagation environment estimation section 1511 selects a modulation method with good error tolerance ( in this embodiment , qpsk ), and issues a request to the communication terminal accordingly . alternatively , the radio wave propagation environment estimation section 1511 may output the interference wave strength estimation signal , field strength estimation signal , multipath estimation signal , and doppler frequency estimation signal themselves . this is done to prevent the reception of a plurality of arriving waves , since the receiving apparatus cannot perform signal demodulation in such a case . next , the operation of a base station and communication terminal that have the above - described configurations will be described . first , in the communication terminal transmitting apparatus shown in fig1 , transmit data and a radio wave propagation environment estimation signal are generated as a transmit digital signal in accordance with the frame configuration in fig1 by the transmit data generating section 1401 , and output to the quadrature baseband signal generating section 1402 . the transmit digital signal output from the transmit data generating section 1401 is generated as a transmit quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and transmit quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component by the quadrature baseband signal generating section 1402 , and output to the transmit radio section 1403 . the transmit quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and transmit quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the quadrature baseband signal generating section 1402 undergo predetermined radio processing by the transmit radio section 1403 , and a transmit signal is output to the transmission power amplification section 1404 . the transmit signal on which predetermined radio processing has been performed by the transmit radio section undergoes power amplification by the transmission power amplification section 1404 and is transmitted via the transmit antenna 1405 . the signal transmitted by the communication terminal is received by the base station shown in fig1 . in fig1 , the signal received via the receive antenna 1201 ( received signal ) undergoes predetermined radio processing by the receive radio section 1202 , and the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component are output to the synchronization section 1203 and detection section 1204 . for the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 1202 , a unique word is detected by the synchronization section 1203 , time synchronization with the communication terminal is achieved based on the detected unique word , and a synchronization signal is generated and output to the detection section 1204 . the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 1202 undergo detection processing by the detection section 1204 based on the synchronization signal output from the synchronization section 1203 , and a received digital signal is output to the data detection section 1205 . for the received digital signal output from the detection section 1204 , radio wave propagation environment information is generated by the data detection section 1205 , and is output to the transmit data generating section 1206 . in addition , receive data is output . with regard to the radio wave propagation environment information output from the data detection section 1205 , the modulation method is determined by the transmit data generating section 1206 according to the radio wave propagation environment so that , for example , qpsk is selected when the field strength is weak , when the doppler frequency is large , when there is a plurality of arriving waves , or when the interference wave strength is great , then the transmit data is modulated using that modulation method , and a transmit digital signal is output . in addition , a control signal modulated using the determined modulation method is output . next , the signal transmitted from the base station transmitting apparatus ( see fig2 ) is received by the communication terminal receiving apparatus shown in fig1 . in fig1 , the signal received via the receive antenna 1501 ( received signal ) undergoes predetermined reception processing by the receive radio section 1502 , and the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component are output to the interference wave strength estimation section 1507 , field strength estimation section 1508 , multipath estimation section 1509 , doppler frequency estimation section 1510 , qpsk detection section 1503 , 16qam detection section 1504 , 64qam detection section 1505 , and synchronization / modulation method determination section 1506 . for the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 1502 , a unique word is detected by the synchronization / modulation method determination section 1506 , and time synchronization with the base station is achieved based on the detected unique word . in addition , modulation method information is detected , the modulation method is estimated , and a synchronization signal and modulation method information are output to each modulation method detection section . the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 1502 are demodulated in a modulation method detection section based on the synchronization signal and modulation method information output from the synchronization / modulation method determination section 1506 , and a corresponding received digital signal is output . for the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 1502 , parameters for estimating the propagation environment are estimated in each estimation section , and an estimation signal is output to the radio wave propagation environment estimation section 1511 . for the estimation signal output from each estimation section , the radio wave propagation environment is determined as a whole by the radio wave propagation environment estimation section 1511 , and radio wave propagation environment information to be reported to the base station is estimated and output . next , an explanation will be given concerning the modulation method selected initially for a transmit signal to be transmitted by a base station . when a radio communication system of the kind described in this embodiment is constructed , for example , the modulation method to be used initially for a signal to be transmitted by the base station presents a problem . in this case , since a signal has not once been transmitted to the communication terminal , the communication terminal cannot estimate the radio wave propagation environment . therefore , the base station must itself decide the modulation method to be used initially . if , for example , 16qam or 64qam is used as the initial modulation method , a communication terminal will not be able to attain data quality when the radio wave propagation environment is poor . taking this fact into consideration , it is preferable to select qpsk modulation . by selecting the most noise tolerant of the switchable modulation methods as the initially selected modulation method , as described above , data quality is improved at the communication terminal . this initial setting of the modulation method is not limited to this embodiment , and can be applied to communication methods characterized by switching of the modulation method according to the radio wave propagation environment , communication traffic , and so forth . similarly , with a communication method characterized by changing of the error correction method according to the radio wave propagation environment , the same kind of approach can be taken to the initial error correction method for a transmit signal to be transmitted . by selecting the error correction method with the greatest error correction capability from among the switchable error correction methods as the initially selected error correction method , data quality is improved . this initial setting of the error correction method is not limited to this embodiment , and can be applied to communication methods characterized by switching of the error correction method according to the radio wave propagation environment , communication traffic , and so forth . if the modulation method is variable , the preamble 1101 excluding data symbols 102 , the unique word 104 , and the pilot symbol 103 in fig1 are constantly transmitted . using these signals transmitted by the base station , a communication terminal estimates the radio wave propagation environment and in starting communication with the base station transmits radio wave propagation environment information to the base station , and the base station determines the initial modulation method for the data symbols 102 based on the radio wave propagation environment information transmitted from the communication terminal , thereby enabling data quality to be attained . at this time , modulation method information can also be included in the radio wave propagation environment information . initial setting of the modulation method by this method is not limited to this embodiment , and can be applied to communication methods characterized by switching of the modulation method according to the radio wave propagation environment , communication traffic , and so forth . also , while the preamble , unique word , and pilot symbol have been described as constantly transmitted signals , this is not a limitation , and special symbols for radio wave propagation environment estimation may also be inserted . similarly , with a communication method characterized by changing of the error correction method according to the radio wave propagation environment , for example , the same kind of approach can be taken to the error correction method for initial transmission . having the communication terminal estimate the radio wave propagation environment from the signals constantly transmitted by the base station , and having the base station decide on the data symbol error correction method based on radio wave propagation environment information transmitted from the communication terminal , enables data quality to be attained . at this time , error correction method information can also be included in the radio wave propagation environment information . initial setting of the modulation method by this method is not limited to this embodiment , and can be applied to communication methods characterized by switching of the modulation method according to the radio wave propagation environment , communication traffic , and so forth . by means of the above , it is possible to configure a radio communication system , transmitting apparatus , and receiving apparatus that use the method described in embodiment 1 , and by this means , it is possible to improve the reception sensitivity characteristics of a receiving apparatus . in this case , the description has referred to a combination of three kinds of modulation methods — qpsk , 16qam , and 64qam — but this embodiment is not limited to this , and neither is it limited to switching between three kinds of modulation methods . moreover , in fig3 and fig1 it is also possible to input communication traffic information , for example , and to consider this in deciding on the modulation method . furthermore , interference wave strength , field strength , the multipath situation , and doppler frequency have been described as radio wave propagation environment parameters by way of examples , but this embodiment is not limited to these . in embodiment 3 , initial settings and a setting method are described for a case where the modulation method of each channel is changed adaptively according to the radio wave propagation environment , communication traffic , and so forth , in the cdma method . at this time , a communication method is used whereby the base station primary modulation ( data modulation ) can be switched between qpsk modulation , 16qam , and 64qam , according to the radio wave propagation environment , communication traffic , and so forth . fig1 shows examples of the frame configurations of signals transmitted by a base station in the cdma method according to this embodiment . the control channel frame is composed of channel a modulation method information 1601 , channel a transmission power control information 1602 , channel z modulation method information 1603 , and channel z transmission power control information 1604 . the channel a frame configuration comprises channel a data symbols 1605 , and the qpsk , 16qam , or 64qam modulation method is used for primary modulation of channel a data symbols 1605 . the channel z frame configuration comprises channel z data symbols 1606 , and the qpsk , 16qam , or 64qam modulation method is used for primary modulation of channel z data symbols 1606 . fig1 shows the configuration of the transmitting apparatus of a base station in the cdma method according to this embodiment . a channel a spread spectrum modulation section 1701 performs qpsk modulation , 16qam , or 64qam primary modulation on a channel a transmit digital signal based on channel a modulation method information in the input channel a transmit digital signal and channel a modulation method information , and outputs a channel a transmit quadrature baseband signal to an adding section 1703 . a channel z spread spectrum modulation section 1702 performs qpsk modulation , 16qam , or 64qam primary modulation on a channel z transmit digital signal based on channel z modulation method information in the input channel z transmit digital signal and channel z modulation method information , and outputs a channel z transmit quadrature baseband signal to the adding section 1703 . the adding section 1703 adds the input pilot channel transmit quadrature baseband signal , the control channel transmit quadrature baseband signal , the transmit quadrature baseband signal output from the channel a spread spectrum modulation section 1701 , and the transmit quadrature baseband signal output from the channel z spread spectrum modulation section 1702 , and outputs the transmit quadrature baseband signal resulting from this addition to a transmit radio section 1704 . the transmit radio section 1704 performs predetermined radio processing on the post - addition transmit quadrature baseband signal output from the adding section 1703 , and outputs a transmit signal . a transmission power amplification section 1705 amplifies the transmit signal output from the transmit radio section 1704 , and outputs the amplified transmit signal via an antenna 1706 . fig1 shows the configuration of the receiving apparatus of a base station in the cdma method according to this embodiment . a receive radio section 1802 performs predetermined radio processing on a signal received - via an antenna 1801 ( received signal ), and outputs a received quadrature baseband signal to a channel a detection section 1803 and channel z detection section 1804 . the channel a detection section 1803 performs detection processing on the received quadrature baseband signal output from the receive radio section 1802 , and outputs a channel a received digital signal to a channel a data detection section 1805 . similarly , the channel z detection section 1804 performs detection processing on the received quadrature baseband signal output from the receive radio section 1802 , and outputs a channel z received digital signal to a channel z data detection section 1806 . the channel a data detection section 1805 generates radio wave propagation environment information estimated by the channel a communication terminal from the channel a received digital signal output from the channel a detection section 1803 , and outputs it to a channel a modulation method determination section 1807 . the channel z data detection section 1806 generates radio wave propagation environment information estimated by the channel z communication terminal from the channel z received digital signal output from the channel z detection section 1804 , and outputs it to a channel z modulation method determination section 1808 . the channel a modulation method determination section 1807 selects a modulation method that offers both channel a communication terminal data quality and data transmission speed from among qpsk , 16qam , and 64qam , based on channel a radio wave propagation environment information output from the channel a data detection section 1805 , and outputs this to a control channel transmit signal generating section 1809 as channel a modulation method information . the channel z modulation method determination section 1808 selects a modulation method that offers both channel z communication terminal data - quality and data transmission speed from among qpsk , 16qam , and 64qam , based on channel z radio wave propagation environment information output from the channel z data detection section 1806 , and outputs this to the control channel transmit signal generating section 1809 as channel z modulation method information . using channel a modulation method information output from the channel a modulation method determination section 1807 and channel z modulation method information output from the channel z modulation method determination section 1808 , the control channel transmit signal generating section 1809 generates and outputs a control channel signal based on the control channel frame configuration in fig1 containing channel a modulation method information and channel z modulation method information . fig2 shows an example of the frame configuration of a signal transmitted by a communication terminal in the cdma method according to this embodiment . reference code 1901 denotes radio wave propagation environment estimation information , whereby a communication terminal estimates the radio wave propagation environment of a signal transmitted by the base station , for notification to the base station . reference code 1902 denotes data symbols . fig2 shows the configuration of the transmitting apparatus of a communication terminal in the cdma method according to this embodiment . a transmit data generating section 2001 generates a transmit digital signal from the input transmit data and radio wave propagation environment estimation signal , and outputs it to a spread spectrum modulation section 2002 . the spread spectrum modulation section 2002 performs spectrum spreading of the transmit digital signal output from the transmit data generating section 2001 , and outputs a transmit quadrature baseband signal in accordance with the frame configuration in fig2 to a transmit radio section 2003 . the transmit radio section 2003 performs predetermined radio processing on the transmit quadrature baseband signal output from the spread spectrum modulation section 2002 , and outputs a transmit signal to a transmission power amplification section 2004 . the transmission power amplification section 2004 amplifies the transmit signal output from the transmit radio section 2003 , and outputs the amplified transmit signal via an antenna 2005 . fig2 shows the configuration of the receiving apparatus of a communication terminal in the cdma method according to this embodiment . in fig2 , a signal received via an antenna 2101 ( received signal ) undergoes predetermined reception processing by a receive radio section 2102 , and a received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component are output to a detection section 2103 , interference wave strength estimation section 2104 , field strength estimation section 2105 , multipath estimation section 2106 , and doppler frequency estimation section 2107 . the detection section 2103 performs detection processing on the received quadrature - baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 2102 , and outputs the resulting signal . the interference wave strength estimation section 2104 estimates the interference wave strength from the pilot channel component and control channel component in the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 2102 , and outputs an interference wave strength estimation signal to a radio wave propagation environment estimation section 2108 . the field strength estimation section 2105 estimates the reception field strength from the pilot channel component and control channel component in the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 2102 , and outputs a field strength estimation signal to the radio - wave propagation environment estimation section 2108 . the multipath estimation section 2106 estimates the multipath situation from the pilot channel component and control channel component in the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 2102 , and outputs a multipath estimation signal to the radio wave propagation environment estimation section 2108 . the doppler frequency estimation section 2107 estimates the doppler frequency from the pilot channel component and control channel component in the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 2102 , and outputs a doppler frequency estimation signal to the radio wave propagation environment estimation section 2108 . by inserting modulation method information transmitted by the base station into the control channel , as described above , it is possible for the base station to send the modulation method of the transmit signal being transmitted to a communication terminal . also , in particular , by having a communication terminal employ a method whereby the radio wave propagation environment is estimated using a pilot channel and control channel transmitted by the base station , it is possible for the communication terminal to estimate the radio wave propagation environment even when the base station is not transmitting data symbols to the communication terminal . by adopting the above - described means , it is possible to achieve a radio communication system configuration whereby the modulation method of each channel is switched adaptively according to the radio wave propagation environment , communication traffic , and so forth , in the cdma method . similarly , it is possible to configure a radio communication system whereby the error correction method of each channel is variable according to the radio wave propagation environment , communication traffic , and so forth . next , a description will be given of the initial setting method for the modulation method when the modulation method of each channel is variable according to the radio wave propagation environment , communication traffic , and so forth , in the cdma method . when a radio communication system of the kind described in this embodiment is constructed , for example , the modulation method to be used initially for a transmit signal to be transmitted by the base station presents a problem . in this case , if , for example , 16qam or 64qam is used as the initial modulation method , a communication terminal will not be able to attain data quality when the radio wave propagation environment is poor . taking this fact into consideration , it is preferable to select qpsk modulation . by selecting the most noise tolerant of the switchable modulation methods as the initially selected modulation method , as described above , data quality is improved at the communication terminal . similarly , with a communication method whereby the error correction method of each channel is variable according to the radio wave propagation environment , communication traffic , and so forth , for example , the same kind of approach can be taken to the error correction method for initial transmission . by selecting the error correction method with the greatest error correction capability from among the switchable error correction methods as the initially selected error correction method , data quality is improved . the initial setting method will now be described for a case where the modulation method of each channel is switched according to the radio wave propagation environment , communication traffic , and so forth , in the cdma method . with this method , a communication terminal estimates the radio wave propagation environment from the signals the base station transmits constantly , for example , pilot channel and control channel signals even when the communication terminal is not performing data communication with the base station . then , when starting data communication with the base station , the communication - terminal first transmits radio wave propagation environment information estimated from the pilot channel and control channel signals to the base station , and after the base station receives this radio wave propagation environment information , the base station makes a decision so that , for example , qpsk is selected as the modulation method of the signal to be transmitted when the field strength is weak , when the doppler frequency is large , when there is a plurality of arriving waves , or when the interference wave strength is great . by means of the above , the quality of the initial data transmitted by the base station is improved at the communication terminal . similarly , implementation is also possible in a communication system whereby the error correction method for the modulation method of each channel is variable according to the radio wave propagation environment , communication traffic , and so forth . a communication terminal estimates the radio wave propagation environment information estimated from the pilot channel and control channel constantly transmitted by the base station , and when starting communication with the base station , transmits radio wave propagation environment information to the base station , which decides on the data symbol error correction method so that , for example , a method with good error correction capability is selected when the field strength is weak , when the doppler frequency is large , when there is a plurality of arriving waves , or when the interference wave strength is great , thereby enabling data quality to be attained . in the descriptions relating to the cdma method , a pilot channel and control channel have been described as examples of constantly transmitted signals , but this is not a limitation , and any signal may be used as long as it is constantly transmitted . also , the modulation method for signals transmitted by the base station has been described as variable , but this is not a limitation , and it is also possible for the modulation method of signals transmitted by a communication terminal to be made variable . by means of the above , it is possible to configure a radio communication system , transmitting apparatus , and receiving apparatus that use the method described in embodiment 1 , and by this means , it is possible to improve the reception sensitivity characteristics of a receiving apparatus . in this case , the description has referred to a combination of three kinds of modulation methods — qpsk , 16qam , and 64qam — but this embodiment is not limited to this , and neither is it limited to switching between three kinds of modulation methods . moreover , in fig3 and fig1 it is also possible to input communication traffic information , for example , and to consider this in deciding on the modulation method . furthermore , interference wave strength , field strength , the multipath situation , and doppler frequency have been described as radio wave propagation environment parameters by way of examples , but this embodiment is not limited to these . in embodiment 4 , a description is given of a radio communication system , transmitting apparatus , and receiving apparatus that use the method described in embodiment 1 . the configuration of a base station transmitting apparatus according to this embodiment is as shown in fig2 , and a detailed explanation of this configuration is omitted here . fig2 shows the configuration of the receiving apparatus of a base station according to this embodiment . a receive radio section 2202 performs predetermined radio processing on a signal received via an antenna 2201 , and outputs a received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component . a synchronization section 2203 achieves time synchronization with a communication terminal based on the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 2202 , and outputs a synchronization signal to a detection section 2204 . the detection section 2204 performs detection processing using the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 2202 , and the synchronization signal output from the synchronization section 2203 , and outputs a received digital signal . an interference wave strength estimation section 2205 estimates the interference wave strength from the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 2202 , and outputs an interference wave strength estimation signal to a modulation method determination section 2209 . a field strength estimation section 2206 estimates the field strength from the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 2202 , and outputs a field strength estimation signal to the modulation method determination section 2209 . a multipath estimation section 2207 estimates the multipath situation from the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 2202 , and outputs a multipath estimation signal to the modulation method determination section 2209 . a doppler frequency estimation section 2208 estimates the doppler frequency from the received quadrature baseband signal in - phase component and received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from the receive radio section 2202 , and outputs a doppler frequency estimation signal to the modulation method determination section 2209 . based on the interference wave strength estimation signal , field strength estimation signal , multipath estimation signal , and doppler frequency estimation signal , the modulation method determination section 2209 makes a decision so that , for example , qpsk is selected when the field strength is weak , when the doppler frequency is large , when there is a plurality of arriving waves , or when the interference wave strength is great , and outputs a control signal . next , a description will be given concerning the modulation method for initial transmission by the base station . when a radio communication system of the kind described in this embodiment is constructed , for example , a communication terminal first transmits a transmit signal , the base station receives the signal transmitted by the communication terminal and estimates the radio wave propagation environment , and decides on the modulation method so that , for example , qpsk is selected when the field strength is weak , when the doppler frequency is large , when there is a plurality of arriving waves , or when the interference wave strength is great . by determining the modulation method for initial transmission in this way , data quality is improved at the communication terminal . this initial setting of the modulation method is not limited to this embodiment , and can be applied to communication methods characterized by switching of the modulation method according to the radio wave propagation environment , communication traffic , and so forth . similarly , with a communication method characterized by changing of the error correction method according to the radio wave propagation environment , the same kind of approach can be taken to the error correction method for initial transmission . with regard to the initially selected error correction method , a communication terminal first transmits transmit data , the base station receives the signal transmitted by the communication terminal , estimates the radio wave propagation environment , and decides on the error correction method so that , for example , a method with good error correction capability is selected when the field strength is weak , when the doppler frequency is large , when there is a plurality of arriving waves , or when the interference wave strength is great , and it is only necessary to decide on the error correction method for signals that the base station transmits . determining the error correction method for initial transmission as described above enables data quality to be improved at the communication terminal . this initial setting of the error correction method is not limited to this embodiment , and can be applied to communication methods characterized by switching of the error correction method according to the radio wave propagation environment , communication traffic , and so forth . by means of the above , it is possible to configure a radio communication system , transmitting apparatus , and receiving apparatus that use the method described in embodiment 1 , and by this means , it is possible to improve the reception sensitivity characteristics of a receiving apparatus . moreover , in fig3 and fig1 it is also possible to input communication traffic information , for example , and to consider this in deciding on the modulation method . furthermore , interference wave strength , field strength , the multipath situation , and doppler frequency have been described as radio wave propagation environment parameters by way of examples , but this embodiment is not limited to these . this embodiment does not depend on the multiplexing method , and may be implemented in the same way with the cdma method and ofdm method . in embodiment 5 , a description is given of a transmitting apparatus and receiving apparatus of the radio communication method of the present invention . fig2 shows an example of a frame configuration according to this embodiment . with respect to time on the horizontal axis , reference code 2301 denotes a preamble , comprising symbols by means of which the receiving apparatus achieves time synchronization with the transmitting apparatus . reference code 2302 denotes data symbols , the modulation method being variable . reference code 2303 denotes pilot symbols for estimating transmission path distortion and frequency offset . reference code 2304 denotes control symbols for system control such as system information and cell information . fig2 shows qpsk symbol and pilot symbol signal point arrangement in the iq plane according to this embodiment . reference code 2401 indicates fig2 data symbol 2302 signal points , reference code 2402 indicates preamble 2301 and control symbol 2304 signal points , and reference code 2403 indicates the pilot symbol 2303 signal point . the reference code 2402 and reference code 2403 signal point amplitudes — that is , distances from the origin — are greater than the reference code 2401 signal point amplitudes . as a result , the accuracy of estimation of transmission path distortion by means of the pilot symbol and the accuracy of frequency offset estimation are improved in the receiving apparatus . moreover , control symbol noise tolerance is increased . signal point arrangement should be carried out so that use is possible with the method of transmission power amplifier use described in embodiment 1 . fig2 shows 16qam symbol and pilot symbol signal point arrangement in the iq plane . reference code 2501 indicates fig2 data symbol 2302 signal points , reference code 2502 indicates preamble 2301 and control symbol 2304 signal points , and reference code 2503 indicates the pilot symbol 2303 signal point . the reference code 2502 and reference code 2503 signal point amplitudes — that is , distances from the origin — are greater than the reference code 2501 maximum signal point amplitudes . as a result , the accuracy of estimation of transmission path distortion by means of the pilot symbol and the accuracy of frequency offset estimation are improved in the receiving apparatus . moreover , control symbol noise tolerance is increased . signal point arrangement should be carried out so that use is possible with the method of transmission power amplifier use described in embodiment 1 . fig2 shows 64qam symbol signal point arrangement in the iq plane according to this embodiment . reference code 2601 indicates fig2 data symbol 2302 signal points , and the preamble 2301 , pilot symbols 2303 , and control symbols 2304 are taken as having one or other signal point that has the maximum amplitude shown by reference code 2602 in fig2 . fig2 shows the configuration of a transmitting apparatus according to this embodiment . the parts in fig2 identical to those in fig3 are assigned the same codes as in fig3 and their detailed explanations are omitted . based on selected modulation method information contained in an input control signal , a radio section 2701 controls the gain of the transmit quadrature baseband signal in - phase component output from an in - phase component switching section 205 and the received quadrature baseband signal quadrature phase component output from a quadrature phase component switching section 205 , and outputs a transmit signal to a transmission power amplification section 207 . fig2 shows the internal configuration of a signal generating section , indicating the detailed configuration of the qpsk signal generating section 201 , 16qam signal generating section 202 , and 64qam signal generating section 203 in fig3 and fig2 . in fig2 , a frame timing control section 2801 outputs a frame timing signal that controls frame timing to a modulation signal generating section 2802 , control signal generating section 2803 , preamble signal generating section 2804 , pilot signal generating section 2805 , and signal selection section 2806 . the modulation signal generating section 2802 generates a modulation signal based on the frame timing signal frame configuration in the frame timing signal output from the frame timing control section 2801 , and outputs a data symbol transmit quadrature baseband signal to the signal selection section 2806 . the control signal generating section 2803 generates a control signal based on the frame timing signal frame configuration in the frame timing signal output from the frame timing control section 2801 , and outputs a control signal transmit quadrature baseband signal to the signal selection section 2806 . the preamble signal generating section 2804 generates a preamble based on the frame configuration of the frame timing signal output from the frame timing control section 2801 , and outputs a preamble transmit quadrature baseband signal to the signal selection section 2806 . the pilot signal generating section 2805 generates a pilot signal based on the frame configuration of the frame timing signal output from the frame timing control section 2801 , and outputs a pilot signal transmit quadrature baseband signal to the signal selection section 2806 . the signal selection section 2806 selects a transmit quadrature baseband signal to be output based on the frame timing signal frame configuration from among the data symbol transmit quadrature baseband signal output from the modulation signal generating section 2802 , the control signal transmit quadrature baseband signal output from the control signal generating section 2803 , the preamble transmit quadrature baseband signal output from the preamble signal generating section 2804 , the pilot signal transmit quadrature baseband signal output from the pilot signal generating section 2805 , and the frame timing signal output from the frame timing control section 2801 , and outputs the selected transmit quadrature baseband signal . then , the fading distortion estimation section 304 shown in fig4 outputs a fading distortion estimation signal according to the modulation method based on the ratio of the pilot symbol signal point amplitude and the maximum signal point amplitude of each modulation method . the details of the configuration will now be described using fig3 . fig3 shows the configuration of a receiving apparatus according to this embodiment . the parts in fig3 identical to those in fig4 are assigned the same codes as in fig4 and their detailed explanations are omitted . a correction section 2901 calculates a correction value based on control signal modulation method information in the fading distortion estimation signal output from the fading distortion estimation section 304 and input control signal , multiplies the fading distortion estimation signal by the correction value , and outputs the corrected fading distortion estimation signal to the qpsk detection section 306 , 16qam detection section 307 , and 64qam detection section 308 . at this time , the correction value is determined from the ratio of the pilot symbol signal point amplitude to the maximum signal point amplitude of each modulation method . by this means , the estimation accuracy of the fading distortion estimation signal is increased and the reception sensitivity characteristics of the receiving apparatus are improved . according to the above - described embodiment , modulation signals of a plurality of modulation methods can be amplified by a common power amplifier , and high - sensitivity reception can be achieved at the receiving apparatus . fig3 shows an example of the frame configuration of a signal transmitted by a base station according to embodiment 6 . in fig3 , with respect to the time and frequency axes , reference code 3001 denotes a data symbol , with , for example , qpsk , 16qam , or 64qam selectable as the modulation method . reference code 3002 denotes a pilot symbol , with the pilot symbol signal point amplitude being variable in the iq plane as described in embodiment 1 according to the data symbol 3001 modulation method . fig3 shows the configuration of the transmitting apparatus of a base station according to this embodiment . in fig3 , a modulation section 3101 carries out modulation using the selected modulation method on an input transmit digital signal , based on modulation method and frame configuration information in an input control signal , and outputs a serial signal to a serial - to - parallel conversion section 3102 . the serial - to - parallel conversion section 3102 converts the serial signal output from the modulation section 3101 to parallel form , and outputs parallel signals to a discrete reverse fourier transform section 3103 . the discrete reverse fourier transform section 3103 performs a discrete reverse fourier transform on the parallel signals output from the serial - to - parallel conversion section 3102 , and outputs the signals after the discrete reverse fourier transform to a radio section 3104 . the radio section 3104 performs predetermined radio processing on the signals output from the discrete reverse fourier transform section 3103 , and outputs a transmit signal to a transmission power amplification section 3105 . the transmission power amplification section 3105 amplifies the transmit signal output from the radio section 3104 , and transmits the amplified transmit signal to a communication terminal via an antenna 3106 . fig3 shows the configuration of the receiving apparatus of a communication terminal according to this embodiment . in fig3 , a radio section 3202 performs predetermined radio processing on a signal received via an antenna 3201 ( received signal ), and outputs the resulting signal to a fourier transform section 3203 . the fourier transform section 3203 performs a fourier transform on the signal output from the radio section 3202 , and outputs parallel signals to a parallel - to - serial conversion section 3204 . the parallel - to - serial conversion section 3204 performs parallel - to - serial conversion of the parallel signals output from the fourier transform section 3203 , and outputs a serial signal . an interference wave strength estimation section 3205 estimates interference wave strength based on the serial signal ( a pilot symbol , for example ) output from the parallel - to - serial conversion section 3204 , and outputs an interference wave strength estimation signal to a radio wave propagation environment estimation section 3209 . a field strength estimation - section 3206 estimates the field strength based on the serial signal ( a pilot symbol , for example ) output from the parallel - to - serial conversion section 3204 , and outputs a field strength estimation signal to the radio wave propagation environment estimation section 3209 . a multipath estimation section 3207 estimates the number of arriving waves based on the serial signal ( a pilot symbol , for example ) output from the parallel - to - serial conversion section 3204 , and outputs a multipath estimation signal to the radio wave propagation environment estimation section 3209 . a doppler frequency estimation section 3208 estimates the doppler frequency based on the serial signal ( a pilot symbol , for example ) output from the parallel - to - serial conversion section 3204 , and outputs a doppler frequency estimation signal to the radio wave propagation environment estimation section 3209 . the radio wave propagation environment estimation section 3209 determines a request for the modulation method of a signal to be transmitted by the base station based on the interference wave strength estimation signal , field strength estimation signal , multipath estimation signal , and doppler frequency estimation signal , and outputs this as a radio wave propagation environment estimation signal . alternatively , the radio wave propagation environment estimation section 3209 may output the interference wave strength estimation signal , field strength estimation signal , multipath estimation signal , and doppler frequency estimation signal themselves as radio wave propagation environment estimation signals . radio wave propagation environment estimation signal information is then transmitted from the transmitting apparatus of the communication terminal to the base station , and the modulation method of signals transmitted by the base station is changed . however , if the interference wave strength estimation signal , field strength estimation signal , multipath estimation signal , and doppler frequency estimation signal themselves are output as radio wave propagation environment estimation signals , determination of the modulation method is carried out by the base station . a distortion estimation section 3210 estimates distortion produced due to the transmission path based on the serial signal ( a pilot symbol , for example ) output from the parallel - to - serial conversion section 3204 , and outputs a distortion estimation signal to a correction section 3211 . the correction section 3211 multiplies the distortion estimation signal output from the distortion estimation section 3210 by a value that varies the amplitude of pilot symbols 3002 in the iq plane according to the modulation method of data symbols 3001 in fig3 as a correction value , and outputs the corrected distortion estimation signal to a demodulation section 3212 . the demodulation section 3212 demodulates the serial signal output from the parallel - to - serial conversion section 3204 based on the corrected distortion estimation signal output from the correction section 3211 , and outputs a received digital signal . fig3 shows the internal configuration of the modulation section 3101 in fig3 . in fig3 , in a qpsk serial signal generating section 3301 , when modulation method information contained in a control signal among input transmit digital signals and control signals is qpsk , a serial signal is generated in accordance with the frame configuration in fig3 , and a qpsk serial signal is output to a serial signal selection section 3304 . in a 16qam serial signal generating section 3302 , when modulation method information contained in a control signal among input transmit digital signals and control signals is 16qam , a serial signal is generated in accordance with the frame configuration in fig3 , and a 16qam serial signal is output to the serial signal selection section 3304 . in a 64qam serial signal generating section 3303 , when modulation method information contained in a control signal among input transmit digital signals and control signals is 64qam , a serial signal is generated in accordance with the frame configuration in fig3 , and a 64qam serial signal is output to the serial signal selection section 3304 . the serial signal selection section 3304 has a qpsk serial signal , 16qam serial signal , 64qam serial signal , and control signal as input , selects the serial signal of the specified modulation method based on modulation method information contained in the control signal , and outputs this as the selected serial signal . the serial signal selected at this time corresponds to the serial signal output from the modulation section 3101 in fig3 . as in embodiment 1 , the qpsk serial signal generating section 3301 , 16qam serial signal generating section 3302 , and 64qam serial signal generating section 3303 operate so that the respective average power of the respective transmit signals is fixed , and , in the transmission power amplification section 3106 , pilot symbol signal point amplitudes are arranged in the in - phase - quadrature plane so that the operating range does not vary even if the modulation method is switched . also , in the transmission power amplification section 3106 , pilot symbol signal point amplitudes may be arranged in the iq plane so that the reception sensitivity of the communicating party is made optimal within a range in which distortion does not arise . fig3 shows the configuration of the transmitting apparatus of a base station according to this embodiment . fig3 differs from fig3 in that a control signal is input to the radio section 3401 . the radio section 3401 has a function for performing adjustment so that the average transmission power of a transmit signal is the same with any modulation method based on modulation method information contained in the input control signal . by means of the above , it is possible for the modes described in embodiment 1 , embodiment 2 , and embodiment 5 also to be implemented with the ofdm method . in embodiment 7 , a case is described in which , changing the standpoint from that of the method described in embodiment 1 , the focus is on improving the reception sensitivity characteristics of the receiving apparatus , and data transmission is performed with the maximum transmission output power made the same for each modulation method in a radio communication method in which adaptive modulation is carried out . the transmitting apparatus of this embodiment has the configuration shown in fig3 , and differs from embodiment 1 in the way in which transmission power is amplified . moreover , the receiving apparatus has the configuration shown in fig1 , and therefore descriptions of the respective configurations are omitted here . fig3 is a graph showing the input / output relationship of a transmission power amplification section according to this embodiment . in fig3 , reference code 3601 indicates the 64qam operation point , reference code 3602 indicates the 16qam operation point , and reference code 3603 indicates the qpsk operation point , signifying that the average transmission output power differs for each modulation method . further , reference code 3604 indicates the qpsk operating range , reference code 3605 indicates the 16qam operating range , and reference code 3606 indicates the 64qam operating range , the operating range being the same for each modulation method . using a transmission power amplifier that performs power amplification as described above makes it possible to improve the reception sensitivity characteristics of the receiving apparatus . also , with a transmitting apparatus that has the configuration shown in fig1 , the transmitting apparatus can be made smaller than when using a transmission power amplifier as appropriate for each modulation method . next , a case will be described in which a service mode is implemented that is characterized by having a different service range for each modulation method within the service area of a base station equipped with the power amplifier described in this embodiment . fig3 is a conceptual diagram showing the range in which communication from a base station is possible for each modulation method . in fig3 , of the signals transmitted from the base station 3701 , signals modulated using 64qam can be communicated within the area whose boundary is indicated by reference code 3702 , and this area is designated the 64qam service area 3702 . similarly , of the signals transmitted from the base station 3701 , signals modulated using 16qam can be communicated within the area whose boundary is indicated by reference code 3703 , and this area is designated the 16qam service area 3703 ; and of the signals transmitted from the base station 3701 , signals modulated using qpsk can be communicated within the area whose boundary is indicated by reference code 3704 , and this area is designated the qpsk service area 3704 . the ability to divide the service area for each modulation method in this way derives from the fact that , as can be seen from fig3 , 64qam has lower average transmission output power than the other modulation methods , incurs few transmission path errors in narrow - area communications , and is suited to high - speed communication qpsk , on the other hand , has higher average transmission output power than the other modulation methods , and incurs few transmission path errors even in wide - area communications , making it suitable for low - speed data communication and voice communication . by means of the above , it is possible to make the maximum transmission output power the same for each modulation method in a radio communication method whereby adaptive modulation is performed , and in addition , it is possible to implement a service mode characterized by having a different service area for each modulation method . in embodiment 8 , a case is described in which the average transmission output power permitted in a radio communication system is stipulated when data transmission is performed with the maximum transmission output power made the same for each modulation method described in embodiment 7 . when the maximum transmission output power of each modulation method is made the same , it may be that , for example , the average transmission output power for qpsk is 2 w , the average transmission output power for 16qam is 1 w , and the average transmission output power for 64qam is 0 . 5 w . on the other hand , if the average transmission output power stipulated in a radio communication system is in the range from 0 . 25 w to 3 . 00 w , the average transmission output power of each modulation method will be within the stipulated average transmission output power range even if the maximum transmission output power of each modulation method is made the same . however , if the average transmission output power stipulated in a radio communication system is in the range from 0 . 25 w to 1 . 50 w , when the maximum transmission output power of each modulation method is made the same , the average transmission output power for qpsk will be 2 w , and will no longer fall within the stipulated range . in this case , the condition for keeping the qpsk average transmission output power within the stipulated range and enabling signals of each modulation method to be amplified by the transmission power amplification section is a value of 1 . 5 w . when the average transmission output power in a radio communication system is stipulated in this way , this must be taken into consideration , and the maximum transmission output power for each modulation method will not necessary be the same at this time . as described above , according to the present invention , in a radio communication method whereby adaptive modulation is performed , the reception sensitivity characteristics of a receiving apparatus can be improved by maintaining the average transmission power of a transmitting apparatus at a fixed level , and arranging pilot symbol signal points in the iq plane so that the reception sensitivity characteristics of the receiving apparatus are made optimal . the present invention is not limited to the above described embodiments , and various variations and modifications may be possible without departing from the scope of the present invention . this application is based on japanese patent application no . 2000 - 320624 filed on oct . 20 , 2000 , japanese patent application no . 2000 - 337114 filed on nov . 6 , 2000 , japanese patent application no . 2001 - 51829 filed on feb . 27 , 2001 , and japanese patent application no . 2001 - 245052 filed on aug . 10 , 2001 , entire content of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein .	7
in one embodiment of the invention , an aqueous inkjet printing fluid employed with silicon - based device components comprises a soluble metal coordination complex with chelating organic ligands that reduces the corrosion of silicon - based material . the inkjet printing fluids of the present invention are aqueous - based printing fluids . by aqueous - based it is meant that the printing fluid comprises mainly water as the carrier medium for the remaining printing fluid components . in a preferred embodiment , the printing fluids of the present invention comprise at least about 50 - weight percent water . pigment - based inks are defined as inks containing at least a dispersion of water - insoluble pigment particles . dye - based inks are defined as inks containing at least a colored dye , which is soluble in the aqueous carrier . colorless inks are defined as inks , which are substantially free of colorants such as dyes or pigments and as such , are not intended to contribute to color formation in the image forming process . in a particular embodiment , the present invention is particularly useful in inkjet printing fluids which comprise at least one of an anionically charged or dispersed colorant and an anionic charged polymer , which colorants or polymer are susceptible to undesirable interaction with multivalent metal ions in solution . synthesis of the complexes useful in the invention may be accomplished by separately preparing the organic β - diketone bidentate ligand , if it is not available commercially , and then forming the coordination complex by carrying out a ligand displacement reaction on a suitable metal salt in alkaline aqueous solvent . ligand properties and synthetic schemes are described in the following publications : pettinari , c . ; marchetti , f . ; drozdov , a . comprehensive coordination chemistry review ii ., 2004 , 9 ; otway , d . j . ; ress jr ., w . s . coord chem . rev ., 2000 , 210 , 279 . ligand displacement reactions can proceed under alkaline conditions in water using an inorganic salt that dissociates readily to provide an aquo or hydroxo complex , or directly from an aquo , hydroxo or oxo complex itself ( e . g ., a mineral ). the organic bidentate ligand frequently has low solubility in water , but it is deprotonated under neutral to alkaline conditions to provide its conjugate base , which is adequately soluble . upon heating , the metal ion &# 39 ; s waters of hydration are displaced by the ligand anion , and frequently , a sparingly soluble neutral ligand complex precipitates . a representative process is described by equations rxn - 1 through rxn - 3 . specific ligand displacement reactions of metal salts to form bidentate ligand chelate complexes suitable for use in the invention are described in the following articles : oldfield , s . e . ; gomm , p . s . school science review . 1977 , 59 , 333 ; young , r . c . ; reynolds , j . p . inorg . syn ., 1946 , 11 , 25 ; katakur , r . ; koide , y . chem . let ., 2005 , 34 , 1448 ; vigato , p . a . ; peruzzo , v . ; tamburini , s . coor . chem . rev ., 2009 , 253 , 1099 ; and u . s . pat . no . 7 , 282 , 573 b2 granted to chaudhuri et . al . ligand selection is critical to providing a suitable metal coordination complex according to the invention . the ligand must provide for a stable organic chelate coordination complex that does not dissociate appreciably in the printing fluid compositions . expressed another way , rxn - 3 does not proceed appreciably in the reverse direction . otherwise , metal - aquo complexes will form from the hydrolysis of the organic ligand coordination complex , which can increase the acidity of the inkjet printing fluid and also render the metal ion available for reaction with inkjet fluid constituents , such as polymers with ionized carboxylate substituents , thus potentially creating highly undesirable insoluble matter . furthermore , when a water molecule enters the metal coordination sphere , the aquo complex may begin a reaction pathway to form insoluble metal oxides , and such oxides may foul the printhead , block nozzles , or reduce the effectiveness of the etching inhibition . the ligand must provide for a metal coordination complex that is soluble in the aqueous printing fluid . if the ligand is too hydrophobic , adequate concentrations of the complex will not be available in the inkjet ink composition to inhibit silicon oxide and glass dissolution . for the purposes of this invention , soluble metal ligand complexes are defined as complexes having a solubility in the aqueous printing fluid of at least about 0 . 01 weight percent at 25 ° c . the ligand is preferably a bidentate compound according to formula i . ligands according to formula i provide oxygen heteroatoms that have strong affinity for the electropositive metal ion , with high electron density available from unshared electron pairs for donation in a lewis base sense to the positively charged metal ion , which can be termed a lewis acid . the chelating heteroatoms form a six - membered ring with the metal , which is a favorable and stable geometry . it is understood by those skilled in the art that the ionized β - diketonate ligand will distribute its negative charge between both oxygen and the enolate - type carbon via different resonance structures . for a symmetrical β - diketonate ligand , the carbon - oxygen bond lengths of the unbound , ionized ligand are expected to be identical and intermediate between that of single and double bonds ; when bound to metal , the ionized ligand bond lengths are expected to be similar , perturbed by features of the coordination complex geometry , for example octahededral geometry , and the details of the metal orbital hybridization supporting the geometry . it is recognized that β - diketone ligands of the type useful to the invention can exist in tautomeric forms , such as ketone - enol tautomers ( for example , schweitzer , g . k . ; benson , e . w . “ enol content of some beta - diketones ,” j . chem . eng . data 1968 , 13 , pp 452 - 453 , which includes ligands useful in the practice of the invention ). all tautomers of ligands of the type useful to the invention are included implicitly . r 1 and r 2 each independently represent an alkyl , aryl , or heteroaryl substituent group , which substituent groups may themselves be further substituted or unsubstituted . suitable substituents can include , for example , solubilizing groups ; reactive functionalities ; and electron donating and electron withdrawing groups . desirable r 1 and r 2 substituents include substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic groups and aryl groups , and heteroaryl ( e . g ., thienyl ) groups . especially desirable r 1 and r 2 substituents include substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic groups . the substituent group r 3 can include one or more of the following chemical groups : a hydrogen atom , a halogen atom , an alkyl , an aryl , a heteroaryl ( e . g ., thienyl ) substituent group , which substituent groups may themselves be further substituted or unsubstituted where feasible . particularly desirable r 3 substituents include a hydrogen atom and substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic groups . examples of substituent groups include , but are not necessarily limited to , a linear or branched , saturated or unsaturated alkyl group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms ( for example methyl , ethyl , n - propyl , isopropyl , t - butyl , hexyl , decyl , benzyl , methoxymethyl , hydroxyethyl , iso - butyl , or n - butyl ); alkenyl ; alkynyl ; alkylhalo ; a substituted or unsubstituted thienyl group , a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group of 6 to 14 carbon atoms for example phenyl , naphthyl , anthryl , tolyl , xylyl , 3 - methoxyphenyl , 4 - chlorophenyl , 4 - carbomethoxyphenyl or 4 - cyanophenyl ); a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl group of 5 to 14 carbon atoms ( for example , cyclopentyl , cyclohexyl , or cyclooctyl ); a substituted or unsubstituted , saturated or unsaturated , heterocyclic group ( for example , pyridyl , pyrimidyl , morpholino , or furanyl ); cycloalkenyl ; alkoxy ; aldehyde ; aziridine ; epoxy ; phosphate ; phosphonate ; sulfate ; sulfonate hydrazide ; vinyl sulfone ; succinimidyl ester ; a carbonyl group ; a carboxylic ester group ; a substituted or unsubstituted carboxylic amide group ; a sulfonyl group ; a nitro group ; a nitrile group , a maleimide group ; dithio ; iodoacetyl ; a isocyanate group ; a carbodiimide group ; a isothiocyanate group a substituted or unsubstituted sulfonamide group ; an ethyleneoxy group ; a poly ( ethylene oxide ) group ; or a substituted or unsubstituted amino group , where the substituents are each independently selected from the substituent groups listed above . when r 1 , r 2 , and r 3 include an electron withdrawing group , it can include , but is not limited to , one or more of — no 2 , — cn , or a sulfonamide . hydroxyl , phenol , ether , sulfonate , ethyleneoxy , and poly ( ethylene oxide ) are desirable solubilizing groups for r 1 , r 2 , and r 3 or their alkyl , thienyl , or aryl substituents metal ions useful in coordination compounds of the invention include al ( iii ), ga ( iii ), in ( iii ), cr ( iii ), fe ( iii ), and zn ( ii ). aluminum ( iii ) and fe ( iii ) are preferred metals . aluminum ( iii ) is most preferred . specific embodiments of coordination compounds of the type useful in the invention are as follows : the metal coordination complex is desirably comprised of a single type of ligand of a single identity and structure , but the use of mixtures of ligand types or ligand isomers to form a mixture of metal coordination complexes is specifically contemplated . the objects of the invention can be accomplished with a single metal complex according to the invention , or individual preformed metal coordination complexes can be combined or blended in various proportions to broaden a range of properties , such as water solubility or lipophilicity , passivation rate , passivation lifetime and durability , and so forth . the colorant systems of the inkjet ink compositions employed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention may be dye - based , pigment - based or combinations of dye and pigment . compositions incorporating pigment are particularly useful . pigment - based ink compositions are used because such inks render printed images having higher optical densities and better resistance to light and ozone as compared to printed images made from other types of colorants . a wide variety of organic and inorganic pigments , alone or in combination with additional pigments or dyes , can be in the present invention . pigments that may be used in the invention include those disclosed in , for example , u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 026 , 427 ; 5 , 086 , 698 ; 5 , 141 , 556 ; 5 , 160 , 370 ; and 5 , 169 , 436 . the exact choice of pigments will depend upon the specific application and performance requirements such as color reproduction and image stability . pigments suitable for use in the invention include , but are not limited to , azo pigments , monoazo pigments , di - azo pigments , azo pigment lakes , β - naphthol pigments , naphthol as pigments , benzimidazolone pigments , di - azo condensation pigments , metal complex pigments , isoindolinone and isoindoline pigments , polycyclic pigments , phthalocyanine pigments , quinacridone pigments , perylene and perinone pigments , thioindigo pigments , anthrapyrimidone pigments , flavanthrone pigments , anthanthrone pigments , dioxazine pigments , triarylcarbonium pigments , quinophthalone pigments , diketopyrrolo pyrrole pigments , titanium oxide , iron oxide , and carbon black . typical examples of pigments that may be used include color index ( c . i .) pigment yellow 1 , 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 , 10 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 16 , 17 , 62 , 65 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 81 , 83 , 87 , 90 , 93 , 94 , 95 , 97 , 98 , 99 , 100 , 101 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 109 , 110 , 111 , 113 , 114 , 116 , 117 , 120 , 121 , 123 , 124 , 126 , 127 , 128 , 129 , 130 , 133 , 136 , 138 , 139 , 147 , 148 , 150 , 151 , 152 , 153 , 154 , 155 , 165 , 166 , 167 , 168 , 169 , 170 , 171 , 172 , 173 , 174 , 175 , 176 , 177 , 179 , 180 , 181 , 182 , 183 , 184 , 185 , 187 , 188 , 190 , 191 , 192 , 193 , 194 ; c . i . pigment red 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 31 , 32 , 38 , 48 : 1 , 48 : 2 , 48 : 3 , 48 : 4 , 49 : 1 , 49 : 2 , 49 : 3 , 50 : 1 , 51 , 52 : 1 , 52 : 2 , 53 : 1 , 57 : 1 , 60 : 1 , 63 : 1 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 81 , 95 , 112 , 114 , 119 , 122 , 136 , 144 , 146 , 147 , 148 , 149 , 150 , 151 , 164 , 166 , 168 , 169 , 170 , 171 , 172 , 175 , 176 , 177 , 178 , 179 , 181 , 184 , 185 , 187 , 188 , 190 , 192 , 194 , 200 , 202 , 204 , 206 , 207 , 210 , 211 , 212 , 213 , 214 , 216 , 220 , 222 , 237 , 238 , 239 , 240 , 242 , 243 , 245 , 247 , 248 , 251 , 252 , 253 , 254 , 255 , 256 , 258 , 261 , 264 ; c . i . pigment blue 1 , 2 , 9 , 10 , 14 , 15 : 1 , 15 : 2 , 15 : 3 , 15 : 4 , 15 : 6 , 15 , 16 , 18 , 19 , 24 : 1 , 25 , 56 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 66 , bridged aluminum phthalocyanine pigments ; c . i . pigment black 1 , 7 , 20 , 31 , 32 ; c . i . pigment orange 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 13 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 17 : 1 , 19 , 22 , 24 , 31 , 34 , 36 , 38 , 40 , 43 , 44 , 46 , 48 , 49 , 51 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 ; c . i . pigment green 1 , 2 , 4 , 7 , 8 , 10 , 36 , 45 ; c . i . pigment violet 1 , 2 , 3 , 5 : 1 , 13 , 19 , 23 , 25 , 27 , 29 , 31 , 32 , 37 , 39 , 42 , 44 , 50 ; or c . i . pigment brown 1 , 5 , 22 , 23 , 25 , 38 , 41 , 42 . in accordance with one embodiment of the invention , colorants comprising cyan , magenta , or yellow pigments are specifically employed . white pigments , which may be used in ancillary white ink compositions , may be those which are capable of rendering said ink composition white . any of several white pigments , which are commonly used in this field , may be employed . employed as such white pigments may be , for example , white inorganic pigments , white organic pigments , and fine white hollow polymer particles . white pigments include inorganic pigments such as sulfates of alkaline earth metals such as barium sulfate , carbonates of alkaline earth metals such as calcium carbonate , silica such as fine silicic acid powder , synthetic silicates , calcium silicate , alumina , alumina hydrates , titanium oxide , zinc oxide , talc , and clay . specifically , titanium oxide is known as a white pigment which exhibits desired covering properties , coloring ( tinting ) properties , and desired diameter of dispersed particles . white organic pigments include organic compound salts disclosed in jp - a no . 11 - 129613 , and alkylenebismelamine derivatives disclosed in jp - a nos . 11 - 140365 and 2001 - 234093 . specific commercially available products of the aforesaid white pigments are shigenox owp , shigenox owpl , shigenox fwp , shigenox fwg , shigenox ul , and shigenox u ( all are commercial product names , by hakkoru chemical co .). additionally fine white hollow polymer particles such as fine thermoplastic particles comprised substantially of an organic polymer , which are disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 089 , 800 may be employed . pigment - based ink compositions employing non - self - dispersed pigments that are useful in the invention may be prepared by any method known in the art of inkjet printing . useful methods commonly involve two steps : ( a ) a dispersing or milling step to break up the pigments to primary particles , where primary particle is defined as the smallest identifiable subdivision in a particulate system , and ( b ) a dilution step in which the pigment dispersion from step ( a ) is diluted with the remaining ink components to give a working strength ink . the milling step ( a ) is carried out using any type of grinding mill such as a media mill , a ball mill , a two - roll mill , a three - roll mill , a bead mill , and air - jet mill , an attritor , or a liquid interaction chamber . in the milling step ( a ), pigments are optionally suspended in a medium that is typically the same as or similar to the medium used to dilute the pigment dispersion in step ( b ). inert milling medium is optionally present in the milling step ( a ) in order to facilitate break up of the pigments to primary particles . inert milling media include such materials as polymeric beads , glasses , ceramics , metals and plastics as described , for example , in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 891 , 231 . the milling media described in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 679 , 138 is preferred to obtain pigment dispersion of finer particle size . milling media are removed from either the pigment dispersion obtained in step ( a ) or from the ink composition obtained in step ( b ). a dispersant is optionally present in the milling step ( a ) in order to facilitate deaggregation or comminution of the pigments into primary particles . for the pigment dispersion obtained in step ( a ) or the ink composition obtained in step ( b ), a dispersant is optionally present in order to maintain particle stability and prevent settling . dispersants suitable for use in the invention include , but are not limited to , those commonly used in the art of inkjet printing . for aqueous pigment - based ink compositions , particularly useful dispersants include anionic surfactants such as sodium dodecylsulfate , or potassium or sodium oleylmethyltaurate as described in , for example , u . s . pat . no . 5 , 679 , 138 , u . s . pat . no . 5 , 651 , 813 or u . s . pat . no . 5 , 985 , 017 . self - dispersing pigments that are dispersible without the use of a dispersant or surfactant can be used in the invention . pigments of this type are those that have been subjected to a surface treatment such as oxidation / reduction , acid / base treatment , or functionalization through coupling chemistry . the surface treatment can render the surface of the pigment with anionic , cationic or non - ionic groups such that a separate dispersant is not necessary . the present invention is particularly useful in combination with the use of self - dispersed negatively surface charged pigments . the preparation and use of covalently functionalized self - dispersed pigments suitable for inkjet printing are reported by bergemann , et al ., in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 758 , 891 b2 and u . s . pat . no . 6 , 660 , 075 b2 , belmont in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 554 , 739 , adams and belmont in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 707 , 432 , johnson and belmont in u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 803 , 959 and 5 , 922 , 118 , johnson et al in and u . s . pat . no . 5 , 837 , 045 , yu et al in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 494 , 943 b1 , and in published applications wo 96 / 18695 , wo 96 / 18696 , wo 96 / 18689 , wo 99 / 51690 , wo 00 / 05313 , and wo 01 / 51566 , osumi et al ., in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 280 , 513 b1 and u . s . pat . no . 6 , 506 , 239 b1 , karl , et al ., in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 503 , 311 b1 , yeh , et al ., in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 852 , 156 b2 , ito et al ., in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 488 , 753 b1 and momose et al ., in ep 1 , 479 , 732 a1 . examples of commercially available self - dispersing type pigments include cab - o - jet 200 ®, cab - o - jet - 250 ®, cab - o - jet - 260 ®, cab - o - jet - 270 ®, and cab - o - jet 300 ® ( cabot specialty chemicals , inc .) and bonjet cw - 1 ® and cw - 2 ® ( orient chemical industries , ltd .). polymeric dispersants are also known and useful in aqueous pigment - based ink compositions . polymeric dispersants may be added to the pigment dispersion prior to , or during the milling step ( a ), and include polymers such as homopolymers and copolymers ; anionic , cationic or nonionic polymers ; or random , block , branched or graft polymers . polymeric dispersants useful in the milling operation include random and block copolymers having hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions ; see for example , u . s . pat . no . 4 , 597 , 794 ; u . s . pat . no . 5 , 085 , 698 ; u . s . pat . no . 5 , 519 , 085 ; u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 272 , 201 ; 5 , 172 , 133 ; u . s . pat . no . 6 , 043 , 297 and wo 2004 / 111140a1 ; and graft copolymers ; see for example , u . s . pat . no . 5 , 231 , 131 ; u . s . pat . no . 6 , 087 , 416 ; u . s . pat . no . 5 , 719 , 204 ; or u . s . pat . no . 5 , 714 , 538 . typically , these polymeric resins are copolymers made from hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers . the copolymers are designed to act as dispersants for the pigment by virtue of the arrangement and proportions of hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers . the pigment particles are colloidally stabilized by the dispersant and are referred to as a polymer dispersed pigment dispersion . polymer stabilized pigment dispersions have the additional advantage of offering image durability once the inks are dried down on the ink receiver substrate . polymeric dispersants ( copolymers ) are not limited in the arrangement of the monomers comprising the copolymer . the arrangement of monomers may be totally random , or they may be arranged in blocks such as ab or aba wherein , a is the hydrophobic monomer and b is the hydrophilic monomer . in addition , the polymer may take the form of a random terpolymer or an abc tri - block wherein , at least one of the a , b and c blocks is chosen to be the hydrophilic monomer and the remaining blocks are hydrophobic blocks dissimilar from one another . especially useful copolymer dispersants are those where the hydrophobic monomer is selected from benzyl methacrylate or acrylate , or from methacrylic or acrylic acid esters containing an aliphatic chain having twelve or more carbons , which aliphatic chains may be linear or branched . examples of methacrylic and acrylic acid esters having twelve or more carbons include ; lauryl acrylate , lauryl methacrylate , tridecyl acrylate , tridecyl methacrylate , tetradecyl acrylate , tetradecyl methacrylate , cetyl acrylate , iso - cetyl acrylate , stearyl methacrylate , iso - stearyl methacrylate , stearyl acrylate , stearyl methacrylate , decyltetradecyl acrylate , decyltetradecyl methacrylate , and the like . preferably the methacrylate or acrylate monomer is stearyl or lauryl methacrylate or acrylate . the hydrophobic portion of the polymer may be prepared from one or more of the hydrophobic monomers . preferred copolymer dispersants are those where the hydrophilic monomer is selected from carboxylated monomers . preferred polymeric dispersants are copolymers prepared from at least one hydrophilic monomer that is an acrylic acid or methacrylic acid monomer , or combinations thereof . preferably , the hydrophilic monomer is methacrylic acid . particularly useful polymeric pigment dispersants are further described in us 2006 / 0012654 a1 and us 2007 / 0043144 a1 , the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference . typically , the weight average molecular weight of the copolymer dispersant has an upper limit such that it is less than about 50 , 000 daltons . desirably the weight average molecular weight of the copolymer is less than about 25 , 000 daltons ; more preferably it is less than 15 , 000 and most preferably less than 10 , 000 daltons . the copolymer dispersants preferably have a weight average molecular weight lower limit of greater than about 500 daltons . encapsulating type polymeric dispersants and polymeric dispersed pigments thereof can also be used in the invention . specific examples are described in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 723 , 785 , u . s . pat . no . 6 , 852 , 777 , us 2004 / 0132942 a1 , 2005 / 0020731 a1 , 2005 / 00951 a1 , 2005 / 0075416 a1 , 2005 / 0124726 a1 , 2004 / 007749 a1 , and 2005 / 0124728 a1 , the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference . encapsulating type polymeric dispersants can be especially useful because of their high dispersion stability on keeping and low degree of interaction with ink components . composite colorant particles having a colorant phase and a polymer phase are also useful in aqueous pigment - based inks of the invention . composite colorant particles are formed by polymerizing monomers in the presence of pigments ; see for example , us 2003 / 0199614 a1 ; us 2003 / 0203988 a1 ; or us 2004 / 0127639 . microencapsulated - type pigment particles are also useful and consist of pigment particles coated with a resin film ; see for example u . s . pat . no . 6 , 074 , 467 . the pigments useful in the ink composition of the invention may be present in any effective amount , generally from 0 . 1 to 10 % by weight , and preferably from 0 . 5 to 6 % by weight , more preferably from 1 to 4 % by weight . the pigment particles useful in the invention may have any particle sizes which can be jetted through a print head . preferably , the pigment particles have a mean particle size of less than about 0 . 5 micron , more preferably less than about 0 . 2 micron . water soluble or dispersible anionically charged polymers of the type described for use as dispersants may alternatively or additionally be used in printing fluid compositions of the invention to provide improved jetting performance and improved durability . acrylic polymers which may be employed in the present invention are exemplified by those disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 866 , 379 , which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference . specific examples of preferred water - soluble polymers useful in the present invention are copolymers prepared from at least one hydrophilic monomer that is an acrylic acid or methacrylic acid monomer , or combinations thereof . the water - soluble polymer may also be a styrene - acrylic copolymer comprising a mixture of vinyl or unsaturated monomers , including at least one styrenic monomer and at least one acrylic monomer , at least one of which monomers has an acid or acid - providing group . such polymers are disclosed in , for example , u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 529 , 787 ; 4 , 358 , 573 ; 4 , 522 , 992 ; and 4 , 546 , 160 ; the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference . additional useful anionic charged polymers that may be used in embodiments of the invention include water dispersible polyurethanes , such as those disclosed as binders in pigmented inks in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 533 , 408 , and particularly useful polyurethanes for pigmented inkjet inks which exhibit good jetting performance and good resulting image durability are described in us 2004 / 0085419a1 , the disclosures of both are incorporated herein by reference . us publication numbers 2006 / 0100306 and 2006 / 0100308 disclose the use of polyurethanes and mixtures of polyurethanes and acrylic polymers having specified acid numbers for use in clear ink compositions , which also may be used in embodiments of the present invention . in addition to or in place of dispersed pigment colorants , the aqueous inks employed in certain embodiments of the invention can contain dyes as primary or supplemental colorants . dyes suitable for use in the invention include , but are not limited to , those commonly used in the art of inkjet printing . for aqueous - based ink compositions , such dyes include water - soluble reactive dyes , direct dyes , anionic dyes , cationic dyes , acid dyes , food dyes , metal - complex dyes , phthalocyanine dyes , anthraquinone dyes , anthrapyridone dyes , azo dyes , rhodamine dyes , solvent dyes and the like . specific examples of dyes usable in the present invention include but are not limited to : acid yellows , reactive yellows , food yellows , acid reds , direct reds , reactive reds , food reds , acid blues , direct blues , reactive blues , food blues , acid blacks , direct blacks , reactive blacks , food black , cas no . 224628 - 70 - 0 sold as jpd magenta ek - 1 liquid from nippon kayaku kabushiki kaisha ; cas no . 153204 - 88 - 7 sold as intrajet ® magenta krp from crompton and knowles colors ; and the metal azo dyes disclosed in u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 997 , 622 and 6 , 001 , 161 . useful dye - based colorant systems for traditional , nickel - based continuous inkjet printheads are disclosed in ep 0 781 818 b1 , the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference . also useful in the invention as supplemental colorants are polymeric dyes or loaded - dye / latex particles . examples of polymeric dyes are described in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 457 , 822 b1 and references therein . examples of loaded - dye / latex particles are described in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 431 , 700 b1 ; us 2004 / 0186199 a1 ; us 2004 / 0186198 a1 ; us 2004 / 0068029 a1 ; us 2003 / 0119984 a1 ; and us 2003 / 0119938 a1 . the supplemental colorants used in the ink composition of the invention may be present in any effective amount , generally from about 1 . 0 to 10 % by weight , and preferably from about 2 . 0 to 5 % by weight . a particular advantage of the invention is that relatively low concentrations of metal ligand complex is required to provide silicon etch inhibition . accordingly , relatively low levels , such as less than 2 weight percent , or less than about 1 weight percent , or even less than 0 . 1 weight percent , may be employed to effectively minimize corrosion , while only minimally impacting coloration of the aqueous formulation into which they are incorporated . effective amounts of such compounds for corrosion inhibition may typically start at about 0 . 0001 weight percent , although even lower concentrations may still provide some benefit . preferred concentrations for the soluble metal ligand complex are from 0 . 001 to less than 1 . 0 weight percent ( 10 - 10 , 000 ppm ), more preferably 0 . 001 to 0 . 1 weight percent ( 10 - 1 , 000 ppm ). any water - soluble humectant known in the ink - jet art and compatible with the other requirements of the invention can be employed . by water - soluble is meant that a mixture of the employed humectant ( s ) and water is homogeneous . while an individual humectant can be employed , useful inkjet inks can employ mixtures of two , three or more humectants , each of which imparts a useful property to the inkjet ink . representative examples of humectants and co - solvents used in aqueous - based ink compositions include ( 1 ) alcohols , such as methyl alcohol , ethyl alcohol , n - propyl alcohol , isopropyl alcohol , n - butyl alcohol , sec - butyl alcohol , t - butyl alcohol , iso - butyl alcohol , furfuryl alcohol , and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol ; ( 2 ) polyhydric alcohols , such as ethylene glycol , diethylene glycol , triethylene glycol , tetraethylene glycol , propylene glycol , dipropyleneglycol , the polyethylene glycols with average molecular weights ranging from 200 to about 5000 daltons , the polypropylene glycols with average molecular weights ranging from 200 to about 5000 daltons , 1 , 2 - propanediol , 1 , 3 - propanediol , 1 , 2 - butanediol , 1 , 3 - butanediol , 1 , 4 - butanediol , 1 , 2 , 4 - butanetriol , 3 - methyl - 1 , 3 - butanediol , 2 - methyl - 1 , 3 - propanediol , 1 , 5 - pentanediol , 1 , 6 - hexanediol , 2 - methyl - 2 , 4 - pentanediol , 1 , 7 - heptanediol , 2 - ethyl - 1 , 3 - hexane diol , 2 , 2 , 4 - trimethyl - 1 , 3 - pentane diol , 1 , 8 - octane diol , glycerol , 1 , 2 , 6 - hexanetriol , 2 - ethyl - 2 - hydroxymethyl - propanediol , 2 - methyl - 2 - hydroxymethyl - propanediol , saccharides and sugar alcohols and thioglycol ; ( 3 ) polyoxygenated polyols and their derivatives such as diglycerol , polyglycerols , glycerol ethoxides , glycerol propoxides , glyceryths , alkylated and acetylated glyceryths , pentaerythritol , pentaerythritol ethoxides , and pentaerythritol propoxides and their alkylated and acetylated derivatives ; ( 4 ) nitrogen - containing compounds such as urea , 2 - pyrrolidone , n - methyl - 2 - pyrrolidone , imidazolidinone , n - hydroxyethyl acetamide , n - hydroxyethyl - 2 - pyrrolidinone , 1 -( hydroxyethyl )- 1 , 3 - imidazolidinone , 1 , 3 - dimethyl - 2 - imidazolidinone , and 1 , 3 - dihydroxy - 2 - imidazolidinone ; ( 5 ) sulfur - containing compounds such as 2 , 2 ′- thiodiethanol , dimethyl sulfoxide and tetramethylene sulfone ; and ( 6 ) water soluble n - oxides such as 4 - methylmorpholine - n - oxides . of these , glycerol and the polyhydric alcohol derivatives thereof are preferred and glycerol is especially preferred . the polyhydric alcohol derivatives of glycerol include the glycerol ethoxides , glycerol propoxides and glyceryths . the humectant can be employed alone or in combination with one or more additional listed humectants . the useful humectants have melting points below the typical operating temperature of the intended printer system to avoid the formation of crystalline deposits on the printhead or in the maintenance system . practically , this means that the useful humectants have melting points below 30 ° c ., preferably below 20 ° c . and more preferably below 10 ° c . when glycerol and the polyhydric alcohol derivatives thereof are employed , they can preferably be employed at between 1 and 20 % by weight , more preferable at between 2 and 15 % by weight and most preferable at between 3 and 10 % by weight . while any quantity of water soluble humectants singly or in combination and dynamic surface tension reducing agents can be employed , the total quantity of water soluble humectant and dynamic surface tension reducing agents is preferably at between 3 and 30 percent by weight and more preferably at between 8 and 20 percent by weight . in contrast to sheet - fed drop - on - demand printing , cij is a very high speed printing process , and it is desired to operate paper roll - fed web transport presses at substrate transport speeds in excess of 100 m / min . printing speed alone imposes some limitations on ink formulation relative to slower drop - on - demand printing techniques , simply on the basis of the short time requirements for adequately drying the printed substrate moving at full speed in the press before roll wind - up . surprisingly , features of cij printhead operation can allow wider ink formulation latitude than is possible in dod printing in other respects , however . ink formulation considerations specific to traditional cij printing are described in w . wnek , ieee trans . 1986 , 1475 - 81 , which elucidates the ink performance requirements for drop formation , deflection and catching of non - printing drops , recirculation of the ink to the printhead from the storage reservoir for future printing , and also for commercial ink - media image quality and durability . an inkjet ink composition for use in a continuous inkjet printer desirably contains water as the principal vehicle or carrier medium , colorant , humectant , biocide , and surfactant ; it can desirably further contain one or more types of other components , including and not limited to a film - forming binder or mordant , a solubilizing agent , a co - solvent , a base , an acid , a ph buffer , a wetting agent , a chelating agent , a corrosion inhibitor , a viscosity modifier , a penetrant , a wetting agent , an antifoamant , a defoamer , an antifungal agent , a jetting aid , a filament length modifier , a trace of multivalent cationic flocculating salt , a solution conductivity control agent , or a compound for suppressing electrostatic deflection charge shorts when ink dries on the charge ribbon electrodes . the total humectant level of the inkjet ink composition for cij printing is desirably from 0 to about 10 % by weight . the total humectant level of the ink is the sum of the individual sources of humectant ingredients , which may include humectant added directly during ink formulation , and for example humectant associated with a commercial biocide preparation as a supplemental ingredient , or with a commercial pigment dispersion preparation that may be present to prevent so - called “ paint - flakes ” of dried pigment cake forming around a bottle cap , as described in u . s . 2005 / 0075415 a1 to harz et al . more desirably , the total humectant level is from about 1 % to about 5 %, in order to facilitate drying of the inkjet printing recording material in a high speed printer while simultaneously encouraging higher equilibrium moisture content in dried ink film on hardware for redispersion and clean - up by ink , or by start - up and shut - down fluids , or by a printhead storage fluid . the ph of the aqueous ink compositions of the invention may be adjusted by the addition of organic or inorganic acids or bases . useful inks may have a preferred ph of from about 2 to 11 , depending upon the type of dye or pigment being used and depending on the charge characteristics of the other ink components employed . anionic charge stabilized anti - abrasion polymers are employed in inks having a ph of above about 6 , with preferred ph ranges of between 7 and 11 and a more preferred ph range of between 7 . 5 and 10 . typical inorganic acids include nitric , hydrochloric , phosphoric and sulfuric acids . typical organic acids include methanesulfonic , acetic , formic and lactic acids . typical inorganic bases include alkali metal hydroxides and carbonates . typical organic bases include ammonia , triethanolamine and tetramethylethlenediamine . the ink composition ph is desirably adjusted to be from about 7 to about 9 . 5 ; more desirably , the ph ranges from about 8 to about 9 . amine bases especially desirable in the application of the invention to cij printing include 3 - amino - 1 - propanol , n , n - dimethanolamine , n , n - dimethylethanolamine , n , n - diethylethanolamine , and triethanolamine . the inks of the invention may contain surfactants added to adjust the static surface tension or dynamic surface tension of the ink to an appropriate level . the surfactants may be anionic , cationic , amphoteric or nonionic and used at , e . g ., levels of 0 . 01 to 5 % of the ink composition . defoaming agents comprised of phosphate esters , polysiloxanes , or acetylenic dials are optionally used with the ink compositions directed at cij to minimize foam formation caused the fluid agitation associated with drop catching and ink recirculation . inkjet ink compositions may also contain non - colored particles such as inorganic particles or polymeric particles . the use of such particulate addenda has increased over the past several years , especially in inkjet ink compositions intended for photographic - quality imaging . for example , u . s . pat . no . 5 , 925 , 178 describes the use of inorganic particles in pigment - based inks in order to improve optical density and rub resistance of the pigment particles on the image - recording element . in another example , u . s . pat . no . 6 , 508 , 548b2 describes the use of a water - dispersible polymer in dye - based inks in order to improve light and ozone resistance of the printed images . for use of such particles to improve gloss differential , light and / or ozone resistance , waterfastness , rub resistance and various other properties of a printed image ; see for example , u . s . pat . no . 6 , 598 , 967b1 . colorless ink compositions that contain non - colored particles and no colorant may also be used . colorless ink compositions are often used in the art as “ fixers ” or insolubilizing fluids that are printed under , over , or with colored ink compositions in order to reduce bleed between colors and waterfastness on plain paper ; see for example , u . s . pat . no . 5 , 866 , 638 or u . s . pat . no . 6 , 450 , 632 b1 . colorless inks are also used to provide an overcoat to a printed image , usually in order to improve scratch resistance and waterfastness ; see for example , us 2003 / 0009547 a1 or ep 1 , 022 , 151 a 1 . colorless inks are also used to reduce gloss differential in a printed image ; see for example , u . s . pat . no . 6 , 604 , 819 b2 ; us 2003 / 0085974 a1 ; us 2003 / 0193553 a1 ; or us 2003 / 0189626 a1 . in an embodiment , the present invention may be particularly useful for colorless inks comprising anionic charged polymers that may undesirably precipitate when exposed to multivalent metal ions when added as salt solutions . the present invention also includes substantially colorless maintenance fluid compositions which are used in printing system service applications . these solutions may or may not be used for drop formation and are not intended for marking a substrate . some examples include printhead storage fluids , line flush fluids , apparatus cleaning fluids , printhead alignment manufacturing fluids , and so forth . a printhead storage fluid can be used for wet shutdown and storage of the mems printhead when inactive . it can be comprised of functional ingredients such as biocides , surfactants , detergents , solvents ( e . g ., isopropanol ), solvosurfactants ( e . g ., a glycol ether ), a ph buffer , and metal corrosion inhibitors . a flush fluid can be used to recirculate through the printhead in a cross - flush mode in order to straighten crooked jets . in substantially colorless compositions of certain embodiments of the invention , such substantially colorless compositions further comprise less than 2 weight percent of any colorants , more preferably less than about 1 . 0 weight percent of any compounds that are colorants , and most preferably less than about 0 . 1 weight percent of any other compounds that are colorants . maintenance fluids may have a wider range of ph latitude than inks , because they can be free of ph - sensitive components such as ph - sensitive dispersions . these maintenance fluids may have applications in non - printing silicon mems technologies as well , such as cleaning or preserving a fluidic device . the non - colored particles used in the ink compositions may be present in any effective amount , generally from 0 . 01 to 20 % by weight , and preferably from 0 . 01 to 6 % by weight . the exact choice of non - colored particles will depend upon the specific application and performance requirements of the printed image . a biocide may be added to an inkjet ink composition to suppress the growth of microorganisms such as molds , fungi , etc . in aqueous inks . preferred biocides for an ink composition are proxel ® gxl ( arch chemicals inc .) at a final concentration of 0 . 0001 - 0 . 5 wt . %, or kordek ® mlx ( rohm and haas co .) in the same concentration range . additional additives , which may optionally be present in an inkjet ink composition include thickeners , drying agents , waterfastness agents , dye solubilizers , chelating agents , binders , light stabilizers , viscosifiers , buffering agents , anti - mold agents , anti - curl agents , anti - corrosion agent , stabilizers and defoamers . the exact choice of ink components will depend upon the specific application and performance requirements of the printhead from which they are to be jetted . for current continuous ink ejection mode , acceptable viscosities are no greater than 10 cp , preferably in the range of 1 . 0 to 5 . 0 cp at 25 degrees celsius . for drop - on - demand thermal printheads , the components of the ink composition are preferably selected such that the ink viscosity is less than about 4 . 0 centipoise at 25 degrees celsius , more preferably less than about 3 . 0 , even more preferably less than 2 . 5 and most preferably less than 2 . 0 . ink compositions defined by these preferred embodiments are capable of achieving high firing frequencies with low variability for a large number of firing events . particularly preferred printhead designs are disclosed in us 2006 / 0103691 and us 2008 / 0137867 , the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein . in one embodiment of the invention , the inkjet ink composition for use in a continuous inkjet printer is printed by a method employing a plurality of drop volumes formed from a continuous fluid stream and non - printing drops of a different volume than printing drops are diverted by a drop deflection means into a gutter for recirculation , as disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 588 , 888 b2 to jeanmaire et al ., u . s . pat . no . 6 , 554 , 410 b2 to jeanmaire et al ., u . s . pat . no . 6 , 682 , 182 b1 to jeanmaire et al ., u . s . 2003 / 0202054 a1 to jeanmaire et al ., u . s . pat . no . 6 , 793 , 328 b2 to d . jeanmaire , u . s . pat . no . 6 , 866 , 370 b2 to d . jeanmaire , u . s . pat . no . 6 , 575 , 566 b1 to jeanmaire et al ., and u . s . pat . no . 6 , 517 , 197 b2 to hawkins et al ., the disclosures of which are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference . in another preferred embodiment , the inkjet ink composition is printed using an apparatus capable of controlling the direction of the formed printing and non - printing drops by asymmetric application of heat to the fluid stream that initializes drop break - up and serves to steer the resultant drop , as disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 079 , 821 b2 to chwalek et al , and in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 505 , 921 b2 to chwalek et al ., the disclosures of which are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference . useful ink agitation , heated ink supply and printhead and fluid filtration means for cu pigmented inkjet ink compositions are described in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 817 , 705 b13 to crockett et al . printer replenishing systems for maintaining ink quality and countering the effects of ink volatile component evaporation are described in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 526 , 026 to m . bowers , u . s . pat . no . 5 , 473 , 350 to mader et al ., and ep 0 597 628 a1 to loyd et al . inks of the present invention may be applied to a photoglossy or plain paper receiver . the two types of receivers are distinguished from one another in that the photoglossy receiver is manufactured with a coated layer above the underlying paper support . examples of plain papers include : kodak bright white inkjet paper , hewlett packard color inkjet paper , xerox extra bright white inkjet paper , georgia - pacific inkjet paper catalog number 999013 , staples inkjet paper international paper great white multiuse 20 paper , xerox premium multipurpose paper , hammermill copy plus or foremp paper , and hewlett packard multipurpose paper . the plain papers may include papers that have been treated with multivalent salts during or after manufacture of the paper . inks of the present invention can be printed as digital images having photographic quality if a suitable recording medium , such as glossy inkjet paper , is used . photoglossy receivers may be further categorized as being a swellable media ( having a non - porous polymer coating ) or a microporous media , although hybrid designs are also well known . the microporous media are typically comprised of a water - absorbing layer of fine particles or powders mixed with a polymeric hydrophilic binder to form a microporous structured coating . the particles or powders are typically polycrystalline inorganic materials such as boehmite alumina , porous and non - porous silicas ( for example sylojet or ludox particles ) or amorphous inorganic materials such as aluminum silicates . microporous photoglossy media are preferred due to their relatively quick drying capabilities and improved water - fastness and smudge resistance compared to swellable media . the design of the both plain paper and photoglossy media vary widely depending on materials and paper manufacturing processes and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention . the invention and its advantages can be better appreciated by the following specific embodiments . the suffix ( c ) designates control or comparative inkjet ink compositions , while the suffix ( e ) indicates example inkjet ink compositions . a 5 - liter , three - necked round bottom flask equipped with a mechanical stirrer , a reflux condenser , and a gas inlet was charged with 225 g of 1 - methoxy - 2 - propanol and was sparged with nitrogen . akzo - nobel chemicals , inc ., initiator perkadox ambn - gr ( 1 . 9 g ) was added with stirring . a reactant reservoir was charged with 225 g of 1 - methoxy - 2 - propanol , 23 . 4 g of 1 - dodecanethiol , 203 . 5 g of benzyl methacrylate , 165 . 0 g of stearyl methacrylate , and 181 . 5 g of methacrylic acid , and the solution was degassed by nitrogen sparging . the relative mass proportions of monomers benzyl methacrylate / stearyl methacrylate / methacrylic acid were 37 / 30 / 33 . the reactor temperature was raised to 77 ° c . and the reactants were pumped from the reservoir at a about 2 . 3 ml / min over a 360 - min period . the reaction mixture was stirred for at least 12 h at about 77 ° c . the polymer was neutralized to completion with dimethylaminoethanol and stirred for 45 min . the reaction mixture was diluted with 2 , 580 g of water and filtered through a pall corp . ultipleat polypropylene cartridge filter . the final polymer solution had a concentration of ca . 20 wt . % solids and its ph was 8 . 6 . the average the weight average molecular weight was 9 , 070 daltons . in a representative procedure , a 2 . 5 - gallon , 9 - inch diameter and 12 - inch deep , double - walled stainless steel mixing vessel containing four baffles is charged with water ( 1 , 273 g ) and a solution of inkjet polymer p - 1 ( 1 , 000 g of a 20 . 1 wt % solution ). a nominal 4 - inch , ring - style disperser impeller ( hockmeyer equipment corp . d - blade ) driven by a charles ross & amp ; son co . model hsm - 100lh - 2 high shear mixer is centered 2 inches above the bottom of the mixing vessel , and stirring is initiated . degussa gmbh . nipex ® 180 iq carbon black pigment ( 500 g ) is slowly integrated into the fluid . milling media comprising beads of polystyrene resin ( copolymer of styrene and divinylbenzene / ethylvinylbenzene mixture ) with an average particle diameter of 50 micrometers ( 3 , 000 g ) is added slowly while increasing impeller speed . the mixture is milled with an impeller blade tip speed of ca . 19 m / sec for about 20 h at an internal temperature of 25 - 35 ° c . samples are periodically removed , diluted and filtered for particle size determination by a microtrac , inc ., nanotrac ® 150 dynamic light scattering analyzer . when milling is complete , the dispersion / media milling mixture is further diluted with a solution of water ( 2 , 475 g ) and rohm and haas co . kordek ™ mlx preservative ( 25 g ) to a final pigment concentration of about 10 % and theoretical dispersion batch size of 5000 g . the impeller is removed from the dispersion / media milling mixture , and a vacuum separator filter probe is immersed . the filter probe consists of 0 . 25 - inch id tygon ® plastic tubing connected to a sealed 2 - inch length of 1 . 25 - inch od tubular , 38 - micrometer screen ( johnson screens , inc .). a peristaltic pump is used to separate the dispersion from the milling media and it is subsequently filtered through a 0 . 3 - micrometer removal efficiency pall corp . profile ii ® depth filter . roughly 4 kg of dispersion is recovered , approximately 80 % yield . the volume - weighted 50 th percentile particle size distribution diameter is about 60 nm , and the 95 th percentile particle size distribution diameter is about 105 nm . the abbreviation “ wt %” indicates the ingredient weight percent . carbon black pigment dispersion content is based on the weight percent of carbon black . black pigmented continuous inkjet ink composition ink a was prepared from the pigment dispersion k - 1 by combining the ingredients at the relative proportions reported in table i . in a representative procedure , 500 g of ink is prepared by combining the ingredients with good mixing proportioned according to table i in a 1 - liter polyethylene beaker containing a magnetic stirrer bar , in the following functional component order : water , acid , base , humectant , biocide , corrosion inhibitor , azo compound ( azo 1 , direct black 19 ), pigment dispersion , surfactant , and antifoamant . the ink composition is mixed for about 2 min between ingredient additions , and then it is stirred for 1 hour after the addition of the antifoamant . the ink composition is filtered under 76 torr of vacuum through a 47 mm pall corp . versapor ®- 1200 membrane and then stored in a sealed bottle . colorant - free ink base b was prepared in an analogous manner according to the proportions of ingredients in table i . model inks c - g were prepared by combining the specified amount of aluminum salt or coordination complex with ca . 1 kg of colorant - free ink base b in a container by adding the complex to the stirred ink base solution at ambient temperature . the solution was then inspected carefully for signs of polymer coagulation or formation of a precipitate . the solution was used for wafer corrosion rate determination without further purification . corrosion rate testing is reported in table ii . model ink c was prepared by adding aluminum nitrate nonahydrate ( sigma - aldrich , 0 . 375 g , 1 . 0 mmol ) to ink base b ( 999 . 6 g ). a turbid solution resulted , and stringy , gelatinous flocs were observed . model ink d was prepared by adding aluminum nitrate nonahydrate ( sigma - aldrich , 0 . 038 g , 0 . 1 mmol ) to ink base b ( 1000 g ). a slightly turbid solution resulted . model ink e was prepared by adding aluminum sulfate octadecahydrate ( eastman kodak , 0 . 033 g , 0 . 1 mmol of al ( iii ) ion ) to ink base b ( 1000 g ). a slightly turbid solution resulted . model ink f was prepared by adding aluminum l - lactate ( tris ( lactato ) aluminum ( iii ), abbreviated as al ( lac ) 3 . sigma - aldrich , 0 . 296 g , 1 . 0 mmol ) to ink base b ( 999 . 7 g ). insoluble , gelatinous particles remained after the compound dispersed . model ink g was prepared by adding complex 1 ( sigma - aldrich reagentplus ™ cat . no . 208248 - 100 g , 0 . 325 g , 1 . 0 mmol ) to ink base b ( 999 . 7 g ). a clear solution without insoluble matter resulted . in addition to model inks b - g , standard aqueous solution of each aluminum salt or coordination complex at an effective concentration of 1 . 0 mmol per kg of solvent ( 1 . 0 mmolal ) were prepared by dissolving the appropriate mass of each aluminum compound corresponding to 1 . 0 mmol of al ( iii ) in 100 g of 18 mohm resistance , high - purity water . the solution ph and conductivity was then measured at ambient conditions using calibrated metering instruments , and electronically compensated to 25 ° c . representative ion probes are the mettler toledo inlab ® 413 ph electrode , no . 52000106 , and the corning laboratory conductivity electrode , no . 476501 , available in the nova analytics pinnacle series . the conductivity and ph data are for the standard solutions are reported in table iii . in this example , the corrosion of borophosphosilicate ( bpsg ) glass by the series of inks a - g has been evaluated . these experiments provide a means of assessing the corrosion inhibition towards a silicon oxide glass produced by the aluminum salt and coordination complex compositions . for the bpsg etching experiments , coupons ( 1 cm 2 ) of bpsg ( 600 nm ) coated on silicon ( 0 . 7 mm si ( 100 )) were immersed in inks a - g in sealed containers . the bpsg coating thicknesses were measured before and after incubation in the ink at 80 ° c . at various time intervals . the bpsg coating thickness was determined by spectroscopic ellipsometry , using an α - se spectroscopic ellipsometer obtained from j . a . woollam and co ., inc . computer algorithms were used to interpret the measured ellipsometric data in terms of an appropriate coating structure and coating thickness . detailed treatments of computer algorithms for fitting ellipsometric data have been provided by f . l . mccrackin ( f . l . mccrackin , “ a fortran program for analysis of ellipsometer measurements ”, national bureau of standards , tech . note 479 , april 1969 , us gov . printing office , washington , d . c .). the etching results are provided in table ii . if the amount of bpsg etched is less than 1 nm , the entry is denoted lod , indicating that the limit of detection has been reached . in cases where the extent of bpsg etch has been found to be lod , the bpsg etch rate is indicated as less than an upper limiting value . entry 1 is a pigmented black ink containing no metal salt or complex . the data show it has a significant propensity to etch bpsg . the colorant - free ink base b ( entry 2 ), with no pigment or soluble dye , and no aluminum , has a much greater propensity ( ca 20 × greater than the pigment black ink ) to etch bpsg . it is therefore very convenient to use ink b , comprised of functional ingredients commonly used in inkjet inks , as the base fluid for the model inks c - g in order to better detect the capability of the metal salts and chelate coordination complexes to retard bpsg etching . although ink formulations can vary in their propensities to etch silicon - based materials like bpsg , it is clearly desirable to formulate fluids for use in silicon - based inkjet systems that minimize the extent of etching of silicon based materials . incorporation of aluminum salts of the type known in the art demonstrably improves the performance of the inkjet fluids with respect to etching , as shown in entries 3 ( aluminum nitrate nonahydrate ), 4 ( aluminum sulfate octadecahydrate ), and 5 ( aluminum lactate ), which all show inhibition of etching by the ink vehicle under the experimental conditions , i . e ., 0 . 1 to 1 . 0 mmolal ( mmol / kg ) aluminum in ink base solution . entry 6 provides an example of the effect of incorporation of aluminum complexes in accordance with the invention on bpsg etching . in this case , the observed bpsg etching rate , and the overall material loss to dissolution , is dramatically reduced relative to the ink base b solution alone . complex 1 of the invention is found to be as effective as the best comparison aluminum salts ( aluminum nitrate and aluminum lactate , entries 3 and 5 ) in inhibiting glass etching . ink base b suffered the loss of fully 365 nm of bpsg layer in only 6 hours , but the addition of complex 1 reduced the loss of bspg to less than 1 nm ( lod ) even after durations as long as 282 h at 80 ° c ., showing the valuable structural effect and high persistence of the corrosion inhibition . in this example , the model inks b g and the standard aqueous solutions of aluminum compounds of the type known in the art and of the type disclosed in this invention are evaluated . in inkjet systems , increases in acidity can be undesirable , especially in alkaline formulations , where the resulting decreases in ph value can cause aggregation of particles and precipitation of inkjet ink components such as oligomers and polymers , dispersed pigment particles , soluble colorant dyes , surfactants , etc . moreover , precipitation of metal salts , like aluminum salts , can be undesirable , because printhead die fouling can occur , producing crooked jets or blocked jets for example . the data presented in table iii show that inorganic aluminum salts of the type known in the art ( entries 1 and 2 ) are ionized in water , which results in significant ionic conductivity increases over the 18 mohm water solvent , which will have a base conductivity of about 0 . 06 μs / cm . the ionization of the inorganic complexes results in the initial formation of aluminum ( iii ) aquo coordination complexes , which are strong acids . the aluminum acids reduce the solution ph below 4 . 0 , and the resultant aluminum hydroxo complexes are subject to metal cluster growth , polymerization and eventual precipitation in aqueous solution . whereas entries 1 and 2 illustrate that inorganic aluminum salts dissociate and form unstable aquo complexes that reduce solution ph , entry 3 shows that the organic bidentate chelate coordination complex , aluminum lactate , also ionizes to create mobile , charge - carrying ions , and aluminum aquo complexes , which lower solution ph below 4 . 0 . by contrast , the aqueous solutions of aluminum complexes of the invention have been found to minimally affect the solution ph value of water in equilibrium with air containing carbon dioxide , since these standard solutions are very near neutral ( ph 7 . 0 ). in addition , the ionic conductivity of the standard solutions of the coordination complexes of the invention is a fraction of that of inorganic aluminum and organic chelate aluminum compounds of the prior art . consistent with the expectation from standard solution ionic conductivity and ph properties , the model inks c and e comprised of inorganic aluminum compounds are unstable and form precipitates rapidly with constituents of the model ink , such as inkjet polymer 1 . the organic bidentate , chelate coordination complex , aluminum lactate of model ink f , also ionizes to create mobile charge carrying ions and forms precipitates when combined with the model ink base b to provide ink f . only the organic chelate coordination complex of the invention in entry 4 provides a model ink that was not observed to form turbidity or precipitates under the same conditions . this example shows how acidity affects a polymer designed for use in alkaline inkjet formulations . in this experiment , formulations containing 1 . 8 w / w % of the inkjet polymer p1 in phosphate buffers ( 0 . 1 m ) were prepared and monitored visually . formation of agglomerates or precipitates was indicated by solution turbidity . the data in presented in table iv clearly demonstrate that ph value significantly influences the stability of formulations containing polymeric dispersants like inkjet polymer p1 , even in the absence of free multivalent metal ions like aluminum ( iii ). even in mildly acidic solutions ( entry 2 ) and evidently in more acidic solutions ( entry 1 ), the polymer is readily observed to form agglomerates and / or precipitates as indicated by the solution turbidity . by contrast in near neutral ( entry 3 ) to alkaline ( entry 4 ) solutions , the polymer remains dispersed or dissolved in solution , as indicated by the solution clarity . the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof , but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention .	2
fig1 depicts the general block diagram of our orthogonal transform processor . therein , input signals are applied on lead 10 to communications circuit 100 and output signals are delivered on lead 20 by communications circuit 100 . circuit 100 is responsive to a &# 34 ; ready &# 34 ; control signal of lead 40 and to control signals , provided by look - up table 200 . communication circuit 100 interacts with rotator 300 via leads 30 which carry signals to and from rotator 300 . look - up table 200 is responsive to the same &# 34 ; ready &# 34 ; control signal and , optionally , to an &# 34 ; inverse &# 34 ; control signal . in addition to providing control signals to communication circuit 100 , look - up table 200 also provides coefficient signals to rotator 300 . the function and operation of each of the elements within fig1 are described in more detail below . the least common denominator of orthogonal transform computational primitives is a complex multiplication ( or rotation ). the equations describing the rotator are : ## equ1 ## where x i and y i are the inputs and outputs respectively , and c 1 and c 2 are the coefficients , such as cos θ and sin θ , respectively . direct realization of equation ( 1 ) requires four multiplications and two additions . by manipulating equation ( 1 ) one can obtain the expression : ## equ2 ## where a = c 1 - c 2 , b = c 2 , and c = c 1 + c 2 . this version requires three multiplications and three additions and , at first blush , it appears to offer a more compact realization . however , when a careful comparison is made of the vlsi suitability of the two schemes using parallel multipliers it can be seen that , on balance , equation ( 1 ) results in a preferred realization . first , the total time delay for the equation ( 2 ) realization is longer than that for the equation ( 1 ) realization , because of the addition that precedes the multiplication ( x 1 + x 2 ). second , only two coefficients are needed for the equation ( 1 ) realization , as compared to three coefficients for the equation ( 2 ) realization , and third , the equation ( 1 ) realization consumes less silicon &# 34 ; real estate ,&# 34 ; because is is amenable to a more regular communication structure between the various elements making up the rotator . our realization of the equation ( 1 ) rotator relationships in rotator circuit 300 follows a multiplication algorithm similar to one proposed by baugh - wooley , which employs reordering and merging of different terms in the multiplication process as expressed below . it is well known that a negative number having n - 1 magnitude bits , expressed in 2 &# 39 ; s complement form , can be expressed as the difference ## equ3 ## with such a representation , a multiplication product can be specified by ## equ4 ## which expands to ## equ5 ## the array below shows the partial product terms called for by the terms making up equation ( 5 ) ( for n = 3 ). the first three rows correspond to the first term , the fourth row corresponds to the second term , the fifth and seventh rows correspond to the third term expressed in 2 &# 39 ; s complement form , and the sixth and eighth rows correspond to the last term of equation ( 5 ). ## equ6 ## a reorganization of the above yields the array of partial product terms depicted below . ## equ7 ## from the above it can be observed that the desired product can be obtained with summations of two bit product terms only , with the basic cells needed being and gates and nand gates in combination with full - adders and half - adders ; some with a carry - in set to &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;, and most with a carry - in set to &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ;. more specifically , in perusing through the second multiplication array expressed above , one can see that the first row requires only three and gates ( x 0 c 0 , x 0 c 1 , x 0 c 2 ) and one nand gate ( x 0 c 3 ). the second row requires three and gates and half adders having a &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; carry - in ( x 1 c 0 , x 1 c 1 , x 1 c 2 ) and one nand gate and a half adder having a &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; carry - in ( x 1 c 3 ). the next row requires three and gates and full adders ( x 2 c 0 , x 2 c 1 , x 2 c 2 ) and one nand gate and a full adder ( x 2 c 3 ). the last row requires three nand gates and full adders ( x 3 c 0 , x 3 c 1 , x 3 c 2 ) and one and gate and a full adder ( x 3 c 3 ). this pattern of gates and adders can easily be extended in a regular fashion to instances where the multiplier and the multiplicand have more than four bits . fig2 illustrates a rotator structure in accordance with our invention and it includes a multiplication section 310 and an addition and a subtraction section 330 . one important aspect of the fig2 rotator is that all of the elements are constructed in an interleaved fashion , which means that corresponding functions of each of the four multipliers realized in section 310 are created as a unit and in close physical proximity to each other . this interleaving yields a number of advantages ; one is that all signal leads ( including the input leads ) are short , which enhances the speed capabilities ; a second is that all corresponding leads have essentially the same lengths , which minimizes skew and consequently enhances the speed capabilities ; and a third is that the structure is completely regular , which permits efficient utilization of the silicon &# 34 ; real estate .&# 34 ; in fig2 multiplication section 310 comprises a plurality of quad multiplier ( qm ) blocks 320 . each block 320 has two signal inputs and two coefficients inputs , as well as sum and carry inputs for handling information from another block 320 . blocks 320 are drawn to form a two dimensional rectangular matrix with elements 320 in each &# 34 ; row &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; column &# 34 ; being connected to two elements in a higher numbered &# 34 ; row &# 34 ;: one in the same &# 34 ; column &# 34 ; and one in a higher numbered &# 34 ; column &# 34 ;. that is , an element 320 at a &# 34 ; row &# 34 ; i and a &# 34 ; column &# 34 ; j ( qm ) i , j is connected to ( qm ) i + 1 , j and to ( qm ) i + 1 , j + 1 . in accordance with the above , the structure of section 310 is basically rectangular and corresponds to a shifted version of the multiplication array as depicted below . ## equ8 ## as seen from the above decomposition of the multiplication process , blocks 320 are not identical in all respects . they are identical in the sense that all are charged with contributing to the product by operating on three incoming bits ( two bits in some degenerative positions ) and developing sum and carry output bits . they differ in that some require and gates while others require nand gates , and also some require full adders while others require half adders , as described above . also , although in some applications none of the qm elements are clocked or registered ( i . e ., no pipelining ), in other applications some or all of the blocks are registered to provide whatever degree of pipelining is deemed desirable . fig3 depicts a qm element comprising a full adder and a register . this is the general embodiment , since a qm element comprising a half adder and no register is , in essence , a stripped version of the qm element shown in fig3 . in fig3 element 400 is a qm element 320 at a particular row end column within section 310 . element 390 is a qm element in a row above element 400 and in the same column , element 380 is a qm element in a row above element 400 and in a column that is of lower arithmetic significance ( by one bit ) than that of element 400 , and element 410 is a qm element in a row below element 400 . within element 400 there are full adders 401 - 404 that are responsive to multiplier bits c i and c j , to like multiplicands bits ( e . g ., the third bit ) of multiplicand words x m and x n , to sum bits from qm element 380 and to carry bits from qm element 390 . more particularly , adder 401 is responsive to a sum and a carry input from elements 380 and 390 and to a selected logical combination of c i and x m ; adder 402 is responsive to a sum and a carry input from elements 380 and 390 and to the same logical combination of c j and x m ; adder 403 is responsive to a sum and a carry input from elements 380 and 390 and to the same logical combination of c i and x n , and , finally adder 410 is responsive to a sum and a carry input from elements 380 and 390 and to the same logical combination of c j and x n . each of the adders ( 410 - 404 ) develops a pair of signals comprising a sum output signal and a carry output signal . each of these signal pairs are applied in the embodiment of fig3 to a register which is also responsive to a clock signal , c . the clocked output signals of these registers ( 409 - 413 ) form the output signals of qm element 400 . the carry signals are applied to qm element 410 , while the sum signals are applied to the next most significant qm element in the row of element 410 . the above - mentioned logical combinations of c i and c j with x m and x n , performed by elements 405 - 408 , are either and gates or nand gates , depending upon the particular row and column that element 390 occupies . section 330 in fig2 comprises the adder and subtractor networks that are needed to complete the rotator function . each qm element at the last ( bottom ) row and in the least significant ( right most ) column of array 320 delivers four sum bits and those bits must be added and subtracted appropriately . each add / subtract element 340 within section 330 , therefore , comprises a two bit adder and a two bit subtractor . in accordance with conventional design techniques , the subtractor is implemented by simply inverting the input that needs to be subtracted , and a &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; is added in the carry - in position of the first adder in the array . described in other words , section 330 may simply comprises two ripple - through adders . the communication circuit of fig1 provides for the transferring of data to and from the rotator . this transferring is specific to the algorithm implemented , but the hardware realization described below is generic . it can be shown that an orthogonal transformation ( matrix q ) can be implemented with a sequence of plane - rotations ( matrix t ij ) in accordance with : ## equ9 ## this principle is employed in our transform processor , as illustrated below in connection with a discrete cosine transforms ( dct ) embodiment . ## equ10 ## by rearranging columns and considering selected transformed output signals as signal pairs , the above can be decomposed and structured into four groupings , with each grouping comprising four terms of the form specified by equation ( 1 ). a hardware realization of such reformulation can be had with a rotator circuit as described above and with a communication circuit that has sufficient memory to store the input signals ( x i ) and the developing intermediate results . a more efficient realization , however , is one that employs a &# 34 ; fast dct &# 34 ; algorithm . fig4 shows the signal flow for a &# 34 ; fast dct &# 34 ; algorithm , where each of the circles in fig4 ( e . g ., circle 17 ) represents an in - place rotation . by &# 34 ; in - place rotation &# 34 ; we mean that the rotation operation is performed with a communication circuit that , as it feeds two input signals to the rotator from particular storage locations , the results ( from the rotator ) are placed back into the same storage locations . what is necessary , then , is to appropriately control the sequencing of signals to and from communications circuit 100 to accomplish the end results which are specified in fig4 and summarized in table 1 below . table 1__________________________________________________________________________y . sub . 4 = c . sub . 2 c . sub . 1 . sup . 2 (- x . sub . 0 - x . sub . 7 + x . sub . 4 + x . sub . 3 )+ c . sub . 5 c . sub . 1 . sup . 2 (- x . sub . 2 + x . sub . 1 - x . sub . 5 + x . sub . 6 ) y . sub . 1 = c . sub . 5 c . sub . 1 . sup . 2 ( x . sub . 0 + x . sub . 7 - x . sub . 4 - x . sub . 3 ) + c . sub . 2 c . sub . 1 . sup . 2 (- x . sub . 2 + x . sub . 1 - x . sub . 5 + x . sub . 6 ) y . sub . 0 = c . sub . 1 . sup . 3 ( x . sub . 0 + x . sub . 7 + x . sub . 4 + x . sub . 3 + x . sub . 2 + x . sub . 1 + x . sub . 5 + x . sub . 6 ) y . sub . 2 = c . sub . 1 . sup . 3 (- x . sub . 0 - x . sub . 7 - x . sub . 4 - x . sub . 3 + x . sub . 2 + x . sub . 1x + 5x + x . sub . 6 ) y . sub . 5 = c . sub . 4 ( c . sub . 1 . sup . 2 ( x . sub . 0 - x . sub . 7 ) + c . sub . 1 . sup . 3 (- x . sub . 2 - x . sub . 1 + x . sub . 5 + x . sub . 6 )) + c . sub . 7 ( c . sub . 1 . sup . 3 ( x . sub . 2 - x . sub . 1 - x . sub . 5 + x . sub . 6 ) + c . sub . 1 . sup . 2 (- x . sub . 4 + x . sub . 3 )) y . sub . 6 = c . sub . 7 ( c . sub . 1 . sup . 2 (- x . sub . 0 + x . sub . 7 ) + c . sub . 1 . sup . 3 ( x . sub . 2 + x . sub . 1 - x . sub . 5 - x . sub . 6 )) + c . sub . 4 ( c . sub . 1 . sup . 3 ( x . sub . 2 - x . sub . 1 - x . sub . 5 + x . sub . 6 ) + c . sub . 1 . sup . 2 (- x . sub . 4 + x . sub . 3 )) y . sub . 7 = c . sub . 3 ( c . sub . 1 . sup . 2 (- x . sub . 0 + x . sub . 7 ) + c . sub . 1 . sup . 3 (- x . sub . 2 - x . sub . 1 + x . sub . 5 + x . sub . 6 )) + c . sub . 6 ( c . sub . 1 . sup . 3 (- x . sub . 2 + x . sub . 1 + x . sub . 5 - x . sub . 6 ) + c . sub . 1 . sup . 2 (- x . sub . 4 + x . sub . 3 )) y . sub . 3 = c . sub . 6 ( c . sub . 1 . sup . 2 ( x . sub . 0 - x . sub . 7 ) + c . sub . 1 . sup . 3 ( x . sub . 2 + x . sub . 1 - x . sub . 5 - x . sub . 6 )) + c . sub . 3 ( c . sub . 1 . sup . 3 (- x . sub . 2 + x . sub . 1 + x . sub . 5 - x . sub . 6 ) + c . sub . 1 . sup . 2 (- x . sub . 4 + x . sub . 3 )) __________________________________________________________________________ in addition to the task of supplying input signals and intermediate results to the rotator cirucit , communications circuit 100 depicting two modes of operation must also accept new data as it arrives . with these two functions in mind , fig5 presents a functional diagram of a communications circuit 100 in consonance with the principles of our invention . in accordance with fig5 circuit 100 comprises an addressable memory 121 and a nonaddressable memory 122 . memory 122 is primarily a serial memory . that is , input data is shifted into memory 122 at line 123 , and transformed output signals are shifted out of memory 122 at line 124 . this condition is depicted by the left side illustration of fig5 under the heading &# 34 ; normal &# 34 ;. while input data is being shifted into memory 122 , memory 121 is engaged with rotator 300 and performs the in - place substitutions of rotator results for rotator input signals . this is easily achieved since memory 121 is addressable and arranged so that data from each storage address is fed back to itself at all addresses other than at the two selected ones . at the two selected addresses the aforementioned substitution occurs as shown by signals x 0 , x 1 , y 0 , y 1 in fig5 . when the transform performed by rotator 300 is completed , the data collected in memory 122 must be placed in memory 121 in preparation for the next transform . concurrently , the transform results stored in memory 121 must be removed . this is accomplished by swapping the contents of memory 121 with the contents of memory 122 , as depicted by the right side illustration of fig5 under the heading &# 34 ; swap &# 34 ;. table 2 shows the addressing sequence for memory 122 and the coefficients applied to rotator 300 . the addresses and coefficients of table 2 correspond to fig4 designations . table 2______________________________________addresses coefficients______________________________________5 , 6 0 . 707 0 . 7072 , 1 0 . 707 0 . 7070 , 7 0 . 707 0 . 7074 , 3 0 . 707 0 . 7072 , 5 0 . 707 0 . 7071 , 6 0 . 707 0 . 7070 , 4 0 . 707 0 . 7077 , 5 0 . 707 0 . 7076 , 3 0 . 707 0 . 7070 , 2 0 . 707 0 . 7074 , 1 0 . 383 0 . 9247 , 3 0 . 195 0 . 9815 , 6 0 . 556 0 . 831______________________________________ the sequence of table 2 is not the only sequence that is possible . fig4 reveals that any sequence is acceptable which insures that certain rotations do not precede certain other rotations . it may also be noted that the fast dct of fig4 is not the only possible &# 34 ; fast dct &# 34 ; algorithm . to illustrate , fig6 presents an algorithm that , in some sense , is more regular than the algorithm depicted in fig4 . the circles and numbers in fig6 have the same meaning as in fig4 . fig7 illustrates one communication circuit 100 embodiment for implementing the functional diagram of fig5 . input signals y 0 and y 1 are applied to normalization units 110 and 120 , and the outputs of normalization units 110 and 120 are applied to address multiplexers 111 and 112 . multiplexers 111 and 112 are responsive to address signals addr 0 and addr 1 . these address signals are delivered to communication circuit 100 by look - up table 200 and they follow the sequence defined , for example , in table 2 . multiplexers 111 and 112 are conventional one - to - many selectors , in the sense that they cause input signals y 0 and y 1 to appear on one output of the many outputs of multiplexers 111 and 112 , respectively . multiplexers 111 and 112 differ from conventional multiplexers in that with each output lead there is an associated control lead which identifies the output lead upon which signals are present . this lead enables the feeding back of signals from all of the registers that do not receive signals y , as discussed in connection with fig5 . the outputs of multiplexers 111 and 112 are connected to a multi input - multi output memory block 130 which encompasses memories 121 and 122 , and which comprises a plurality of storage blocks 131 . each storage block 131 has two inputs and two outputs , a &# 34 ; ready &# 34 ; control signal input , an enable control signal , and two registers . the outputs of multiplexer 111 are each connected to one input of a different storage block 131 . the outputs of multiplexer 112 are each connected in parallel to the outputs of multiplexer 111 . the other input of each storage block is connected to the one output of the previous storage block 131 , forming thereby the input and output connections to the serial memory arrangement 122 . the other outputs of storage block 131 are applied to address multiplexers 113 and 114 , which are under control of addr 0 and addr 1 control signals . the output signals of multiplexers 113 and 114 ( many - to - one ) are the signals x 0 and x 1 that are applied to rotator 300 . signals x 0 and x 1 are either the input signal x or intermediate results terms as described by the signal flow diagram of fig4 . as indicated above , signals y 0 and y 1 are the computation results of the rotator which , at completion , are equal to y 0 and y 1 . fig8 depicts one realization for storage blocks 131 . it includes registers 133 and 134 , a double pole double throw switch 132 , and a single pole double throw switch 135 . the input signals from multiplexers 111 and 112 are applied to the input port of switch 135 , and the enable signals from multiplexers 111 and 112 are applied to the control port of switch 135 . the other input to switch 135 is obtained from the output of register 133 , achieving thereby the signal feed - back capability . the output signal of switch 135 is applied to one input of switch 132 , while the serial input of block 131 is applied to the other input of switch 132 . switch 132 is controlled by the &# 34 ; ready &# 34 ; control signal . normally the &# 34 ; ready &# 34 ; control signal is set so that the serial input is applied by switch 132 to register 134 and the other input ( from switch 135 ) is applied to register 133 . the output of register 133 is applied to multiplexers 113 and 114 ( in addition to being applied to switch 135 ), while the output signal of register 134 is applied to the serial input of the next block 131 . normalization units 110 and 120 in fig7 are necessary because the multiplication results of rotator 300 contain a number of bits that is equal to sum of the bits in the multiplier and the multiplicand ( plus 1 ). this number has to be reduced to the number of bits in the multiplicand if the results are not to grow with each iteration . this can be done with simple truncation , but we suggest a normalization unit that clips infrequently occurring large values . such clipping permits us to truncate fewer bits and thereby achieve a lower level of truncation errors . fig9 depicts a simple realization for normalization units 110 and 120 . register 115 accepts the results of rotator 300 , and a selected high significance output bits of register 115 are applied to detector 116 . when detector 116 sees all 0 &# 39 ; s or all 1 &# 39 ; s ( the sign bit ), a selected group of the next most significant bits of register 115 are passed through gate arrangement 117 to the multiplexers of fig7 . otherwise , detector 117 blocks those output bits and replaces them with the sign bit . the orthogonal transform architecture is an iterative approach that requires a sequence of coefficients and &# 34 ; addr &# 34 ; addresses control signals in rapid succession . a conventional read - only memory and a counter is one solution for this function , but it is difficult to improve the speed of the address decoding in a standard rom , and counters are more complicated than necessary . a serially - addressed read - only memory satisfies the requirements of the transform architecture and has the advantages of a shift - register intensive design . referring to fig1 , the read - only memory is embodied in block 56 which comprises a collection of signal lines , 51 , 52 , and 53 and activatable connection points 54 . the signal lines are interleaved in accordance with the sequence 51 , 52 , 53 , 52 , 51 , 52 , . . . , and connection points 54 connect ( when activated ) selected adjacent lines . lines 51 are all connected to a first voltage source , v 1 , corresponding to logic level &# 34 ; 138 , and lines 54 are all connected to a second voltage source , v 0 , corresponding to logic level &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ;. lines 52 form the output of the memory . connection points 54 are conventional semiconductor switches under control of activation signals . the connection points are arranged in groups , with each group consisting of a connection point associated with each line 52 , and with all of the connection points being controlled by a single control signal . control signals for the various groups are obtained from register 55 , into which a pulse is inserted with each &# 34 ; ready &# 34 ; signal applied to look - up table 200 . successive words of memory are accessed as the &# 34 ; ready &# 34 ; pulse is shifted through register 55 . look - up table 200 in fig1 also depicts an &# 34 ; inverse &# 34 ; control signal applied to the table . this signal provides for developing the inverse transform . the inverse transform can be realized with a second look - up table built into element 200 , as shown in fig1 . all that is required is to employ two block 56 controlled by a register 55 and a multiplexer 57 that selects ( under control of the &# 34 ; inverse &# 34 ; control signal ) one of the two block 56 memories . this second look - up table permits specification of a different sequence of address coefficients . a candidate for the international low bit - rate video coder transform standard is a two - dimensional dct on 8 × 8 blocks of pixels . this is separable into a one dimensional 8 - point transform on each row of 8 pixels followed by a one dimensional 8 - point transform on each column . such a transform can be implemented , as shown in fig1 , with an orthogonal transform processor 501 cascaded with a transpose memory 502 and another orthogonal transform processor 501 ; or it can be implemented in a single orthogonal transform processor 501 where the memory contains 64 samples and the look - up table is arranged appropriately . fig1 presents one approach to the realization of transpose memory 502 . it comprises a two dimensional array of storage registers 503 that can be configured to shift in a horizontal or vertical raster - scan sequence . more particularly , each storage register 503 has a horizontal input and output , a vertical input and output , and a direction control input . the array of registers 503 is interconnected by having horizontal outputs within a row connected to horizontal inputs within the same row , and vertical outputs in a column connected to vertical inputs within the same column . this applies to all elements which are not in the first or last column or row . the vertical output in the last row of each column is connected to the vertical input of the first row in the next column and , similarly , the last horizontal output in each column is connected to the first horizontal input in the next row . the two inputs of the register in the first row and the first column are interconnected and comprise the input to transpose memory 502 . the two outputs of the register in the last row and the last column are also interconnected and comprise the output of transpose memory 502 . as shown in fig1 , each storage register 503 includes a register 504 and a selector 505 . selector 505 is responsive to the direction control signal which selects either the horizontal input or the vertical input . the selected input is applied to register 504 , and the output of register 504 is applied to both the horizontal and the vertical outputs . in operation , data is shifted in until the matrix is full . then , the direction of shifting ( dir control ) is reversed and the data is shifted out while the next block of data is shifted in . the direction control signal is , thus a simple square wave . this structure has the advantage that it can operate at extremely high speed . the disclosures made and the different embodiments described herein are , of course , merely illustrative of our invention . many changes in construction , and widely differing embodiments and applications will , no doubt , suggest themselves to those skilled in the art , without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention . for example , the processor may contain more than one processing element , e . g ., a rotator and a separate adder / subtractor unit which implements rotations of 45 °, which will increase the processing speed of the unit by taking advantage of the parallelism in the algorithm . that is , while fig1 depicts a communications circuit 100 which serves as an i / o interface and a storage means communicating with a processor element ( rotator 300 ), by a simple extension of our invention one can employ a plurality of processor elements connected to the i / o interface and the storage means ( considered as being embedded within rotator 300 , or otherwise ).	6
fig1 is a block diagram showing one example of an arrangement of a communication system of client - server type which is the communication apparatus according to the present invention ( hereinafter referred to as &# 34 ; the apparatus of the present invention &# 34 ;). a material storing unit 1 stores materials therein as information in a form of a still picture , animation or sound , wherein these materials are based on personal information of a sending / addressee ( e . g . name / age : child , student , adult , male , female , aged , etc . ; belonging organization : doctor , employee of a company , etc . ; address : home , office , etc .) and on environmental information of the sending place / receiving ( e . g . geography : geographical features : sea , mountain , river etc . ; information specifying place names : prefecture name , city name , etc . ; structures : bridge , tower , etc . ; and meteorology : sky , star , sun , clouds , thunder . etc .) an article information storing unit 4 stores therein articles such as electronic mails . if the article is an electronic mail , the mail address of the sender described on a header of the mail is the information specifying the sender . a rule storing unit 5 stores therein material composing rules for obtaining a material to be selected from the material storing unit 1 for reproducing a material corresponding to the attribute information . examples of such materials to be selected are as follows : if the weather is ( sunny ) and the time zone is ( morning ), a material &# 34 ; sky &# 34 ; ( a picture of a sky with the morning glow ); if the weather is ( sunny ) and the time zone is ( day ), a material &# 34 ; sky &# 34 ; ( a picture of a blue sky ); if the weather is ( sunny ) and the time zone is ( at dusk ), a material &# 34 ; sky &# 34 ; ( a picture of a sky with the evening glow ); if the weather is ( sunny ) and the time zone is ( night ), a material &# 34 ; sky &# 34 ; ( a picture of a starry sky ); if the geography is ( sea ) and the time zone is ( morning ), a material &# 34 ; sea &# 34 ; ( a picture of a sea with the morning glow ); if the geography is ( sea ) and the time zone is ( day ), a material &# 34 ; sea &# 34 ; ( a picture of a calm sea ); if the geography is ( sea ) and the time zone is ( at dusk ), a material &# 34 ; sea &# 34 ; ( a picture of a sea with the evening glow ); if the geography is ( sea ) and the time zone is ( night ), a material &# 34 ; sea &# 34 ; ( a picture of a sea in darkness ); etc . a material composing unit 6 extracts from the article which has been received and stored in the article information storing unit 4 information specifying the sender of the article which may be a mail address if the article is an electronic mail . the material composing unit 6 passes the mail address to a query information sending unit 7 as a query information which is to be sent to the server to obtain attribute information of the sender . the material composing unit 6 also selects a material from the material storing unit 1 by referring to the rule storing unit 5 and following a rule corresponding to the attribute information of the sender which have been sent out from the server ( as will be described later ), and it further generates a format file of a material corresponding to the attribute information of the sender which is then passed to a material reproducing unit 9 . the query information sending unit 7 sends out the query information to the server which have been passed thereto from the material composing unit 6 . a personal information storing unit 21 of the server stores therein personal information such as an address , name , gender , age , etc ., of the sender in accordance with the mail address of the person who sent the article . a geographical information storing unit 22 stores therein geographical information such as a place name of each city ( each prefecture , each district , each country , etc . ), position ( latitude / longitude ), characteristic geographical features ( sea , mountain , river , etc .) or a characteristic structure ( building , bridge , tower , etc .). a meteorological information storing unit 23 stores therein short - term and long - term meteorological information ( sunny , rainy , cloudy , snowy , etc .) of each city ( each prefecture , each district , each country , etc .). these personal and environmental ( geographical and meteorological ) information are input through a db ( database ) information inputting unit 24 which may be a keyboard , mouse , communication modem , etc . especially time - varying information such as meteorological information may be regularly input by means of e . g . communication channels from a different server providing such information . a query information obtaining unit 25 of the server obtains query information sent out from the query information sending unit 7 of the client to pass it to a db information composing unit 26 . the db information composing unit 26 passes the query information which have been passed thereto from the query information obtaining unit 25 to a db information obtaining unit 27 , or passes personal information of the sender , geographical and meteorological information of the sending place which have been obtained by the db information obtaining unit 27 to a db information sending unit 28 . the db information obtaining unit 27 obtains the following information which are respectively passed to the db information composing unit 26 : personal information of the sender from personal information storing unit 21 , based on the mail address of the sender which has been passed as query information ; geographical information of the sending place from geographical information storing unit 22 , based on the personal information ; and meteorological information from meteorological information storing unit 23 . the db information sending unit 28 sends out database information to the client which are personal , geographical or meteorological information that have been passed by the db information composing unit 26 . a db information obtaining unit 8 of the client obtains database information , namely attribute information of the sender , sent out from the db information sending unit 28 of the server , and passes the information to the material composing unit 6 . a material reproducing unit 9 successively sends still picture and animation data of a material selected from the material storing unit 1 by the material composing unit 6 to a video memory 10 and further sends sound data to a speech synthesizing unit 11 . image data from the video memory 10 are output to a displaying unit 12 such as a liquid crystal display , and the speech synthesizing unit 11 synthesizes a speech sound from the sound data to output the synthesized speech sound from a loudspeaker 13 . fig2 is a block diagram showing another example of an arrangement of a communication system of client - server type which is the apparatus of the present invention . it should be noted that portions which are identical with those of embodiment 1 as shown in fig1 is marked with the same reference numerals , and any explanations will be deleted . in this embodiment , materials are selected based on attribute information of both , the sender and addressee . a personal information storing unit 2 stores therein personal information such as address , name , gender , age , etc ., of an addressee in accordance with a mail address of the addressee who receives an article . in this embodiment , an environmental information storing unit 3 stores therein environmental information of the receiving place which includes the name of the computer of the client ( name of host ) and its location ( address / building name ). a material composing unit 6 obtains the mail address of the sender from an article information storing unit 4 , personal information of the addressee from the personal information storing unit 2 , and environmental information of the receiving place from the environmental information storing unit 3 , and these personal and environmental information are sent to a query information sending unit 7 along with the mail address as query information to be sent out to the server in order to obtain attribute information of the sender or information concerning the geographical relationship between the sender and addressee . the query information sending unit 7 sends out query information to the server which have been passed thereto from the material composing unit 6 . a query information obtaining unit 25 of the server obtains query information sent out from the query information sending unit 7 of the client to pass them to a db information composing unit 26 . the db information composing unit 26 passes the query information passed from the query information obtaining unit 25 to a db information analyzing unit 29 . the db information analyzing unit 29 of the server obtains the following information which are respectively passed to the db information composing unit 26 : personal information of the sender from a personal information storing unit 21 ; geographical information of the sending place from a geographical information storing unit 22 , based on the personal information ; and meteorological information of the sending place from a meteorological information storing unit 23 . the db information analyzing unit 29 analyzes , by referring to the geographical information storing unit 22 , information concerning the geographical relationship between the sending place and the receiving place such as a distance , geographical features or structures between these two points , based on the latitude / longitude of the receiving place obtained from environmental information of the addressee ( location of the computer of the client ) and based on geographical information ( latitude / longitude ) of the sending place which have been sent out from the client as query information . the resulting analyzed information are passed to the db information composing unit 26 . next , the operation of the apparatus of the present invention will be explained with reference to the flowcharts of fig1 through fig1 , taking embodiment 2 as an example . if an &# 34 ; article &# 34 ; is received at the article information storing unit 4 ( step s1 ), the material composing unit 6 refers to the article information storing unit 4 in order to extract a &# 34 ; mail address of sender &# 34 ; from the &# 34 ; article &# 34 ; ( step s2 ). the material composing unit 6 takes reference to the environmental information storing unit 3 to obtain &# 34 ; environmental information &# 34 ; ( step s3 ). the material composing unit 6 passes the &# 34 ; mail address of sender &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; environmental information &# 34 ; to the query information sending unit 7 ( step s4 ). the query information sending unit 7 sends out the &# 34 ; mail address of sender &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; environmental information &# 34 ; to the query information obtaining unit 25 ( step s5 ). the db information composing unit 26 passes the &# 34 ; mail address of sender &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; environmental information &# 34 ; to the db information analyzing unit 29 ( step s6 ). the db information analyzing unit 29 obtains &# 34 ; personal information of the sender &# 34 ; from the personal information storing unit 21 based on the &# 34 ; mail address of senders &# 34 ; ( step s7 ). the db information analyzing unit 29 further obtains &# 34 ; geographical information &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; meteorological information &# 34 ; by referring to the geographical information storing unit 22 and meteorological information storing unit 23 based on the &# 34 ; environmental information &# 34 ; ( step s8 ). moreover , the db information analyzing unit 29 obtains &# 34 ; information of geographical features &# 34 ; existing between the sending place and receiving place from the geographical information storing unit 22 , based on the &# 34 ; environmental information &# 34 ; ( receiving place ) and &# 34 ; geographical information &# 34 ; ( sending place )( step s9 ). the db information analyzing unit 29 passes the &# 34 ; personal information of sender &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; geographical information &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; meteorological information &# 34 ;, and &# 34 ; information of geographical features ( existing between the sending place and receiving place )&# 34 ; to the db information composing unit 26 ( step s10 ). the db information composing unit 26 then passes these information to the db information sending unit 28 ( step s11 ), and the db information sending unit 28 , in turn , to the db information obtaining unit 8 ( step s12 ). the db information obtaining unit 8 passes the obtained information to the material composing unit 6 ( step s13 ). the material composing unit 6 refers to the material composing rules of the rule storing unit 5 in order to generate a format file of a &# 34 ; material for reproducing &# 34 ; ( step s14 ). the material composing unit 6 selects a material from the material storing unit 1 by following the material composing rules and composes a format file of the &# 34 ; material for reproducing &# 34 ; to pass it to the material reproducing unit 9 ( step s15 ). the material reproducing unit 9 respectively sends image data successively to the video memory 10 and speech sound data to the speech synthesizing unit 11 , so that an image , which is a material representing who has sent the article from what kind of place beyond what kind of geographical space , is output to the displaying unit 12 , and a speech sound is output from the loudspeaker 13 ( step s16 ). it should be noted that the above - described embodiment has been explained taking a communication system of client - server type as an example , but the apparatus of the present invention is not necessarily limited to this type , and the data held by the server may be held by a terminal equipment which is the client itself . fig3 to 10 are diagrams showing display examples of reproduced materials . fig3 is a display example in which the name of the sending / addressee is &# 34 ; taro &# 34 ;. it should be noted that if this is the name of the addressee , an addressing sound &# 34 ; mr . taro &# 34 ; may be output along with the image . fig4 is a display example in which the sending / addressee is aged &# 34 ; 60 &# 34 ;, fig5 a display example in which the belonging organization of the sending / addressee is &# 34 ; hospital &# 34 ;, and fig6 a display example in which the address of the sending / addressee is &# 34 ; office &# 34 ;. in any of fig4 to 6 , a speech sound may be output along with the image , as in the case of fig3 . fig7 is a display example in which the geographical features of the sending place or that between the places of sending / receiving ( referred to as &# 34 ; two points &# 34 ;) is &# 34 ; mountains &# 34 ;, fig8 a display example in which the name of the sending place / the place between the two points is &# 34 ; hyogo prefecture &# 34 ;, fig9 a display example in which the characteristic structure existing at or around the sending place / the place between the two points is &# 34 ; the eiffel tower &# 34 ;, and fig1 a display example of the distance between the two points . as this invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of essential characteristics thereof , the present embodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive , since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than by the description preceding them , and all changes that fall within metes and bounds of the claims , or equivalence of such metes and bounds thereof are therefore intended to be embraced by the claims .	6
fig1 a preferred embodiment of a lower esophageal sphincter ( les ) tightening device 10 is shown in use . the les tightening device 10 comprises an insertion device 12 , an energy source 14 and an energy transmitting device 16 . as shown in fig1 the les tightening device 10 could also include an inflation device 18 and a balloon 20 . in a preferred embodiment , the insertion device 12 is an endoscope as shown in fig1 and 4 . however , workers skilled in the art will recognize that a catheter or other similar device could also be used . as shown in fig1 the insertion device 12 has a proximal end 22 and a distal end 24 . additionally , the insertion device 12 could include an eye piece 26 , a light source 28 and a control means 30 . a series of ports 32 provide access from the proximal end 22 to the distal end 24 through lumens located within the interior of the insertion device 12 along its longitudinal access . the energy source 14 is located at the proximal end 22 of the insertion device 12 . the energy source 14 generates and transmits energy to the energy transmitting device 16 located at the distal end 24 of the insertion device 12 . the energy source 14 is connected to the energy transmitting device 16 by a transmission line 34 which passes through a manifold 36 . within the manifold 36 , the transmission line 34 becomes part of a catheter 38 that is fed through one of the ports 32 at the proximal end 22 . the catheter 38 then passes down one of the interior lumens of the insertion device 12 and is connected to the energy transmitting device 16 at the distal end 24 . in a preferred embodiment , the insertion device 12 enters a body opening 40 and passes down an esophagus 42 until the distal end 24 is in the proximity of a lower esophageal sphincter 44 . the control means 30 aid in positioning the distal end 24 of the insertion device 12 . observation through eye piece 26 insures proper placement of the distal end 24 . observation is enabled by the light source 28 which illuminates the area surrounding the distal end 24 by light transmitted through an optical cable 45 which passes through one of the ports 32 and down another interior lumen . the optical cable 45 is preferably a fiber optic bundle . the energy transmitting device 16 radiates and directs energy received through the catheter 38 from the energy source 14 onto a target area . the distal end 24 of the insertion device 12 is therefore located such that the target area of the energy transmitting device 16 is directed at tissue comprising the lower esophageal sphincter 44 . once the energy transmitting device 16 is properly positioned , the energy source 14 can transmit energy it has generated to the energy transmitting device 16 through the catheter 38 . the transmitted energy is then radiated and directed by the energy transmitting device 16 onto the lower esophageal sphincter 44 tissue . the lower esophageal sphincter 44 tissue absorbs the energy resulting in the generation of heat within the tissue due to thermal conduction . the lower esophageal sphincter 44 tissue is comprised largely of collagen which will exhibit shrinkage characteristics over an appropriate time temperature relationship prior to being damaged or destroyed . the appropriate time period to satisfy the time temperature relationship is dependent upon the temperature of the treated tissue , which in turn is dependent upon the level of energy generated in the energy source 14 and radiated by the energy transmitting device 16 . the desired tissue temperature in the target area is between 50 ° c . and 70 ° c ., with a preferred level between 63 ° c . and 65 ° c . this temperature increase can be achieved within a period of time between one microsecond and one minute dependent upon the amount and type of energy generated within the energy source 14 . in a preferred embodiment , the energy source 14 generates radiant energy ( e . g . rf or microwave electromagnetic energy ) which is transmitted by a transmission line 34 ( such as a coaxial cable ) that is then contained within the catheter 38 and connects to the energy transmitting device 16 . the energy transmitting device 16 is preferably an antenna or a directional antenna . the les tightening device 10 can additionally include the inflation device 18 and the balloon 20 . once the energy transmitting device 16 is properly positioned , the balloon 20 is located at the distal end 24 of the insertion device 12 and encapsulates the energy transmitting device 16 as shown in fig1 . the inflation device 18 , located at the proximal end 22 , inflates or deflates the balloon 20 via a conduit 48 . the conduit 48 connects the inflation device 18 to the balloon 20 by passing through the manifold . 36 , wherein the conduit 48 becomes part of the catheter 38 . air , fluid or gel could be used by the inflation device 18 to inflate the balloon 20 . the size of the balloon 20 can be adjusted to maintain proper placement of the energy transmitting device 16 in relation to the lower esophageal sphincter 44 tissue and / or control the amount of collagen shrinkage and therefore control the amount of sphincter tightening . in a preferred embodiment , the balloon 20 can be either a noncompliant balloon or a compliant balloon . the size of a compliant balloon can be controlled by observation through the eye piece 26 , injection of a radiopaque fluid such as fluorochrome into the balloon 20 and viewing on a fluoroscope , or monitoring the pressure of the balloon 20 . fig2 is a cutaway schematic view ( not to scale ) of the tissue comprising the lower esophageal sphincter 44 . the tissue is comprised of three layers ; a mucosa 48 inner layer , a submucosa 50 middle layer and a muscle 52 outer layer . in a preferred embodiment , collagen tissue in the submucosa 50 is targeted for shrinkage . in addition , a cooling means to prevent damage to the mucosa 48 may be incorporated into the les tightening device 10 . this can be accomplished by cooling or cycling through cooled air , liquid , or gel to inflate the balloon 20 . the cooled material dissipates the heat generated by absorption of the radiated energy from the energy transmitting device 16 . this maintains a safe temperature level in the mucosa 46 ( which is less than about 50 ° c . or preferably less than 45 ° c .) the type and amount of cooled material used to inflate the balloon 20 is dependent on the amount and type of energy generated within the energy source 14 . fig3 shows a second embodiment of the les tightening device 10 . reference numerals identical to those employed in connection with fig1 indicate identical elements , and reference numerals followed by a suffix indicate modified but similar elements . in this preferred embodiment , the energy transmitting device 16 a is attached to the outer surface of the balloon 20 a to direct energy at the lower esophageal sphincter 44 tissue . as previously described , once the distal end 24 of the insertion device 12 properly positions the energy transmitting device 16 a over the lower esophageal sphincter 44 tissue , the balloon 20 a can be inflated and the energy source 14 can transmit energy to the energy transmitting device 16 a for radiation onto the lower esophageal sphincter 44 tissue . again , a coolant can be used to inflate the balloon 20 a to prevent damage to the mucosa 48 while achieving collagen shrinkage in the submucosa 50 resulting in the tightening of the lower esophageal sphincter 44 . a third alternative embodiment to the present invention is depicted in fig4 . again , reference numerals identical to those employed in connection with fig1 indicate identical elements , and reference numerals followed by a suffix indicate modified but similar elements . in this embodiment , the balloon 20 b is enlarged to protrude into a stomach 46 and anchor or retain the energy transmitting device 16 b in proper position with respect to the lower esophageal sphincter 44 tissue . in this embodiment , the insertion device 12 positions the energy transmitting device 16 b such that the target area comprises the lower esophageal sphincter 44 tissue . once in place , the balloon 20 b is enlarged by injection of a suitable material which retains the position of the energy transmitting device 16 b relative to the lower esophageal sphincter 44 . this assures the energy radiated by the energy transmitting device 16 b is absorbed by the lower esophageal sphincter 44 . again , the material injected into the balloon 20 b for inflation can be cooled to a sufficient level to offset and dissipate any heat build - up in the mucosa 48 and thereby enable the generation of heat and consequent shrinkage of collagen in the submucosa 50 . although the present invention has been described with reference to treatment of gerd by toning the muscular les sphincter , workers skilled in the art will recognize that this device and method could be used to shrink or tone other sphincters located in the body to overcome other medical ailments caused by the loss of sphincter muscle tone . for example , the device and method can be used on the urinary or anal sphincter to overcome incontinence . furthermore , workers skilled in the art will also recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . for example , the energy source can generate energy of various wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum including but not limited to laser , rf , or microwave energy . alternatively , the energy source can generate ultrasonic energy to generate heat in the targeted tissue area . the insertion device can be an endoscope , catheter or similar type of device . depending on the form and wavelength of the energy being used , the energy transmitting device may be an antenna , an ultrasonic transducer , a fiber optic bundle , or an electrical resistance heater . furthermore , a directional antenna can be used to limit and control the amount of energy directed at specific locations within the targeted tissue . with the present invention , tissue within the lower esophageal sphincter can be toned or tightened to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease on an outpatient basis with a safe , simple procedure with decreased aftercare , treatment and pain .	0
fig1 shows a whole network system including an integration server ( system ) 1 . in the network system , the integration server 1 owned by a service integrator , a plurality of service servers owned by a plurality of web service providers ( sp ( 1 ) to sp ( m ) respectively , and a plurality of clients 2 owned by a plurality of existing users c ( 1 ) to c ( n ) are interconnected to one another via the internet 3 . each web service provider sp provides a plurality of types of services or the same type of a plurality of services to the existing users c ( 1 ) to c ( n ) via the integration server 1 . that is to say , each web service provider sp registers contents of services provided by itself in a database in the integration server 1 . the service integrator composes service directories based on the contents of services registered by the web service providers sp and releases the service directories to the existing users and potential new users . a user operates the client 2 to search and compare necessary web services based on the service directories in the integration server 1 , and thereby selects integrated services ( a combination of a plurality of types of services ) necessary for the user . the service integrator receives a certain margin from the service providers sp according to the types of services selected by the existing users or according to the number of transactions to services also used by the existing users . fig2 is a schematic diagram for describing a hardware configuration of the integration server 1 . note that the clients 2 also have the same hardware configuration . the integration server 1 includes a cpu peripheral unit having a cpu 101 , a ram 120 and a graphics controller 146 which are interconnected to one another by a host controller 110 , an i / o unit having a communication interface 144 , a hard disk drive ( auxiliary storage apparatus ) 124 and a cd - rom drive 126 which are connected to the host controller 110 by an i / o controller 140 , and a legacy i / o unit ( e . g ., a flexible disk drive 128 ) having a rom 122 and an i / o chip 142 which are connected to the i / o controller 140 . the host controller 110 connects the ram 120 with the cpu 101 and the graphics controller 146 which access the ram 120 at a high transfer rate . the cpu 101 operates based on programs stored in the rom 122 and the ram 120 , and controls each unit . the graphics controller 146 obtains image data being generated on a frame buffer provided in the ram 120 by the cpu 101 , etc ., and displays the image on a display apparatus 148 . instead of this , the graphics controller 146 may include therein a frame buffer storing image data generated by the cpu 101 , etc . the i / o controller 140 connects the host controller 110 with the communication interface 144 , the hard disk drive 124 , and the cd - rom drive 126 which are relatively high - speed i / o apparatuses . the communication interface 144 may communicate with other apparatuses via a network 3 . the hard disk drive 124 stores program products and data used by the computer . the cd - rom drive 126 reads a program product or data from a cd - rom 130 , and provides the read program product or data to the i / o chip 142 through the ram 120 . in addition , to the i / o controller 140 , the rom 122 and relatively low - speed i / o apparatuses ( e . g ., the flexible disk drive 128 ) such as the i / o chip 142 , etc . are connected . the rom 122 stores a boot program executed by the cpu 101 at the time of start - up of the computer , a program depending on the hardware of the computer , or the like . the flexible disk drive 128 reads a program or data from a flexible disk 132 , and provides the program or data to the i / o chip 142 through the ram 120 . the i / o chip 142 connects various types of i / o apparatuses through the flexible disk drive 128 , and for example , a parallel port , a serial port , a keyboard port , a mouse port or the like . next , a software configuration of the integration server 1 will be described . computer programs ( operating system and application programs for the server ) are provided to the integration server 1 by being stored in a storage medium such as the flexible disk 132 , the cd - rom 130 , a dvd - rom , an ic card , or the like , or via a network . the programs are read from a storage medium and are installed on the integration server 1 through the i / o chip 142 . alternatively , the programs are read from other computer on the network and are installed on the integration server 1 through the communication interface 144 to be executed on the integration server 1 . the functions of the computer program will be sequentially disclosed according to the following description . fig3 is a diagram for schematically describing the contents stored in the hard disk drive 124 . in the hard disk drive 124 , a service db and a user db are stored . the service db includes a service item id for identifying a service , an item of a service provider sp for identifying a service provider providing the service , an item of a type k of service for identifying the type of the service , an item of the number of users n for indicating the number of users using ( subscribe to ) the service , an item of the number of transactions t indicating the number of ( cumulative ) transactions for the service used ( during a certain period of time ), an item of the maximum number of transactions tmax for indicating the number of transactions per unit of time when the service can be used , an item of a failure rate f for indicating the failure rate of the service , an item of an average response time r for indicating the average response time for the service , and an item of a price p for indicating the price of the service . also , the user db includes an item of a user id for identifying a user , an item of a used service for identifying a service used ( subscribed to ) by the user , and an item of the number of transactions t for indicating the ( cumulative ) number of transactions for the service actually used by the user ( during a certain period of time ). such information is inputted in advance . both transaction items , t and t are appropriately updated according to use by users . note that in the hard disk drive 124 , other information is also stored , which will be described later . and now , a system integrator ( a trader who collectively undertakes businesses such as planning , building , and operation of an information processing system corresponding to the problems after having analyzed the contents of businesses of a client ) shown in fig1 provides the following services to the service integrator . briefly , although the service integrator could provide a user with integrated services in which a plurality of services is combined , the service integrator could not propose combinations of services meeting the requirements of the user from among multiple combinations . on the other hand , if it is possible to have the user evaluated combinations of services , and to propose a combination of services having received high evaluation marks to the user , it enables to provide integrated services more satisfying the requirements of the user . here , the case in which the system integrator adds a new function to the integration server 1 to provide higher value - added services to users will be described as the embodiment . fig4 is a flowchart for describing a procedure performed by the system integrator from when expanding the function of the integration server 1 to when doing maintenance . first , the system integrator examines an integration server ( an old system ) 1 in the current state ( s 1 in fig4 ). according to the examination , the system integrator identifies a function to be newly implemented on the integration server 1 . the system integrator develops a computer program product exercising the new function and installs the same on the integration server 1 , thereby implementing the new function ( s 2 in fig4 ). the system integrator conducts testing to determine whether or not an integration server ( new system ) 1 ′ implemented with the new function properly exercises desired functions ( the new function and a conventional function ) ( s 3 in fig4 ). after the testing is completed , the system integrator brings the integration server 1 ′ into operation ( s 4 in fig4 ). thereafter , according to a need ( s 5 in fig4 ), the system integrator does maintenance ( s 6 in fig4 ). note that details of the implemented new function will be disclosed in the operation of the system ( s 4 in fig4 ). fig5 is a flowchart for more specifically describing the operation of the system ( s 4 in fig4 ). the integration server 1 ′ starts a process on condition that the integration server 1 ′ receives a selection of a plurality of service groups from a client 2 ( n + 1 ) of a new user c ( n + 1 ) via the internet 3 ( s 10 in fig5 ), and receives a second evaluation criterion ( s 11 in fig5 ). here , the description will be performed taking , as an example , the case that the new user c ( n + 1 ) selects , as service groups , three types of service groups , a customer relation management ( hereinafter referred to as “ crm ”) service group , a human resources ( hereinafter referred to as “ hr ”) service group , and a logistics ( hereinafter referred to as “ logistics ”) service group . in addition , here , the description will be performed taking , as an example , the case that the new user inputs , as the second evaluation criterion , an upper limit pmax of the prices of combinations of services . the upper limit pmax is stored in the hard disk drive 124 . subsequently , the integration server 1 ′ selects a first evaluation criterion ( s 11 in fig5 ). the first evaluation criterion represents a plurality of coefficients c ( c ( n ), c ( t ), c ( tmax ), c ( f ), c ( r ), and c ( p )) which are stored in the hard disk drive 124 upon implementing the new function ( s 2 in fig4 ) ( the coefficients are all constant numbers ). then , based on information stored in the service db , information stored in the user db , a plurality of relevant information r ( r 1 , r 2 , and r 3 ) ( each of them is a constant number ) stored in the hard disk drive 124 upon implementing the new function ( s 2 in fig4 ), and the first evaluation criterion , the integration server 1 ′ quantifies one combination of services and evaluates the combination ( s 13 in fig5 ). generally , there are a lot of such combinations of services . for example , when the crm service group has one ( 1 ) piece of service , the hr service group has m pieces of services (“ m ” is a natural number ), and the logistics service group has n pieces of services (“ n ” is a natural number ), there are ( 1 × m × n ) ways of combinations of services . the integration server 1 ′ evaluates all those combinations of services ( s 13 and s 14 in fig5 ). fig6 is a flowchart for more specifically describing a step ( s 13 in fig5 ) of quantifying one combination of services and evaluates the combination . first , the integration server 1 ′ quantifies each of services composing one combination of services and evaluates the service to obtain an evaluation value e 1 ( s ) of the service ( s 30 in fig6 ). here , description will be performed assuming that the new user c ( n + 1 ) selects , as service groups , the foregoing three types ( crm , hr , and logistics ) of service groups ( s 10 in fig5 ). in this case , the integration server 1 ′ quantifies one service s ( i ) selected from one crm service group to evaluate the same , quantifies one service s ( j ) selected from m pieces of hr service groups to evaluate the same , and quantifies one service s ( k ) selected from n pieces of logistics service groups to evaluate the same . for example , in case of seeking an evaluation value e 1 ( s ( i )) of the service s ( i ), the integration server 1 ′ can obtain the same according to the numerical expression ( 1 ) shown in s 30 in fig6 , based on the number of users n using ( subscribe to ) the service s ( i ), the number of transactions t in which the service s ( i ) was used , the maximum number of transactions tmax per unit of time when the service s ( i ) can be used , the failure rate f of the service s ( i ), the average response time r of the service s ( i ), and the price p indicating the price of the service s ( i ), and coefficients ( the first evaluation criterion c ), c ( n ), c ( t ), c ( tmax ), c ( f ), c ( r ), and c ( p ) corresponding to each of the above items , which are stored in the service db . similarly , it is possible to seek an evaluation value e 1 ( s ( j )) of the service s ( j ) and an evaluation value e 1 ( s ( k )) of the service s ( k ). subsequently , the integration server 1 ′ quantifies each link among the services composing one combination of services and evaluates the same to obtain an evaluation value e 1 ( 1 l ) thereof ( s 31 in fig6 ). here , the integration server 1 ′ obtains an evaluation value e 1 ( ij ) of a link between the service s ( i ) being a crm service and the service s ( j ) being an hr service , an evaluation value e 1 ( jk ) of a link between the service s ( j ) being an hr service and the service s ( k ) being a logistics service , and an evaluation value e 1 ( ki ) of a link between the service s ( k ) being a logistics service and the service s ( i ) being a crm service . for example , in case of seeking the evaluation value e 1 ( ij ) of the link between the service s ( i ) and the service s ( j ), it is possible to obtain the same according to the numerical expression ( 2 ) shown in s 31 in fig6 , based on relevant information r 1 , the number of existing users n ( ij ) using both of the service s ( i ) and the service s ( j ), and the evaluation value e 1 ( s ( i )) of the service s ( i ) and the evaluation value e 1 ( s ( j )) of the service s ( j ) which are obtained at the previous step ( s 30 in fig6 ). that is to say , it is possible to seek the evaluation value e 1 ( ij ) of the link according to the numerical expression that the evaluation value e 1 ( ij )= relevant information r 1 × the number of existing users n ( ij )×( evaluation value e 1 ( s ( i ))+ evaluation value e 1 ( sj )). note that the relevant information r 1 is a value proportional to a general degree of association between the crm service and the hr service . also , it is possible to seek the number of existing users n by searching and counting the user db . similarly , it is possible to seek the evaluation value e 1 ( jk ) of the link between the service s ( j ) and the service s ( k ), and the evaluation value e 1 ( ki ) of the link between the service s ( k ) and the service s ( i ). then , the integration server 1 ′ quantifies one combination of services and evaluates the same to obtain an evaluation value e 1 thereof ( s 32 in fig6 ). here , an evaluation value e 1 ( ijk ) of the combination of the service s ( i ) being a crm service , the service s ( j ) being an hr service , and the service s ( k ) being a logistics service are obtained . it is possible to seek the evaluation value e 1 ( ijk ) according to the numerical expression ( 3 ) shown in s 32 in fig6 , based on the evaluation values e 1 ( ij ), e 1 ( jk ), and e 1 ( ki ) of the links which were obtained at the previous step ( s 31 in fig6 ). that is to say , it is possible to seek the evaluation value e 1 ( ijk ) of the combination of services according to the numerical expression that the evaluation value e 1 ( ijk )= evaluation values e 1 ( ij )+ e 1 ( jk )+ e 1 ( ki ). similarly , the integration server 1 ′ obtains an evaluation value e 1 ( a first evaluation result ) for all of ( 1 × m × n ) ways of combinations of services ( s 13 and s 14 in fig5 ). subsequently , the integration server 1 ′ selects a second evaluation criterion ( s 15 in fig5 ). then , based on the second evaluation criterion , the integration server 1 ′ re - evaluates combinations of services ( a plural number ) having received high evaluation marks in the previous evaluations ( s 13 and s 14 in fig5 ) and thereby obtains a second evaluation result ( s 16 in fig5 ). fig7 is a flowchart for more specifically describing a step ( s 16 in fig5 ) of re - evaluating combinations of services ( a plural number ) having received high evaluation marks . first , the integration server 1 ′ calculates the prices of a combination of services having the highest evaluation value e 1 from among the ( 1 l × m × n ) ways of combinations of services . for example , when the evaluation value e 1 ( ijk ) of the combination of the service s ( i ) being a crm service , the service s ( j ) being an hr service , and the service s ( k ) being a logistics service is the highest , the integration server 1 ′ computes the price of that combination by summing up the price of the service s ( i ), the price of the service s ( j ), and the price of the service s ( k ). note that the price of each service is stored in the service db . when the price of the combination of services is compared with an upper limit price pmax having received from the new user c ( n + 1 ) as the second evaluation criterion ( s 40 in fig7 ), and the price of the combination is lower than or equal to the upper limit price pmax , such combination is stored as a combination of the best second evaluation result ( s 41 in fig7 ). on the other hand , when the price of the combination is higher than the upper limit price pmax , a combination of services of a next first evaluation result whose price is lower than or equal to the upper limit price pmax is stored , as a combination of the best second evaluation result ( s 42 in fig7 ). then , the integration server 1 ′ sends these evaluation results to the client 2 ( n + 1 ) ( s 17 in fig5 ). the client 2 ( n + 1 ) having received the evaluation results graphically displays the evaluation results to the new user c ( n + 1 )( s 18 in fig5 ). an exemplary window screen displayed on a display apparatus of the client 2 ( n + 1 ) might contain the top 10 sets of combinations of services listed in descending order of the first evaluation results ( including a combination of services of the best first evaluation result ) and a combination of services of the best second evaluation result are displayed . each combination of services is composed of one service selected from the crm service group , one service selected from the hr service group , and one service selected from the logistics service group . services being included in each combination of services are represented by circular nodes , and by linear links connecting among the nodes . here , nodes and links showing a combination of services corresponding to the best first evaluation result , nodes and links showing a combination of services corresponding to the best second evaluation result , and nodes and links showing the remaining combinations of services may differ in the display format thereof ( thickness and colors ). as a result , for example , it becomes apparent that if not considering the price , it is best to select a service s ( 1 ) as a crm service , a service s ( d ) as an hr service , and a service s ( iii ) as a logistics service , and that , if considering the price ( among combinations of services not exceeding the upper limit price ), it is best to select a service s ( 4 ) as a crm service , a service s ( b ) as an hr service , and a service s ( ii ) as a logistics service . in addition , it is possible to make the representation format of a node showing each service to differ according to the evaluation value e 1 ( s ) of each service . for example , it is possible to represent a node having a relatively high evaluation value e 1 ( s ) as being thicker and to represent a node having a relatively low evaluation value e 1 ( s ) as being thinner . in addition , it is possible to make the representation format of a link showing a link among respective services to differ according to the evaluation value e 1 ( 1 ) of a link among respective services . for example , it is possible to represent a link having a relatively high evaluation value e 1 ( 1 ) as being thicker , and to represent a link having a relatively low evaluation value e 1 ( 1 ) as being thinner . furthermore , when the new user c ( n + 1 ) selects each node , the evaluation of a corresponding service may be displayed . fig8 shows an exemplary window screen displayed on the display apparatus of the client 2 ( n + 1 ). here , the evaluation of a certain service is displayed in the form of a radar chart centering on the number of users using ( subscribing to ) the service , the number of transactions , the failure rate , and the price . note that the number of users is displayed , however , each user &# 39 ; s anonymity is ensured . when the new user c ( n + 1 ) selects one combination of services ( s 19 in fig5 ), as a result of reviewing the evaluation results , the integration server 1 ′ updates the number of users n of a relevant service in the service db and registers the new user c ( n + 1 ) in the user db ( s 20 in fig5 ). also , when the new user c ( n + 1 ) actually uses the service , the integration server 1 ′ updates the number of transactions t of a relevant service in the service db and the number of relevant usage transactions t in the user db ( s 20 in fig5 ). one embodiment of the present invention was described as above . nonetheless , it is a matter of course that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment . it is also possible to set , as the second evaluation criterion , the degree of reliability ( probability of not breaking down ) instead of the upper limit price . furthermore , it is also possible to set coefficients c :( c ( n ), c ( t ), c ( tmax ), c ( f ), c ( r ), and c ( p )) which are different from the first evaluation criterion according to the policy of a user . for example , when the user places more emphasis on reliability , it is possible to set the coefficient c ( r ) as to be a greater value . in addition , when the user places more emphasis on cost , it is possible to set the coefficient c ( p ) as to be a greater value . furthermore , in case of seeking the evaluation value e 1 ( ij ) of a link , it is allowed to use the number of transactions t ( ij ) of existing users instead of the number of existing users n ( ij ).	6
in the process of the invention , thin films of hfo 2 are grown using a precursor of anhydrous hafnium ( iv ) nitrate (“ hn ”). the hn may be synthesized using well known techniques , and is typically the reaction product of hfcl 4 and n 2 o 5 . the reaction product is preferably purified by sublimation , and may be stored under an inert atmosphere . the hn is initially loaded into a precursor vessel under an inert atmosphere . the hn precursor vessel is then preferably heated to an appropriate temperature , typically about 80 ° c ., and the chamber of the precursor vessel is maintained at below atmospheric pressure , typically at about 0 . 20 torr . the hn is deposited on a substrate to form a thin film using a chemical vapor deposition process . suitable substrates include si ( 100 ) and the like . the substrates are typically mounted on a heated susceptor situated in a low pressure reactor at a pressure of less than about 1 mtorr . suitable susceptors are made from molybdenum , and are heated temperatures between 300 and 500 ° c . during the deposition process . thin film growth rates typically range from about 2 . 5 to about 10 . 0 nm per minute . the resulting deposited films are polycrystalline , monoclinic hfo 2 . the hn may optionally be deposited with an inert carrier gas . the carrier gas may vary widely , but nitrogen , preferably highly purified nitrogen , is suitable . alternatively , the hn precursor may be deposited in the presence of an additional oxygen source such as oxygen ( o 2 ), ozone ( o 3 ), water ( h 2 o ) or hydrogen peroxide ( h 2 o 2 ). the deposition of the hn was performed in a stainless steel low - pressure reactor , which consisted of a six - way cross equipped with 4 . 5 inch diameter conflat flanges . using only the mechanical pump , the base pressure of the reactor was & lt ; 1 mtorr . two of the flanges were unused . one flange was equipped with a viton ™ o - ring sealed door for wafer loading . the precursor line enters the chamber through the top flange and the bottom flange is capped with fused silica window sealed to the flange knife - edge with a viton ™ o - ring . the si ( 100 ) substrates were cleaned by standard procedures and placed onto a circular molybdenum susceptor ( ⅛ - inch thick ) situated at the center of the reactor . the molybdenum susceptor was heated with a variac - controlled , 1000 watt , quartz halogen lamp located in a parabolic aluminum reflector and directed through the fused silica window . the temperature of the susceptor was measured with a k - type thermocouple embedded one centimeter into the side of the susceptor . the final flange was connected to the exhaust line that led through a lindberg tube furnace set to 500 ° c . to destroy any unreacted precursor , a particle filter and , finally , to the mechanical pump . a thermocouple gauge located between the six - way cross and the cracking furnace measured the reactor pressure . the hn precursor vessel was heated to the desired temperature , 80 ° c ., by variac - controlled heating tape . high purity nitrogen was used as the carrier gas . the flow of carrier gas was maintained at the desired flow , 20 sccm , using a mass flow controller . the chamber pressure during deposition was 0 . 20 torr . the films were deposited at susceptor temperatures between 300 and 500 ° c . under these conditions the observed growth rates ranged from 2 . 5 to 10 . 0 nm per minute . film crystallinity was studied using a siemans d - 5005 x - ray diffractometer and showed that films grown at 450 ° c . were polycrystalline , monoclinic hfo 2 . the observed preferential orientation was difficult to determine because of the close spacing and broadening of many of the reflections . the four strongest reflections occurred at 24 . 5 , 28 . 6 , 31 . 6 , and 35 . 0 °. the low angle peak could be attributed to either the 011 or 110 reflections , and the high angle peak could be due to the 002 or 200 reflections . the peaks at 28 . 6 ° and 31 . 6 ° could be uniquely assigned to the { overscore ( 1 )} 11 and 111 reflections , respectively . the rutherford backscattering spectrum was obtained on a spectrometer purchased from nec that was equipped with a mas 1700 end station . the he + beam had an energy of 2 . 0 mev , and the charge collected was typically 10 μc using a beam current of 15 na . medium energy ion scattering data using a he + beam suggests that the ratio of o to metal in such high permittivity films is high by approximately 10 %. after adjusting the rbs data , the stoichiometry of the as - deposited films ranged from hfo 2 . 2 to hfo 2 . 4 . the observed ratio of o to hf was higher for films that were deposited at lower temperatures . other metal oxides deposited using anhydrous metal nitrates were reported to contain excess oxygen , which could be removed by heating the films under an inert atmosphere . 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 .	7
any of a number of extrusion processes may be used to produce a composite product or core that is then laminated to one or more decorative surface layers . one such process is direct extrusion , in which the raw materials ( a natural fiber product and polymer ) are added to the extruder , which melts the polymer and mixes the natural fiber into the polymer them together . the extruder then forces the molten composite through a die where it forms a finished product . another process is indirect extrusion , in which the raw materials ( a natural fiber and polymer ) are added to the extruder to melt the polymer and mix it with the fiber to produce a pellet . this pellet is then re - melted by a second extrusion process that forces the molten composite through a die where it forms a profile . the finished product produced by either direct or indirect extrusion becomes the composite core , which is then laminated to a foil or other thin layer that imparts the desired decorative effect and physical property enhancements . exemplary extrusion processes are described in greater detail below with reference to specific examples , without limiting the invention . generally , a composite of a polymer and natural fiber flour is extruded into a shape and then decorated using transfer foils and wraps . these extruded shapes have use in decking products , railings , fencing , windows , doors , doorframes , flooring , and similar applications . the composite material used in these applications is the result of mixing , blending , or compounding polymers with fibers such as wood , rice hulls or other fibrous materials reduced in particle size . the polymers used are polyethylene , polypropylene , pvc , abs or styrene . other thermoplastic materials capable of being extruded to a desired shape would also be used for specific applications . the raw materials are received in both packaged and bulk containers and are prepared for processing in a variety of methods . the fiber flour is received in 40 or 60 mesh . the flour is then dried to a moisture content of 0 - 4 %, using either drying kilns or air circulation silos or bins . for kiln drying , the fiber flour is introduced from either a bulk storage unit or packaged storage container into an air stream to the kiln , where it is dried then transferred to dry storage units or containers . air circulation drying takes place in larger bulk storage units with the capability of circulating the fiber using hot air to reduce the moisture content of the fiber . in addition to the fiber flour and polymer , a number of additives such as process aids , process stabilizers , color , anti - fungal agents , blowing agents , weather and aging protectors , etc . can be added to the blend or compound to obtain the desired physical properties for any appropriate application . the fiber flour used is typically wood , both hardwood and softwood . the choice of wood species is dependent on the polymer used and the intended application . for polyolefin ( hdpe )/ wood compounds the wood species is usually oak or maple . these hardwood species are preferred , because they provide the extruded profile with a high degree of stiffness , a modulus of elasticity of greater than 500 , 000 psi . additionally , maple is preferred over oak , because maple has a lower tannin content . the lower tannin content results in less organic acids being produced during the extrusion process . further , the lower tannin content allows for higher extrusion process efficiency and less finished product problems such as moisture staining on the surface of the extruded product . for pvc / wood compounds pine is the usual species used . this softwood offers a smoother exterior surface to the extruded core of the product . the polymer or polymer compound is blended with the fiber flour and the additive materials ( described above ) using physical mixing units or compounding extruders . the materials are transferred pneumatically or by vacuum from the bulk storage units or transferred mechanically / pneumatically from the receiving containers . all ingredients are then mixed or compounded to a specific formulation for specific extruding equipment and specific end products . in some compounding situations , the polymer and additives are pre - compounded and the fiber flour is introduced as a secondary step in the blending operation . the blended material is processed into a finished composite material shape or profile using an extruder or can be processed into a pellet and then reprocessed through a second extrusion operation to form a shape or profile . the processes are applicable to single screw extrusion or to twin - screw extruders with either co - rotating screws or counter - rotating screws . the extruder will have a temperature profile , temperature settings at various zones of the extruder , allowing for the melting , final mixing , pumping , and forcing of the material through the die . the temperature profile is dependent on the extruder , polymer used , die selection , and the physical properties required for the finished product . whether extruding polyolefin ( hdpe )/ wood compounds or pvc / wood compounds a “ reverse temperature profile ” typically is used . the highest temperature is at the entry to the extruder to facilitate melting and mixing , and the temperature is reduced in the barrel going toward the die . the die temperature reflects the melt temperature of the extrusion as it exits the extruder . the combination of materials and equipment determines the specific temperature profiles . the temperature of the individual heating zones on the extruder , adapter zone , and die will vary from 88 ° c . to 240 ° c . the temperature will be controlled by zone to give the overall temperature profile required for optimum extrudability of the blend being used . the pressures inside the extruder and at the die are controlled by feed rates , extruder speed , melt pumping where applicable , and die design . the feed rate control is determined by the method of introduction . the raw material is introduced to the extruder by loss - in - weight feeders that measure the amount of material fed to the extruder . the material may be transferred from the feeder to the extruder by gravity . an alternative method introduces blended material into the extruder using a cramming device to insure the appropriate amount of material entering the extruder . once the raw materials have entered the extruder further pressure control is accomplished by adjusting the speed of the extruder screws , measured in revolutions per minute , moving the material through the barrel of the extruder . if a melt pump is used the pressure is adjusted further by the speed , rpm , of the melt pump . the final pressure determination is accomplished by the internal cavity shape of the die . the pressure in combination with the temperature profile determines the control of the extruded shape or profile . after the extrudate exits the die it may be calibrated for final dimensions using a sizing or calibration device to reach exacting dimensional requirements . depending on the cooling characteristics of the material and the shape of the end product calibration devices may or may not be used . the calibration device is part of the overall cooling system used to bring the extruded shape from elevated extrusion temperatures to ambient temperature . after exiting the die , the extruded shape or profile is introduced to a cooling medium such as water or air to remove the internal heat of the shape or profile . in addition to cooling , the calibration device may also apply vacuum to the extrudate to assist in the forming of the shape or profile to the desired dimensions . when employing a sizing or calibration procedure , a pulling device is used to control the speed of the extrudate through the calibration system . this technique further allows for the control of the dimensions of the final shape or profile . the cooled and formed shape or profile is cut to desired lengths using automated cutting devices . the most commonly employed device is a traveling saw that is calibrated to move at the same speed as the extrudate thereby giving a consistent length to the cut shape . the formed shape or profile may be further processed using secondary mechanical operations . these operations may include molding the part to provide surface alteration or shape tolerance improvement or embossing the surface with heat pressure devises that leave surface impressions and visual features . as described above , many different profiles are extruded to create the basic profiles covered by this invention . a very wide range of materials and formulations have been utilized and tested . a generic formulation that describes this range of materials and formulations follows : material description percent of material in formula natural fiber 0 %- 75 % ( preferably 8 - 66 . 5 %) virgin polymer 0 %- 92 % ( preferably 0 - 71 %) merchant recycled polymer 0 %- 65 % ( preferably 0 - 26 %) internal recycled composite material 0 %- 65 % lubricants ( internal & amp ; external ) 2 %- 7 % blowing agents 0 %- 6 % process aids & amp ; other additives such as compatabilizers 0 %- 1 % color concentrate 0 %- 2 . 5 % the following formulations are non - limiting examples to document utilization of high - density polyethylene ( hdpe ) and natural fibers to produce the basic composite profile . those skilled in the field will understand that numerous other combinations of formulations appropriate for various product and applications are covered by this invention . weight material description of material in formula hard wood ( 40 mesh ) ( typical formula ) 47 % hdpe - pellets or powder 27 % hdpe - merchant recycled 9 % internal recycled hdpe composite material 9 % ebs wax 3 % zinc stearate 3 % color concentrate 2 % rice hulls ( 20 / 80 ) ( typical formula ) 47 % hdpe - pellets or powder 18 % hdpe - merchant recycled 18 % internal recycled hdpe composite material 9 % ebs wax 3 % zinc stearate 2 % coupling agent 1 % color concentrate 2 % the following formulations are examples to document utilization of polyvinyl chloride ( pvc ) and natural fibers to produce the basic composite profile . material description weight of material in formula soft wood ( 60 mesh ) ( typical ) 16 % pvc - dry blend or pellets 71 % pvc - merchant recycled 0 . 0 internal recycled pvc composite material 0 . 0 other fillers 4 % process aids 0 . 0 pvc capstock 9 % rice hulls ( 20 / 80 ) 24 % pvc - dry blend or pellets 48 % pvc - merchant recycled 16 % internal recycled pvc composite material 7 % other fillers 0 . 0 blowing agent 5 % pvc capstock 0 . 0 the following formulations are examples to document utilization of polypropylene ( pp ) and natural fibers to produce the basic composite profile . material description weight of material in formula hard wood ( 40 mesh ) 47 % pp 34 % hdpe - merchant recycled 11 % lubricants 7 % color concentrate less than 1 % calcium stearate less than 1 % once the composite shape or profile has been manufactured , it then acts as the composite core to which decorative and protective layer ( s ) may be hot stamped from a foil or film laminated , to achieve the improved physical and visual enhancement over the current inventions . two methods of decoration / protection can be utilized to accomplish this process step : a ) heat / pressure transfer of a design from a foil to the core ; or b ) lamination of a layer containing a pigmented design to the core . the layer may be added either inline and continuous with the extrusion process , or off line as a secondary operation . the layer may provide one or more functional benefits . for example , the layer may carry a desired pigmented decorative image and / or variety of performance chemical additives . the foil or laminate material can be specially designed to transfer a wide variety of images using highly stable outdoor color pigment for long - term outdoor exposure . additionally the foil or laminate material may contain a variety of product performance enhancing materials such as heat reflective pigments or materials , mold and mildew inhibitors , surface hardening materials and others . with the inline process , the profile shape exiting the extrusion process may retain sufficient residual heat to support the necessary reaction with the foil to adhere the decorative pigment and chemical additive composition to the profile . in the offline secondary operation a reheating of the surface through flame , infrared heat , or direct contact heat transfer will create sufficient surface temperature . a roll ( s ) of heat transfer foil is loaded onto a profile - specific transfer table . we now describe the two basic transfer process — hot stamped foil transfer and film lamination . the first process is the transfer of the layer from a foil to the composite core using heat and pressure . the surface of the extruded part may be ( but is not required that it be ) prepared mechanically or chemically , or using both methods , to accept the transfer of decorative materials from the foil . this preparation creates an improved surface in which to adhere the hot stamp foil . the mechanical preparation may include molding , planing , sanding , or some other method of mechanical abrasion to the intended decorative surface . these techniques expose additional natural fiber and reduce the surface content of polyethylene or other extrusion process materials that impede foil adherence . as an alternative procedure , chemical abrasion may be used to accomplish similar results , using a chemical such as ( but not limited to ) acid wash or corona discharge for polyethylene or other polymer core materials . once the surface is prepared the foil is placed on the surface and with the application of heat the decorative materials are transferred to the surface of the composite core . the heat of application also activates the adhesive allowing the decorative materials to bond to the surface of the composite core . as the decorative materials are transferred the carrier foil is removed and discarded . the foil is shaped to the profile of the core using a series of rollers that force the foil to cover the shape of the composite core profile . subsequent to the application of the foil a topcoat , or protective layer , may be applied for enhanced physical properties . the choice of topcoat materials , polyurethane or acrylics for example , is dependent on the end use of the decorated product . a second decorative method involves the use of a film laminated to the composite core . the film wrap is a polymeric sheet material which has had the decorative materials and patterns applied to it . the composite core profile surface may be ( but is not required that it be ) prepared in the same manner as described above . for example , surface of the extruded part is prepared mechanically or chemically , or using both methods , to accept the lamination of the film wrap material . this preparation creates an improved surface in which to adhere the film wrap . the mechanical preparation may include molding , planing , sanding or some other method of mechanical abrasion to the intended decorative surface . these techniques expose additional natural fiber and reduce the surface content of polyethylene or other extrusion process materials that impede film wrap adherence . as an alternative procedure , chemical abrasion may be used to accomplish similar results using chemical such as but not limited to acid wash or corona discharge for polyethylene or other polymer core materials . after the composite core has been mechanically or chemically readied and primed for the film wrap , the profile passes through a wrapping device . this device takes the film wrap from a coil then applies the adhesive to the wrap material . in a continuous process the film wrap is then passed over the composite core . again using equipment using a series of rollers the film wrap is shaped to the composite core profile . the film wrap may incorporate in addition to its decorative elements an integral topcoat material for physical property enhancement . this integrated element may be polyurethane , acrylic or other protective materials . if the film wrap integrates only the decorative elements , then the wrapped product next has a topcoat applied to enhance the physical properties of the entire decorative system . the topcoat can be polyurethane , acrylic , or other protective material that will impart better physical properties to the wrapped finished part . the topcoat may be spray applied or hot melt applied . if spray applied , the wrapped product will pass through a spray applicator and then may or may not pass through a curing device such as ultra - violet radiation curing . if the topcoat is hot melt applied , then a layer of polyurethane is applied to flat surfaces of the decorated part . the cure process for this type of material is time dependent and could take several days depending on the hot melts topcoat chosen for a specific end - use application for the completed finished product . 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 .	1
referring to fig1 , the slip system 10 is illustrated in perspective view . apparent in fig1 is the configuration of a set of drive slips 12 and a set of grip slips 14 that together cooperate in a way that promotes tangential loading of the slips against one another to radially expand . radial expansion is necessary to set the system 10 by driving certain portions of the wicker threads ( numerically introduced and discussed hereunder ) into a receiving tubular structure ( not shown ). system 10 further includes a drive slip ring 16 and a grip slip ring 18 . ring 16 is endowed with interengagement ( for example , t - shaped ) slots 20 about a perimeter thereof , each of the slots 20 being substantially the same shape and set of dimensions as each other . ring 18 on the other hand , in one embodiment , includes a plurality of interengagement ( for example , t - shaped ) slots 22 disposed about a periphery thereof having a first set of dimensions and a plurality of interengagement ( for example , t - shaped ) slots 24 having another set of dimensions . in the illustrated embodiment of fig1 , slots 22 and 24 alternate ( single alternating ) around the perimeter of ring 18 . it is to be understood , however , that more of slot 22 or slot 24 could be grouped together in alternate embodiments such as , for example , two slot 22 &# 39 ; s next to one another and two slot 24 &# 39 ; s next to one another alternating with the 22 &# 39 ; s ( double alternating ). further , there is no requirement that there be any particular number of a certain type of slot 22 or 24 , for example , there may only be one slot 24 or two slots 24 , etc . or each slot could be unique as desired ( random alternating ). in each of the rings 16 and 18 , the position of slots 20 , 22 or 24 are such , relative to each other , that slips 12 and 14 are alternately positioned when engaged with adjacent t - shaped slots in each ring . the alternate positioning of slips 12 and 14 is easily seen in fig1 and 2 . finally , of note in fig1 and 2 is the trapezoidal shape of each of the slips 12 and 14 . the trapezoidal shape is important because it facilitates radial expansion of the slip system 10 upon axial compression of the system 10 into a shorter axial dimension . growth in the radial direction is of course important to a slip system because it is such radial growth that allows the system itself to become anchored into the receiving tubular structure . because of the trapezoidal shape and positioning of that shape , each slip acts as a wedge ( perimetrically ) against its two neighboring slips . when the axial length of system 10 is increased , the radial dimension of the system 10 will necessarily and naturally decrease . it is to be noted that the radial expansion of system 10 is affected entirely by tangential application of force through the slips 12 and 14 ; this means that the id of the slip system can remain completely open and that conical structures previously used to radially displace slips are not necessary . referring now to fig3 , one of the drive slips 12 is illustrated in perspective view and enlarged from the fig1 and 2 views . in the fig3 view there is visible interlocking members provided in each of the slips in order to keep them engaged as a single unit while simultaneously allowing them to slide relative to each other . each one of the slips includes a keyed flange 26 , which in the embodiment illustrated , is of l - shape but may be of any shape that allows sliding motion while inhibiting disassociation of each slip from its neighboring slip . on an opposite side of slip 12 is a complementary flange keyhole 28 , one end of which is visible . it will be understood that the flange keyhole 28 extends the length of slip 12 as does keyed flange 26 . if one were to obtain an opposing slip ( i . e . slip 14 ) one would notice that the keyed flange 26 and the flange keyhole 28 can be engaged as the slips 12 and 14 slid axially relative to one another . sliding movement is thus enabled while lateral disassociation is prevented or at least inhibited . it should also be noted in passing that an angle of the mating surfaces 30 , on each slip 12 and 14 , is dictated by a radius extending from the axis of system 10 . this angle ensures smooth and distributed contact along each face 30 to improve overall efficiency and strength of system 10 . still referring to fig3 , drive slips 12 of the current disclosure possess a number of wickers 32 , a substantial number of which are truncated . in the illustrated embodiment , all of the wickers 32 are truncated , but it is to be appreciated that merely a substantial number of the wickers must be truncated to achieve the benefit of distribution of stresses in the receiving tubular structure . it is possible to add pointed wickers without departing from the scope of the invention . truncation 34 removes what would otherwise be a sharper point of a slip gripping wicker . in one embodiment the truncation amount is of a dimension that is about the same as the amount of a sharp wicker that would be embedded in the material of the receiving tubular structure . slips 12 are so configured to enhance retrieveability of the slip system 10 as well as assist in the distribution of stresses in the receiving tubular structure . each one of the wickers 32 that is truncated , is so truncated to an extent about equal to the amount of penetration into the receiving tubular structure that is anticipated for pointed wickers on the gripping slips 14 . the reason for this is so that when the pointed wickers are maximally embedded in the receiving tubular structure , the wickers 32 will be radially loaded against the receiving tubular structure without penetrating it into . this distributes the stresses of the receiving tubular structure more evenly about the tubular structure consistent with contact around the entirety of the slip system 10 . one further benefit of the configuration of slips 12 is realized in the case of paraffin or other debris lining the inside dimension of the receiving tubular structure . because wickers 32 are still above the surface of slips 12 , those wickers are able to penetrate debris at the inside dimension of the receiving tubular structure and still ensure contact of truncation 34 with the inside dimension surface of the receiving tubular structure forming a frictional engagement therewith . each wicker 32 , of course , possesses a pair of flanks 36 , which in one embodiment , are positioned at 45 °. it is to be understood that other angles are possible . it is also noted that in the system 10 , it is not necessary to harden wickers 32 , as they are not intended to bite into the receiving tubular structure . this is not to say that it is undesirable to harden wickers 32 but merely that it is not necessary to do so . referring to fig4 , one of the gripping slips 14 is illustrated . it will be noted that there are two distinguishing features of gripping slip 14 over driving slip 12 as illustrated in fig3 . these are a length 40 of a t - upright 42 , and a configuration of wickers 44 and 46 . addressing the wickers first , it will be apparent that in the illustrated embodiment , every other wicker is sharp pointed ( wicker 44 ) while the intervening wickers 46 are truncated ( single alternating ). in this embodiment , the degree of truncation of wickers 46 is roughly equal to the expected penetration of wickers 44 into the receiving tubular structure ( not shown ). again the purpose for this construction , like that of the drive slip illustrated in fig3 , is to distribute the load on the receiving tubular structure imparted by radial motion of slip system 10 . more specifically , upon full penetration of wickers 44 into the receiving tubular structure , wickers 46 come into contact with the inside diameter of the receiving tubular structure thereby distributing stress in that structure . it is to be appreciated that only one embodiment of the slip system contemplated is shown in fig4 . it is also possible for numbers of wickers 44 and 46 to be grouped such as two wickers 44 alternating with two wickers 46 ( double alternating ) or three wickers 44 alternating with three wickers 46 ( triple alternating ) or even a number of sharp wickers 44 alternating with a different number of truncated wickers 46 ( random alternating ). the overall point of alternating sharp and truncated wickers is to distribute stress otherwise imparted in an undistributed way to the receiving tubular structure . it is further possible to retain all of the wickers on slips 14 in the 44 configuration in some embodiments of the invention , since the truncated wickers 32 on the drive slips 12 will still substantially balance stresses in the receiving tubular structure . it will also be noted that pointed wickers 44 should be hardened such that they are sufficiently durable to penetrate the inside diameter of the receiving tubular structure . addressing now the upright 42 of the key structure 48 , and referring to both fig3 and 4 , it is apparent that the length 40 of the upright section 22 is longer than that of the comparable portion of slip 12 . the reason for the length of this portion of slip 14 is to delay a tensile force being applied to this slip 14 when retraction of the slip system 10 is desired . referring back to fig1 and 2 and reiterating that the t - shaped slots 22 and 24 are distinct , a review of the drawing will make clear that t - shaped slots 24 , upon an axial tensile load on ring 18 , will cause an immediate transfer of the tensile load to the associated slip 14 . this is distinct from the t - shaped slots 22 wherein the same tensile load applied to ring 18 , is not immediately transferred to the associated slip 14 but rather the ring 18 must axially move relative to the associated slip 14 until surface 50 contacts surface 52 . upon this contact , the tensile load will be transmitted to the associated slip 14 . in such configuration it will be appreciated that every other slip 14 , in the illustrated embodiment , will be pulled in a direct commensurate with retracting the slip system 10 prior to the other slips 14 being so pulled . this reduces the force necessary to retract the slip system 10 . in the illustrated embodiment , the force is roughly halved while in other embodiments with differing numbers of alternating t - shaped slots 22 and 24 , the reduction in tensile force required will be describable as a percentage of the whole proportional to the number of earlier pulled slips relative to the total number of slips associated with the subject ring . it will be noted by the astute reader that ring 16 contains only t - shaped slot 20 . the reason that the staggered t - shaped slots are not required on ring 16 is that all of the associated slips 12 substantially lack gripping wickers and therefore , the tensile force required to unseat them is substantially less than that of the slips 14 . therefore , there is no need to stagger the t - shaped slots in ring 16 . this is by no means to say that it is inappropriate to stagger t - shaped slots 20 , as it certainly is not only possible and functional , but rather merely to state that it is unnecessary . referring to fig5 , an alternate embodiment of ring 18 is illustrated which allows for the t - shaped structures on each of the slips 14 to be identical . in this embodiment , the t - shaped structure 48 is not required to be long , as it is illustrated in the fig1 and fig2 embodiments . it will be appreciated that the reason that the elongated section 42 is not needed , is that surface 50 of slots 22 is positioned closer to an end 60 of ring 18 than it is in the fig1 embodiment . one will also note that the clearances between the t - shaped structure 48 and the slots 22 has also been increased to account for potential axial movement of the system . this additional clearance alleviates unnecessary load on the structure 48 when the system is set . while the figures in this application may suggest to one of ordinary skill in the art the existence of a clear uphole end and downhole end of slip system 10 , based upon conventional illustration methods , it is to be understood that slip system 10 is usable with either end uphole . generally , it will be desirable to impart a compressive setting force against ring 16 and the drive slips 12 while maintaining ring 18 and gripping slips 14 stationary . this is , however , not a requirement and the slip system 10 is to be understood to be actuable and retractable from either end . it is also to be understood that the system is actuable and retractable from a position downhole of the system of a position uphole of the system . while preferred embodiments have been shown and described , modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . accordingly , it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustrations and not limitation .	4
referring more specifically to the drawings , for illustrative purposes the present invention is embodied in the system and method described herein . it will be appreciated , however , that the system and method may vary without departing from the basic concepts as disclosed herein . the present invention comprises a system and method that can be used to determine the alertness of video surveillance operators and that can be used to manage the distribution of video feeds . referring initially to fig1 , a video surveillance system is shown and generally designated 10 . fig1 shows that the system 10 includes plural operator computers 12 connected to system server 14 . preferably , the connections between the operator computers 12 and the system server 14 are established via the internet 16 , but other connections can be used . it is to be appreciated that the operator computers 12 can be connected to internet 16 via respective telephone modems ( not shown ). or , the operator computers 12 can connect to the internet via other connections , e . g ., cable modem , local - area network ( lan ), wide - area network ( wan ), t 1 or any other means well known in the art . as shown in fig1 , a manager computer 18 is also connected to the server 14 . it can be appreciated that the computers 12 , 18 can also be connected to each other by a peer - to - peer network . or , data can be transmitted to and from the computers 12 , 18 via a wireless or satellite network . as described in detail below , the system server 14 can monitor the number of video feeds and the number of available operators . preferably , the system server 14 can assign each available operator computer 12 up to four of the real - time video feeds , unless there is a situation which requires each operator to monitor more than four video feeds . one or managers are also present on the network , e . g ., stationed at the manager computer 18 . in a preferred embodiment , each manager can supervise up to thirty operators . the managers can oversee the alertness of the operators and communicate with them through computer interfaces . preferably , the manager can also call up the same video stream that any operator is viewing , as well as a recent stored history of that video feed , in order to verify alarm notifications . fig1 shows a first surveillance site 20 , a second surveillance site 22 , and a third surveillance site 24 . as shown , plural surveillance cameras 26 are placed at the first surveillance site 20 . in a preferred embodiment , the surveillance cameras 26 at the first surveillance site 20 are connected to the internet 16 via plural digitizing computers 28 . fig1 shows that plural surveillance cameras 30 are placed at the second surveillance site 22 and are preferably connected to the internet 16 via plural digitizing computers 32 . the third surveillance site 24 also includes plural surveillance cameras 34 that are connected to the internet 16 via a single digitizing computer 36 . it can be appreciated that the digitizing computers 28 , 32 , 36 can be separate from the cameras 26 , 30 , 34 or integral to the cameras 26 , 30 , 34 . it can also be appreciated that some digitizing computers can only digitize one video feed at a time . accordingly , a single digitizing computer may only be able to work in conjunction with a single camera or a single digitizing computer may work with multiple cameras . also , each camera 26 , 30 , 34 provides a video feed comprising plural video signals . referring to fig2 , an exemplary , non - limiting embodiment of a surveillance screen that can be displayed at an operator computer 12 is shown and generally designated 50 . fig2 shows that the surveillance screen 50 preferably includes four sub - screens 52 , 54 , 56 , 58 . a respective video feed is linked to each sub - screen 52 , 54 , 56 , 58 and can be viewed therein . it can be appreciated that the video feeds may be from the same location or from different locations . it can also be appreciated that the surveillance screen 50 can be divided into to more than the four sub - screens 52 , 54 , 56 , 58 shown in fig2 . as shown in fig2 , the surveillance screen 50 includes an “ alarm ” button 60 that can be toggled using a computer mouse ( not shown ) if the operator views an alarm situation , e . g ., a theft , break - in , etc ., on one of the sub - screens 52 , 54 , 56 , 58 . preferably , when the “ alarm ” button 60 is toggled , the cursor ( not shown ) changes into a large colored , e . g ., red , pointer 62 and the operator is instructed to point to and select which of the four video streams exhibited the alarm condition . fig2 further shows that the surveillance screen 50 includes a “ rewind ” button 64 . in a preferred embodiment , the “ rewind ” button 64 can be toggled if an operator monitoring the sub - screens 52 , 54 , 56 , 58 thinks an alarm situation may have occurred at a particular site , but is not sure . by toggling the “ rewind ” button 64 , a surveillance control screen , described below , is presented to the operator . as shown in fig2 , the surveillance screen 50 preferably includes a “ take break ” button 66 . when the “ take break ” button 66 is toggled , the operator break logic , described in detail below , is triggered . fig3 shows an exemplary , non - limiting embodiment of a surveillance control screen that can be presented to an operator when the “ rewind ” button 64 , described above , is toggled by the operator . fig3 shows that the surveillance control screen , generally designated 70 , continues to display the four sub - screens 52 , 54 , 56 , 58 and the “ alarm ” button 62 , described above . in a preferred embodiment , the surveillance control screen 70 further includes standard video play controls , e . g . a “ fast forward ” button 72 , a “ play ” button 74 , a “ pause ” button 76 , and a “ rewind ” button 78 . accordingly , the operator can choose the sub - screen 52 , 54 , 56 , 58 in which the alarm conditioned was observed and then , manipulate the video content available via the particular video feed to determine if an alarm condition actually occurred . if an alarm condition has occurred , the operator can trigger the “ alarm ” button 62 . in a preferred embodiment , a manager can receive notification of the alarm condition and make a final verification of that condition before acting on the alarm . preferably , the operator has the option of utilizing a designated keystroke or other interface device to place a frame marker on a particular frame of video that most clearly shows the alarm condition . the manager can then access that frame marker to more quickly verify the alarm condition . it is to be understood that each operator computer 12 and / or the server 14 can include a series of computer - executable instructions , as described below , that can determine if a particular operator at a particular operator computer 12 is alert and able to continue his or her surveillance job . also , the computer - executable instructions can be used to balance the workload among the operators stationed at the individual operator computers 12 . preferably , the instructions can also be used to authorize an operator break and transfer his or her workload to other operators during that break . the instructions may be contained in random access memory ( ram ) within each computer 12 and / or server 14 or on a data storage device with a computer readable medium , such as a computer diskette . or , the instructions may be stored on a magnetic tape , conventional hard disk drive , electronic read - only memory ( rom ), optical storage device , or other appropriate data storage device or transmitting device thereby making a computer program product , i . e ., an article of manufacture according to the invention . in an illustrative embodiment of the invention , the computer - executable instructions may be written , e . g ., using html . the flow charts herein illustrate the structure of the logic of the present invention as embodied in computer program software . those skilled in the art will appreciate that the flow charts illustrate the structures of computer program code elements including logic circuits on an integrated circuit , that function according to this invention . manifestly , the invention is practiced in its essential embodiment by a machine component that renders the program elements in a form that instructs a digital processing apparatus ( that is , a computer ) to perform a sequence of function steps corresponding to those shown . referring to fig4 , the operating logic of the present invention is shown and commences at block 100 with a do loop , wherein for each operator the succeeding steps are performed . at block 102 , video imagery from one or more video feeds is displayed at an operator computer 12 . moving to block 104 , after the video imagery begins the system 10 continues to display the video imagery , but delays for a predetermined time period before a graphic element is overlaid on the video imagery at block 106 . preferably , the graphic elements include interactive visual stimuli that require operator feedback . the graphic elements can be visual stimuli that require a particular response . for example , the graphic elements can oscillate between small transparent icons of a target , and geometric areas of discoloration of the underlying video . either of these visual signals can randomly appear anywhere on any of the video fees , described above , or they can follow a pattern to ensure that the operator &# 39 ; s eyes are scanning all of the video feeds . the graphic elements can also be displayed adjacent to the work area at the operator computer 12 , i . e ., the area of the computer display at which the video imagery is displayed . in all cases , the operator is expected to point and click on or near the visual signals . it is to be understood that the graphic elements can include pre - recorded video surveillance segments having alarm situations . the pre - recorded segments can be randomly inserted into the normal video feeds being viewed by the operators . continuing to decision diamond 108 , it is determined whether feedback from the operator has been received , preferably the feedback should be correct and timely . if so , the logic moves to block 110 where a “ failures ” value is set equal to zero . thereafter , the logic returns to block 102 and continues , as described above . returning to decision diamond 108 , if feedback is not received , the logic proceeds to block 112 and the “ failures ” value is increased by a value of one . at block 114 , an audio alarm is sounded to indicate to the operator that he or she missed the interactive graphic element . moving to decision diamond 116 , it is determined whether the “ failures ” value has surpassed a predetermined maximum value . if not , the logic returns to block 106 and continues as described above . in a preferred embodiment , the time between presentation of a graphic element and the receipt of a correct user feedback is inversely proportional to the prior response time . at decision diamond 116 , if the “ failures ” value exceeds the maximum “ failures ” value , the logic moves to block 118 where a manager is notified — preferably via the manager computer 18 . proceeding to block 120 , if the operator computers 12 are networked , as described above , the system will automatically switch the video feeds of the operator whose alertness is waning to another operator . the logic then ends at state 122 . referring now to fig5 , the video feed distribution logic of the present invention is shown and commences at block 140 where the total number of video feeds , t , is monitored . at block 142 , the available number of operators , n , is also monitored . moving to block 144 , a preferred maximum video feeds per operator , m , is established . next , at decision diamond 146 , it is determined whether the total number of video feeds , t , is greater than the product of the maximum video feeds per operator , m , and the number of available operators , n . if not , the logic moves to block 140 , and the logic continues as described above . if the total number of video feeds , t , is indeed greater than the product of the maximum video feeds per operator , m , and the number of available operators , n , the logic continues to block 148 where video feeds are re - assigned to available operators to spread the workload across the operators . in other words , if each operator is viewing four feeds , additional feeds can be temporarily added to each operator beyond the preferred maximum video feeds per operator , m . after block 148 , the logic returns to block 140 and continues , as described above . as an alternative to re - assigning video feeds , described in block 148 , the system can swap video feeds in and out . for example , each video feed displayed at an operator computer 12 may only be viewable ninety percent ( 90 %) of the time . in this case , the system will swap the signals fairly regularly , e . g ., every twenty seconds , so that any individual video feed will not go unseen for too much time . referring to fig6 , the operator break logic of the present invention is shown and commences at block 160 , where when the “ take break ” button 66 ( fig2 ) is toggled , the following steps are performed . at decision diamond 162 , it is determined whether the break is authorized . for example , the break may be unauthorized if the operator has recently taken a break or if too many operators are already on break . if the break is not authorized , the logic proceeds to block 164 , where it is indicated to the operator requesting a break that it is not authorized . the logic then ends at state 166 . returning to decision diamond 162 , if the break is authorized , the logic moves to block 168 where it is indicated to the operator that the break is authorized . next , at block 170 , the video feeds monitored by the operator on break are re - assigned to other operators during that break . at block 172 , when the operator indicates that his or her break is over , some video feeds are returned to that operator . these video feeds can be the video feeds that the operator was monitoring prior to the break or different video feeds . this indication can be as simple as the operator again toggling the “ take break ” button 66 ( fig2 ). the logic then ends at state 166 . it can be appreciated that in the above described logic , breaks can always be automatically authorized . it can be appreciated by those skilled in the art the present embodiments of the invention , described above , can be utilized slightly differently . for example , in a small facility with a single on - staff operator there may not be a need for distribution of video signals . however , there is still a need to monitor the operators alertness . in such a case , signals will not be re - assigned , but an increasingly loud alarm can be sounded when the operator begins showing signs that his alertness is faltering . also , the visual stimuli used to maintain alertness can dynamically change while they are visible , e . g ., starting small and faded into the background and growing increasingly larger and more visually distinct . accordingly , it can be seen that this invention provides a means for effectively monitoring the alertness of individual surveillance operators . also , the workload , i . e ., the total number of video feeds , can be relatively easily distributed between the networked operator computers 12 . finally , this invention provides a means for re - assigning video feeds when individual operators take breaks . it can be appreciated that the above - described invention provides a system by which video surveillance operators can be contracted individuals working out of their homes at relatively economical rates . these operators can be paid for the amount of active time spent monitoring , with the stipulation that they can take a break on a pre - determined schedule , e . g ., ten minutes each hour . the system can also adjust for periods when not enough operators are available by temporarily offering higher rates in order provide incentive to operators to come on line . notification of the higher rate offerings can be accomplished automatically via email or automatic phone dialing . the above - described system is also relatively more economical because operators can be stationed at large centralized facilities or they can work out of home . in either case , the operators can be located in areas having relatively low costs of living . quality of work is maximized using the operator alertness logic . moreover , fewer operators are needed throughout the entire system . for example , in a conventional surveillance scheme , ten individual surveillance sites having six cameras each and a maximum of four video feeds per operator require two operators per site , or twenty total operators . on the other hand , in the distributed system of the present invention , since there are sixty individual feeds , only fifteen operators are necessary — one operator per every four video feeds . although the description above contains many specificities , these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention . therefore , it will be appreciated that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art , and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims , in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “ one and only one ” unless explicitly so stated , but rather “ one or more .” all structural , chemical , and functional equivalents to the elements of the above - described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims . moreover , it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention , for it to be encompassed by the present claims . furthermore , no element , component , or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element , component , or method step is explicitly recited in the claims . no claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 u . s . c . 112 , sixth paragraph , unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “ means for .”	6
referring to fig1 description will be made at first as regards a conventional coffee extracting apparatus for better understanding of this invention . the conventional coffee extracting apparatus comprises an extracting device 10 supplied with hot water for extracting coffee essence from coffee material or coffee powder to produce liquid coffee extract , an air compressor 11 for generating compressed air , and an air passage 12 connected between the extracting device 10 and the air compressor 11 for conducting the compressed air from the air compressor 11 into the extracting device 10 . the extracting device 10 comprises a chamber wall 13 having upper and lower openings and a filter support 14 for supporting a filmy filter member 16 to cover the lower opening of the chamber wall 13 . the chamber wall 13 defines an extracting chamber 17 in cooperation with the filter member 16 . on extracting the coffee essence , the hot water , the coffee material , and the compressed air are supplied to the extracting chamber 17 . after extracting the coffee essence , the liquid coffee extract is filtered by the filter member 16 . in addition , a seal member 18 is inserted between the chamber wall 13 and the filter support 14 . the filter support 14 supports the filter member 16 and is pressed against the lower opening of the chamber wall 13 through the seal member 18 . as a result , the filter member 16 has a part which is nipped between the lower end of the chamber wall 13 and the filter support 14 with being sealed . the conventional coffee extracting apparatus further comprises a water control valve 19 adapted to open and close the lower opening of the chamber wall 13 . the water control valve 19 is for controlling supply of the hot water and the coffee material into the extracting chamber 17 through a guide member 21 . the extraction of coffee essence is attained by opening the water control valve 19 as indicated by an alternate dot and dash line in fig1 feeding the coffee material and the hot water to the extracting chamber 17 , closing the water control valve 19 as indicated by a continuous line in fig1 setting the air compressor 11 actuating , and supplying the compressed air via the air passage 12 into the extracting chamber 17 thereby stirring the coffee material with the hot water . the liquid coffee extract is passed through the filter member 16 and taken out via an opening of the filter support 14 . after the extraction of coffee essence , the filter member 16 is separated from the extracting device 10 and is moved sideway with now carrying coffee grounds . with this structure , the extraction is carried out in a pressed state . therefore , the time for the extraction of coffee essence is curtailed as compared with the extraction performed under normal pressure . however , the conventional coffee extracting apparatus is at a disadvantage in failing to attain any conspicuous effect of curtailing the time for the extraction of coffee essence . this is because the extraction is carried with gradually increasing the inner pressure of the extracting chamber 17 illustrated in fig2 . it should be noted that relatively long time is required in increasing the inner pressure of the extracting chamber 17 to a prescribed level . turning to fig3 the description will be made as regards a coffee extracting apparatus according to an embodiment of this invention . the coffee extracting apparatus is of a percolating type known in the art . similar parts are designated by like reference numerals . in the coffee extracting apparatus , the filter support 14 is cylindrical and has an upper surface formed with a circular groove 14a in which the seal member 18 is placed . on the upper surface of the filter support 14 , a mesh portion 14b horizontally extends inside the circular groove 14a . the filter member 16 is of a paper type . the air passage 12 penetrates the water control valve 19 to extend as an air nozzle 12a in the extracting chamber 17 . the coffee extracting apparatus further comprises an air control valve 22 and an accumulator 23 . the air control valve 22 is disposed in the air passage 12 and is for controlling flow of the compressed air in the air passage 12 . accordingly , the air control valve 22 divides the air passage 12 into first and second passage portions 12b and 12c . the first passage portion 12b is defined between the air compressor 11 and the air control valve 22 . the second passage portion 12c is defined between the extracting device 10 or the air nozzle 12a and the air control valve 22 . the accumulator 23 is connected to the first passage portion 12b . in the coffee extracting apparatus , the air compressor 11 is actuated in advance of the coffee extraction to store the compressed air in the accumulator 23 with closing the air control valve 22 . when extracting the coffee essence , the filter support 14 is pressed against the lower end of the chamber wall 13 together with the filter member 16 . the lower end of the chamber wall 13 is pressed against the seal member 18 in conjunction with the filter member 16 . the part of the filter member 16 is nipped between the lower end of the chamber wall 13 and the filter support 14 with being sealed . the water control valve 19 is opened as indicated by an alternate dot and dash line in fig3 . in this state , the coffee powder and the hot water are supplied to the extracting device 10 . after that , the water control valve 19 is closed as indicated by a continuous line in fig3 . when the air control valve 22 is opened , the compressed air stored in the accumulator 23 is supplied via the air passage 12 into the extracting chamber 17 . the compressed air makes the coffee powder and the hot water be stirred in the extracting chamber 17 . as a result , the coffee powder and the hot water are mixed in a fluidized state to extract the coffee essence from the coffee powder . the liquid coffee extract is passed through the filter member 16 and taken out via the opening of the filter support 14 . after the extraction of coffee essence , the filter member 16 and the filter support 14 are separated from the chamber wall 13 . the filter member 16 now carries coffee grounds thereon to move sideways until the filter member 16 and the coffee grounds are discarded together . in the coffee extracting apparatus , the air pressure of the extracting chamber 17 rises immediately to the prescribed level as illustrated in fig4 . this is because the coffee extracting apparatus preparatorily actuates the air compressor 11 to store the compressed air in the accumulator 23 and , at the time of the extraction of coffee essence , opens the air control valve 22 to supply the compressed air stored in the accumulator 23 to the extracting chamber 17 . as a result , the coffee extracting apparatus allows a decrease in the time for coffee extraction as compared with the conventional equivalent . when the compressed air of a volume necessary for several rounds of coffee extraction is stored in advance in the accumulator 23 , the number of actuations of the air compressor 11 can be decreased . as a result , the power consumption is cut and the service life of the air compressor 11 is elongated . in the coffee extracting apparatus , even when the air compressor 11 is smaller than that which is used in the conventional equivalent , the compressed air can be stored in the accumulator 23 by actuating the small air compressor 11 for a long time while the extracting device 10 is at rest . in addition , the inner pressure of the extracting chamber 17 can be quickly raised to the prescribed level by using the compressed air stored in the accumulator 23 . the coffee extracting apparatus , therefore , permits a decrease in the size of the air compressor 11 as compared with that of the conventional equivalent . while the present invention has thus far been described in connection with a single embodiment thereof , it will readily be possible for those skilled in the art to put this invention into practice in various other manners . for example , use may be made as the seal member a selected one of a packing and an o ring in the manner known in the art . the filter member may be of plastic film . the entire disclosure of japanese patent application no . 8 - 148857 filed on jun . 11 , 1996 including specification , claims , drawings and summary are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety .	0
while the invention will be described in connect with illustrations , descriptions , and examples of preferred embodiments , it will be understood these are not intended to limit the present invention only to these embodiments . on the contrary , the present invention is to cover all structural and / or functional alternatives as defined by the appended claims . the term “ hand sanitizing fluid ” as used herein refers to any non - irritating , antimicrobial - containing composition in the form of a fluid , gel , spray , foam , cream , lotion , or tincture preparation designed for frequent use that can reduce the number of transient microorganisms , specifically pathogens , when applied to and dispersed over the hands and other skin areas . such preparations have a broad antimicrobial spectrum , are fast - acting , and are often persistent . representative of such agents are alcohols ( e . g . ethyl and isopropyl ), iodines ( e . g . hexachlorophene ), bisbiquanides ( e . g . chlorhexidine digluconate ), and quaternary ammonium salts ( e . g . benzalkonium chloride ) which are formulated singularly or in combination . this term is specifically intended to include all such preparations , known and unknown , that are capable of achieving a substantial reduction of skin resident pathogens when applied to the hands or other areas of human skin where such pathogens are found . the term “ flexible polymeric material ” as used herein refers to any polymer film capable of being constructed into a packet for containment and preservation of a hand sanitizing fluid . such polymer films as may prove useful for this purpose have sufficient flexibility to yield to finger pressure , are sufficiently durable to withstand reasonable hydraulic pressure created by fingers , have good crack and puncture resistance , have very good chemical resistance and low gas permeability , and are capable of being sealed to self or other materials . representative of such films are polypropylene and polyethylene . numerous grades , gauges , textures , combined in many lamination varieties , formed by many techniques , with numerous additives , and an even greater numbers of formulations provide a wide array of polymeric materials to select from , singularly or in combination , to satisfy the specific chemical , physical , and aesthetic attributes required for a specific packet &# 39 ; s construction , its content &# 39 ; s formulation , and the precise function for which it is intended . all known and yet unknown polymer materials functionally suited for use in constructing multi - dose packets containing hand sanitizing fluids are envisioned by use of this term . the present invention is best understood by several examples that illustrates and describes how various aspects of each apparatus and method functions . example 1 details the hand sanitizing fluid packet by means of illustrations ( fig1 - 8 ) and operational descriptions . example 2 describes a method using hand sanitizing fluid packets to achieve and maintain an effective level of personal hand hygiene . example 3 describes a method encouraging the distribution and retention of hand sanitizing fluid packets for hand sanitation by keeping them handy by various lottery and gaming techniques . the preferred embodiment of the packet generally designated by the reference number 10 of fig1 and 2 has a peripheral seal 20 joining front and back walls 23 of flexible polymeric material ( 2 - mil polypropylene ) to enclose and contain a hand sanitizing fluid 11 ( purell hand sanitizer , 62 % alcohol ) with two chambers , a first chamber 12 and a second chamber 14 . overall dimensions in this packet embodiment are 9 × 3 × 0 . 5 centimeters with first chamber 6 - centimeters long and second chamber 2 . 5 - centimeters long and the balance of the length in sealed edges 20 and margins 18 . creating and dividing these adjacent chambers is a partitioning means in the form of a two - part barrier 17 a and 17 b created by sealing the front and back walls 23 in a like manner used to create the peripheral seal 20 . creation of the seals can be achieved by a number of means well known in the art , herein the common technique involving heat and pressure are used to create the seals . the two distinct chambers , 12 and 14 , are in fluidic communication in that the contained fluid 11 can be transferred between the two chambers , 12 and 14 , by a relatively small constrictive gap ( about 1 - millimeter or less ) 15 in the thin barrier seal ( about 1 - millimeter wide ) 17 a / b . this inter - chamber fluidic transfer is made possible by appropriate placed stresses such as pressure applied to the pocket walls 23 of flexible polymeric material by fingers . in fig5 and 6 the filled reservoir of the first chamber 12 is shown in a cross section view , fig6 shows fingers 41 and 42 applying pressure and filling second chamber 14 with fluid 11 . typically , the first chamber 12 acts as a reservoir of hand sanitizing fluid ( typically 3 - millimeters , but ranging 2 - 8 millimeters ) that constitutes plural doses of fluid 11 to be dispersed over perhaps a day &# 39 ; s time . by applying pressure to the first chamber 12 , fluid 11 is pushed through the barrier gap 15 into the second chamber 14 . the amount of fluid 11 transferred from the first 12 to second chamber 11 is easily controlled by the amount of pressure applied and gauged by eye given the transparency of at least part of one wall 23 of the packet 10 . when a predetermined amount of fluid 11 has been transferred , typically 1 - 2 milliliters , into the second chamber 14 , a tear 22 is created by fingers in the second chamber 14 walls 23 starting at a manufactured notch 19 in the margin 18 beyond the peripheral seal 20 at the top of the second chamber 14 . this tear 22 forms the dispersal exit for the measured dose of fluid 11 from the second chamber 14 . dispersal is accomplished by holding the packet by the fingers of one hand in the area of the first chamber 12 , placing thumb and forefinger of the other hand on opposite walls 23 of the second chamber 14 at the barrier seal 17 a / b , and stripping the second chamber &# 39 ; s 14 measured dose of fluid 11 toward and out of the exit tear 22 into the cupped hand created by the finger arrangement . the second chamber 14 has performed the role of first holding the measured fluid 11 transfer from the reservoir first chamber 12 and then acted as a dispensing structures that cleanly , accurately , and with little or no waste deposited the dose into a hand for rubbing and reduction of hand - borne pathogens . a third role for the second chamber 14 is now begun ; the interior surfaces of the second chamber &# 39 ; s 14 wall 23 still retain a thin film of fluid 11 . this thin residue weakly holds the walls 23 together , partially by adhesion and somewhat by the dynamics that govern fluidic films . by holding the walls 23 together a minute surface area is exposed to evaporation in the area of the tear 22 , consequently there is little lose of fluid 11 at the film / atmosphere interface and it slows even more as the interface edge surface does retreat between the walls to a point where the retreat stops , a point where the atmospheric boundary becomes so saturated with evaporated fluid 11 and lack of atmospheric circulation that for all purposes a seal is formed preventing further loss . the second chamber 14 has become a dispensing valve means , a form of film seal , specifically designed to control loss of fluid 11 from the packet 10 by retarding evaporation and leakage . this dispensing valve works in conjunction with a second fluid control means created by the barrier 17 a / b and the gap 15 therein . the barrier 17 a / b and gap 15 structures illustrated in fig3 and 4 show alternatives positions of the two - part barrier 17 a and 17 b . in fig3 the barrier parts 17 a / b are placed so as to form a conjunctive angle to one another as they bear on forming the gap 15 . this is in contrast to the aligned relationship of the barrier 17 a / b shown in fig1 and 2 . in fig4 the barrier 17 a / b shows as offset , asymmetrical position of the gap 15 . all these barrier gap 15 positions and barrier 17 a / b alignments produced comparable results . in fig2 marks 32 and 33 on the body of the packet 10 are shown as printing on the exterior surface of a packet 10 wall 23 . such marks can denote a wide range of meanings and values , including such useful communications as addresses , advertising messages , call numbers , codes , company names , event commemorations , event dates , decorative art , facility names , formulas , fortune predictions , gaming symbols , instructions , internet addresses , logos , lottery numbers , lottery symbols , meaningful images , notations , promotional slogans , raffle numbers , schedules , trademarks , and other meaningful communications . in this example “ tongass bay alaska cruise august 2004 ” commemorates a cruise ship &# 39 ; s visit to a remote locale . making one wall 23 or a portion of the packet 10 opaque facilitates the reading or deciphering of any marking placed on the packet 10 . the gap 15 forms a fluid passage governing means that can , when actuated by fluidic pressure originating from either chamber , stops fluidic communication between the chamber up to a moderate level of such pressure . this governing means takes the form of a self - forming choke that stops low level pressure pushing fluid 11 into the second chamber 14 and destroying the weak film seal which could lead to substantial leakage and loss of fluid 11 after an initial usage . under even slight pressure the gap &# 39 ; s 15 design created by it small width defined by the two barrier 17 a / b ends resists fluid movement and builds pressure on the flexible walls surrounding the gap 15 area . in fig7 this reservoir pressure 61 distorts the packet walls 23 in the gap 15 and closes the opening 52 by lateral pressure 62 deforming in a crimping fashion the flexible nature of the polymeric material used to form the walls 23 of the packet . a choke valve 52 self - formed by pressure capable of moving the fluid 11 through the choke area , the gap 15 , restricts that same flow . this restriction is sufficient to control unintended discharges from the first chamber 12 into the second chamber 14 and out through the exit tear 22 that would create unexpected leakage and similar undesirable discharges . the choke can be opened in two ways to allow fluid passage into the second chamber 14 when intended and desirable . simply by continuing to increase the pressure applied to the walls 23 , it will eventually become possible to overcome the self - formed choke and fluid 11 will squirt into the second chamber 14 . the pressure required can be significantly high and possibly beyond the strength of some users . a second and easier method of opening the choke 52 is shown in fig8 where tension 63 applied to the notched 19 end of the second chamber 14 . by pulling on the packet 10 end where the tear 22 is located , while holding and applying pressure to the first chamber 12 reservoir of fluid 11 , the deformed gap 15 area of the choke 52 is straightened out 62 sufficient to allow the fluid 11 to pass into the second chamber 14 for eventual discharge through the tear 22 exit . the release of pressure or it dropping below a certain level either removes the self - forming choke 52 or allows the choke 52 to reform , in either case fluid 11 flow is once again restricted . transparent walls 23 of the packet permit a number of novel advances in the art of hand sanitizing fluid dispensers . with clear walls 23 it becomes possible to visually inspect the quantity and location of the fluid 11 in the first 12 and second 14 chambers so proper manipulation is possible . the same clear walls 23 facilitate stripping the fluid for dispersement . visual inspection for the quality of the fluid 11 is also made possible . packet selection made by sight based on the color of the fluid 11 is now also possible , as can the same opportunity for choice selection based on fluid 11 color indicating the inclusion of specific additives or formulation with specific antimicrobial properties . clear walls 23 also permit inspection to determine the degree of completeness when kneading the fluid 11 is necessary to mix separated ingredients . it should be noted that by design , materials are called upon to perform many different role , thus packaging is kept to a minimal amount to reduce ecological impacts , lower costs , and contribute to the packet &# 39 ; s small size . fluid waste is also negligible by virtue that every drop can be effectively stripped from the packet 10 . small bottles consume many times the packet &# 39 ; s 10 packaging resources and are notoriously wasteful of the fluid left trapped inside . the packet 10 permits full extraction of hand sanitizing fluid 11 leading to a greater economy of usage . a disposable multi - dose packet of hand sanitizing fluid with self - sealing features that is unobtrusively carried in an easily accessible pocket would greatly contribute to the timely need to sanitize hands several times a day . convenience of use and access are key features . for example , follow this narrative of a typical use that illustrates the promotion and subsequent attainment of effective hand sanitation . a father takes his daughter to a fast - food restaurant for lunch while out shopping . he places their order at the counter , pays , receives change , and their food tray . they find a booth and sit down . before digging in , the father quickly retrieves from his shirt pocket a hand sanitizing fluid packet he had opened earlier in the morning after handling many items at a popular flea market . he offers the packet end to his daughter who reaches out and strips a dose of hand sanitizing fluid into her cupped hand and rubs . he does the same and drops the packet back into his packet without further ado . they now enjoy their lunch with a sense of well being , knowing the risk of hand - borne pathogens has been addressed . this scenario is useful for purposes other than a functional illustration . the father may have bought the packet for his own and his family &# 39 ; s health benefit , or he may have obtained the packet at a mall as a promotional item when he bought a book , conducted a bank transaction , or picked up a prescription at his the health clinic . or perhaps it was leftover from a recent air flight or vacation aboard a cruise ship . it might have been bought or distributed in a number of circumstances including air travel , assemblages , barrooms , business dealings , checkout counters , conventions , cruise ships , disaster relief , educational facilities , elder care facilities , expeditions , financial institutions , food services , ground transportation , health clinics , hospitals , livestock events , lodgings , malls , manufacturing facilities , meetings , military installations , offices , parties , political gatherings , potlucks , prisons , promotional events , public events , public facilities , religious services , rest homes , schools , service counters , shops , sporting events , theaters , toilet facilities , zoos and other situations . whatever its origin , the wide distribution has contributed to its use this day , at this table , for their health benefit . various modes of carrying the packet are also useful in promoting and attaining hand sanitation . by placing hand sanitizing fluid packets in carrying devices other than pockets , the opportunities for a timely reminder and access are improved . placing a hand sanitizing fluid packet in a backpack , belt pack , briefcase , computer case , garment , lanyard attachment , lunchbox , lunch bag , notebook , purse , pocket , sports bag , tool box , telephone carrier , wrist band increases the probability of use . perhaps the narrative of the father and daughter at lunch would be more telling if instead of the father offering the packet to the daughter , the child offered a packet to the father . she picked up the habit in school and was now sharing it , with justifiable pride , with her father . habit formation is initially based on repetitive action and a key element in making that repetitive action possible is available circumstances . for example , the habit of using a fork to eat is not likely to develop if a fork is missing when food is served . the same is true in developing the habit of using hand sanitizing fluid packets to regularly sanitizing hands , the packets must be available at all times to form the habit of cleaning hands . any and all techniques useful to distributing and having the user retain a hand sanitizing fluid packet is a major step toward developing a use habit simply because the packet is available in an opportune and timely manner . one technique for promoting hand sanitation is to introduce lottery and gaining aspects so as to encourage the distribution and retention of hand sanitizing fluid packets . in the following scenario a lottery encourages and supports a significant health objective . a cruise ship &# 39 ; s company is concerned about an outbreak of the nasty gastrointestinal norwalk flu ; two other ships in the fleet have had so many cases whole trips have been cancelled to decontaminate the vessels . the owners , officers , and crew can ill afford the staggering losses an outbreak would cause ; passengers are understandable nervous about getting sick during a long planned vacation . the ship &# 39 ; s officers and crew have done and continue to do everything possible to keep the facilities germ - free , but they know the problem does not lie with the ship . it is with the passengers that harbor the virus . when they came aboard from around the world , they bring with them a veritable menagerie of germs gathered from home and along the way . when they take day trips ashore during the cruise they bring new ones aboard from these ports of call that have become literally crossroads of world travel . to combat these continual infectious assaults the ship has introduced hand sanitizing fluid packets , and to encourage their distribution and retention has hit upon a dining lottery . at each meal a hand sanitizing fluid packet is passed out or placed with the table setting . each packet bears a lottery number 23 as shown in fig2 along with the ship &# 39 ; s name and company logo . the winning numbers will be posted in the ship &# 39 ; s paper the following day for prizes of caps , shirts , and other items and services available on board . every passengers will acquire , retain and hopefully use the packet when the benefits of use are properly and repeatedly explained . making the packets so widely available through the lottery , and stressing the fact that everyone is in the same boat so to speak regarding public health , a significant reduction of hand - borne disease is a likely outcome . whether the motivation for acquiring the packet is to have a chance at a lottery prize and then used for hand sanitation , or acquired the packet for hand sanitation and kept them for a possible prize , the end results of distribution and retention are achieved . gaming can also achieve the same purpose . at lunch a group of men gather to open their lunch bags and socialize . included in the bags are hand sanitizing fluid packets with a poker hand displayed as markings , each one different based on the statistical spread of winning hands inherent to the game . the men engage in calling out real and fictional holdings to determine who buys the cold soft drinks or the like . the packets are also used to clean the hands in that they are literally already at hand . endless gaming options are possible based on this simple technique , and all of which encourage and promote the distribution of hand sanitizing fluid packets which can lead to usage . good public and private health habits are in our own hands . throughout this specification various publications are referenced . the disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which the invention pertains . what has been illustrated and described herein is an improvement in certain types of squeezable articles of manufacture representative of fluid containers made of flexible polymeric material , specifically for dispensing hand sanitizing fluid for hand hygiene . additionally , novel methods for employment and distribution of such article types have been described and illustrated by way of functional examples . while these improvements have been illustrated and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments , the present invention is not limited thereto . in particular , the foregoing specification and embodiments are intended to be illustrative and are not to be taken as limiting . thus , alternatives , such as structural or mechanical or functional equivalent , and other modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description . accordingly , such alternatives , changes , and modifications are to be considered as forming a part of the present invention insofar as they fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims .	1
as illustrated in fig1 , an embodiment of a crossflow filtration assembly 90 of the present invention comprises a manifold assembly 92 and at least one crossflow cartridge filter 94 . as depicted in fig1 , an embodiment of the crossflow filtration assembly 90 includes a supply tube 96 , a concentrate tube 98 and a permeate tube 100 . the crossflow cartridge filter 94 is more clearly illustrated in fig2 . generally , crossflow cartridge filter 94 comprises a filter housing 108 , a crossflow filtration element 110 , a flow director 112 and a filter cap 114 . filter housing 108 , flow director 112 and filter cap 114 are constructed of suitable polymers for example , polypropylene or polyethylene . crossflow cartridge filter 94 is constructed so as to be fixedly sealed and closed such that when replacement is necessary , the entire cartridge is replaced as opposed to replacing individual cartridge components such as crossflow filtration element 110 . this system has a single filter element . different systems can incorporate different numbers of filter elements , such as two , three , four or more of the same or different types , as well as holding tanks . one particular design with multistage filtration is described further below . as is shown in fig2 and 3 , filter housing 108 comprises a molded polymeric structure having an open end 116 and a closed end 118 . in some embodiments , filter housing 108 comprises a gripping element 120 as shown in fig2 , for example a projecting surface , on closed end 118 . open end 116 can include an internal circumferential notch 122 to promote the interconnection and assembly of crossflow cartridge filter 94 . filter housing 108 generally can have a smooth inner wall 124 and can include an internal projection 126 protruding upward from the internal surface of closed end 118 , as shown in the cross - sectional view of fig3 . internal projection 126 can comprise a tapered guide surface 128 for use during assembly of crossflow cartridge filter 94 . as depicted in fig4 , crossflow filtration element 110 can comprise a spirally wound design referred to as a spiral wound element , in which a crossflow filter membrane media 130 is glued to and wrapped around an interior permeate tube 132 having one or a plurality of tube bores 134 . permeate tube 132 has a cylindrical configuration including an open tube end 136 , a closed end 138 and a tube recess 140 . at open tube end 136 , permeate tube 132 includes a weld channel 142 . a tube recess 140 can be dimensioned to accommodate insertion of internal projection 126 of filter housing 108 ( fig3 ) during assembly . for purposes of clarity , it is to be understood that the tube bores 134 are located between open end 136 and closed end 138 . in some embodiments , the crossflow filter membrane media 130 can comprise two sheets of membrane , for example sheets of reverse osmosis , nanofiltration , ultrafiltration or microfiltration membrane , sandwiched over a spacer material . the two sheets of membrane can be glued around three sides with a fourth side being open and glued to the permeate tube 132 allowing water to be filtered through the individual flat sheets , into the spacer material , through the tube bores 134 and finally into permeate tube 132 . the crossflow filter membrane media 130 can be manufactured of polymers such as cellulose acetate , polyamide and polysulfone . suitable crossflow filter membrane media 130 is manufactured and sold by companies such as ge water technologies ( formerly osmonics , inc . ), dow liquid separations / filmtec , hydranautics and koch membrane systems , among others . in alternative embodiments , the crossflow filter membrane 130 can comprise tubular elements and / or sheets of membrane . flow director 112 depicted in fig2 and 5 , comprises a media end 144 , a cap end 146 , a central throughbore 148 and a plurality of perimeter throughbores 150 . central throughbore 148 and perimeter throughbores 150 are isolated by interior wall 152 . media end 144 has a circular configuration with a diameter slightly greater than open end 136 of interior permeate tube 132 such that a circumferential projecting lip 154 projects around the perimeter of crossflow filtration element 110 . central throughbore 148 interfaces with media end 144 at a projecting sealing surface 156 . projecting sealing surface 156 is dimensioned for insertion into open end 136 and includes a flanged sealing surface 158 having a circumferential weld energy director 160 corresponding to weld channel 142 of interior permeate tube 132 . cap end 146 is defined by end surfaces of an exterior wall 162 , interior wall 152 and a plurality of support ribs 164 shown in fig2 . filter cap 114 depicted in fig2 , 6 , 7 and 8 comprises a manifold engagement end 166 , a cartridge sealing end 168 , a plurality of supply throughbores 170 , a central permeate throughbore 172 and a concentrate bore 174 . permeate throughbore 172 is dimensioned to accommodate the insertion of interior wall 152 of filter damn 112 . concentrate bore 174 is defined by an outlet portion 174 a and an inlet portion 174 b . outlet portion 174 a can comprise a precision drilled or molded bore restriction . alternatively , an orifice , for example a drilled orifice with an orifice filter , can be mounted within the outlet portion 174 a to provide a desired cross - sectional opening with the outlet portion 174 a . an interconnecting cavity 176 is exposed at manifold engagement end 166 and includes a plurality of notches 178 along a perimeter wall 180 of interconnecting cavity 176 . also within interconnecting cavity 176 is a pair of arcuate interface ramps 182 a , 182 b . a sealing cavity 184 is exposed at cartridge sealing end 168 and is dimensioned to accommodate flow director 112 . filter cap 114 includes an exterior surface 186 including a fastening element for connecting with a mated fastening element on the assembly manifold 102 . the fastening element can comprise a pair of circumferential ramps 188 a , 188 b , also depicted in fig2 . for interfacing with filter housing 108 , the filter cap comprises a circumferential insertion lip 190 , a circumferential recess 192 and a circumferential flange 194 . while in this embodiment filter damn 112 and filter cap 114 are separate elements , these elements can be formed as a single integral unit . a sectional view of an assembled crossflow cartridge filter 94 is illustrated in fig9 . flow director 112 is positioned with respect to crossflow filtration element 110 such that the projecting sealing surface 156 is slidingly inserted into the open tube end 136 . when properly positioned , weld energy director 160 at least partially resides within weld channel 142 . using a suitable welding process , for example spin welding or ultrasonic welding , the weld energy director 160 and weld channel 142 can be attached . at the same time , projecting lip 154 can be sealed by friction bonding and / or the use of a suitable adhesive about the outside of crossflow filtration element 110 . crossflow filtration element 110 is directed into the open end 116 of filter housing 108 such that the internal projection 126 is inserted into the tube recess 140 . filter cap 114 is positioned and directed such that the cartridge sealing end 168 is proximal the cap end 146 and the open end 116 , causing slidable insertion of the interior wall 152 into the central permeate throughbore 172 . simultaneously , the circumferential insertion lip 190 , circumferential recess 192 and the circumferential flange 194 contact the filter housing 108 , for example at internal circumferential notch 122 . using a suitable welding process , for example spin welding or ultrasonic welding , filter cap 114 is welded to filter housing 108 to form the completed crossflow cartridge filter 94 . suitable adhesive sealing methods can also be employed during the assembly of crossflow cartridge filter 94 in addition or as an alternative to a welding process . when assembled , crossflow cartridge filter 94 defines three distinct flow circuits : a feed water flow circuit , a permeate flow circuit and a concentrate flow circuit . incoming feed water enters the feed water flow circuit through the supply throughbores 170 such that the feed water flows through the filter cap 114 . the feed water then passes through the perimeter throughbores 150 on the flow director 112 and into crossflow filtration element 110 . as the feed water passes across the crossflow filter membrane media 130 , purified water enters the permeate flow circuit through the tube bores 134 in the interior permeate tube 132 . the permeate flow circuit is defined by the interior permeate tube 132 , the central throughbore 148 on the flow director 112 and the central permeate throughbore 172 on filter dam 114 . any water that passes across crossflow filtration element 110 without entering the permeate flow circuit flows out the bottom of the crossflow filtration element 110 and into the concentrate flow circuit . the concentrate flow circuit is first defined by the gap between the exterior of the crossflow filtration element 110 and the smooth inner wall 124 . the concentrate fluid circuit is further defined by the concentrate bore 174 whereby concentrate is collected and distributed out of the crossflow cartridge filter 94 . as illustrated in fig1 , an embodiment of manifold assembly 92 can comprise a distributing member 196 , a connecting member 198 , a spring loaded valve 200 , a pair of first o - ring seals 202 a , 202 b and a pair of second o - ring seals 204 a , 204 b . distributing member 196 is illustrated in fig1 and 11 . distributing member 196 has a distribution end 206 and a connection end 208 . extending between the distribution end 206 and the connection end 208 are a distribution feed throughbore 210 , a distribution concentrate throughbore 212 and a distribution permeate throughbore 214 . located on connection end 208 is a pair of attachment projections 216 . connection end 208 further includes a connecting surface 218 and a perimeter distribution wall 220 . perimeter distribution wall 220 includes a filter receiving means , shown as a pair of tabs 222 a , 222 b and a pair of sloped members 224 a , 224 b . connecting member 198 , as shown in fig1 , 13 and 14 , includes a manifold attachment end 226 and a filter attachment end 228 . manifold attachment end 226 includes a feed inlet bore 230 , a permeate outlet bore 232 and a concentrate outlet bore 234 . manifold attachment end 226 further includes a pair of manifold attachment members 236 for interconnection of the connecting member 198 to the distributing member 196 . filter attachment end 228 includes a connector projection 238 with a permeate throughbore 240 in fluid connection with the permeate outlet bore 232 . filter attachment end 228 further includes a feed outlet bore 241 . connector projection 238 has a pair of circumferential projection grooves 242 a , 242 b for receiving the o - ring seals 202 a , 202 b . connector projection 238 has a diameter such that connector projection 238 inserts into the central permeate throughbore 172 . connecting member 198 includes a pair of circumferential body grooves 246 a , 246 b for receiving o - ring seals 204 a , 204 b . located between circumferential body grooves 246 a , 246 b is a concentrate inlet bore 250 . manifold assembly 92 is generally constructed as shown in fig1 , 15 , 16 and 17 . distributing member 196 is oriented such that the connection end 208 is facing the manifold attachment end of the connecting member 198 . the spring loaded valve 200 is positioned such that it is captured and resides on a valve seat 251 within the distribution feed throughbore 210 and the feed inlet bore 230 as the distributing member 196 and the connecting member 198 are coupled . as the distributing member 196 and the connecting member 198 come into contact , the manifold attachment members 236 slide over the attachment projections 216 . once the connection end 208 and the manifold attachment end 226 are in physical contact , the distributing member 196 and the connecting member 198 are joined with a suitable joining technique , for example sonic welding and / or adhesive bonding . when the distributing member 196 and the connecting member 198 are operably joined , a continuous manifold feed channel 252 is defined by the distribution feed throughbore 210 , the feed inlet bore 230 and the feed outlet bore 241 ; a continuous manifold concentrate channel 254 is defined by the concentrate inlet bore 250 , the concentrate outlet bore 234 and the distribution concentrate throughbore 212 ; and a continuous manifold permeate channel 256 is defined by the permeate throughbore 240 , the permeate outlet bore 232 and the distribution permeate throughbore 214 . in alternative embodiments , the distribution member and the connection member can be formed as a single integral unit . following the assembly and plumbing of manifold assembly 92 , the crossflow cartridge filter 94 is sealingly attached to the manifold assembly 92 as shown in fig1 . in one embodiment , the crossflow cartridge filter 94 is rotatably coupled to the manifold assembly 92 . crossflow cartridge filter 94 is positioned and aligned such that central throughbore 148 is in alignment with and proximate to connector projection 238 . connector projection 238 is slidably inserted into central throughbore 148 such that circumferential ramps 188 a , 188 b physically contact tabs 222 a , 222 b . crossflow cartridge filter 94 is rotatably biased such that circumferential ramp 188 a is captured between tab 222 a and sloped member 224 a while circumferential ramp 188 b is simultaneously captured between tab 222 b and sloped member 224 b . further rotation of crossflow cartridge filter 94 causes approximation of the crossflow cartridge filter 94 and the manifold assembly 92 such that connector projection 238 is fully inserted into central throughbore 148 . ultimately , the first pair of o - ring seals 202 a , 202 b create a fluid tight seal between connector projection 238 and central throughbore 148 to prevent water leakage . as connector projection 238 is fully inserted into central throughbore 148 , either arcuate interface ramp 182 a or 182 b contacts the spring loaded valve 200 . as crossflow cartridge filter 94 is rotated , arcuate interface ramp 182 a or 182 b causes spring loaded valve 200 to compress such that the spring loaded valve 200 is lifted from the valve seat 251 . as spring loaded valve 200 is lifted from valve seat 251 , feed water can begin to flow into the manifold assembly 92 . once the crossflow filtration assembly 90 is assembled , feed water can begin to flow into the manifold assembly 92 through the supply tube 96 . the feed water flows past the spring loaded valve 200 within the manifold feed channel 252 and enters the crossflow cartridge filter 94 through the supply throughbores 170 . the feed water enters the crossflow filtration element 110 such that some water is directed through the membrane media 130 . as the water travels the length of crossflow filtration element 110 , the water volume decreases while the number of contaminants present within the water flow increases . at the end of the crossflow filtration element 100 nearest the closed end 118 , the concentrated feed water flows from the crossflow filtration element 110 to form a concentrate stream having a high concentration of contaminants . at the same time , purified water that has passed through the membrane media 130 is collected within the interior permeate tube 132 to form a permeate stream , essentially free of contaminants . the concentrate stream flows between the crossflow filtration element 110 and the inner wall 124 . by directing the concentrate stream in the gap between the crossflow filtration element 110 and the inner wall 124 , the potential for deadspots or regions of stagnant water is eliminated . by eliminating deadspots , the potential for biological growth and contamination within the crossflow filtration element 110 is minimized . the concentrate stream enters the circumferential concentrate bore 174 whereby the concentrate stream flows into the concentrate inlet bore 250 . o - ring seals 204 a , 204 b prevent the concentrate stream from contaminating either the feed stream or the permeate stream . from the concentrate inlet bore 250 , the concentrate stream is directed through the manifold concentrate channel 254 and to drain through the concentrate tube 98 . at various points , either within the manifold assembly 92 or the crossflow cartridge filter 94 , a restriction can be placed within the concentrate flow stream to backpressure the concentrate stream such that the volume of the permeate stream can be increased or decreased . for example , this restriction can take the form of a fixed or adjustable orifice located in first portion 174 a , or a valve within the manifold assembly 92 . the restriction is typically adjusted based on the water quality of the feed supply . for a high quality feed supply , the volume of the permeate stream can be increased as opposed to a feed water supply of a lower quality . for example , where the feed supply is of a poor quality , the recovery can be set at 50 % wherein half of the incoming feed supply is filtered to become the permeate stream . where the feed supply is of a high quality , the recovery can be set as high at 90 % wherein the flow rate of the permeate stream is 90 % of the flow rate of the feed supply . the purified permeate stream is collected within the interior permeate tube 132 whereby it flows through the central throughbore 148 and into the permeate throughbore 240 . once in the permeate throughbore 240 , the permeate stream flows through the manifold permeate channel 256 whereby the permeate stream is directed to points of use by the permeate tube 100 . in an embodiment , permeate tube 100 may deliver the permeate stream to a pressurized permeate tank for subsequent distribution to points of use . in the case of a pressurized permeate tank , the manifold assembly 92 could include a checkvalve to prevent any backflow of permeate from the pressurized permeate tank when the crossflow cartridge filter 94 is removed from the manifold assembly 92 . as illustrated in fig1 , crossflow filtration assembly 90 can be used in conjunction with a pretreatment filter 300 and a posttreatment filter 302 to form a water treatment system 304 . as illustrated , water treatment system 304 can further comprise a feed inlet 306 , a pretreatment manifold 308 , a shutoff valve 310 , a checkvalve 312 , a flow restrictor 314 , a drain 316 , a permeate outlet 317 , a storage tank 318 , a posttreatment manifold 320 , distribution stream 321 and a distribution control 322 . the water treatment system 304 can be selectively configured , through the use of various pretreatment filters 300 and posttreatment filters 302 to provide a desired filtered water quality based upon the available feed water quality . for instance , pretreatment filter 300 can include a filter media to remove particulate matter , chlorine , chloramines , organics or hardness . likewise , posttreatment filter 302 can include filter media to remove any remaining dissolved solids , chlorine , organics and biological material or to removed undesirable taste and / or odor associated with water stored in storage tank 318 . furthermore , pretreatment filter 308 can be configured to increase the permeate recovery of the crossflow filtration assembly 90 such that the flow rate to drain 316 is reduced . the flow restrictor can be used to alter the performance of the filtration medium . in particular , a more restricting flow restrictor can be used to lower the ratio of concentrate flow to permeate flow , while a less restricting flow restrictor increases the ratio of concentrate flow to permeate flow . in one alternative embodiment of water treatment system 304 illustrated in fig2 , crossflow filtration assembly 90 , pretreatment filter 300 , posttreatment filter 302 , feed inlet 306 , pretreatment manifold 308 , shutoff valve 310 , checkvalve 312 , flow restrictor 314 , drain 316 , posttreatment manifold 320 and distribution stream 321 can be incorporated into a unitary manifold assembly 330 . both pretreatment filter 300 and pretreatment manifold 308 as well as posttreatment filter 302 and posttreatment manifold 320 can make use of quick connect filter and manifold assembly designs having one inlet and one outlet , for example as disclosed in u . s . patent application ser . nos . 09 / 618 , 686 , now u . s . pat . no . 6 , 953 , 526 ; 10 / 196 , 340 , now abandoned ; 10 / 202 , 290 , now abandoned ; and 10 / 406 , 637 , now u . s . pat . no . 7 , 147 , 772 . although various embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed here for purposes of illustration , it should be understood that a variety of changes , modifications and substitutions might be incorporated without departing from either the spirit or scope of the present invention .	1
the drawings illustrate a dual transilluminator 10 embodying the invention . as seen in fig1 the dual transilluminator 10 generally comprises a housing 12 having a top wall 14 forming an upper surface 16 . the top wall 14 has therein a uv - transmissible window 18 preferably made of a purple filter glass . as shown in fig2 a first light source 22 is supported within the housing 12 for transmitting light through the window 18 . the first light source 22 preferably provides uv light . the uv light source 22 preferably comprises one or more fluorescent lamps 24 . a cooling fan ( not shown ) is preferably also incorporated within the housing to prevent thermal damage to the transilluminator components or to the various samples illuminated . in the preferred embodiment , the transilluminator 10 includes a uv - blocking cover 26 designed to shield the user from uv radiation from the uv light source 22 . the blocking cover 26 is made of an ultraviolet filtering material such as acrylic plastic . as shown , two hinges 28 pivotally connect the cover 26 to the housing 12 for movement of the cover between a blocking position ( fig2 ) and a non - blocking position ( fig1 ). with the cover 26 in the blocking position ( fig2 ), that is , flush against the housing 12 , it is possible for a user to observe a sample being illuminated with the uv light source 22 without risk of harmful exposure to uv radiation . additionally , the transilluminator 10 comprises a second light source 33 providing light different than that of the light source 22 . preferably , the light source 33 provides white light . the light source 33 is preferably a thin , lightweight el panel pivotally connected with hinges 33a to the housing 12 for movement of the el panel 33 between a raised or vertical position ( fig2 ) and a lowered or horizontal position ( fig1 ). when the el panel 33 is in the raised position , the window 18 is accessible . when the el panel 33 is in the lowered position , the window 18 is inaccessible . in the illustrated construction , the panel 33 includes ( see fig4 ) a conventional el lamp 34 ( partially shown ) sandwiched between upper and lower rigid plastic sheets 35 and 36 , respectively ( also partially shown in fig4 ). the upper sheet 35 , through which the el lamp 34 illuminates a sample , is opaque so as to even out or scatter the light from the el lamp . this prevents the light from being &# 34 ; grainy &# 34 ;, which is a common quality of el light . the upper sheet 35 is preferably made of no . 2447 white acrylic . the lower sheet 36 is also preferably made of acrylic , but can be any color , such as black . when in the lowered position , the el panel 33 has two perpendicular horizontal dimensions ( a length and a width ) and a vertical dimension ( a thickness ) substantially less than both the length and the width . it should be understood that the light source 33 could have different wavelengths ( including uv ) and could be mounted on the housing in a different manner for movement relative to the window 18 . for example , the light source 33 could slide relative to the housing 12 . also , the light source 33 could be a different type of thin panel , such as a fiber optic weave . a main power switch 37 , a three position switch 39 , and a panel position switch 41 are mounted on the housing 12 and constitute part of the control circuitry which provides power to the uv light source 22 and the el panel 33 . additionally , the control circuitry includes ( see fig3 ) a programmable logic device ( pld ) 43 , a transformer 45 , a rectifier 47 , a voltage regulator 49 , a dc to ac inverter 51 , a level shifting circuit 53 and a level shifting and isolation circuit 55 . the main power switch 37 has on and off positions , and when off , both light sources are off . in the preferred embodiment , the main power switch is connected in series with the ac power line . the transformer 45 and the rectifier 47 convert the line voltage from an ac voltage to a dc voltage . the voltage regulator 49 takes the voltage output from the rectifier 47 and converts it to 5 volts to power the digital circuitry , such as the pld 43 . the panel position switch 41 indicates to the pld 43 the position of the el panel 33 , i . e ., whether the el panel 33 is in its raised or lowered position . as shown in fig1 and 2 , the panel position switch 41 has a plunger or actuator which normally extends upwardly from the upper surface 16 of the housing 12 and which is pushed down by the el panel 33 when the panel 33 is lowered . preferably , the panel position switch 41 is connected to the pld 43 through a typical debounce circuit ( not shown ), and based on the position of the el panel 33 , either a logical &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; or a logical &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; is input to the pld . the three position switch 39 has high and low positions , which indicate the desired intensity of the uv light source 22 after a predetermined delay , and also a temporary reset position . the three position switch 39 is preferably of the single pole double throw type , although various other switch implementations are possible . the three position switch 39 is located on the upper surface 16 of the housing 12 so as to be inaccessible when the blocking cover 26 is in the raised position . the three position switch 39 is connected to the pld 43 through a typical debounce circuit ( not shown ) and indicates to the pld 43 via two input lines whether the three position switch is set to high , low , or reset . in the preferred embodiment , an oscillator 57 is also connected as an input to the pld . the oscillator 57 has a frequency of approximately twenty hz , and a counter in the pld 43 uses this input to count up to calculate the predetermined delay . this delay represents a time delay after which the uv light source is switched from high to low intensity , as further described below . thus , the pld 43 has four logic inputs and is programmed to provide three outputs . a first output is connected to level shifting circuitry 53 which feeds a dc to ac inverter 51 which has a 120 vac , 400 hz output for powering the el panel 33 . the other two outputs are level shifted and are isolated from the pld 43 to develop control signals which provide power to the uv light source 22 . when the el panel 33 is in its raised position , the main power switch 37 is turned on , and the three position switch 39 is in its high or low position , the uv light source 22 turns on . the uv light source 22 initially is powered on at high intensity , which is necessary to ignite the fluorescent lamps 24 ; however , if the three position switch 39 is in the low position , after the predetermined delay time , the uv light source 22 is set to a lower intensity . the panel position switch 41 is activated when the el panel 33 is moved to the lowered position . when the el panel 33 is moved to the lowered position , the pld 43 outputs control signals such that the el panel 33 is turned on , and the uv light source 22 is turned off . if the el panel 33 is then brought to the raised position , the panel position switch 41 is deactivated , and the pld 43 outputs a control signal to turn off the el panel 33 . the uv light source 22 , however , does not automatically turn on again until the three position switch 39 is temporarily reset and then switched to high or low by the operator . at that point , the uv light source 22 turns on . the additional reset required before the uv light source 22 turns on protects a user from uv light before the blocking cover 26 can be placed in its blocking position , which must be done before the user can reset the three position switch 39 . the el panel 33 can also be used as a stand - alone transilluminator . the power supply includes components similar to those used to power the el panel 33 in the transilluminator 10 .	6
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 . while the specification concludes with 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 drawing figures , in which like reference numerals are carried forward . the figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale . before the present invention is disclosed and described , it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting . the terms “ a ” or “ an ,” as used herein , are defined as one or more than one . the term “ plurality ,” as used herein , is defined as two or more than two . 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 language ). the term “ coupled ,” as used herein , is defined as connected , although not necessarily directly , and not necessarily mechanically . relational terms such as first and second , top and bottom , and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions . the terms “ comprises ,” “ comprising ,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non - exclusive inclusion , such that a process , method , article , or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process , method , article , or apparatus . an element proceeded by “ comprises . . . a ” does not , without more constraints , preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process , method , article , or apparatus that comprises the element . as used herein , the term “ about ” or “ approximately ” applies to all numeric values , whether or not explicitly indicated . these terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values ( i . e ., having the same function or result ). in many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure . in this document , the term “ longitudinal ” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the object being described . the device of the present invention provides a unique way to flavorfully alter the odor and taste of semen or other seminal fluid that is secreted or ejaculated by a male partner while engaging in oral - genital sex . the objective of the present invention is to improve the experience of coming into contact with or ingesting the semen or other seminal fluid by the partner who is performing the oral activity on the male partner and to add an unexpected and interesting element to the sexual act . referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first , particularly to fig1 , there is shown a first exemplary embodiment of the condom - like sheath device according to the present invention . the device 1 is comprised of a longitudinal tubular member 10 that has a proximal end 20 and a tapered distal end 30 . the longitudinal tubular member 10 is shaped to elastically conform to the elongated shape of a male genital member so as to prevent the inadvertent removal of the device 1 during sexual activity . the proximal end 20 provides an opening 25 that allows the male genital member ( not shown ) to be inserted into the device 1 such that the device 1 acts as a sheath that tightly covers the male genital member , when erect , in a condom - like fashion . the longitudinal tubular member 10 of the device 1 may be comprised of any suitable material for making condoms , such as natural or synthetically - made latex , as is well - known in the art . the opening 25 is shown in fig1 as being extended or stretched outward from its at - rest state of the device 1 , the dashed lines in the proximal end indicating a stretched contour of the opening 25 . in the present embodiment , the distal end 30 of the device 1 is provided with and terminates into a distal tip 35 that forms a reservoir 55 . as shown in fig1 , inside the reservoir 55 there is disposed a flavor - infusing agent 60 ( indicated with darkened lines ). the flavor - infusing agent 60 may be comprised of any non - toxic compound , or a combination of compounds , that is both edible and capable of commingling with , or otherwise altering the flavor profile or characteristic of , seminal fluid that has come into contact with the flavor - infusing agent 60 inside the reservoir 55 . such agents include , but are not limited to , flavored liquid substances , flavored gaseous compounds , or dry , flavored coatings , powders , or chemical films disposed inside or along the interior surface of the reservoir 55 . such agents may be in the form of , for example , flavored nectars , syrups , gels , or extracts , flavored , dry powders such as cocoa or mint powders , plain crystalline sugar or sugar infused with other flavors ( e . g . vanilla ), a flavor - infused vapor , and flavored liquids that have been applied as a film or coating on the interior surface of the reservoir and either remain in liquid form or are allowed to dry ( similar to the ingestible breath freshener films currently available on the market that dissolve on contact with the tongue ). in another example , a small mesh material or other type of porous or filter - like surface or barrier that imparts a flavor upon any substance that flows through it may be positioned inside the reservoir 55 . the flavor of the flavor - infusing agent 60 may be chosen from an extensive variety of flavors that include , but are not limited to , the flavor of any type of fruit , spice , mint , or candy . the flavor - infusing agent may be disposed within the reservoir 55 during the method of manufacture and assembly of the device 1 , or , alternatively , may be disposed within the reservoir 55 just prior to use of the device 1 . unlike existing condom devices , the distal end 30 of the device 1 is atypically made to not be completely or permanently closed . for example , as shown in the exemplary embodiment of fig1 , the distal tip 35 may include a small aperture 50 that allows fluid to leak from the reservoir 55 of the distal tip 35 , as is described in further detail below . in another exemplary embodiment , the distal tip 35 may be formed to have a perforated portion ( not shown ) that can be torn along the perforations , and in some cases , removed , to selectively create the small aperture 50 . in the first example , whereby the distal tip 35 is initially formed with a small aperture 50 , the small aperture 50 may be selectively sealed by a patch or tab 40 that is removably secured to the distal end 30 or the distal tip 35 such that it may be torn off at a later time when it is desirable to release or dispense the flavored solution 60 from the device 1 . the patch or tab 40 may be removably secured to the distal end 30 or the distal tip 35 by any suitable method that does not damage the exterior surface of the distal end 30 or the distal tip 35 and does not unduly hamper the sexual activity . for example , the patch or tab 40 may be removably secured to the distal end 30 or the distal tip 35 by a non - toxic and , if desired , edible pressure sensitive adhesive or a contact adhesive that is applied to the bonding surfaces of both the distal end 30 or the distal tip 35 and the patch or tab 40 . the above - described embodiments are merely exemplary and it is envisioned that there are a variety of ways , other than a single small aperture at the distal tip , in which the device 1 may be made to not be completely or permanently closed such that the contents of the reservoir may be secreted or exit the device 1 during use . for example , a number of perforated areas and / or selectively sealed apertures may be formed in a number of places along the distal end 30 of the device 1 , or elsewhere along the length of the longitudinal tubular member 10 of the device 1 . it is also envisioned that a system or series of one or more ducts ( not shown ) that are in fluid communication with the reservoir 55 may be formed in the interior of the device 1 . upon pressure build - up in the reservoir 55 , the ducts funnel or otherwise direct the contents of the reservoir 55 to another area of the device 1 for secretion . in operation , the condom - like sheath device 1 is applied to the male genital member in a condom - like fashion prior to engaging in sexual intercourse or oral - genital sex , whereby the fluid - infusing agent 60 has been disposed within the reservoir 55 . initially , the structural measures for selectively sealing the distal end 30 are kept in place . for example , with respect to the embodiment of fig1 , any perforations at the distal tip 35 are kept intact or , where used , the patch or tab 40 is removably secured to the distal tip 35 . as the sexual activity progresses , the perforations are broken or the patch or tab 40 is torn off or otherwise removed from the distal tip 35 at a desirable point in time , such as the instant before the male reaches climax . breaking of the perforations or removal of the patch or tab 40 creates or opens the small aperture 50 . by opening the small aperture 50 at that point in time , the ejaculate released by the male during climax substantially comingles or comes into contact with the flavor - infusing agent 60 . due to the force of the ejaculation , the flavor profile or characteristic of the seminal fluid is influenced by the flavor - infusing agent 60 , and the resulting fluid is dispensed or secreted from the distal tip 35 . as a result , any encounter by others with the seminal fluid is much less offensive in odor and taste due to the flavored additive . in fig2 , there is shown another exemplary embodiment of the condom - like sheath device 1 . similar to the exemplary embodiment depicted in fig1 , the device 1 is comprised of a longitudinal tubular member 10 , having a proximal end 20 and a tapered distal end 30 and shaped to elastically conform to the elongated shape of a male genital member . the proximal end 20 provides an opening 25 for insertion of the male genital member such that the device 1 acts as a sheath that tightly covers the male genital member as described above with respect to the embodiment of fig1 . the opening 25 is shown in fig2 as being extended or stretched outward from its at - rest state of the device 1 , the dashed lines in the proximal end indicating a stretched contour of the opening 25 . the distal end 30 of the device 1 terminates into distal tip 35 that forms a reservoir 55 in which there is disposed a flavor - infusing agent 60 . further , the distal tip 35 includes a small aperture 50 that allows fluid to leak from the reservoir 55 . however , in this particular embodiment , the small aperture 50 is not defined by one or more breakable perforations or is not temporarily and selectively sealed by a patch or tab that is removably secured to the distal tip 35 . rather , as is shown in fig2 , the small aperture 50 is selectively sealed by a second outer longitudinal tubular member 140 that is placed over the inner tubular member 10 in overlapping contact and covers at least the distal end 30 of the inner tubular member 10 . the second outer tubular member 140 is shaped to tightly overlap the inner tubular member 10 so as to prevent it from being removed inadvertently . thus , the second outer tubular member 140 may also be comprised of any material that is suitable for a condom device such that is has the necessary elasticity and , in an exemplary embodiment , the material is the same as the material of the device 1 . to further prevent the inadvertent removal of the second outer tubular member 140 , a non - toxic and , if desired , edible pressure sensitive adhesive or contact adhesive may be applied between the contact surfaces of the inner tubular member 10 and the outer tubular member 140 to temporarily hold the inner tubular member 10 and the outer tubular member 140 together . in a similar manner to the inner tubular member 10 , the second outer tubular member 140 has an open proximal end 125 that allows it to be slipped over at least the distal end 30 of the inner tubular member 10 . a distal end 145 of the second outer tubular member 140 terminates into a permanently closed distal tip 150 that forms a reservoir 155 . for purposes of the present invention , the term “ closed ” includes , but is not limited to an impervious barrier . for example , the term “ closed ” may , in some embodiments , be defined as meaning “ water impermeable .” reservoir 155 is shaped to receive the reservoir 55 of the distal tip 35 of the inner tubular member 10 when the second outer tubular member 140 is slipped over the inner tubular member 10 . accordingly , the small aperture 50 of the inner tubular member 10 is sealed by the overlapping , closed distal tip 150 of the second outer tubular member 140 . as described above , at a chosen point in time during sexual intercourse or oral - genital sex , it may be desirable to unseal the small aperture 50 to allow fluids to leak from the distal tip 35 . this is accomplished by pulling off or otherwise removing the second outer tubular member 140 and leaving the inner tubular member 10 completely exposed . by unsealing the small aperture 50 at that point in time , the force of the ejaculate released by the male during climax causes the seminal fluid to substantially comingle or come into contact with the flavor - infusing agent 60 and to be dispensed or secreted from the distal tip 35 with an altered flavor profile or characteristic . as one exemplary embodiment for assisting with removal of the second outer tubular member 140 from the inner tubular member 10 , one or more tabs 160 can be located at the second outer tubular member 140 and the tabs 160 can be attached to the second outer tubular member 140 or integral therewith . referring now to fig3 , there is shown another exemplary embodiment of the condom - like sheath device 1 . similar to the exemplary embodiments depicted in fig1 and 2 , the device 1 is comprised of a longitudinal tubular member 10 , having a proximal end 20 and a tapered distal end 30 and shaped to elastically conform to the elongated shape of a male genital member . the proximal end 20 provides an opening 25 for insertion of the male genital member such that the device 1 acts as a sheath that tightly covers the male genital member as described above with respect to the embodiments of fig1 and 2 . the opening 25 is shown in fig3 as being extended or stretched outward from its at - rest state of the device 1 , the dashed lines in the proximal end indicating a stretched contour of the opening 25 . the distal end 30 of the device 1 terminates into a distal tip 35 that forms a reservoir 55 in which there is disposed a flavor - infusing agent 60 . the distal tip 35 has a small aperture 50 that allows fluid to leak from the reservoir 55 through a one - way valve 240 that is integral with the distal tip 35 and permits fluid to exit , but not enter , the reservoir 55 in only one direction . examples of a suitable one - way valve include , but are not limited to , a check valve , a flap valve and / or a slit valve . the one - way valve 240 is operable to open when the amount of pressure or force inside the reservoir 55 reaches a certain point that is sufficient to bias the one - way valve open . in this particular embodiment , the one - way valve 240 is configured to open in response to the natural pressure that is created during male ejaculation . thus , in operation , the ejaculate released by the male during climax causes the one - way valve 240 to open , thereby causing the semen to combine with or come into contact with the flavor - infusing agent 60 and to exit the device 1 through the aperture 50 at substantially the same time . to further the intensity of the flavor of the device 1 , flavorful elements may be applied to or integrated into the exterior surface of the device 1 , as is well - known in the art . in addition , to provide a visual indication of the flavor of the flavor - infusing agent 60 that is disposed inside the reservoir 55 of the distal tip 35 , artistic embellishments may be applied to the exterior surface of the device 1 to enhance or create a theme that is consistent or associated with the particular flavor of the agent 60 . the foregoing description and accompanying drawings illustrate the principles , preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the invention . however , the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above . additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and the above - described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive . accordingly , it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims .	0
fig1 compares two different coil arrangements with each other , namely a first coil system ws 1 according to the prior art this application proceeds from and a second coil system ws 2 of a first embodiment of the invention . the coil system ws 1 comprises two coils 1 , 2 of an identical diameter of for example 88 mm and a distance of 0 . 5 cm of the two coils in the direction of reception e . in the case of the second coil system ws 2 , both coils 1 ′, 2 ′ have different diameters , the smaller coil 1 ′ having a diameter of 60 mm and the other coil 2 ′ having a diameter of 88 mm . the distance of the two coils in the direction or reception e is again 0 . 5 cm . the graph according to fig1 bottom left very diagrammatically illustrates a measuring arrangement , by means of which to test the two coil systems ws 1 and ws 2 . the respective coil system ws 1 or ws 2 is positioned on the measuring desk m . an interference signal is beamed in at an angle α and a distance r of 30 cm from a source of interference 3 in the form of a coil of a diameter of 10 cm . the measuring diagram seen in fig1 outlines the dependence on the angle α of the amplitude a of the received voltage in the respective coil system ws 1 and ws 2 . the angle a is laid off as radians on the ordinate of the diagram , whereas the amplitude a of the voltage of reception is not scaled on the abscissa . a dashed curve illustrates the angle - dependent behavior of reception of the prior art coil system ws 1 , whereas the solid line reflects the receiving signal of the coil system ws 2 according to the invention . as apparent from a comparison of the two graphs , the coil system ws 2 has a distinctly preferred direction in the case of an angle α = 0 . all sidebands of the receiving - signal curve are clearly lower than in the coil system ws 1 , having maxima at ± π / 2 and ± π . the coil system ws 1 exhibits identical sensitivity at α = 0 and α =± π , i . e . the sensitivity is the same forwards as well as backwards . the above comparison clarifies that certain directional characteristics can be attained by a corresponding selection of the diameters of the individual coils 1 ′, 2 ′ and the positions of the individual coils relative to each other , whereby the suppression of nonhomogeneous interference fields is improved . the graph of fig2 helps explain another problem posed by the inductive transmittal of data by the aid of coil arrangements as already addressed in the introductory part of the description details can be explained in conjunction with the measuring set - up seen in fig2 bottom left . again a measuring desk m is roughly outlined , on which to position a receiving coil system . disposed at a distance r therefrom in the direction of reception e is a transmitter coil 4 of a diameter of 2 cm , which represents for instance the transmitter coil of a cardiac pacemaker . the received power — as received by the coil system on the measuring desk m — depends on the lateral displacement x of the transmitter coil 4 relative to the receiver - coil arrangement on the measuring desk m . upon certain lateral deflections x the received power exhibits zeroes , as roughly outlined in the measuring g diagram of fig2 . the zeroes are recognizable by the cusps directed downwards in the individual graphs . the pairs of curves in the measuring diagram according to fig2 reflect a coil arrangement as roughly outlined in fig2 top left this coil arrangement comprises two double coil systems of a coil system ws 1 ′ ( illustrated by solid lines ) and a coil system ws 2 ′ ( illustrated by dashed lines ). the coil system ws 1 ′ comprises two coils 5 , 6 of a diameter of 60 mm and a distance from each other of 0 . 7 cm . both coils 5 , 6 are coaxial relative to each other . the coil system ws 2 ′ comprises two coils 5 ′, 6 ′ which are coaxial with the corresponding coil 5 , 6 of the first coil system ws 1 ′, having a diameter of in each case 88 mm . the coils 5 ′, 6 ′ are also in the same plane as the coils 5 , 6 , i . e . they also have a distance of 0 . 7 cm from each other . if the receiver coil system with the two coil systems ws 1 ′, ws 2 ′ is placed an the measuring desk m for example at a distance of r = 5 cm , a zero results at approximately 5 . 5 cm for the coil system ws 1 ′ and at 6 . 1 cm for the coil system ws 2 ′. other distances such as r = 1 cm or r = 9 cm will give zeroes at other positions of lateral displacement , for example x = 3 . 5 cm and 4 . 8 cm or x = 8 . 1 cm and 8 . 8 cm , respectively . the measuring diagram clearly shows that , by using two double coil systems with the coils 5 , 5 ′, 6 , 6 ′, the receiving behavior can be optimized by selection of the appropriate coil system ws 1 ′ or ws 2 ′, given a certain position of the transmitter and receiver coil systems relative to each other . failures in reception which are occasioned when a zero is hit are thus avoided the coils 5 , 6 and 5 ′, 6 ′ may be hard - wired in the way of hardware implementation or combined selectively via switches , as a criterion for the suitability of the respective coil combination , use can be made of the receiver signal amplitude , the signal - to - noise ratio or other criteria which speak for the best sensitivity of reception at a respective instant . for clarification it has to be added that with the arrangement of two double coil systems seen in fig2 also the improvement of the directional characteristic explained in conjunction with fig1 can be obtained for instance by circuitry of the smaller coil 5 and the greater coil 6 ′. fig3 to 5 illustrate an example of putting the two coil systems and measuring principles into practice , which have been explained fundamentally in conjunction with fig1 and 2 . they deal with a multi - section coil body 7 comprising four coils 1 , 9 , 10 , 11 which are disposed coaxially and in the direction of reception e at a distance one after the other . these coils 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 are wound on a respective coil body ( not shown ) with flanges 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 . the outer layers of the individual coils 8 to 11 are covered by insulating tape 17 . the coil 8 is a transmitter coil . the coils 9 , 10 , 11 can be put in circuit variably to constitute a receiver coil system the connecting lines 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 seen in fig5 of the coils 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 are wired to form a strand 23 and discharge in a plug 24 , by means of which the coil arrangement can be connected to a corresponding receiving circuit of a programing head of , for example , a cardiac pacemaker . as seen in fig3 to 5 , the two inner coils 9 , 10 are equipped with an identical number of windings and diameter and separated from each other by a wider flange 14 as compared with the other flanges 12 , 13 , 15 and 16 . the two coils 9 , 10 have a number of sixty windings which are formed by two layers of in each case thirty windings 25 wound in the same direction . a spacer 26 is provided between the layers , keeping the two layers of the coils at a distance of 1 mm from each other . the lowermost coil 11 has a smaller diameter and a number of eighty - three windings equi - directionally wound in three layers of thirty , twenty - three and again thirty successive windings . again a spacer 26 is disposed between the layers of the coil , there - between keeping a distance of in each case 1 mm . as seen in fig4 the coils 9 , 10 , 11 are wound in the same direction and joined by their first ends in a neutral point 27 . the second ends of the coils 9 , 10 , 11 are connected via the connecting lines 20 , 21 , 22 . the transmitter coil 8 is separately connected via the connecting lines 18 , 19 . by corresponding circuitry of the connecting lines 20 to 22 via the plug 24 , for example the coils 11 and 10 can be combined to form a coil system ws 2 of coils of differing diameter and matched number of windings , or the coils 9 and 10 can be combined to form a coil system of an identical number of windings . thus , the three coils 9 , 10 , 11 are connectable to form two different coil systems .	6
by the subject invention , a soft chewable nutrition product is provided that can be used to provide a controlled dose of beneficial microorganisms . the product can be cut , formed , or extruded into any shape , such as in a tablet form , a cylindrical form , a nugget form , or even fanciful shapes such as fish or stars , and may contain one or more active ingredients . the active ingredients are incorporated into the matrix which is described in further detail below and which includes a starch component , a sugar component , a humectant component , water , and optionally , a fat or oil component . the product may also have other ingredients such as extenders , bulking agents , preservatives , emulsifiers , flavorings , and other food additives known to those of ordinary skill in the art such as , but not limited to , acidulants , antioxidants , dietary fiber , firming agents , flavor enhancers and lubricants . a probiotic active ingredient can also then be incorporated into the matrix . after mixing these ingredients , the product may then be formed into an appropriate shape . the relative proportions of a probiotic component , not listing an optional oil component , of the present invention are listed in table 1 generally speaking , the starch component of the matrix comprises 10 to 50 percent by weight of the matrix . more particularly , the starch component of the matrix comprises 15 to 40 percent by weight of the matrix , with 25 - 35 % being a most particular embodiment . while starch for use in the matrix can be of any suitable type , it is most preferred that at least part of the starch in the matrix be a highly derivatized or pregelatinized starch . where components are to be used in a product that will not withstand heating , it is preferred that all of the starch be pregelatinized . if a highly derivatized starch is present in the matrix , it should be present in an amount of about 50 percent by weight of the total starch and the balance of the starch being non - derivatized . more preferably , about 20 - 40 percent by weight of the total matrix and about 45 % of the total starch should be the derivatized starch . an example of preferred pregelatinized starches are those provided by a . e . staley . as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art , the selection of starches or the use of mixtures of starches may be used to achieve desired hardness properties . hardness can be measured using a chatillon digital force gauge ( dfis - 50 ) using an inverse wedge tip ( appearing as if a wedge has been removed from the center of the tip , leaving two edges at the sides , and a wedge - shaped gap in the center ). the chatillon digital force gauge ( dfis - 50 ) is turned on , and typically measurements are averaged over a number of samples , typically 6 . the units button on the front of the chatillon is pressed until lbs . is displayed , and the peak button on the front of the chatillon is pressed until “ peak ” and “ c ” for compression is displayed . a solid cylindrical product piece is placed on the round flat metal disk under the chatillon tip facing lengthwise perpendicular to the front of the chatillon device . then an arm is moved slowly backwards so that the tip lowers and is forced through the sample piece . the motion should take approximately 1 second . going too fast or too slow will can give inaccurate readings . the force in lbs . is then recorded from the face of the chatillon and logged . after each measurement , the zero button is pressed to reset the peak value back to zero . specifically , hardnesses of between 2 and 50 pounds measured on given the equipment and technique above are desirable to provide nutrition of potentially uncooperative subjects , such as animals so as to minimize resistance to intake of the nutrition . more specifically , the hardness can be between about 6 and 33 pounds . other amylaceous ingredients may be used in combination with the derivatized starch or alone , provided the starch limits are not exceeded . the amylaceous ingredients can be gelatinized or cooked before or during the forming step to achieve the desired matrix characteristics . if pregelatinized starch is used , it may be possible to prepare the product of the subject invention or perform the method of the subject invention without heating or cooking of any sort . however , if ungelatinized ( ungelled ) or uncooked starch is used , the matrix must be cooked sufficiently to gel or cook the starch to reach the desired content . starches that can serve as a base starch for derivatization include regular corn , waxy corn , potato , tapioca , rice , etc . such types of derivatizing agents for the starch include but are not limited to ethylene oxide , propylene oxide , acetic anhydride , and succinic anhydride , and other food approved esters or ethers , introducing such chemicals alone or in combination with one another . prior crosslinking of the starch may or may not be necessary based on the ph of the system and the temperature used to form the product . by “ amylaceous ingredients ” is also meant those food - stuffs sometimes termed extenders or bulking agents containing a substantial amount of starch and / or starch - like material . examples of amylaceous ingredients are cereal grains and meals or flours obtained upon grinding cereal grains such as corn , oats , wheat , milo , barley , rice , and the various milling by - products of these cereal grains such as wheat feed flour , wheat middlings , mixed feed , wheat shorts , wheat red dog , oat groats , hominy feed , rice bran , and other such material . also included as sources of amylaceous ingredients are the tuberous food stuffs such as potatoes , tapioca , and the like . generally speaking , the sugar component of the matrix comprises 25 to 50 percent by weight of the matrix . more particularly , the sugar component of the matrix comprises 25 to 40 percent by weight of the matrix , with 23 - 37 % being a most particular embodiment . the sugar component can be employed in a dry or crystalline condition or can be an aqueous syrup having a sugar concentration of from 50 to about 95 , preferably from 70 to about 80 , weight percent . the sugar used can be lactose , sucrose , fructose , glucose , or maltose , depending on the particular application and price or availability of a particular sugar . examples of various well established sources of these sugars are , corn syrup solids , malt syrup , hydrolyzed corn starch , hydrol ( syrup from glucose manufacturing operations ), raw and refined cane and beet sugars , etc . the humectant can be a polyhydric alcohol component of the matrix can be selected from glycerol , sorbitol , propylene glycol , 1 , 3 - butanediol , and mixtures thereof with each other or other humectant known to those of ordinary skill in the art . generally the humectant comprises about 0 to about 20 percent by weight of the matrix . more specifically , the humectant comprises about 5 to about 15 percent by weight of the matrix , or most specifically 9 - 11 % of the matrix . water is added to the other ingredients to form the matrix in the amount of at least 5 percent by weight of the ingredients of the matrix . more specifically , water is generally added in the matrix about 5 percent to about 20 percent by weight of the ingredients of the matrix . while water must initially be added in the amount of at least 5 percent by weight of the ingredients of the matrix , when the matrix is used in a food product , the moisture of the food product must be adjusted in accordance with all the ingredients . the desired moisture content may be achieved in any suitable fashion . normal processing may produce the moisture content desired . a standard drying step is optional and may be used if necessary . generally speaking , the probiotic component of the final product comprises from about 0 . 1 to about 30 % percent by weight of the matrix . more particularly , the probiotic component of the matrix comprises from about 1 to about 7 percent by weight of the matrix , with about 2 percent to about 6 percent being a most particular embodiment . the beneficial microbial , or probiotic ingredient is preferably a non - refrigerated type of live bacterial culture . one example is a lactobacillus / streptococcus bacterial culture . a suitable culture is sold under the identification of primalac 454 f / g by star labs / forage research of clarksdale , mo ., which contains lactobacillus acidophilus , lactobacillus casei , bifidobacterium thermophilum , and enterococcus faecium dehydrated fermentation products . suitable cultures may contain not only dehydrated fermentation products , but other additives present to give the culture appropriate handling characteristics . for example , beyond the culture fermentation products themselves , the recited primalac product also contains rice hulls , calcium carbonate , and vegetable oil . however , suitable probiotic materials will activate and grow under the influence of moisture . preferably , such the probiotic component ingredients are of a dried variety , though fluid culture components may also be used . optionally , the probiotic ingredient may be present with other additional active ingredients , such as ivermectin and pyrantel . ivermectin and pyrantel provide the additional health benefits of heartworm or pinworm protection . specifically , ivermectin can be provided in an amount of about 6 micrograms of ivermectin per kilogram of body weight and pyrantel can be provided in an amount of 5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight to prevent heartworm disease . in an exemplary form , intended for a patient having a body weight of about 25 kilograms , a 2 . 5 gram tablet can contain 0 . 006 % ivermectin , or 0 . 15 milligrams per tablet of ivermectin , and 4 . 6 % pyrantel , or 115 milligrams of pyrantel per tablet . other formulations can be made for patients with higher or lower body weights . a relatively dry product as exemplified in table 1 can also have preservatives , optionally present at a level of about 0 . 0 to about 0 . 5 %, an emulsifier to aid processing , optionally present at a level of about 0 . 0 to 0 . 2 %, and flavoring , optionally present at a level of about 0 . 0 to about 4 . 0 %. the high oil content product of the present invention , which may or may not contain the probiotic component , ivermectin , or pyrantel discussed earlier , can have proportions that are listed in table 2 . if the optional probiotic component is present , it can be added in the same percentages as present in the dry , non - oily product detailed above . the types of ingredients that are suitable for practice of the high oil content embodiment are the same as for the probiotic product . as indicated in table 2 , a product of the present invention can have a oil or fat component . the fat component of the matrix can be about 4 to about 25 % by weight of the matrix . more specifically , the fat component of the matrix is about 8 to about 22 percent by weight of the matrix , with the most specific product having about 10 - 20 % oil . the selection of the oil or oils to comprise the oil component can either be done to complement other elements of an intended diet , or provide a balanced source of nutrition in a single product , or provide non - nutritive benefits , such as hairball management in cats , that can have important health and well - being impacts . the fat or oil component of the matrix can be fat or oil of animal , vegetable or mineral origin , and may be either solid or liquid at room temperature . typical animal fats or oils are fish oil , chicken fat , tallow , choice white grease , prime steam lard and mixtures thereof . other animal fats are also suitable for use in the matrix . vegetable fats or oils are derived from corn , soy , cottonseed , peanut , flax , rapeseed , sunflower , other oil bearing vegetable seeds , and mixtures thereof . mineral oils may be obtained from petroleum processed petroleum . additionally , a mixture of animal or vegetable oils or fats is suitable for use in the matrix . while not wishing to be bound by theory , it is believed that an oil component provides encapsulation for probiotics present , aiding in isolating the probiotic ingredients from water that could lead to undesirable growth of the microorganisms . to form the matrix , the appropriate elements to the formula , including , but not limited to the starch system , humectant , sugar component and water , are mixed with equipment known to those of ordinary skill in the art . examples of such equipment can include , but are not limited to , a hobart mixer , a day mixer , or even an extruder , such as a screw extruder for permitting addition of ingredients at different points along the barrel . the preferred probiotic ingredients recited above should be handled at temperatures not to exceed about 190 ° f ., and desirably at room temperature ( e . g . between 68 ° f . or 20 ° c . and 77 ° f . or 25 ° c .). one approach to achieving low temperatures is to introduce the water to be mixed with the other ingredients in the form of ice . in general , the matrix formed has a water activity of 0 . 60 to 0 . 75 after a period of about 3 days , and will not foment the growth of the probiotic ingredient in storage , or sustain invasion by adventitious organisms such as molds or fungi that may be encountered during storage . the method can begin by combining the dry ingredients , including at least a starch component , sugar component and humectant . water can then be added to the dry ingredients to form a wet mix , or first wet intermediate . separately , emulsifier can be combined with the oil or fat to form a pre - emulsion . the pre - emulsion can then be mixed with the wet mix . if a non - greasy product is desired , the oil component and emulsifier should form a homogenous pre - emulsion prior to incorporating it into a wet mix to produce a dough . a non - greasy product will not have a shiny appearance , and will not shed noticeable amounts of oil onto bare hands when handled . other mixing apparatus , such as a sigma mixer , swept wall heat exchanger or the like may be used . if a natural coloration is desired in the final product pregelled starches are used to form the matrix . the use of these pregelled starches avoids high cooking temperatures which would destroy the desired natural coloration and / or active ingredient . if natural coloration active temperature sensitivity is not a problem , it is possible to use a cooked or ungelatinized starch to form the matrix and cook or gel the starch as the process is carried out . the incorporation of a derivatized starch in the product more clearly guarantees the softness of the product for a longer period of time . softness is also provided by the fats and oils in addition to the use of softer starches . in this fashion a suitable matrix is provided for use with a wide variety of active ingredients . having fully described the invention , the following examples are presented to illustrate the invention without limitation thereof . in these examples all parts percentages are by weight unless otherwise specified . the above ingredients are mixed at room temperature and formed into coin shapes and cylindrical shapes using a robot 500 continuous automatic vacuum sausage filling machine from vermag machinen und anlagenbau gmbh , obtainable through robert reiser & amp ; co . of canton , mass . the product has a dry non - greasy appearance , with no shine or wetness visible on the surface of the product . the samples had a hardness of about 33 lbs , based on the measurement system above using the digital force gauge . the above ingredients are mixed at room temperature and then vacuum formed using the vermag machine noted above . runs f , i , j were manufactured by creating a pre - emulsion of the mineral oil and the emulsifier . separately , the dry mix was mixed for 2 - 3 minutes , and the water was then added slowly to the dry mix , and mixed into the batch for at least three more minutes to form a first wet intermediate . the pre - emulsion was then blended with the first wet intermediate and mixed for at least three minutes prior to being formed as final product . the final products have a dry , non - greasy appearance . runs g , h , k were not made by adding a pre - emulsion to a wet mix , but rather by adding a stable emulsion of water , oil , and emulsifier to the dry ingredients . the result was a greasy product . by the above examples and tables 1 & amp ; 2 it is apparent that foodstuffs containing beneficial microorganisms and nutritionally important fatty acids may be provided in a chewable , storable form by the subject invention . for active ingredients that are water sensitive such as live microorganisms , then the amount of humectant is increased , to depress the water activity level down to about 0 . 65 while maintaining the stability and texture of the resultant product . the samples had a hardness of about 7 lbs , based on the measurement system above using the digital force gauge . a comparison of probiotic formula with and without added oil was conducted , showing that both formulations are suitable for the administration of probiotic ingredients . ingredient l m oil component 0 . 0 4 . 0 mineral oil 0 . 0 4 . 0 probiotic 6 . 0 6 . 0 component primalec 454 6 . 0 6 . 0 starch 25 . 0 25 . 0 component pregel corn starch 6 . 0 6 . 0 ( staley mira sperse 2000 ) pregel starch 19 . 0 19 . 0 ( staley mir - gel 463 ) sugar 23 . 0 23 . 0 component dextrose 8 . 0 8 . 0 sucrose 9 . 0 9 . 0 corn syrup 6 . 0 6 . 0 humectant 11 . 0 11 . 0 sorbitol 11 . 0 11 . 0 extender / 23 . 6 23 . 6 bulking agent rice bran 23 . 6 23 . 6 preservative 0 . 3 0 . 3 sorbic acid 0 . 2 0 . 2 sodium benzoate 0 . 1 0 . 1 lubricant 0 . 1 0 . 1 lecithin ultralec f 0 . 1 0 . 1 water 9 . 0 5 . 0 flavors 2 . 0 2 . 0 meat flavor 2 . 0 2 . 0 colony forming units per gram initial 4 . 06 × 10 6 3 . 39 × 10 6 after 1 month 4 . 06 × 10 6 3 . 04 × 10 6 after 2 months 1 . 67 × 10 6 1 . 31 × 10 6 the above ingredients are mixed at room temperature and then vacuum formed using the vermag machine noted above . the oil - containing run was manufactured by creating a pre - emulsion of the mineral oil and the emulsifier as in example 2 . the final product had a dry , non - greasy appearance . while the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment , 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 disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention , but that the invention will include all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims .	0
hereinbelow , an image formation device relating to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings . an image formation device 10 of the present embodiment , which is shown in fig1 , is a four cycle - type full - color laser printer . as shown in fig1 , a photosensitive drum 12 is provided inside the device , slightly upward and to the right of the middle of the device , to be rotatable . as this photosensitive drum 12 , for example , a conductive cylindrical body whose surface is covered with a photosensitive layer formed of opc or the like is employed , and the photosensitive drum 12 is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow at a predetermined processing speed by an unillustrated motor . a surface of the photosensitive drum 12 is electrostatically charged to a predetermined potential by a charging roller 14 , which is disposed substantially directly below the photosensitive drum 12 . then , image exposure is implemented by a laser beam lb , from an exposure apparatus 16 which is disposed below the charging roller 14 , and an electrostatic latent image is formed in accordance with image information . the electrostatic latent image that has been formed on the photosensitive drum 12 is developed by a rotating developing unit 18 , in which developers 18 y , 18 m , 18 c and 18 k for the colors yellow ( y ), magenta ( m ), cyan ( c ) and black ( k ), respectively , are arranged along a circumferential direction , to form a toner image of a predetermined color . here , the respective stages of charging , exposure and development of the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 are repeated a predetermined number of times , in accordance with colors of an image that is to be formed . for the development stage , the rotating developing unit 18 turns and the developing unit 18 y , 18 m , 18 c or 18 k of a corresponding color is moved to a development position facing the photosensitive drum 12 . for example , in a case of forming a full - color image , the respective stages of charging , exposure and development are repeated four times on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 , in correspondence with each of the colors yellow ( y ), magenta ( m ), cyan ( c ) and black ( k ), and toner images corresponding to the respective colors yellow ( y ), magenta ( m ), cyan ( c ) and black ( k ) are sequentially formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 . a number of rotations through which the photosensitive drum 12 turns for the formation of the toner image differs depending on the size of the image . for example , for a4 size , a single image is formed by the photosensitive drum 12 turning through three rotations . that is , over three turns of the photosensitive drum 12 , toner images corresponding to the colors yellow ( y ), magenta ( m ), cyan ( c ) and black ( k ) are formed at the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 . the toner images of the colors yellow ( y ), magenta ( m ), cyan ( c ) and black ( k ) that are sequentially formed on the photosensitive drum 12 are transferred by a primary transfer roller 22 at a primary transfer position , at which an intermediate transfer belt 20 is wound round an outer periphery of the photosensitive drum 12 , with conditions such that the toner images are mutually superposed on the intermediate transfer belt 20 . the toner images of yellow ( y ), magenta ( m ), cyan ( c ) and black ( k ) which have been multiply transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 20 are transferred , all at once , by a secondary transfer roller 26 onto recording paper 24 , which is supplied with a predetermined timing . meanwhile , the recording paper 24 is fed out by a pickup roller 30 from a paper supply cassette 28 , which is disposed at a lower portion of the image formation device 10 , and the recording paper 24 is supplied , by a feeding roller 32 and a retarding roller 34 , in a state in which one sheet at a time is being handled . the recording paper 24 is conveyed to a secondary transfer position at the intermediate transfer belt 20 , having been synchronized , by a registration roller 36 , with the toner image that has been transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 20 . the intermediate transfer belt 20 spans between a wrap - in roller 38 , the primary transfer roller 22 , a wrap - out roller 40 , a backup roller 42 , a first cleaning backup roller 46 and a second cleaning backup roller 48 , with a predetermined tension . the wrap - in roller 38 defines a wrapping position of the intermediate transfer belt 20 at an upstream side , in a direction of turning , of the photosensitive drum 12 . the primary transfer roller 22 transfers a toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 onto the intermediate transfer belt 20 . the wrap - out roller 40 defines a wrapping position of the intermediate transfer belt 20 at a downstream side of the wrapping position of the wrap - in roller 38 . the backup roller 42 abuts against the secondary transfer roller 26 with the intermediate transfer belt 20 therebetween . the first cleaning backup roller 46 and the second cleaning backup roller 48 oppose a cleaning apparatus 44 of the intermediate transfer belt 20 . the intermediate transfer belt 20 is driven in accordance with , for example , rotation of the photosensitive drum 12 so as to circulatingingly turn at a predetermined processing speed . herein , in order to facilitate a reduction in size of the image formation device 10 , the intermediate transfer belt 20 is structured such that a cross - sectional form in which the intermediate transfer belt 20 stretches is a flat , long , thin , substantially trapezoid shape . the intermediate transfer belt 20 integrally structures an image formation unit 52 with the photosensitive drum 12 , the charging roller 14 , the intermediate transfer belt 20 , the plural rollers 22 , 38 , 40 , 42 , 46 and 48 between which the intermediate transfer belt 20 spans , the cleaning apparatus 44 for the intermediate transfer belt 20 , and a cleaning apparatus 78 for the photosensitive drum 12 , which will be described later . it is possible to remove the whole image formation unit 52 from the image formation device 10 , by opening a top cover 54 of the image formation device 10 and manually lifting up a handle ( not shown ) which is provided at an upper portion of the image formation unit 52 . the cleaning apparatus 44 of the intermediate transfer belt 20 is provided with a scraper 58 and a cleaning brush 60 . the scraper 58 is disposed so as to abut against the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20 that is stretched against the first cleaning backup roller 46 , and the cleaning brush 60 is disposed so as to abut against the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20 that is stretched against the second cleaning backup roller 48 . residual toner , paper dust and the like is removed by the scraper 58 and the cleaning brush 60 , and is recovered to an interior portion of the cleaning apparatus 44 . the cleaning apparatus 44 is a structure which is provided to be capable of swinging in the anti - clockwise direction of fig1 , about a swinging shaft 62 . until secondary transfer of a final color toner image is complete , the cleaning apparatus 44 is withdrawn to a position which is separated from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20 , and when the secondary transfer of the final color toner image is complete , the cleaning apparatus 44 abuts against the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20 . the recording paper 24 to which a toner image has been transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 20 is conveyed to a fixing apparatus 64 and is heated and pressured by this fixing apparatus 64 . thus , the toner image is fixed onto the recording paper 24 . thereafter , in a case of single - sided printing , the recording paper 24 to which the toner image has been fixed is simply ejected , by an ejection roller 66 , to an ejection tray 68 which is provided at an upper portion of the image formation device 10 . on the other hand , in a case of double - sided printing , the recording paper 24 , to a first face ( front face ) of which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing apparatus 64 , is not simply ejected to the ejection tray 68 by the ejection roller 66 . in a state in which a trailing end portion of the recording paper 24 has been nipped by the ejection roller 66 , the ejection roller 66 is rotated in reverse , and a conveyance path of the recording paper 24 is switched to a duplex paper conveyance path 70 . the recording paper 24 is inverted , front to back , by conveyance rollers 72 which are provided at this duplex paper conveyance path 70 . in this state , the recording paper 24 is again conveyed to the secondary transfer position of the intermediate transfer belt 20 , and a toner image is transferred onto a second face ( rear face ) of the recording paper 24 . then , the toner image at the second face ( rear face ) of the recording paper 24 is fixed by the fixing apparatus 64 , and the recording paper 24 is ejected to the ejection tray 68 . furthermore , optionally , a manual feeding tray 74 can be openably / closeably mounted at the image formation device 10 , at a side face of the image formation device 10 . the recording paper 24 , of arbitrary size and type , which is placed on the manual feeding tray 74 , is supplied by a paper supply roller 76 and is conveyed , via a conveyance roller 73 and the registration roller 36 , to the secondary transfer position of the intermediate transfer belt 20 . thus , it is possible to form images on the recording paper 24 with arbitrary sizes and types . in each turn of the photosensitive drum 12 , after the stage of transfer of the toner image has been completed , residual toner , paper dust and the like at the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 is removed by a cleaning blade 80 of the cleaning apparatus 78 , which is disposed diagonally below the photosensitive drum 12 , and the surface is provided to the stage of formation of the next image . as shown in fig2 , the charging roller 14 is disposed so as to touch the photosensitive drum 12 , at a lower end portion of the photosensitive drum 12 . at the charging roller 14 , a charging layer 14 b is formed around a conductive shaft 14 a , and the shaft 14 a is axially supported to be rotatable . at a lower end portion of the charging roller 14 , at a side thereof which is opposite from the side thereof at which the photosensitive drum 12 is disposed , a cleaning roller 100 is provided . the cleaning roller 100 is a roller - form cleaning member which contacts the surface of the charging roller 14 . at this cleaning roller 100 , a sponge layer 100 b is formed around a shaft 100 a , and the shaft 100 a is axially supported to be rotatable . the cleaning roller 100 presses against the charging roller 14 with a predetermined loading , and the sponge layer 100 b resiliently deforms along the periphery of the charging roller 14 and forms a nipping portion 101 . the photosensitive drum 12 is driven to rotate in a clockwise direction of fig2 ( the direction of arrow 2 ) by an unillustrated motor , and the charging roller 14 is rotated in the direction of arrow 4 in accordance with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 12 . further , the roller - form cleaning roller 100 is rotated in the direction of arrow 6 in accordance with the rotation of the charging roller 14 . when the cleaning roller 100 is rotated , contamination such as toner and surface additives ( extraneous matter ) that has adhered to the surface of the charging roller 14 is cleaned off by the cleaning roller 100 . hence , this extraneous matter is taken into cells of a foam structure of the cleaning roller 100 . the extraneous matter accommodated in the cells agglomerates and , when the extraneous matter reaches a suitable size , is returned from the cleaning roller 100 to the photosensitive drum 12 via the charging roller 14 , and is recovered by the cleaning apparatus 78 which cleans the photosensitive drum 12 . thus , continuous maintenance of cleaning characteristics is realized . now , the charging roller 14 and the cleaning roller 100 of the present embodiment will be described . the charging roller 14 is disposed in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 as described above and a dc voltage , or an ac voltage on a dc voltage , is applied thereto . thus , the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 is electrostatically charged . a form of the charging roller 14 may be a roller form in which a resistive resilient layer constituting the charging layer 14 b is formed around a core which constitutes the shaft 14 a . the resistive resilient layer may have a structure which is divided into a sequence , from an outer side , of a resistive layer and a resilient layer which supports the resistive layer . further , in order to provide the charging roller 14 with endurance and soiling resistance , it is possible , in accordance with requirements , to provide a protective layer at the outer side of the resistive layer . hereinbelow , a case in which a resilient layer , a resistive layer and a protective layer are provided on the core will be described in more detail . because a material of the core is to exhibit conductivity , ordinarily , iron , copper , brass , stainless steel , aluminum , nickel or the like is employed . of materials other than metals , a material can be employed as long as it exhibits conductivity and suitable stiffness . for example , a resin - molded product in which conductive particles or the like are dispersed , or a ceramic or the like may be employed . furthermore , besides the roller form , a hollow pipe form is possible . as a material of the resilient layer , because the material is to exhibit conductivity or semiconductivity , the material is ordinarily a material in which conductive particles or semiconductive particles are dispersed in a resin material or a rubber material . as a resin material , a combined resin of polyester resin , acrylic resin , melamine resin , epoxy resin , urethane resin , silicon resin , urea resin , polyamide resin or the like , or the like is employed . as a rubber material , ethylene propylene rubber , polybutadiene , natural rubber , polyisobutylene , chloroprene rubber , silicon rubber , urethane rubber , epichlorhydrine rubber , fluorosilicone rubber , ethylene oxide rubber or the like , or a foam material in which such a rubber is foamed , is employed . as the conductive particles or semiconductive particles , carbon black , a metal such as zinc , aluminium , copper , iron , nickel , chromium , titanium or the like , a metal oxide such as zno — al 2 o 3 , sno 2 — sb 2 o 3 , in 2 o 3 — sno 2 , zno — tio 2 , mgo — al 2 o 3 , feo — tio 2 , tio 2 , sno 2 , sb 2 o 3 , in 2 o 3 , zno , mgo or the like , or an ionic compound such as a quarternary ammonium salt or the like , or the like can be employed . these materials may be employed singly or in a combination of two or more thereof . furthermore , in accordance with requirements , an inorganic packing material such as talc , alumina , silica or the like , or an organic packing material such as a fluorine resin , microparticles of silicon rubber or the like , can be used singly or in a combination of two or more . for the resistive layer and the protective layer , with a material in which conductive particles or semiconductive particles are dispersed in a settled resin to control resistance , resistivity may be set to 10 3 to 10 14 ω · cm , preferably 10 5 to 10 12 ω · cm , and more preferably 10 7 to 10 12 ω · cm . a layer thickness may be 0 . 01 to 1000 μm , preferably 0 . 1 to 500 μm , and more preferably 0 . 5 to 100 μm . as the settled resin , an acrylic resin , cellulose resin , polyamide resin , methoxymethylated nylon , ethoxymethylated nylon , polyurethane resin , polycarbonate resin , polyester resin , polyethylene resin , polyvinyl resin , polyarylate resin , polythiophene resin , polyolefin resin such as pfa , fep , pet or the like , styrene butadiene resin , melamine resin , epoxy resin , urethane resin , silicon resin , urea resin or the like is employed . as the conductive particles or semiconductive particles , similarly to the resilient layer , carbon black , metals , metal oxides , ionic compounds such as quarternary ammonium salts and the like which exhibit ion conductivity , and the like can be employed singly or in a combination of two or more . furthermore , in accordance with requirements , an oxidation inhibitor such as a hindered phenol , hindered amine or the like , an inorganic packing material such as a clay , kaolin , talc , silica , alumina or the like , an organic packing material such as a fluorine resin , microparticles of silicon rubber or the like , a lubricant such as silicone oil or the like , and suchlike can be added singly or in combinations of two or more . moreover , a surfactant , a charging control agent and suchlike are added in accordance with requirements . as a method for forming these layers , a blade coating process , a meyer bar coating process , a spray coating process , an immersion coating process , a bead coating process , an air knife coating process , a curtain coating process or the like can be employed . the cleaning roller 100 is formed from a core , which constitutes the shaft 10 a , and a porous resilient layer , which constitutes the sponge layer 100 b and which is formed at a peripheral surface of the core , and as described above , the cleaning roller 100 is disposed to contact the surface of the charging roller 14 . as a material of the core , a material which supports the porous resilient layer and exhibits stiffness to a degree capable of maintaining the state of contact with the charging roller 14 with a suitable abutting force is employed . ordinarily , a metal such as iron , copper , brass , stainless steel , aluminium , nickel or the like , or alternatively a resin - molded product , a ceramic or the like , or such a material in which conductive particles or the like are dispersed , or a material in which an inorganic filler is dispersed or the like may be employed . furthermore , besides the roller form , a hollow pipe form is possible . the porous resilient layer is a roller - form sponge , which is formed with a predetermined cell density . for example , an ether - based urethane foam , polyethylene foam , polyolefin foam , melamine foam , micropolymer or the like can be employed . taking a polyurethane foam as an example and briefly describing a fabrication method thereof , the foam is fabricated using a polyol , an isocyanate , water , a catalyst ( an amine catalyst , a metallic catalyst or the like ) and a foam stabilizer ( a surfactant ), and additives such as a pigment and the like are employed in accordance with an intended application . when these ingredients are mixed and stirred , chemical reactions occur and a foam body of urethane resin can be obtained . next , a support structure for the charging roller 14 and cleaning roller 100 relating to the present exemplary embodiment , and auxiliary rollers which are provided at each of the rollers , will be specifically described . as shown in fig3 , in the present exemplary embodiment , the charging roller 14 and the cleaning roller 100 are mounted at a box - like holder 120 , via a pair of bearing members 110 . the charging roller 14 and cleaning roller 100 are accommodated in this holder 120 and formed as a unit with the holder 120 , and are disposed at predetermined positions relative to the photosensitive drum 12 . as shown in fig4 , one of the bearing members 110 is formed in a cuboid shape ( a block shape ) and has a simple structure . the bearing member 110 is formed with a synthetic resin material , such as polyacetal , polycarbonate or the like , which has high stiffness and high slidability and is excellent in abrasion resistance . in order to further raise the abrasion resistance , the bearing member 110 may include glass fibers , carbon fibers or the like in the synthetic resin material . a bearing trough 112 and a bearing hole 114 , which are arranged with a predetermined spacing along a length direction of the bearing member 110 ( the vertical direction of fig4 ) are formed in the bearing member 110 . the bearing trough 112 is formed with a ‘ u ’- shaped cross section , which opens out at an upper end face of the bearing member 110 . an internal diameter of an inner periphery face portion of the bearing trough 112 , which has the form of a semi - circular periphery face , is substantially the same as a shaft diameter of a support portion 14 a , which is provided at an end portion of the shaft 14 a of the charging roller 14 . the support portion 14 a of the shaft 14 a of the charging roller 14 is rotatably fitted into this bearing trough 112 . because the photosensitive drum 12 side of the bearing trough 112 , which is the upper side thereof in the drawing , is open , when the support portion 14 a is abuttingly supported at the inner periphery face portion of the bearing trough 112 , a shape is formed in which a degree of freedom is provided to an abutting direction of the support portion 14 a toward the photosensitive drum 12 ( the direction of arrow 8 ). meanwhile , a support portion 100 a which is provided at an end portion of the shaft 100 a of the cleaning roller 100 is rotatably inserted into the bearing hole 114 . as shown in fig3 , the holder 120 is integrally provided with a pair of mounting portions 124 , at which the two bearing members 110 are mounted , at each of two end portions , along an axial direction of the charging roller 14 and cleaning roller 100 ( left and right side end portions in fig3 ), of a main body portion 122 of the holder 120 . a guide channel 126 is formed in each mounting portion 124 along a direction in which the mounting portion 124 extends . the bearing members 110 are fitted into these guide channels 126 , and disposed close to distal end sides thereof . the bearing members 110 are guided in the guide channels 126 and are made capable of sliding along the direction of extension of the mounting portions 124 ( i . e ., a direction toward and away from the photosensitive drum 12 ). a compression coil spring 128 is disposed at a base end side within each guide channel 126 . the compression coil springs 128 urge the bearing members 110 toward the photosensitive drum 12 . by spring force of the compression coil springs 128 , the bearing members 110 are urged toward the photosensitive drum 12 ( i . e ., in the direction of arrow 8 ), and the charging roller 14 is abutted against the photosensitive drum 12 . thus , at the pair of bearing members 110 , between the charging roller 14 of which the support portions 14 a at the two ends of the shaft 14 a are coaxially supported and the cleaning roller 100 of which the support portions 100 a at the two ends of the shaft 100 a are supported , as described above , the cleaning roller 100 is pushed against the charging roller 14 with a predetermined loading , the sponge layer 100 b resiliently deforms along the peripheral surface of the charging roller 14 , and the nipping portion 101 is formed ( see fig2 ). in this state , an inter - axis separation of the charging roller 14 and the cleaning roller 100 is fixed , and a relative spacing in the direction of abutting is kept constant . furthermore , a positional relationship in a direction intersecting the abutting direction ( substantially a direction of a contacting portion ( the nipping portion 101 )) is fixed , and relative positions are kept constant . consequently , a width of nipping is constant . further , as shown in fig5 , the photosensitive drum 12 side of the holder 120 , which covers the surroundings of the charging roller 14 and the cleaning roller 100 , is open ( the upper side of fig5 ), and in the state in which the holder 120 supports the rollers , a gap is formed between an upper edge portion 127 thereof and the photosensitive drum 12 . as shown in fig3 and 4 , at the charging roller 14 of the present exemplary embodiment , a pair of first auxiliary rollers 15 are coaxially mounted to vicinities of the two end portions of the shaft 14 a . in addition , at the cleaning roller 100 , a pair of second auxiliary rollers 102 , which correspond with the two first auxiliary rollers 15 , are coaxially mounted to vicinities of the two end portions of the shaft 100 a . each first auxiliary roller 15 is slightly spaced apart from the charging layer 14 b at the vicinity of the end portion of the shaft 14 a , and is fixed at a position so as not to contact the bearing member 110 . furthermore , as shown in fig6 , the first auxiliary roller 15 is located outside an image formation region of the photosensitive drum 12 ( i . e ., at a non - image - formation region ), and is disposed well away from the image formation region . the first auxiliary roller 15 has an outer diameter the same as an outer diameter of the charging roller 14 ( i . e ., of the charging layer 14 b ), or is set to be slightly larger . thus , the first auxiliary roller 15 contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 . further , with the first auxiliary rollers 15 of the present embodiment , a friction force between the first auxiliary rollers 15 and the photosensitive drum 12 is specified so as to be larger than a friction force between the photosensitive drum 12 and the charging roller 14 . more specifically , a resilient force of the surfaces of the first auxiliary rollers 15 is set larger than a resilient force of the surface of the charging roller 14 , or the outer diameter of the first auxiliary rollers 15 is set larger than the outer diameter of the charging roller 14 , or the first auxiliary rollers 15 are formed of a material with a higher coefficient of friction against the photosensitive drum 12 than the charging roller 14 ( i . e ., the charging layer 14 b ), a coating with a higher coefficient of friction against the photosensitive drum 12 than the charging roller 14 ( the charging layer 14 b ) is applied to the surfaces of the first auxiliary rollers 15 , or the like . thus , the first auxiliary rollers 15 are specified such that the relationship ( friction force between the first auxiliary rollers 15 and the photosensitive drum 12 )& gt ;( friction force between the photosensitive drum 12 and the charging roller 14 ) is satisfied . meanwhile , each second auxiliary roller 102 is slightly spaced apart from the sponge layer 100 b at the vicinity of the end portion of the shaft 100 a , and is fixed at a position so as not to contact the bearing member 110 . furthermore , as shown in fig6 , the second auxiliary roller 102 is located to correspond with the first auxiliary roller 15 outside the image formation region of the photosensitive drum 12 ( at the non - image - formation region ) and , similarly to the first auxiliary roller 15 , is disposed well apart from the image formation region . the second auxiliary roller 102 has an outer diameter the same as an outer diameter of the cleaning roller 100 ( i . e ., the sponge layer 100 b ), or is set slightly larger . thus , the second auxiliary roller 102 contacts the surface of the first auxiliary roller 15 , and a width dimension ( i . e ., axial direction dimension ) of the second auxiliary roller 102 is set substantially the same as a width dimension of the first auxiliary roller 15 . further , with the second auxiliary rollers 102 of the present embodiment , a friction force between the first auxiliary rollers 15 and the second auxiliary rollers 102 is specified so as to be smaller than the friction force between the first auxiliary rollers 15 and the photosensitive drum 12 , equal to or greater than the friction force between the photosensitive drum 12 and the charging roller 14 , and greater than a friction force between the charging roller 14 and the cleaning roller 100 . more specifically , the outer diameter of the second auxiliary rollers 102 is set larger than the outer diameter of the cleaning roller 100 , or the second auxiliary rollers 102 are formed of a material with which a coefficient of friction of the second auxiliary rollers 102 against the first auxiliary rollers 15 is smaller than the coefficient of friction between the first auxiliary rollers 15 and the photosensitive drum 12 , is equal to or greater than the coefficient of friction between the photosensitive drum 12 and the charging roller 14 and is greater than a coefficient of friction between the charging roller 14 and the cleaning roller 100 , or a coating which achieves the above coefficient of friction relationships is applied to the surfaces of the second auxiliary rollers 102 , or the like . thus , the second auxiliary rollers 102 are specified such that the relationships ( friction force between the first auxiliary rollers 15 and the photosensitive drum 12 )& gt ;( friction force between the first auxiliary rollers 15 and the second auxiliary rollers 102 )≧( friction force between the photosensitive drum 12 and the charging roller 14 )& gt ;( friction force between the charging roller 14 and the cleaning roller 100 ) are satisfied . in the image formation device 10 of the present embodiment , when the photosensitive drum 12 rotates during an image formation operation , the charging roller 14 is rotated in accordance with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 12 , and electrostatically charges the photosensitive drum 12 . the cleaning roller 100 is also rotated in accordance with the rotation of the charging roller 14 , and cleans the charging roller 14 . thus , the charging roller 14 which charges up the photosensitive drum 12 for image formation is cleaned of extraneous matter that has adhered to the roller surface thereof by the cleaning roller 100 , and decreases in charging capabilities are consequently restrained . further , because the surroundings of the charging roller 14 , along with the cleaning roller 100 , are covered by the holder 120 , except at the side at which the photosensitive drum 12 is disposed , the charging roller 14 is protected from toner , dust and the like that flies from the developers 18 y , 18 m , 18 c and 18 k and floats around in the device , and adherence of such extraneous matter is prevented . the rotation of the charging roller 14 which contacts the photosensitive drum 12 and is rotated is assisted by the pair of first auxiliary rollers 15 , which are provided coaxially with respect to the charging roller 14 , contacting the photosensitive drum 12 and being rotated together with the charging roller 14 . further , because the friction force between the first auxiliary rollers 15 and the photosensitive drum 12 is made larger than the friction force between the photosensitive drum 12 and the charging roller 14 and the friction force between the charging roller 14 and the cleaning roller 100 is made smaller than the friction force between the photosensitive drum 12 and the charging roller 14 , even when deterioration with time of the surface of the charging roller 14 progresses over a long period of use , a decrease in drivability of the charging roller 14 with respect to the photosensitive drum 12 is suppressed . therefore , stable charging characteristics can be maintained over long periods . moreover , because the first auxiliary rollers 15 are disposed outside the image formation region of the photosensitive drum 12 , adverse effects on image formation are avoided . because , as mentioned above , the resilient force of the surfaces of the first auxiliary rollers 15 is made smaller than the resilient force of the surface of the charging roller 14 or the outer diameter of the first auxiliary rollers 15 is made to be equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the charging roller 14 , the relationship ( friction force between the first auxiliary rollers 15 and the photosensitive drum 12 )& gt ;( friction force between the photosensitive drum 12 and the charging roller 14 ) can be realized with a simple structure . with a structure in which , as in the present embodiment , the cleaning roller 100 is in contact with the charging roller 14 and follows rotation thereof , there is concern that the friction force between the cleaning roller 100 and the charging roller 14 will fall , because of a deterioration over time of the surface of the cleaning roller 100 due to long - term usage of the image formation device 10 or the like , and that drivability of the cleaning roller 100 by the charging roller 14 will fall , causing cleaning failures . however , the rotation of the cleaning roller 100 of the present embodiment to follow the charging roller 14 is assisted by the pair of second auxiliary rollers 102 , which are coaxially provided , contacting the first auxiliary rollers 15 provided at the charging roller 14 and being rotated together with the cleaning roller 100 . further , because the friction force between the first auxiliary rollers 15 and the second auxiliary rollers 102 is made smaller than the friction force between the first auxiliary rollers 15 and the photosensitive drum 12 , a fall in drivability of the charging roller 14 with respect to the photosensitive drum 12 can be avoided , and because the friction force between the first auxiliary rollers 15 and the second auxiliary rollers 102 is made larger than the friction force between the charging roller 14 and the cleaning roller 100 ( i . e ., is set to at least the friction force between the photosensitive drum 12 and the charging roller 14 ), the rotation of the cleaning roller 100 caused by the rotation of the charging roller 14 can be excellently assisted . therefore , even when deterioration with time of the surface of the cleaning roller 100 progresses over a long period of use , a decrease in drivability of the cleaning roller 100 by the charging roller 14 is suppressed , and stable charging characteristics can be maintained over long periods . moreover , because , as mentioned above , the outer diameter of the second auxiliary rollers 102 is set to at least the outer diameter of the cleaning roller 100 , the relationship ( friction force between the first auxiliary rollers 15 and the second auxiliary rollers 102 ) (≧( friction force between the photosensitive drum 12 and the charging roller 14 ))& gt ;( friction force between the charging roller 14 and the cleaning roller 100 ) can be realized with a simple structure . thus , with the image formation device 10 of the present embodiment , image defects due to failures in charging of the photosensitive drum 12 and failures in cleaning of the charging roller 14 are suppressed , and high quality images can be formed over long periods . hereinabove , the present invention has been described in detail in accordance with the particular exemplary embodiment described above . however , the present invention is not limited to this exemplary embodiment , and it is possible to embody various modes within the scope of the present invention . for example , the exemplary embodiment described above has a structure in which the charging roller 14 and the cleaning roller 100 are both supported by the bearing members 110 , and the charging roller 14 is abutted against the photosensitive drum 12 and the cleaning roller 100 is abutted against the charging roller 14 by the urging force of the compression coil springs 128 . however , support structures , abutting structures and the like of the respective rollers are not limited thereto ; the charging roller 14 and the cleaning roller 100 could be supported by separate bearing members , and could be urged for abutting by separate urging means . further , although the charging roller 14 contacts a lower side portion of the photosensitive drum 12 and the cleaning roller 100 contacts a lower side portion of the charging roller 14 in the above structure , positional relationships of the photosensitive drum 12 , the charging roller 14 and the cleaning roller 100 are not limited thereto . for example , the present invention can be applied to a structure in which a charging roller is caused to contact an upper side portion of a photosensitive drum and a cleaning roller is caused to contact an upper side portion of a charging roller , or the like . further again , an image formation device to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a four cycle - type structure which repeats formation of toner images onto the photosensitive drum 12 four times using the rotating developing unit 18 , as in the present embodiment . for example , with a full - color tandem structure in which image formation units for yellow , magenta , cyan and black are arranged in a row along a direction of movement of an intermediate conveyance belt , the present invention can be applied to a photosensitive drum and a holder of a charging roller and a cleaning roller at each image formation unit . while the present invention has been illustrated and described with respect to some specific exemplary embodiments thereof , it is to be understood that the present invention is by no means limited thereto and encompasses all changes and modifications which will become possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention .	6
the invention relates to a method for automatically generating smoothed characteristic diagrams for an electronic engine control of a piston - type internal combustion engine . modern industrial society views mobility for the transport of goods and the drive to work as playing an important role . a great deal of this movement occurs in the streets , wherein the piston - type internal combustion engine as the driving source plays a dominating role . public discussion in recent years has focused on the emissions of piston - type internal combustion engines . the laws reflect this in the form of increasingly lower limit values for emissions . furthermore , prices for the required types of fuel are on the rise . together these two factors make it necessary to have piston - type internal combustion engines with lower emissions and less consumption . to reach this goal , piston - type internal combustion engines must consequently be developed and constructed in accordance with the latest findings . not only does modern mechanical design play a role in this , but the electronic components are also becoming more and more important because of the enormous increase in options and flexibility . these days an electronic control device is used in place of the formerly used variable speed governor to adjust the ignition point to the requirements . this control device can consider influencing variables with more precision and can be adapted easier to various applications . with these control devices , the dependencies between the input variables , for example the speed , and the output variables , meaning the adjustment variables such as advance angle , injected fuel amount etc ., are deposited in characteristic diagrams that contain characteristic diagram points for each operating state of a piston - type internal combustion engine . these points predetermine the actual values for the adjustment variables . during the development of a piston - type internal combustion engine , the necessary characteristic diagrams must be filled with values . until now , the characteristic diagrams were created by experienced developers on the basis of testing stand measurements , experimental methods and in part also intuition based on measurements from a reference engine . this process required a considerable amount of developmental time and generally did not yield optimum results . the expenditure for adapting the characteristic diagrams strongly depends on the number of parameters to be calibrated . in the process , the degrees of freedom in control devices increases , for example by introducing the exhaust gas re - circulation ( egr ), the camshaft adjustment , a variable intake system , just to mention a few . it is nearly impossible for humans to keep a clear overview of the consequently required solution of a more than three - dimensional optimization task with many parameters . for that reason , systems for the automatic optimization of characteristic diagrams and the related software were developed , which generated characteristic diagrams based on testing stand measurements and algorithms with a mathematical foundation . fewer road tests with vehicles are thus needed and an optimization of the piston - type internal combustion engine is possible , even if the complete vehicle is not yet available . on the one hand , this shortens the developmental time and therefore also the “ time - to - market ” and consequently saves costs . on the other hand , the generated results are reproducible and do not depend on being optimized by a human being using intuition . the optimization system is furthermore easier to adapt and to adjust to other predetermined data . owing to the relatively short time requirement , the automatic optimization with different configurations can be carried out several times . thus , it is possible to realize several scenarios that could not be realized with reasonable expenditure during a practical experiment . with the methods used so far , it is possible to create characteristic “ mother ” diagrams for a given piston - type internal combustion engine design , based on which the corresponding characteristic diagram data carriers can be set up for the later series production and also for the series production of the engine control . however , the disadvantage of the method used so far is that when carrying out the automatic optimization , a value is generated for each support location or each operating point of a characteristic diagram , without taking into account the interrelations between neighboring support locations . this results in jumps in the calibration data for neighboring support locations , which endanger the transferability of the optimization result as well as the drivability during the practical vehicle deployment . strong jumps in the calibration data of neighboring support locations must therefore be avoided . in the process , jumps occur during two phases of the optimization . on the one hand , the problem is that the results of making adjustments within a characteristic diagram area that is optimized according to the same criteria show such adjustment variable jumps . on the other hand , there is the problem that jump - type transitions occur when joining characteristic diagram areas that are optimized according to different criteria . thus , it is the object of the invention to find a method that avoids strong jumps in the calibration data during the optimization run , but nevertheless permits a good optimization result and makes it possible to generate a smoothed characteristic diagram . this object is solved with the method steps provided in claim 1 . modifications of the method according to the invention are specified in claims 2 to 4 . the invention is explained further in the following with the aid of schematic drawings . shown are in : fig1 a block diagram for a testing stand with characteristic diagram optimization . fig2 the operating sequence for the testing stand according to fig1 shown as a block diagram . fig3 a non - smoothed characteristic diagram , generated with the method according to prior art . fig4 a smoothed characteristic diagram , generated with the method according to the invention . fig5 the representation of an adjustment variable jump for a changeable adjustment variable . fig6 the representation of the adjustment variable jump according to fig5 in a coordinate system for two variables . fig7 a flow chart for a characteristic diagram optimization by means of a predetermined quality function . fig8 a detailed flow chart for explaining the optimization of the target variables and the limit value variables . fig9 the effect of superimposing an incentive function on a quality function . fig1 a detailed flow chart for a characteristic diagram optimization when superimposing an incentive function on a quality function . fig1 a detailed flow chart for a characteristic diagram optimization by means of a quality function and detection of the adjustment variable difference . fig1 a detailed flow chart for a characteristic diagram optimization for limiting the roughness in each operating stage . fig1 shows a testing stand with automatically operating characteristic diagram optimization system 1 , with input data i in and output data i out , as well as a characteristic diagram output k out , an electric engine control device 2 , a reference piston - type internal combustion engine 3 for a series and the required measuring devices 4 . the input data for the system are in part predetermined by the user ( limit values , targets and characteristic diagram points to be optimized ) and in part requested by the system from the engine testing stand during the optimization ( measured values ). the system provides adjustment values for this , which are automatically adjusted on the piston - type internal combustion engine 3 . subsequently , the system evaluates the measured values for determining optimum adjustment values . finally , the system generates characteristic diagrams , which are then transferred to the engine control unit 2 of the piston - type internal combustion engine 3 , for which the optimization was carried out . in addition , the engine control unit 2 takes into account all values relevant when using a piston - type internal combustion engine 3 in a specified vehicle . the operational sequence of the testing stand shown in fig1 is illustrated in fig2 with exemplary input data and examples for adjustment variables , for which respectively one characteristic diagram must be generated . furthermore shown is which measuring values can be recorded in the process . the individual components of the testing stand are here identified with the reference numbers from fig1 . it is indicated for the engine control unit 2 of the testing stand as well as for the measuring device 4 that additional control elements and measuring devices can be provided . the system for optimizing the characteristic diagram determines during the automatic characteristic diagram optimization an adjustment variable value , for example the ignition point , for each characteristic diagram point ( characteristic diagram point = a combination of the different input variables ), for example the load and speed . however , connections between neighboring characteristic diagram points are not taken into consideration for this . fig3 shows that when generating a characteristic diagram in this way , jumps occur between the adjustment variable values of neighboring characteristic diagram points , which endanger the transferability of the optimization result to the engine control unit as well as the drivability during a practical vehicle deployment . large jumps in the adjustment variables of neighboring characteristic diagram points should therefore be avoided . a “ smoothed ” characteristic diagram must be generated , such as the one shown for a comparison in fig4 . a smooth characteristic diagram is characterized by small adjustment variable jumps . the adjustment variable jump used for evaluating the smoothness of a characteristic diagram is explained with the aid of fig5 . for reasons of clarity , an example is shown herein , for which only one adjustment variable is considered , the ignition point zzp in this case . the ignition point for this example depends only on a single changeable input variable , the speed n in this case , while the value for the moment is held constant . shown are a speed value n a , called the “ actual speed ,” and two neighboring speed values “ n1 ” and “ n2 .” the actual speed is assigned the ignition point zzp a and the two neighboring speeds are assigned the ignition points zzp 1 and zzp 2 . an “ ideal smooth ignition point ” is determined for the actual speed n a , which leads to a smooth characteristic diagram . in order to determine this “ ideal ignition point ” for the actual speed , an interpolation between the ignition points of neighboring speeds is carried out , which is shown in fig5 with a dashed straight line between zzp 1 and zzp 2 . the difference between this straight line and the ignition point zzp a for the actual speed is defined as adjustment variable jump . the smaller the adjustment variable jump ( in this case the ignition point jump ), the smoother the characteristic diagram at the actual point ( here the actual speed ), relative to the neighboring points . for adjustment variables that normally change linearly , the ideal adjustment variable value is determined through a linear interpolation . however , other interpolations can generally be used as well . the characteristic diagram points normally depend on ( at least ) two input variables , for example the ignition point for the speed n and the load m . in that case , more than two neighboring characteristic diagram points exist , between which the ideal adjustment variable value must be interpolated , as shown in fig6 . the representation according to fig5 is drawn into the coordinate system of fig6 . in order to arrive at a smooth characteristic diagram , it is not sufficient to make the interpolation shown in fig5 . rather , the values for the remaining neighboring characteristic diagram points , for example n 7 and n 3 , must additionally be taken into consideration . the same method is used for other adjustment variables as well , for example the injected fuel amount , the start of the injection , the exhaust - gas return rate etc . in those cases , an interpolation between the neighboring characteristic diagram points is used for each adjustment variable in order to determine the ideal adjustment variable value . a so - called quality function is used to determine the most favorable adjustment variable combination . it is the goal of the optimization to stay below the predetermined limit values ( e . g . for the exhaust gas emissions ). the quality function is composed of all variables g 1 to g n that must be optimized ( such as consumption , emissions , . . . ) and the associated limit values gw 1 to gw n . the weight value of the individual variables in the quality function is determined with the factors λ 1 to λ n . the quality function therefore reads as follows : quality = λ 1 ( g i = gw 2 )+ λ 2 ( g 2 − gw 2 )+ λ 2 ( g 3 − gw 3 )+ . . . + λ 3 [ sic ] ( g n − gw n ) the example given is a quality function for optimizing the fuel consumption be with simultaneous requirement for observing a nitrogen oxide limit value ( no x ). if no x designates the actually measured no x value and no x max the limit value to be observed and be the actually measured fuel consumption , then the quality function for this application case reads as follows : quality example = λ 1 ( no x − no max [ sic ] )+ λ 2 * b 2 a minimum is determined for the quality function during the optimization . the sequence of steps for such an optimization in the characteristic diagram optimization system 4 is explained and shown in fig7 in the form of a flow chart . in the aforementioned example , the zzp is varied until the minimum for the quality function is found . if the limit value for no x is still exceeded with this minimum , the quality function can be trimmed by varying the lagrange factors λ 1 and λ 2 to a higher sensitivity relative to the nitrogen oxide value and a new minimum can be searched for . the variables to be optimized are a function of the adjustment variables and the characteristic diagram point : no x = f 1 ( zzp , n , m ) and b e = f 2 ( zzp , n , m ) the quality function minimum for the complete characteristic diagram is determined by determining the minimum of the quality function for each characteristic diagram point through changing the adjustment variables , as shown in fig8 . with the exemplary embodiment selected , it is true for a characteristic diagram point that n and m are kept constant and the minimum for the zzp is determined . the minimum values are determined for each characteristic diagram point . the adjustment variable values belonging to these minimum values are the optimum adjustment variable values with respect to the optimization goals for each characteristic diagram point . the result of these steps is a non - smoothed characteristic diagram according to fig3 which still shows considerable jumps in the adjustment variables . to avoid adjustment variable jumps , the quality function must then be influenced during the computing operation for optimizing . the development of characteristic diagram jumps during the optimization is avoided in this way . for this purpose , the smoothness of the characteristic diagram to be generated is taken into consideration as additional marginal condition during the optimization . this is achieved in a first realization of the method according to the invention by “ rewarding ” an adjustment variable combination leading to a smooth characteristic diagram . thus , during the optimization this combination is preferred to other adjustment variable combinations , which deliver the same or even better results with respect to the remaining marginal conditions but lead to larger adjustment variable jumps . the quality function is influenced in this case with a so - called incentive function for rewarding a favorable adjustment variable combination with respect to smoothness . the incentive function can be formulated as follows : incentive =\| a ( vg 1 − opt 1 )\|+\| b ( vg 2 − opt 2 )\|+\| c ( vg 3 − opt 3 )\|+ . . . +\| d ( vg x − opt x )\| vg 1 to vgx in this case designate the adjustment variables and opt 1 to optx the optimum values for the corresponding adjustment variables in the neighboring operating stages . the reference letters a to d represent the factors determining the influence of the respective adjustment variable in the incentive function . the example shown is the incentive function for the ignition point zzp as adjustment variable , wherein m 1 is the optimum for the ignition point from the neighboring operating stages . the optimum is the “ ideal adjustment variable value ,” meaning the interpolated value from the optimum values for the neighboring operating stages : this incentive function is superimposed on the quality function . a new quality function with a different minimum value is obtained , which then leads to a different adjustment value combination : quality incentive exp1 =\| λ 2 ( no x − no x max )+ λ 2 * b e \|+\| a ( zzp − m 1 )\| the effect of such an incentive function is shown in fig9 . the ignition point ( adjustment variable ) is to be optimized by taking into account a minimum consumption ( target variable ). the quality function in this case is the course of the consumption above the ignition point . smooth transitions to neighboring characteristic diagram points are to be generated in the process . at a characteristic diagram point “ a ,” the ignition point x was determined to be at an optimum with respect to consumption ( fig9 ). an optimization of the ignition point must then be carried out in the neighboring characteristic diagram point 2 by taking into consideration the smoothness . in this characteristic diagram point “ b ” the ignition point y would be determined as the optimum with respect to consumption , whereas the minimum m 2 is less than the minimum m 1 ( fig9 ). the adjustment variable combination at the minimum m 1 , however , leads to a greater smoothness than the adjustment variable combination at the minimum m 2 since the optimum adjustment variable combination for the neighboring characteristic diagram point 1 is at the minimum m 1 and not the minimum m 2 . in order to influence the smoothness , the incentive function incentive exp1 is therefore added to the quality function quality exp1 . the minimum for the incentive function is at the ignition point x of characteristic diagram point “ a .” the farther the ignition point deviates from the ignition point x , the less favorable the function value becomes ( fig9 ). the addition results in the new quality function quality incentive , exp1 for the characteristic diagram point “ b ” ( fig9 ). during the optimization in the characteristic diagram point “ b ,” the ignition point is found at the minimum m 1 , which is closer to the ignition point x of the neighboring characteristic diagram point than the ignition point y . this results in a more favorable adjustment variable combination with respect to the smoothness . this method is subsequently applied iterative to all characteristic diagram points . during the optimization runs , each characteristic diagram point thus becomes alternately a neighbor , influencing the point that is currently optimized , as well as a point to be optimized , which is influenced by its neighbors . in a general case with several neighbors , an incentive function is used , which accordingly has several minimum values , depending on the optimum adjustment values of the neighbors . the example makes use of a linear incentive function . in dependence on the course of the quality function and other participating variables , however , non - linear incentive functions can also be used to achieve the described influence on the quality function , depending on the requirement . the iterative course of a characteristic diagram optimization influenced by an incentive function is explained and demonstrated in fig1 . for another realization of the method , the adjustment value jump of a characteristic diagram point is used to determine a measure for the smoothness at this point . the difference between the ideal value and the value found during the optimization is formed for this in the actual characteristic diagram point . this difference is called an adjustment variable difference . the adjustment variable difference is also included in the optimization in the same way as other marginal conditions , for example the emission values . in place of the incentive function , the adjustment variable difference is included as additional marginal condition in the optimization . in the process , it is treated in the same way as a measuring value for the piston - type internal combustion engine . for each measurement on the piston - type internal combustion engine , the adjustment variable difference is computed from the adjustment variables of the neighboring operating stages and the actual operating stage . the adjustment variable difference is also included in the quality function , in the same way as the exhaust gas emissions . thus , one of the values g 1 to g n can contain the smoothness information : quality = λ 1 ( g 1 − gw 1 )+ λ 2 ( g 2 − gw 2 )+ λ 3 ( g 3 − gw 3 )+ . . . + λ 3 [ sic ] ( g n − gw n ) the following formula is obtained for optimizing the fuel consumption and the nitrogen oxide development , with a specified maximum roughness r max ( roughness = the opposite of smoothness ): quality vdv , exp1 = λ 1 * b e + λ 2 ( no x − no xmax )+ λ 3 ( r − r max ) the steps taken for one adjustment variable are described in the following . if several adjustment variables exist , this method is used for each adjustment variable . an operating stage , called the actual operating stage bs , as well as the adjacent stages are observed in the characteristic diagram . during the optimization of this operating stage , the adjustment variable values for the neighboring stages are constant , since only the adjustment variable value for the actual operating stage is varied . the optimum adjustment variable value for the actual operating stage is computed from the adjustment variable values of the neighboring stages . a quality function minimum is searched for in the actual operating stage . the adjustment variable of the actual point is varied for this in order to find the minimum , as can be seen in the flow chart in fig1 . in the process , another adjustment variable difference is obtained for each adjustment variable value , corresponding to the difference in the smoothness of the adjustment variable curve , relative to the neighboring stages . at the end of an optimization cycle ( optimization of all characteristic diagram points ), a global value r is computed for the roughness . “ global ” in this case refers to the complete characteristic diagram . for this , all adjustment variable differences are added . this roughness value is compared to the global limit value for the roughness r max . a low limit value corresponds to little roughness and thus a high smoothness of the characteristic diagram . if this limit value is exceeded , the factor λ ( in the above example λ 3 ) for the roughness in the quality function is modified , preferably increased , such that the roughness has a stronger influence on the quality function . the optimum adjustment variables for the changed quality function are determined during the following optimization run . since this quality function has a stronger dependence on the roughness , more favorable values are achieved for the adjustment variables with respect to smoothness . by specifying a global limit value , the roughness for the complete characteristic diagram is limited . it does not matter in this case , which share the individual operating stages occupy in the total result , but only that the values fall below the limit value . this operation is repeated until all optimization goals have been reached . when limiting the roughness with a global limit value , existing local adjustment variable differences can be balanced in the total roughness value with smooth sections of the characteristic diagram . “ local ” in this case means in one characteristic diagram point . however , local roughness is undesirable . to keep these local adjustment variable differences small , the roughness of the characteristic diagram is limited in each individual operating stage by introducing and specifying a local limit value r ( n , m ). as a result , adjustment variable combinations that exceed this limit value are rejected immediately during the optimization of this characteristic diagram point , as indicated in fig1 . the characteristic diagrams of piston - type internal combustion engines are divided into several areas , in which different marginal conditions and optimization goals apply . an area is predetermined by the legally prescribed driving cycle ( for limiting the emissions ) and is called a driving cycle range . other areas are the full - load curve on which the maximum capacity is required and the remainder of the characteristic diagram , in which normally a minimum consumption is desired and which is referred to as minimum consumption area . the roughness values for the various areas must be combined accordingly to be able to make a statement concerning the roughness in the total characteristic diagram . the following method is used for this : upon completion of the optimization , a roughness value is available for each area . the optimization system computes this value for each area with the aid of dwell times from the results of the individual operating stages , in the same way as for consumption and emissions . dwell times are predetermined by the driving cycle , but only for the driving cycle area . the number of operating stages and the dwell times in the individual operating stages ( for the driving cycle area ) are determined by the conversion of the driving cycle to stationary operating stages . correspondingly specified values do not exist for the full - load curve and the minimum consumption range . however , dwell times are also required for performing an optimization on the full - load curve and in the minimum consumption range . in principle , optional dwell times can be assumed . however , since the dwell times are also used to extrapolate the roughness , the following method is used for determining the dwell times for full - load curves and the minimum consumption range : the average dwell time in one operating stage for the driving cycle range can be computed from the dwell time and the number of operating stages in the driving cycle range : average dwell time = seconds in the driving cycle range / number of operating stages in the driving cycle range this average dwell time is also used for the operating stages on the full - load curve and in the minimum consumption range . it is thus possible to compute the roughness for the complete characteristic diagram . the results from all operating stages are ( on the average ) extrapolated with the same dwell time . the share of an area relative to the total result thus represents the ratio of the number of operating stages in the range to the total number of operating stages in the characteristic diagram . with the method shown herein , a smoothed characteristic diagram can be generated , as demonstrated with the comparison between fig3 and fig4 . this smoothed characteristic diagram not only permits meeting the emission limit values , as shown with the characteristic diagram in fig3 it also ensures transmission to the engine control unit , as well as the drivability , owing to the smooth transitions between the operating stages . the smoothed characteristic diagrams created during the operation of a reference piston - type internal combustion engine then serve as “ mother ” characteristic diagrams for producing engine control units for piston - type internal combustion engines of this type .	5
the cassette holder device according to the present invention will be described below by referring to the accompanied drawings . fig1 and 2 show a cassette holder device according to an embodiment of the present invention which is adapted for receiving two kinds of cassettes . in the figures , a cassette holder member 41 and a top plate 42 are assembled together by means of screws to form a box shape housing for receiving cassettes . stoppers 43 , 44 , 45 are provided on cassette holder 41 for limiting the maximum depth of cassette insertion . cassette retaining levers 46 , 47 are rotatably mounted on top plate 42 by means of pins 48 , 49 , and urged towards the cassette by means of springs 50 , 51 , respectively . erroneous insertion preventing levers 52 , 53 for preventing erroneous insertion of a cassette are rotatably mounted on top plate 42 through pins 54 , 56 and urged towards the cassette by means of springs 56 , 57 , respectively . the erroneous insertion preventing levels are so located as to engage with slant surfaces 39a , 39b of front lid 39 of small size cassette 5 , when small size cassette is inserted into its regular position as shown in the figure . a small cassette guide member 58 for guiding a small cassette 5 to its regular position is mounted on top plate 42 by means of a pin 59 with its side surface 58a apart from a side surface 41a of cassette holder 41 by a distance somewhat greater than the breadth of small size cassette , and urged towards the cassette ( downwards ) by means of a spring 60 . for guiding a small size cassette to the regular position , even in such a that case the cassette is inserted with some positional deviation to the right side in the figure , small size cassette guide member 58 is formed with a slant surface portion 58b and a parallel surface portion 58c parallel to the front surface of the cassette . further , small size cassette guide member 58 is formed with an arcuate surface 58e sliding on the upper surface of the cassette and a pawl 58d for stopping inserting operation in the case of erroneous insertion of the cassette . a small size cassette retaining roller arm 61 is mounted on a support pin 59 , and is mounted thereon by means of a pin 63 with a roller 62 making contact with the upper surface of the cassette . the pin 63 engages at one end thereof with a recess 58f formed in small size cassette guide member 58 , and is adapted to be raised upwards in connection with a rotational motion of small size cassette guide member 58 . further , in order to apply a suitable urging force from roller 62 to the cassette , small size cassette retaining roller arm 61 is biased by means of a spring 64 . a small size cassette locking roller arm 65 is rotatably mounted on small size cassette guide member 58 by means of a pin 66 , and is biased in the direction indicated in the figure with arrow a by means of a spring 67 . on one end of locking roller arm 65 is rotatably mounted a small size cassette locking roller 68 by means of a pin 69 . this locking device is so located that the locking roller 68 projects beyond the cassette guide surface 58a of small size cassette guide member 58 . a guide opener 70 is rotatably mounted on top plate 42 through a pin 71 and biased downwards by means of a spring 72 . a projection 73 formed in guide opener 70 engages with a groove 58g formed at the tip of small size cassette guide member 58 . as a result , small size cassette guide member 58 rotates upwards in connection with the motion of guide opener 70 . on guide opener 70 is rotatably mounted an opener roller 75 by means of a pin 74 at a position near to the cassette opening where the opener roller firstly contacts with front portion 31a of the cassette . referring to fig3 a through fig4 c , functions of the device will be described below . fig3 a through 3c show inserting operation of cassette and motion of small size cassette guide member 58 , guide opener 70 and small size cassette retaining roller arm 61 , while fig4 a through 4c show motion of erroneous insertion preventing levers 52 , 53 . as shown in the figures , the depth of the cassette receiving box composed of cassette holder 41 and top plate 42 is greater than the depth of cassette by an amount a as shown in fig3 a . this clearance is provided for permitting the cassette to float up from cassette holder 41 and to move to a predetermined position and to a height relative to the apparatus body , when cassette holder 41 containing a cassette is loaded into the apparatus body . first , a case of regular insertion of a small size cassette will be described . as shown in fig1 a , small size cassette 5 is inserted with its left side surface being aligned with the left side inner surface of cassette holder 41 . in this case , since small size cassette 5 does not make contact with opener roller 75 of guide opener 70 , small size cassette guide member 58 remains at a position shown in fig3 a , and also in fig1 a and fig2 and side surface 58a of guide member 58 guides one side surface of small size cassette 5 . meanwhile , erroneous insertion preventing member 52 is rotated upwards , as shown in fig4 a , by slant surfaces 39a , 39b of a front lid 39 of small size cassette 5 , and a pawl 52a of erroneous insertion preventing member 52 is prevented from engaging with a step 40a of small size cassette 5 . thus , small size cassette 5 slides under pawl 52a and is inserted until it abuts against stoppers 44 , 45 of cassette holder 41 . in the above - mentioned inserting operation , small size cassette locking roller 68 of small size cassette guide member 58 rolls on the right side wall of cassette to the above - mentioned position where locking roller 68 engages with a grip groove 37 of cassette for locating the cassette at a regular position . further , in order to prevent pawl 52a of erroneous insertion preventing lever 52 from making contact with the upper surface of the cassette 5 and scratching the same , or from falling into any recess on the cassette and hindering insertion of the cassette , an arcuate projection 52b is provided rearward of pawl 52a and directly slides on the cassette , thereby producing a gap b between pawl 52a and the upper surface of the cassette . although not referred to the above description , the other erroneous insertion preventing lever 53 has the same structures and functions as those of lever 52 . next , the case of inserting a large size cassette will be described below . as shown in fig3 a , large size cassette 1 is inserted over the front portion of cassette holder 41 . first , front portion 31a of large size cassette 1 makes contact with opener roller 75 rotatably supported by guide opener 70 and rotates guide opener 70 in a clockwise direction viewed in fig3 a . in this operation , a projection 73 formed on guide opener 70 moves upwards as sliding in a groove 58g of small size cassette guide member 58 , thereby rotating small size cassette guide member 58 in a counterclockwise direction as shown in fig3 c and locating the flat tip portion 58c of small size cassette guide member 58 sufficiently apart from the front portion of the cassette . when insertion of large size cassette 1 is continued from a position indicated in fig3 c with two dot chain line , a chamfer - like slant portion 31b formed on a lid 31 of large size cassette 1 pushes pawl 58d of small size cassette guide member 58 , preventing any engagement between the pawl and the cassette , and rotates small size cassette guide member 58 in a counterclockwise direction into a position above cassette as shown in fig3 b . then , the cassette is inserted farther until it abuts against stoppers 43 , 44 , 45 . the height c of pawl 58d on small size cassette guide member 58 is smaller than the depth d of the chamfer - like slant surface of lid 31 of large size cassette 1 . rearward of pawl 58d is provided an arcuate surface 58e as shown in fig1 c for producing a contact relation in a sliding manner between the upper surface of the cassette and small size cassette guide member 58 . in the situation shown in fig3 b , arcuate surface 58e makes contact with the upper surface of the cassette and a gap e exists between pawl 58d and the upper surface of cassette , thereby preventing the pawl from interfering with the upper surface of the cassette . the function of small size cassette retaining roller arm 61 in relation to the above - mentioned handling of the cassette will be described below . when small size cassette guide member 58 rotates in a counterclockwise direction viewed in the figure , a roller arm 61 mounted with a roller 62 receives a rotating force from the guide member 58 through a pin 63 engaging with a recess 58f of small size cassette guide member 58 , and rotates against the force of spring 64 to a position where roller 62 is apart from the upper surface of cassette as shown in fig3 b . the cassette urging force is required , in general , so as to be as great as several hundred grams , and acts , in a conventional device , on the substantially central portion of the large size cassette . in the present invention , the cassette urging force is applied on the central portion of large size cassette through arcuate surface 58e of small size cassette guide member 58 , and is rather small , because the spring force is transmitted to the cassette as being reduced in a ratio depending on the moment arms about pin 59 . namely , the force acting on the central portion of large size cassette during insertion of the cassette is in a range from one third to one fifth of that assumed in the prior art , even though the forces of the other springs 67 and 72 are added thereto , i . e . actually smaller than 100 grams . as a result , the risk of cassette deformation due to the urging force is avoided . in the above , regular insertion of small size cassette and large size cassette has been described . next , a cassette regularly inserted into cassette holder is loaded into an apparatus body through an action of lowering the cassette holder to the apparatus body side . this loading operation can be easily carried out by using conventional means such as a linkage mechanism , although the structural detail of the means is not described here . when the above - mentioned cassette loading has been completed , the cassette is correctly supported by the position locating members provided in the apparatus body as being floated from the cassette holder . small size cassette 5 is urged toward the above - mentioned position locating members by means of cassette retaining lever 47 and small size cassette retaining roller arm 61 , while large size cassette 1 is urged toward the position locating members by means of cassette retaining levers 46 and 47 . next , a case where small size cassette is being inserted with an initial positional deviation from the regular insertion position will be described below . in case small size cassette 5 is slightly deviated rightwards , namely , rightwards by a distance smaller than distance f indicated in fig1 b where the cassette makes contact with opener roller 75 of guide opener 70 , cassette 5 is guided to the regular position by the slant surface 58b of small size cassette guide member 58 . flat portion 58c formed on the tip of small size cassette guide member 58 is provided for preventing small size cassette 5 from moving upwards due to slant surface 39b of small size cassette 5 , and has a depth greater than the depth g of the slant surface 39b of small size cassette 5 . as a result , in the case of small size cassette being inserted with some lateral deviation , small size cassette front surface 39c abuts against the flat surface 58c of small size cassette guide member 58 , thereby preventing upward motion of small size cassette guide member 58 , and the cassette is guided to a regular position by virtue of slant surface 58b , as mentioned above . next , such a case that a small size cassette 5 is further deviated in start of insertion over the distance f shown in fig1 b , and engages with opener roller 75 of guide opener 70 in a rolling manner will be described below . in this case , small cassette guide member 58 is rotated upwards similarly to the above - mentioned case of large size cassette insertion . however , when small size cassette is further inserted , a step portion of small size cassette defined by front lid 39 and rear lid 40 , namely , a step surface 40a of rear lid 40 abuts against a pawl 58d formed on the lower surface of small size cassette guide member 58 , thereby preventing a farther insertion of the cassette beyond the position shown in fig3 c . further , in this case , the above - mentioned erroneous insertion preventing lever 52 makes contact with small size cassette 5 in a range out of slant surface 39b of front lid 39 of small size cassette 5 , and accordingly , the above - mentioned step 40a engages with pawl 52a of erroneous insertion preventing lever 52 , thereby preventing erroneous insertion of small size cassette in cooperation with the above - mentioned pawl 58d of guide member 58 . thus , erroneous insertion of small size cassette 5 is prevented . erroneous insertion preventing levers 52 , 53 are provided for preventing a cassette from being erroneously inserted in an inverted posture . large size cassette 1 and small size cassette 5 are formed , as shown in fig1 and 13 , with a chamfer - like slant surface 31b and chamfer - like slant surfaces 39a , 39b , respectively , on their respective front portions viewed in an inserting direction . by virtue of this arrangement , when a cassette is going to be inserted in an inverted posture with respect to the front and rear or to the top and bottom , the pawl 52a of the erroneous insertion preventing lever engages with an edge of the respective cassette , thereby preventing erroneous insertion of a cassette . although , in this embodiment only one small size cassette guide member 58 is provided and the small size cassette is located in the cassette holder as if its left side surface and its front side surface are aligned with those of large size cassette , respectively , as shown in fig1 a and 10b , it is also possible to locate the small size cassette in such a condition that its middle line in the breadth and its front surface are aligned with those of the large size cassette , respectively , as shown in fig5 a and 5b . in this case , on each side of the small size cassette is arranged a small size cassette guide member 58 and a guide opener 70 , although the detail of this arrangement being not described here . further , it will be easily understood that the concept of the present invention can be applied to a cassette holder device which is adapted to accommodate three kinds of cassettes having different sizes . in fig5 a and 5b , large size cassette 74 contains tape reels 75 and 76 , while small size cassette 77 contains reels 78 and 79 . in the figure , imaginary line 80 denotes the position of small size cassette relative to large size cassette . fig6 shows a state of small size cassette 5 when loaded into an apparatus body such as vtr . front lid 39 and rear lid 40 both provided on the front surface of small size cassette 5 are rotated , in connection with a cassette loading action , to the shown open positions by means of a lid opening pin 81 fixed to a cassette holder supporting member not shown . on the other hand , if the cassette is not loaded into an apparatus body , the lids are maintained in closed positions at all times by means of a spring 82 provided between front lid 39 and cassette case 34 . in consequence , in the situation shown in fig6 cassette 5 receives a reaction force from pin 81 through lid 39 in the direction shown in the figure with the arrow a . this reaction force is generated when the lid starts to be opened and continues to exist as far as the lid urges pin 81 , thereby being apt to cause a positional shift of the cassette in cassette holder 41 . in order to prevent this shift of the cassette , there is provided a small size cassette locking roller 68 mounted on small size cassette guide member 58 , which is shown in fig7 . fig7 shows a relation between small size cassette locking roller 68 and grip groove 37 of small size cassette when small size cassette is inserted into the cassette holder . as shown in the figure , small size cassette locking roller 68 engages with grip groove 37 , thereby preventing a positional shift of small size cassette . as mentioned above , according to the present invention , by virtue of the erroneous insertion preventing lever biased by a rotating force and located in the upper portion of the cassette holder , erroneous insertion of the cassette in an inverted posture can be surely prevented . in addition , the cassette holder is protected from being deformed or damaged even when the cassette is inserted by a rather strong force . further , in correct insertion of the cassette , the pawl of the erroneous insertion preventing lever is located apart from the upper surface of the cassette , protecting the cassette from being scratched , preventing production of scratch chips and drop - out of information . in addition , since the cassette does not receive any strong force which may be caused in the case of erroneous insertion with an inverted posture of the cassette , the cassette is protected from being deformed . in consequence , components in the cassette for controlling a tape running , such as guide posts , can maintain their precise positions and attitudes , resulting in an improved performance of the apparatus such as a vtr . further , since the step portion of the erroneous insertion preventing lever does not make contact with the upper surface of the cassette , the cassette is not only inserted smoothly , but also prevents the upper surface thereof from being scratched . further , in the case of a cassette having a slant surface provided only in a part of the upper front portion of cassette being used , it is possible to prevent erroneous insertion where the cassette is deviated laterally . in consequence , there is obtained a cassette holder device which surely and easily receive more than two kinds of cassettes having different sizes .	6
a ) the designation “” refers to a bond for which the stereochemistry is not designated . b ) the designation “” refers to a bond that protrudes forward out of the plane of the page . c ) the designation “” refers to a bond that protrudes backward out of the plane of the page . d ) the term “ c 1 - c 4 alkyl ” refers to a saturated straight or branched chain hydrocarbyl radical of one to four carbon atoms and includes methyl , ethyl , propyl , isopropyl , n - butyl , isobutyl , tertiary butyl and the like . e ) the term “ c 1 - c 6 alkyl ” refers to a saturated straight or branched chain hydrocarbyl radical of one to six carbon atoms and includes methyl , ethyl , propyl , isopropyl , n - butyl , isobutyl , tertiary butyl , n - pentyl , sec - pentyl , isopentyl , n - hexyl and the like . f ) the term “ c 1 - c 10 alkyl ” refers to a saturated straight or branched chain hydrocarbyl radical of one to ten carbon atoms and includes methyl , ethyl , propyl , isopropyl , n - butyl , isobutyl , tertiary butyl , n - pentyl , sec - pentyl , isopentyl , n - hexyl , 2 , 3 - dimethyl - 2 - butyl , heptyl , 2 , 2 - dimethyl - 3 - pentyl , 2 - methyl - 2 - hexyl , octyl , 4 - methyl - 3 - heptyl , nonyl , decyl and the like . g ) the term “ c 1 - c 4 alkoxy ” refers to a straight or branched alkoxy group containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms , such as methoxy , ethoxy , n - propoxy , isopropoxy , n - butoxy , isobutoxy , t - butoxy , and the like . h ) the designation “— c ( o )—” refers to a carbonyl group of the formula i ) the term “ c 6 - c 10 aryl ” refers to a cyclic aromatic assemblage of conjugated carbon atoms , optionally substituted with one to three substituents selected from the group consisting of f , cl , c 1 - c 4 alkyl , — or 7 , — n ( r 6 ) 2 , or — no 2 , including phenyl , 1 - naphthyl , 2 - naphthyl , 2 - hydroxyphenyl , 3 - hydroxyphenyl , 4 - hyroxyphenyl , 2 , 3 - dihydroxyphenyl , 2 , 4 - dihydroxyphenyl , 3 , 4 - dihydroxyphenyl , 2 , 3 , 4 - trihydroxyphenyl , 4 - methoxyphenyl , 4 - ethoxyphenyl , 2 - chlorophenyl , 3 - chlorophenyl , 4 - chlorophenyl , 3 , 4 - dichlorophenyl , 2 , 3 , 4 - trichlorophenyl , 4 - bromophenyl , 3 , 4 - dibromophenyl , 4 - fluorophenyl , 3 , 4 - difluorophenyl , 3 - tolyl , 4 - tolyl , 4 - ethylphenyl , 4 - isopropylphenyl , 3 - aminophenyl , 4 - aminophenyl , 3 , 4 - diaminophenyl , n - methyl - 4 - aminophenyl , 2 - nitrophenyl , 4 - nitrophenyl , 3 - bromo - 4 - tolyl , and the like . j ) the term “ c 3 - c 9 heteroaryl ” means a cyclic or bicyclic , aromatic assemblage of conjugated carbon atoms and from 1 to 3 nitrogen , oxygen and sulfur atoms , for example , pyridinyl , 2 - quinoxalinyl , quinolinyl , pyridazinyl , pyrimidyl , pyrazolyl , pyrazyl , thiophyl , furyl , imidazolyl , oxazolyl , thiazolyl , benzimidazolyl and the like . k ) the terms “ phtn ” or “ phthalimido ” refer to a phthalimido ( 1 , 3 - dihydro - 1 , 3 - dioxo -( 2h )— isoindolyl ) functionality of the formula : l ) the designations “ c ( o ) nr 6 ”, “ nr 6 c ( o )”, “ nhc ( o ) nr 6 ”, “ oc ( o ) nr 6 ”, “ r 6 nc ( o ) o ” or “ so 2 nr 6 ” refer to amide bond or modified amide bond functionalities and are represented , respectively , by the following formulae : m ) the terms “ ar 1 ”, “ ar 2 ” or “ aryl ” refers to a phenyl or naphthyl group unsubstituted or substituted with from one to three substituents selected from the group consisting of f , cl , c 1 - c 4 alkyl , — or 7 , — n ( r 6 ) 2 , so 2 n ( r 6 ) 2 or — no 2 ; specifically included within the scope of the term “ aralkyl ” are phenyl , naphthyl , naphthylmethyl , phenylmethyl or benzyl , phenylethyl , p - methoxybenzyl , 3 , 4 - methylenedioxybenzyl , p - fluorobenzyl and p - chlorobenzyl . for the purposes of this invention , when “ ar 1 ” is phenyl , shown below , the radical is attached in the 1 - position and the substituent or substituents may only be attached at the 3 , 4 or 5 positions of the phenyl moiety . the radical can be attached at the 2 - position , and the substituent or substituents may only be attached at the 5 , 6 , 7 or 8 positions . for the purposes of this invention , when “ ar 2 ” is phenyl , the substituent or substituents can be attached at the 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 or 6 positions of the phenyl moiety . when “ ar 2 ” isinaphthyl , it is understood that the radical can be attached at the either the 1 - position or the 2 - position , it is further understood that when the radical is attached at the 1 - position the substituent or substituents can be attached in any of the 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , or 8 positions and that when the radical is attached at the 2 - position the substituent or substituents can be attached in any of the 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , or 8 positions . n ) the term “ halogen ” refers to fluorine , chlorine , bromine or iodine . o ) the term “ pharmaceutically acceptable salts ” thereof refers to either an acid addition salt or a basic addition salt . the expression “ pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts ” is intended to apply to any non - toxic organic or inorganic acid addition salt of the base compounds represented by formula ( 1 ) or any of its intermediates . illustrative inorganic acids which form suitable salts include hydrochloric , hydrobromic , sulphuric , and phosphoric acid and acid metal salts such as sodium monohydrogen orthophosphate , and potassium hydrogen sulfate . illustrative organic acids which form suitable salts include the mono -, di -, and tricarboxylic acids . illustrative of such acids are for example , acetic , glycolic , lactic , pyruvic , malonic , succinic , glutaric , fumaric , malic , tartaric , citric , ascorbic , maleic , hydroxymaleic , benzoic , hydroxybenzoic , phenylacetic , cinnamic , salicyclic , 2 - phenoxybenzoic , p - toluenesulfonic acid , and sulfonic acids such as methane sulfonic acid and 2 - hydroxyethane sulfonic acid . such salts can exist in either a hydrated or substantially anhydrous form . in general , the acid addition salts of these compounds are soluble in water and various hydrophilic organic solvents , and which in comparison to their free base forms , generally demonstrate higher melting points . the expression “ pharmaceutically acceptable basic addition salts ” is intended to apply to any non - toxic organic or inorganic basic addition salts of the compounds represented by formula ( 1 ) or any of its intermediates . illustrative bases which form suitable salts include alkali metal or alkaline - earth metal hydroxides such as sodium , potassium , calcium , magnesium , or barium hydroxides ; ammonia , and aliphatic , alicyclic , or aromatic organic amines such as methylamine , dimethylamine , trimethylamine , and picoline . the term “ stereoisomers ” is a general term for all isomers of individual molecules that differ only in the orientation of their atoms in space . it includes mirror image isomers ( enantiomers ), geometric ( cis / trans ) isomers , and isomers of compounds with more than one chiral center that are not mirror images of one another ( diastereomers ). any reference in this application to one of the compounds of formula ( 1 ) is meant to encompass either specific stereoisomers or a mixture of stereoisomers . the specific stereoisomers can be prepared by stereospecific synthesis or can be separated and recovered by techniques known in the art , such as chromatography , chromatography on chiral stationary phases , fractional recrystallization of addition salts formed by reagents used for that purpose , as described in stereochemistry of organic compounds , e . l . eliel and s . h . wilen , wiley ( 1994 ) and enantiomers , racemates , and resolutions , j . jacques , a . collet , and s . h . wilen , wiley ( 1981 ). as with any group of structurally related compounds which possess a particular utility , certain groups and configurations of substituents are preferred for the compounds of formula ( 1 ). preferred embodiments are given below : 1 ) a preferred embodiment of the novel compounds is that of formula ( 1 ) are compounds in which r 3 is c 1 - c 6 alkyl . 2 ) a preferred embodiment of the novel compounds is that of formula ( 1 ) are compounds in which r 3 is a q — z —( ch 2 ) m — group . 3 ) a preferred embodiment of the novel compounds is that of formula ( 1 ) are compounds in which r 2 is a —( ch 2 ) p — ar 1 group wherein ar 1 is phenyl optionally substituted with f , cl , c 1 - c 4 alkyl , or — or 7 . 4 ) a preferred embodiment of the novel compounds is that of formula ( 1 ) are compounds in which r 1 is a a —( ch 2 ) p — a group , wherein a is c 6 - c 10 aryl . 5 ) a preferred embodiment of the novel compounds is that of formula ( 1 ) are compounds in which r 3 is a w —( ch 2 ) m — group . 6 ) a preferred embodiment of the novel compounds is that of formula ( 1 ) are compounds in which r 4 is hydrogen . 7 ) a preferred embodiment of the novel compounds is that of formula ( 1 ) are compounds in which r 4 is — c ( o ) r 7 . 8 ) a preferred embodiment of the novel compounds is that of formula ( 1 ) are compounds in which r 4 is a — s — g group . 9 ) a more preferred embodiment of the novel compounds is that of formula ( 1 ) are compounds in which r 1 is a a —( ch 2 ) p — a group , wherein a is phenyl or optionally substituted phenyl . 10 ) a more preferred embodiment of the novel compounds is that of formula ( 1 ) are compounds in which r 3 is c 1 - c 6 alkyl , preferably methyl , ethyl , propyl , isopropyl , butyl or isobutyl ; r 2 is —( ch 2 ) p — ar 1 group wherein p is 0 and ar 1 is phenyl optionally substituted with f , cl , c 1 - c 4 alkyl , or — or 7 ; and r 4 is hydrogen , — c ( o ) r 7 , or a — s — g group . 11 ) a more preferred embodiment of the novel compounds is that of formula ( 1 ) are compounds in which r 3 is a w —( ch 2 ) m — group ; r 2 is —( ch 2 ) p — ar 1 group wherein p is 0 and ar 1 is phenyl optionally substituted with f , cl , c 1 - c 4 alkyl , or — or 7 ; and r 4 is hydrogen , — c ( o ) r 7 , or a — s — g group . examples of compounds encompassed by the present invention include the following . it is understood that the examples encompass all of the isomers of the compound and mixtures thereof . this list is meant to be representative only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way : the compounds of formula ( 1 ) can be prepared by utilizing techniques and procedures well known and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art . a general synthetic scheme for preparing these compounds is set forth in scheme a wherein all substituents are as previously defined unless otherwise indicated . scheme a provides a general synthetic procedure for preparing compounds of formula ( 1 ). the substituents r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , and r 4 are defined as above , while the substituent r 4 ′ is defined as — c ( o ) r 7 . in scheme a , step a , the appropriate r 2 - substituted cyclohexanone of structure ( 2 ) is enolized with a non - nucleophilic base and quenched with a suitable electrophile , such as chlorotrimethylsilane , to form the corresponding r 2 - substituted enol ether , followed by treatment with ozone , dimethylsulfide , trimethylortho - formate and a suitable base to provide the appropriate r 2 - substituted acid of structure ( 3 ). r 2 - substituted cyclohexanones of structure ( 2 ) are commercially available , known in the art , or can be prepared as described herein . for example , lithium diisopropylamide ( lda ) is generated by the addition of n - butyllithium to di - isopropylamine in the presence of a suitable organic solvent such as tetrahydrofuran ( thf ). a solution of r 2 - substituted cyclohexanone of structure ( 2 ) in a suitable organic solvent , such as tetrahydrofuran , is then added at − 78 ° c . after a period of time ranging from about 1 to 3 hours , the reaction is quenched with chloromethylsilane and the mixture is stirred followed by extraction and concentration of the organic layer to yield the silyl enol ether intermediate . the silyl enol ether intermediate is then dissolved in a suitable organic solvent or solvent mixture , such as a methylene chloride / methanol mixture , cooled to − 78 ° c . and treated with ozone . dimethyl sulfide is added and the reaction mixture is allowed to warm gradually to ambient temperature over a period of time ranging from 10 to 20 hours . the solution is then concentrated and treated with an orthoformate reagent such as trimethylorthoformate and an acid source such as acetyl chloride and heated to reflux . after a period of time ranging from 4 to 6 hours , the mixture is cooled to ambient temperature and treated with a suitable base , such as potassium hydroxide . the appropriate r 2 - substituted acid of structure ( 3 ) can be isolated by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as extraction and evaporation . in scheme a , step b , the appropriate r 2 - substituted acid of structure ( 3 ) is reacted with lithiated ( s )- 4 - benzyl - 2 - oxazolidinone to provide the appropriate acyloxazolidinone of structure ( 4 ). as depicted in scheme a , the use of ( s )- 4 - benzyl - 2 - oxazolidinone in scheme a gives rise to a 3 - aminoazepan having the ( s )- configuration at the 3 - position . as is appreciated by those skilled in the art , the use of ( r )- 4 - benzyl - 2 - oxazolidinone would give a 3 - aminoazepan having the opposite configuration if desired in the final product of formula ( 1 ). for example , the appropriate r 2 - substituted acid of structure ( 3 ) in a suitable organic solvent , such as tetrahydrofuran , is treated with a suitable tertiary organic amine such as triethylamine or n - methylmorpholine and cooled to − 78 ° c . a suitable acid halide such as trimethylacetyl chloride is added and the mixture is transferred to an ice bath for 0 . 5 to 1 . 0 hours , then recooled to − 78 ° c . the resulting slurry is treated with lithiated ( s )- 4 - benzyl - 2 - oxazolidinone , prepared by adding n - butyllithium to ( s )- 4 - benzyl - 2 - oxazolidinone in tetrahydrofuran , and allowed to warm gradually to ambient temperature over a period of time ranging from about 10 to 20 hours . the appropriate acyloxazolidinone of structure ( 4 ) can be isolated by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as extraction and evaporation . the product can be purified by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as flash chromatography . in scheme a , step c , the appropriate acyloxazolidinone of structure ( 4 ) undergoes an azide introduction reaction with a suitable azide transfer agent to provide the appropriate α - azidoacyloxazolidinone of structure ( 5 ). for example , a solution of a suitable amide such as potassium bis ( trimethylsilyl ) amide in a suitable organic solvent , such as tetrahydrofuran , is cooled to − 78 ° c . and treated with a solution of the appropriate acyloxazolidinone of structure ( 4 ) in tetrahydrofuran , precooled to − 78 ° c . a solution of a suitable azide transfer agent , such as triisopropylbenzenesulfonyl azide , in a suitable organic solvent , such as tetrahydrofuran , precooled to − 78 ° c . is then added . the solution is stirred , quenched with acetic acid and transferred to an oil bath having a temperature of from about 25 - 40 ° c . after a period of time ranging from about 1 to 2 hours , the suspension is cooled to ambient temperature and water is added to obtain a solution . the appropriate α - azidoacyloxazolidinone of structure ( 5 ) can be isolated by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as extraction and evaporation . the product can be purified by methods well known in the art , such as flash chromatography . in scheme a , step d , the appropriate α - azidoacyloxazolidinone of structure ( 5 ) is converted to the corresponding α - azidoacid and then reacted with 2 - trimethylsilylethanol to give the corresponding α - azidoester of structure ( 6 ). it is understood that protecting groups other than 2 - trimthylsilyl may be introduced . the only requirements for this protecting group are that it is stable to the conditons used in scheme a , steps e and f and that it can be selectively removed in the presence of the protecting group , pg , introduced in the carboxy protected amino acid ( 7a ). the use and selective removal of carboxy protecting groups is well known and appreciated in the art and described in protective groups in organic synthesis , theodora w . greene ( wiley - interscience , 2nd edition , 1991 ). for example , the appropriate α - azidoacyloxazolidinone of structure ( 5 ) in a suitable solvent such as tetrahydrofuran or tetrahydrofuran / water mixtures , is cooled and treated with hydrogen peroxide and a suitable base , such as lithium hydroxide . the mixture is stirred for about 1 to 2 hours and allowed to warm to ambient temperature and treated with sodium sulfite . the corresponding α - azidoacid is isolated by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as extraction and evaporation . the corresponding α - azidoacid in a suitable organic solvent , such as tetrahydrofuran , is then treated sequentially at ambient temperature with 2 - trimethylsilylethanol , an organic amine , such as pyridine , and a condensing agent such as 1 -( 3 - dimethylaminopropyl )- 3 - ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride ( edc ). the mixture is then stirred for about 1 to 3 days and then concentrated . the corresponding α - azidoester of structure ( 6 ) can be isolated by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as extraction and evaporation . the product can be purified by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as flash chromatography . in scheme a , step e , the α - azidoester of structure ( 6 ) is contacted with a suitable organic acid to provide the corresponding aldehyde - ester of structure ( 7 ). for example , a solution of α - azidoester of structure ( 6 ) in the presence of a suitable organic acid , such as acetic acid , and a suitable organic solvent , such as a tetrahydrofuran / water mixture , is heated at a temperature ranging from about 55 ° c . to about 70 ° c . for about 3 to 5 hours . the solution is then cooled and the corresponding aldehyde - ester of structure ( 7 ) is isolated by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as extraction and evaporation . the product can be purified by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as flash chromatography . in scheme a , step f , the aldehyde - ester of structure ( 7 ) undergoes a reductive , amination with an carboxy protected amino acid of structure ( 7a ), or a salt thereof , to provide the corresponding amino - ester of structure ( 8 ). suitable carboxy protected amino acids , including their specific stereoisomers , are commercially available , are prepared from amino acid starting materials which are commercially available , or can be prepared by stereospecific synthesis as is well known in the art or analogously known in the art , such as d . a . evans , et al . j . am . chem . soc ., 112 , 4011 - 4030 ( 1990 ); s . ikegami et al . tetrahedron , 44 , 5333 - 5342 ( 1988 ); w . oppolzer et al . tet . lets . 30 , 6009 - 6010 ( 1989 ); synthesis of optically active α - amino - acids , r . m . williams ( pergamon press , oxford 1989 ); m . j . o &# 39 ; donnell ed . : α - amino - acid synthesis , tetrahedron symposia in print , no . 33 , tetrahedron 44 , no . 17 ( 1988 ); u . schöllkopf , pure appl . chem . 55 , 1799 ( 1983 ); u . hengartner et al . j . org . chem ., 44 , 3748 - 3752 ( 1979 ); m . j . o &# 39 ; donnell et al . tet . lets ., 2641 - 2644 ( 1978 ); m . j . o &# 39 ; donnell et al . tet . lets . 23 , 4255 - 4258 ( 1982 ); m . j . o &# 39 ; donnell et al . j . am . chem . soc ., 110 , 8520 - 8525 ( 1988 ). for example , a solution of the aldehyde ester of structure ( 7 ) and a carboxy protected amino acid of structure ( 7a ) in a hydroxylic solvent , such as methanol or ethanol , is treated with powdered activated 3 å sieves . after about 30 minutes to 1 hour , the solution is reacted with a suitable reducing agent such as sodium cyanoborohydride , lithium cyanoborohydride , and the like . the amino - ester of structure ( 8 ) is isolated by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as extraction and evaporation . the product can be purified by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as flash chromatography . in scheme a , step g , the amino - ester of structure ( 8 ) is cyclized , after selected carboxy protecting group removal , to give a mixture of the cis α - azidolactam of structure ( 9 ) and the trans α - azidolactam of structure ( 10 ). for example , where the 2 - trimethylsilyl protecting group is used , a solution of the amino - ester of structure ( 8 ) in a suitable organic solvent , such as tetrahydrofuran , is treated at ambient temperature with a fluoride ion source , such as tetra - n - butylammonium fluoride , and stirred . after about 2 to 4 hours , the solution is concentrated . the residue is then dissolved in a suitable organic solvent , such as ethyl acetate , washed with a suitable acid , such as 10 % aqueous hydrochloric acid , and brine . the organic layer is then dried and concentrated to yield the corresponding crude amino acid . the crude amino acid is then dissolved in a suitable organic solvent , such as tetrahydrofuran , cooled in an ice bath and treated sequentially with a suitable tertiary amine , such as n - methylmorpholine , and isobutyl chloroformate . the suspension is stirred for about 2 to 3 hours and filtered . the salts are washed with dry tetrahydrofuran and the filtrate is concentrated . the residue may be purified by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as radial chromatography , to afford separately , the cis α - azidolactam of structure ( 9 ) and the trans α - azidolactam of structure ( 10 ). in scheme a , steps h1 and h2 , the cis α - azidolactam of structure ( 9 ) and the trans α - azidolactam of structure ( 10 ), respectively , are converted to the corresponding cis α - aminolactam of structure ( 11 ) and the trans ( α - aminolactam of structure ( 12 ), respectively . for example , a solution of cis α - azidolactam of structure ( 9 ) or trans α - azidolactam of structure ( 10 ) in a protic solvent , such as methanol or ethanol , is degassed and treated with an alkyl dithiol , such as 1 , 3 - propanedithiol and a tertiary amine , such as triethylamine . the solution is stirred from 60 to 72 hours and then concentrated . the residue may be purified by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as flash chromatography , to afford the corresponding cis α - aminolactam of structure ( 11 ) or the trans α - aminolactam of structure ( 12 ), respectively . in scheme a , steps i1 and i2 , the cis α - aminolactam of structure ( 11 ) and the trans α - aminolactam of structure ( 12 ), respectively , are coupled with the bromoacid of structure ( 12a ) to provide the bromoamides of structures ( 13 ) and ( 14 ), respectively . suitable bromoacids are commercially available or can be prepared utilizing materials , techniques , and procedures well known and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art or described herein . see pct application wo 96 / 11209 , published 18 apr . 1996 . examples of commercially available bromoacids include 2 - bromopropionic acid , 2 - bromobutyric acid , 2 - bromovaleric acid , 2 - bromohexanoic acid , 6 -( benzoylamino )- 2 - bromohexanoic acid , 2 - bromoheptanoic acid , 2 - bromooctanoic acid , 2 - bromo - 3 - methylbutyric acid , 2 - bromoisocaproic acid , 2 - bromo - 3 -( 5 - imidazoyl ) propionic acid , ( r )-(+)- 2 - bromopropionic acid , ( s )-(−)- 2 - bromopropionic acid . for example , a mixture of cis α - aminolactam of structure ( 11 ) or trans α - aminolactam of structure ( 12 ), a bromoacid of structure ( 12a ), a carbodiimide , such as 1 -( 3 - dimethylaminopropyl )- 3 - ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride ( edc ), and 1 - hydroxybenzotriazole ( hobt ) in a suitable organic solvent such as methylene chloride was stirred at ambient temperature for 15 to 25 hours . the cis bromoamide of structure ( 13 ) or the trans bromoamide of structure ( 14 ) may be isolated by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as extraction and evaporation . the product can be purified by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as flash chromatography . in scheme a , steps j1 and j2 , the cis bromoamide of structure ( 13 ) and the trans bromoamide of structure ( 14 ), respectively , are converted to the cis α - thioamide of structure ( 15 ) and the trans α - thioamide of structure ( 16 ), respectively . this displacement reaction can be carried out using an appropriate thio introducing reagent to give compound of formula ( 15 ) and ( 16 ) having a protected thio substituent . such protected thio substituents give rise upon deprotection and subsequent elaboration , if desired , the — sr 4 as desired in the final compound of formula ( 1 ). an appropriate thio introducing reagent is also one which introduces a group — sf 4 as desired in the final compound of formula ( 1 ), such as thioacetyl or thiobenzoyl or the group — sc ( o )—( ch 2 ) q — k . for example , a solution of p - methoxybenzylmercaptan in a suitable organic solvent such as dimethylformamide is degassed and treated with a suitable base such as sodium hydride . after about 1 to 2 hours , a solution of bromoamide of structure ( 13 ) or structure ( 14 ) in a suitable organic solvent , such as dimethylformamide is added to the mercaptide formed immediately above , as well as a suitable phase transfer catalyst , such as tetra - n - butylammonium iodide . the reaction mixture is stirred for 15 to 25 hours and saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution and water are added . the cis α - thioamide of structure ( 15 ) or the trans α - thioamide of structure ( 16 ), respectively , may be isolated by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as extraction and evaporation . the product can be purified by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as flash chromatography . in scheme a , steps k1 and k2 , cis α - thioamide of structure ( 15 ) and the trans α - thioamide of structure ( 16 ), respectively , are cleaved to provide the compounds of structures ( 17 ) and ( 18 ), respectively . for example , a mixture of cis α - thioamide of structure ( 15 ) or the trans α - thioamide of structure ( 16 ), mercuric acetate and anisole in a suitable organic solvent , such as methylene chloride is cooled in an ice bath , degassed , and treated with a suitable acid , such as trifluoroacetic acid . after a time period of about 3 - 6 hours , hydrogen sulfide gas is bubbled in the reaction mixture for about 10 to 20 minutes . the compounds of structures ( 17 ) and ( 18 ) may be isolated by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as extraction and evaporation . the product can be purified by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as flash chromatography . in scheme a , optional steps l1 and l2 , the thiol functionality of compounds ( 17 ) and ( 18 ) are acylated , if desired , with an r 4 ′- acylating agent wherein r 4 ′ is defined as above , to provide the compounds ( 17a ) and ( 18a ). for example , the appropriate compound of structures ( 17 ) or ( 18 ) can be contacted with a molar equivalent of an appropriate r 4 ′- acylating agent such as acetic anhydride and a catalytic amount of an acid such as sulfuric acid . the reactants are typically stirred together for a period of time ranging from 10 minutes to 10 hours . the compounds of structures ( 17a ) and ( 18a ) may be isolated by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as extraction and evaporation . the products can be purified by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as flash chromatography . in scheme a , step m , a compound of formula ( 17 ), ( 18 ), ( 17a ), or ( 18a ) is deprotected to give a compound of formula ( 1 ). such deprotection reactions are well known appreciated in the art and may include selective deprotections in which the carboxy protecting group ( pg ) and protecting groups on r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , and r 4 are removed if desired . r 2 - substituted cyclohexanones of structure ( 2 ) can be prepared by utilizing techniques and procedures well known and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art . a general synthetic scheme for preparing these compounds is set forth in scheme b wherein all substituents are as previously defined unless otherwise indicated . scheme b provides a general synthetic procedure for preparing compounds of formula ( 2 ) wherein the substituents are defined as above , unless otherwise indicated . in scheme b , step a , the ketone of structure ( 2d ) is reacted with an organolithium compound of the formula r 2 li or a grignard reagent of the formula r 2 mg - hal , where “ hal ” is halogen , according to techniques well known in the art to provide the tertiary alcohol of structure ( 2c ). for example , an appropriate grignard reagent of structure r 2 mgbr in a suitable organic solvent , such as ethyl ether is added to a solution of the ketone of structure ( 2d ) in a suitable organic solvent , such as anhydrous ethyl ether . the reaction mixture is stirred and then cooled to about 0 ° c . saturated ammonium chloride solution is then added . the ethereal layer is separated , washed with water and dried ( mgso 4 ). the solvent is evaporated in vacuo and purified by silica gel chromatography to give the tertiary alcohol of structure ( 2c ). an appropriate grignard reagent of structure r 2 mg - hal can be prepared by techniques well known in the art . for example , magnesium turnings and anhydrous ethyl ether are mixed under an inert atmosphere . a solution of a compound of the formula r 2 - hal , where “ hal ” is halogen , in ethyl ether is then added to the magnesium mixture . the mixture is then stirred until the magnesium metal dissolves to give the grignard reagent of structure r 2 mg - hal . in scheme b , step b , the tertiary alcohol of structure ( 2c ) is dehydrated according to techniques well known in the art to give the intermediate of structure ( 2b ). for example , the tertiary alcohol of structure ( 2c ) may be dehydrated according to the procedure disclosed by yadav , j . s . and mysorekar , s . v ., synth . comm . 19 , 1057 - 1060 ( 1989 ). for example , to a stirred solution of the tertiary alcohol of structure ( 2c ) in methylene chloride is added triethylamine and dmap . the mixture is then cooled to about 0 ° c . and methanesulfonyl chloride is added dropwise to the mixture . the resulting reaction mixture is stirred for about 1 hour at room temperature . crushed ice is added and the mixture stirred for about 1 hour . afterwards , the reaction mixture is extracted with methylene chloride . the organic extracts are combined , washed with water and dried ( na 2 so 4 ). the solvent is then evaporated and the products are purified by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as silica gel chromatography to provide the intermediate of structure ( 2b ). in scheme b , step c , the intermediate of structure ( 2b ) is reduced to provide the ketal of structure ( 2a ). for example , a solution of the intermediate of structure ( 2b ) in a suitable organic solvent , such as methanol , may be treated with 10 % palladium / carbon catalyst ( pd — c ) and stirred under a hydrogen atmosphere for a period of from 10 - 20 hours . additional catalyst may then be added , the mixture may be stirred for an additional 5 - 10 hours , degassed and filtered . the filtrate is then concentrated to yield the ketal of structure ( 2a ). in scheme b , step d , the ketal of structure ( 2a ) is hydrolyzed according to procedures well known in the art to provide the r 2 - substituted cyclohexanone of structure ( 2 ). for example , the blocked ketone functionality of the compound of structure ( 2a ) may be hydrolyzed according to the procedure disclosed by honan , m . c ., tetrahedron lett . 26 , 6393 - 6396 ( 1985 ) or greico , p . a . et al ., j . amer . chem . soc . 99 , 5773 - 5780 ( 1977 ). for example , the ketal of structure ( 2a ) is dissolved in a solution of a tetrahydrofuran / 5 % hydrochloric acid mixture ( 2 : 1 ) and allowed to react for a period of time ranging from about 15 to 25 hours at room temperature . the solvent is then removed under reduced pressure to afford the r 2 - substituted cyclohexanone of structure ( 2 ). the bromoacids of structure ( 12a ) wherein r 3 is a w —( ch 2 ) m — group are synthesized according to scheme c . the bromoacid of structure ( 35 ) corresponds to the bromoacid of structure ( 12a ) when r 3 is a w —( ch 2 ) m — group . in scheme 3 , w is represented by phtn , wherein w is phthalimido . in scheme c , step a , the amino carboxylic acid of structure ( 33 ) in a suitable polar solvent , such as water or a water / ethereal solvent mixture , is treated with sodium carbonate and n - carbethoxy phthalimide ( ncep ). the reaction mixture is typically stirred at ambient temperature for 1 - 5 hours and extracted by extractive methods well known in the art . the aqueous layer is then cooled and acidified to about ph 1 using an acid , such as concentrated hydrochloric acid . the precipitate is then collected by filtration , washed with water and then dried to give the phthalimido carboxylic acid of structure ( 34 ). in scheme c , step b , the phthalimido carboxylic acid of structure ( 34 ) is brominated to give the 2 - bromo - phthalimido carboxylic acid of structure ( 35 ). for example , a mixture of the phthalimido carboxylic acid of structure ( 34 ) and dry red phosphorous is treated dropwise with bromine at temperature ranging from about − 20 ° to about 10 ° c . the reaction mixture is then warmed to room temperature and then heated to about 80 ° c . for about 2 - 5 hours . the reaction mixture is then cooled to room temperature , poured into water containing sodium bisulfite , and neutralized using solid nahco 3 . the aqueous layer is washed with an ethereal solvent , such as diethyl ether , and acidified with a suitable acid , such as concentrated hydrochloric acid . the precipitate is collected by filtration and dried to yield the bromoacid of structure ( 35 ). alternatively , the bromoacid of structure ( 35 ) can be prepared following the procedure described in scheme c , steps a1 , a2 and b1 , as described analogously by baldwin , j . e . et al ., tetrahedron 44 , 2633 - 2636 ( 1988 ) and bezas , b . and zervas , l ., j . am . chem . soc . 83 , 719 - 722 ( 1961 ). for example , in scheme c , step a1 , selective n - α - protection of a suitable α - amino acid , such as l - lysine , is accomplished by masking the ε - amino group by formation of a benzylidene imine . the benzylidene imine is formed by dissolving l - lysine monohydrochloride in lithium hydroxide and cooling the solution to a temperature ranging from about 0 ° to 10 ° c . freshly distilled benzaldehyde is then added and the solution is shaken . n - ε - benzylidene - l - lysine is recovered by filtration and evaporation . the α - amino group of the n - ε - benzylidene - l - lysine then undergoes urethane protection , followed by hydrolytic cleavage of the imine in situ to give n - α - benzyloxycarbonyl - l - lysine . for example , n - ε - benzylidene - l - lysine is added to a mixture of sodium hydroxide and ethanol , cooled to a temperature of from about − 5 ° to about − 25 ° c . then , precooled solutions of benzyloxycarbonyl chloride in an alkaline solvent , such as sodium hydroxide and ethanol , are added to the reaction mixture . the temperature is maintained at a temperature ranging from about − 10 ° to about − 25 ° c . during the course of addition , and then allowed to rise slightly ( approx . − 5 ° c .) with stirring . the reaction mixture is then acidified using a suitable acid , such as precooled hydrochloric acid , and n - α - benzyloxycarbonyl - l - lysine , which corresponds to structure ( 34a ) where m is 4 , is recovered by filtration and recrystallization . in scheme c , step a2 , n - α - benzyloxycarbonyl - l - lysine or other compounds of structure ( 34a ) are reacted with n - carboethoxyphthalimide in aqueous sodium carbonate solution to yield optically pure phthaloyl derivatives of the compounds of structure ( 34a ). the phthaloyl derivatives of the compounds of structure ( 34a ) are then reduced concurrently with carbobenzloxy hydrogenolysis to give the n - ε - phthaloyl amino acids of structure ( 34b ). for example , the individual phthaloyl derivative of structure ( 34a ) is contacted with a catalytic amount of a hydrogenation catalyst , such as 10 % palladium / carbon . the reactants are typically contacted in a suitable solvent mixture such as tetrahydrofuran / water . the reactants are typically shaken under a hydrogen atmosphere of 35 - 45 psi at room temperature for a period of time ranging from 5 - 24 hours . the individual n - ε - phthaloyl amino acid of structure ( 34b ) is recovered from the reaction zone by evaporation of the solvent . in scheme c , step b1 , the individual n - ε - phthaloyl amino acid of structure ( 34b ) is deaminobrominated to yield the bromoacid of structure ( 35 ). this reaction can be performed utilizing a reaction of the type described in compagnone , r . s . and rapoport , h ., j . org . chem ., 51 , 1713 - 1719 ( 1986 ); u . s . pat . no . 5 , 322 , 942 , issued jun . 21 , 1994 ; overberger , c . g . and cho , i ., j . org . chem ., 33 , 3321 - 3322 ( 1968 ); or pfister , k . et al ., j . am . chem . soc ., 71 , 1096 - 1100 ( 1949 ). for example , a mixture of n - ε - phthaloyl amino acid of structure ( 34b ) and a suitable bromide , such as hydrogen bromide or potassium bromide , in acidic solution , such as sulfuric acid , is treated with sodium nitrite . if avoidance of racemization caused by excess bromide ion is desired , the reaction temperature can be kept between − 5 ° c . and 0 ° c . during addition and stirring . after the reaction mixture is stirred for a period of time ranging from 1 . 5 to 5 hours , the bromoacid of structure ( 35 ) may be recovered by extraction and evaporation . the bromoacids of structure ( 12a ) wherein r 3 is c 1 - c 6 alkyl or a q ′— z ′—( ch 2 ) m — group , wherein m is as defined above and q ′ is hydrogen or a y ′—( ch 2 ) n — group , wherein y ′ is — c ( o ) or 6 ; z ′ is a bond , oxy or amino , are synthesized according to scheme d . the bromoacid of structure ( 37 ) corresponds to the bromoacid of structure ( 12a ) when r 3 is c 1 - c 6 alkyl , or a q ′— z ′—( ch 2 ) m — group . scheme d provides a general synthetic procedure for preparing the bromoacids of structure ( 12a ) when r 3 is c 1 - c 6 alkyl or a q ′— z ′—( ch 2 ) m — group , signified as structure ( 37 ). the substituent r 3 ′ is defined as c 1 - c 6 alkyl , or a q ′— z ′—( ch 2 ) m — group . in scheme d , an appropriate amino acid of structure ( 36 ) is deaminobrominated to yield the r 3 ′- substituted bromoacid of structure ( 37 ) as described previously in scheme c , step b1 . the amino acids of structure ( 36 ), and n - protected forms thereof , are commercially available or may be readily prepared by techniques and procedures well known and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art . for example , l - alanine , d - alanine , l - valine , d - valine , d - norvaline , l - leucine , d - leucine , d - isoleucine , d - tert - leucine , glycine , l - glutamic acid , d - glutamic acid , l - glutamine , d - glutamine , l - lysine , d - lysine , l - ornithine , d - ornithine , ( d )-(−)- 2 - aminobutyric acid , d - threonine , d - homoserine , d - allothreonine , d - serine , d - 2 - aminoadipic acid , d - aspartic acid , d - glutamic acid , d - lysine hydrate , 2 , 3 - diaminopropionic acid monohydrobromide , d - omithine hydrochloride , d , l - 2 , 4 - diaminobutyric acid dihydrochloride , l - meta - tyrosine , d - 4 - hydroxyphenylglycine , d - tyrosine , d - phenylalanine , d , l - 2 - fluorophenylalanine , beta - methyl - d , l - phenylalanine hydrochloride , d , l - 3 - fluorophenylalanine , 4 - bromo - d , l - phenylalanine , d - 2 - phenylglycine , d , l - 4 - fluorophenylalanine , 4 - iodo - d - phenylalanine , d - homophenylalanine , d , l - 2 - fluorophenylglycine , d , l - 4 - chlorophenylalanine , and the like , are all commercially available from sigma chemical co ., st . louis , mo . or aldrich chemical co ., inc . the cis α - thioamide of structure ( 15 ), the trans α - thioamide of structure ( 16 ), and the α - thioamide of structure ( 31 ) where r 3 is a q ′ 2 — z ′ 2 —( ch 2 ) m — group wherein q ′ 2 is a y ′ 2 —( ch 2 ) n — group , where y ′ 2 is — n ( r 6 ) 2 , can be synthesized according to techniques well known and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art . a general synthetic scheme for preparing these compounds is set forth in scheme f wherein all substituents , unless otherwise indicated , are previously defined . the α - thioamide of structure ( 38 ) generically represents the cis α - thioamide of structure ( 15 ), the trans α - thioamide of structure ( 16 ), and the α - thioamide of structure ( 31 ) when r 1 is a q ′ 2 — z ′ 2 —( ch 2 ) m — group wherein q ′ 2 is a y ′ 2 —( ch 2 ) n — group , where y ′ 2 is — n ( r 6 ) 2 . schemes f - q provide for compounds which give rise to compounds of formula ( 1 ) upon deprotection or selective deprotection of the carboxy protecting group , pg . such deprotections or selective deprotection reactions are well known appreciated in the art . scheme f provides compounds of structure ( 39 ) and ( 40 ) which give rise to compounds of formula ( 1 ) in which z is an amine or a substituted amine . scheme f also provides compounds of structure ( 41 ) which give rise to commands of formula ( 1 ) in which z is a bond and q is — n ( r 6 ) 2 . scheme f provides a general synthetic procedure for preparing compounds of structures ( 15 ), ( 16 ) and ( 41 ) wherein r 3 is a q ′ 2 — z ′ 2 —( ch 2 ) m — group wherein q ′ 2 is a y ′ 2 —( ch 2 ) n — group , where y ′ 2 is — n ( r 6 ) 2 , and z ′ 2 is a bond . all of the substituents are as defined above except r 6 ′ which is defined as c 1 - c 6 alkyl . in scheme f , step a , the phthalimido group of the appropriate individual α - thioamide compounds of structure ( 38 ) is contacted with a molar excess of hydrazine monohydrate . the reactants are typically contacted in a protic organic solvent , such as methanol . the reactants are typically stirred together at room temperature for a period of time ranging from 5 - 24 hours . the corresponding free amine compounds of structure ( 39 ) are recovered from the reaction zone by evaporation of the solvent , redissolving in chloroform , filtration to remove phthal - hydrazide and removal of the chloroform in vacuo . in scheme f , optional step b , the individual free amines of structure ( 39 ) are converted to the r 6 ′- substituted amines of structure ( 40 ) by reductive alkylation . for example , a mixture of the free amine of structure ( 39 ) in a protic organic solvent , such as methanol , is contacted with r 6 ′ cho , sodium cyanoborohydride and 1 drop of 1 % bromocresol green in methanol . the ph of the reaction is maintained with 1n hydrochloric acid in methanol . the r 6 ′- substituted amines of structure ( 40 ) are recovered from the reaction zone by extraction and evaporation of the solvent . in scheme f , optional step c , the r 6 ′- substituted amines of structure ( 40 ) is converted to the di - r 6 ′- substituted amines of structure ( 41 ) as described above in scheme d , optional step b . the cis α - thioamide of structure ( 15 ), the trans α - thioamide of structure ( 16 ), and the α - thioamide of structure ( 41 ) where r 3 is a q ′ 3 — z ′ 3 —( ch 2 ) m — group , wherein q ′ 3 is a y ′ 3 —( ch 2 ) n — group , z ′ 3 is conr 6 , and y ′ 3 is h , c 6 - c 10 aryl , c 3 - c 9 heteroaryl morpholino , piperidino , pyrrolidino or isoindolyl can be synthesized according to techniques well known and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art . a general synthetic scheme for preparing these compounds , signified as the compounds of structure ( 43 ), is set forth in scheme g wherein all substituents , unless otherwise indicated , are previously defined . scheme g provides a general synthetic procedure for preparing compounds of structures ( 15 ), ( 16 ) and ( 41 ) wherein r 3 is a q ′ 3 — z 3 —( ch 2 ) m — group wherein q ′ 3 is a y ′ 3 —( ch 2 ) n — group , z ′ 3 is conr 6 , and y ′ 3 is h , c 6 - c 10 aryl , c 3 - c 9 heteroaryl , morpholino , piperidino , pyrrolidino or isoindolyl . all of the other substituents are as previously defined . in scheme g , the compounds of structure ( 43 ) are prepared by coupling the free amine of structure ( 39 ) or the r 6 ′- substituted amines of structure ( 40 ) with the acid of structure ( 42 ). specifically , an acid of structure ( 42 ) is contacted with 1 . 2 to 1 . 7 equivalents of a suitable base , such as n - methylmorpholine , in a suitable solvent , such as tetrahydrofuran . the reaction mixture is cooled to a temperature of between − 50 ° c . and 0 ° c . with − 25 ° c . to − 20 ° c . being preferred , before the addition of 1 . 2 to 1 . 7 equivalents of isobutyl chloroformate . the reaction is allowed to stir for 30 minutes to 3 hours to allow for the formation of the mixed anhydride , an activated intermediate . while maintaining the temperature at between − 50 ° c . and 0 ° c ., an appropriate free amine of structure ( 39 ) or an appropriate r 6 ′- substituted amines of structure ( 40 ) is added . the reaction may , after the addition of amine of structures ( 39 ) or ( 40 ) is complete , be warmed to room temperature . the reaction requires from 2 to 48 hours . the product ( 43 ) can be isolated and purified by techniques well known in the art , such as extraction , evaporation , chromatography , and recrystallization . alternatively , for example , an acid of structure ( 42 ) is contacted with thionyl chloride or oxalyl chloride to provide an acid chloride intermediate . the reaction is carried out using thionyl chloride or oxalyl chloride as a solvent or the reaction can be carried out in a suitable solvent , such as toluene , benzene , dichloromethane , carbon tetrachloride , or chloroform . the reaction may be carried out in the presence of a suitable catalyst , such as dimethylformamide or pyridine . the reaction is carried out at temperatures of from − 40 ° c . to the refluxing temperature of the solvent . the reaction generally requires from 30 minutes to 24 hours . the acid chloride intermediate can isolated and purified by techniques well known in the art , such as evaporation , extraction , chromatography , and recrystallization . the acid chloride intermediate is then contacted with an appropriate amine of structures ( 39 ) or ( 40 ). the reaction is carried out in a suitable solvent , such as toluene , tetrahydrofuran , dimethylformamide , dichloromethane , pyridine , or chloroform . the reaction is carried out in the presence of a slight molar excess of a suitable base , such as triethylamine , sodium carbonate , potassium bicarbonate , pyridine or diisopropylethyl amine . the reaction is carried out at a temperature of from − 70 ° c . to the refluxing temperature of the solvent . the reaction generally requires from 30 minutes to 24 hours . the product of structure ( 43 ) can be isolated and purified by techniques well known in the art , such as extraction , evaporation , chromatography , and recrystallization . alternatively , for example , an acid of structure ( 42 ) is contacted with a slight molar excess of an appropriate amine of structures ( 39 ) or ( 40 ) and 1 - hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate in the presence of a slight molar excess of a coupling agent , such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide ( dcc ) or 1 -( 3 - dimethyaminopropyl )- 3 - ethylcarbodiimide ( edc ). the reaction is carried out in the presence of a suitable base , such as diisopropylethyl amine . the reaction is carried out in a suitable solvent , such as dichloromethane or chloroform . the product can be isolated and purified by techniques well known in the art , such as extraction , evaporation , chromatography , and recrystallization . the compounds of structure ( 42 ), and activated intermediates thereof , are commercially available or may be readily prepared by techniques and procedures well known and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art . for example , benzoic acid , 1 - naphthoic acid , 2 - naphthoic acid , quinaldic acid , 4 - pyridazine - carboxylic acid , 4 - pyrazolecarboxylic acid , 2 - furoic acid , 3 - furoic acid , 2 - pyrazinecarboxylic acid , 2 - thiophenecarboxylic acid , 4 - morpholinecarbonyl chloride , boc - isonipecotic acid , isonicotinic acid , and picolinic acid are commercially available from aldrich chemical co ., inc and baychem , inc . the cis α - thioamide of structure ( 15 ), the trans α - thioamide of structure ( 16 ), and the α - thioamide of structure ( 41 ) where r 3 is a q ′ 3 — z ′ 4 —( ch 2 ) m — group , wherein q ′ 3 is as defined in scheme g , m is defined previously and z ′ 4 is nhc ( o ) nr 6 , can be synthesized according to techniques well known and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art . a general synthetic scheme for preparing these compounds , signified as the compounds of structure ( 45 ), is set forth in scheme h wherein all substituents , unless otherwise indicated , are previously defined . scheme h provides a general synthetic procedure for preparing compounds of structures ( 15 ), ( 16 ) and ( 41 ) wherein r 3 is a q ′ 3 — z ′ 4 —( ch 2 ) m — group , wherein q ′ 3 is as defined in scheme g , m is defined previously and z ′ 4 is nhc ( o ) nr 6 . all of the other substituents are as defined above . in scheme h , the compounds of structure ( 45 ) are prepared by reacting a free amine of structure ( 39 ) or a r 6 ′- substituted amine of structure ( 40 ) with the isocyanate of structure ( 44 ). for example , an equivalent of , or a slight molar excess of , an appropriate isocyanate of structure ( 44 ) is added to a solution of an appropriate free amine of structure ( 39 ) or an appropriate r 6 ′- substituted amine of structure ( 40 ) in a suitable dry aromatic solvent , such as anhydrous benzene or anhydrous toluene . the mixture is then refluxed for a period of time ranging from 2 - 24 hours . the appropriate compound of structure ( 45 ) can be isolated and purified by techniques well known in the art , such as extraction , evaporation , chromatography , and recrystallization . the compounds of structure ( 44 ), and activated intermediates thereof , are commercially available or may be readily prepared by techniques and procedures well known and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art . for example , phenyl isocyanate and 1 - naphthyl isocyanate are available from aldrich chemical co ., inc . other compounds of structure ( 44 ) which are known in the art include 4 - methyphenyl isocyanate , 4 - methoxyphenyl isocyanate , 2 - naphthyl isocyanate , 4 - aminophenyl isocyanate , 4 - fluorophenyl isocyanate , 3 - chlorophenyl isocyanate , 4 - chlorophenyl isocyanate , 3 , 4 - dichlorophenyl isocyanate , 2 , 6 - dimethylphenyl isocyanate , 2 - methoxy - 1 - naphthyl isocyanate , 2 , 4 , 6 - trimethylphenyl isocyanate and 4 - nitrophenyl isocyanate . the cis α - thioamide of structure ( 15 ), the trans α - thioamide of structure ( 16 ), and the α - thioamide of structure ( 41 ) where r 3 is a q 3 — z ′ 5 —( ch 2 ) m — group , wherein q ′ 3 is as defined in scheme g , m is defined previously and z ′ 5 is oc ( o ) nr 6 , can be synthesized according to techniques well known and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art . a general synthetic scheme for preparing these compounds , signified as the compounds of structure ( 48 ), is set forth in scheme i wherein all substituents , unless otherwise indicated , are previously defined . scheme i provides a general synthetic procedure for preparing compounds of structures ( 15 ), ( 16 ) and ( 41 ) wherein r 3 is a q ′ 3 — z ′ 5 —( ch 2 ) m — group , wherein q ′ 3 is as defined in scheme g , m is defined previously and z ′ 5 is oc ( o ) nr 6 . all of the other substituents are as defined above . in scheme i , step a , an appropriate free amine of structure ( 39 ) or an appropriate r 6 ′- substituted amine of structure ( 40 ) is coupled to the chloroformate of structure ( 46 ) in the presence of a suitable solvent , such as toluene , tetrahydrofuran , dimethylformamide , dichloromethane , pyridine , or chloroform . the reaction is carried out in the presence of a slight molar excess of a suitable base , such as triethylamine , sodium carbonate , potassium bicarbonate , pyridine or diisopropylethylamine . the reaction is carried out at a temperature of from − 70 ° c . to the refluxing temperature of the solvent . the reaction generally requires from 30 minutes to 24 hours . the product of structure ( 48 ) can be isolated and purified by techniques well known in the art , such as extraction , evaporation , chromatography , and recrystallization . the chloroformates of structure ( 46 ) are commercially available or may be readily prepared by techniques and procedures well known and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art . for example , phenyl chloroformate , benzyl chloroformate , 4 - chlorophenyl chloroformate , 4 - nitrophenyl chloroformate , 4 - methylphenyl chloroformate , 4 - bromophenyl chloroformate , 4 - fluorophenyl chloroformate , 4 - methoxyphenyl chloroformate and chloroformic acid 2 - naphthyl ester are available from aldrich chemical co ., inc ., or are otherwise known in the art . alternatively , in scheme i , step a1 , an appropriate free amine of structure ( 39 ) or an appropriate r 6 ′- substituted amine of structure ( 40 ) is reacted with the anhydride of structure ( 47 ) according to the anhydride coupling procedure described previously in scheme g . the anhydrides of structure ( 47 ) may be readily prepared by techniques and procedures well known and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art . see for example , pope , b . m . et al ., org . synth ., vi , 418 ( 1988 ); dean , c . s . et al ., chem . comm ., 728 ( 1969 ); tarbell , d . s . et al ., proc . natl . acad . sci . ( usa ) 69 , 730 ( 1972 ) or dean , c . s . et al ., j . org . chem . 35 , 3393 ( 1970 ). the cis α - thioamide of structure ( 15 ), the trans α - thioamide of structure ( 16 ), and the α - thioamide of structure ( 41 ) where r 3 is a q ′ 3 — z ′ 5 —( ch 2 ) m — group , wherein q ′ 3 is as defined in scheme g , m is defined previously and z ′ 6 is so 2 nr 6 , can be synthesized according to techniques well known and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art . a general synthetic scheme for preparing these compounds , signified as the compounds of structure ( 51 ), is set forth in scheme j wherein all substituents , unless otherwise indicated , are previously defined . scheme j provides a general synthetic procedure for preparing compounds of structures ( 15 ), ( 16 ) and ( 41 ) wherein r 3 is a q ′ 3 — z ′ 6 —( ch 2 ) m — group , wherein q ′ 3 is as defined in scheme g , m is defined previously and z ′ 6 is so 2 nr 6 . all of the other substituents are as defined above . in scheme j , an appropriate free amine of structure ( 39 ) or an appropriate r 6 ′- substituted amine of structure ( 40 ) is reacted with the with the chloride of structure ( 49 ) or the anhydride of structure ( 50 ) according to the anhydride coupling procedure described previously in scheme g . the chlorides of structure ( 49 ) are commercially available or may be readily prepared by techniques and procedures well known and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art . for example , benzenesulfonyl chloride , 1 - napthalenesulfonyl chloride , 2 - napthalenesulfonyl chloride , dansyl chloride , 8 - quinolinesulfonyl chloride , 2 - dibenzofuransulfonyl chloride , 1 , 2 - napthoquinone - 2 - diazide - 4 - sulfonyl chloride , n - morpholinylsulfonyl chloride , n - piperidinylsulfonyl chloride , 2 , 4 , 5 - trichlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride , 2 , 5 - dichlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride , 2 - nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride , 2 , 4 - dinitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride , 3 , 5 - dichloro - 2 - hydroxybenzenesulfonyl chloride , 2 , 4 , 6 - triisopropylbenzenesulfonyl chloride , 2 - mesitylenesulfonyl chloride , 3 - nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride , 4 - bromobenzenesulfonyl chloride , 4 - fluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride , 4 - chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride , 4 - chloro - 3 - nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride , 4 - nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride , 4 - methoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride , 4 - t - butylbenzenesulfonyl chloride , p - toluenesulfonyl chloride , 2 , 3 , 4 - trichlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride , 2 , 5 - dimethoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride , 4 - ethylbenzenesulfonyl chloride , 3 , 4 - dimethoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride , 2 , 6 - dichlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride , 3 - bromobenzenesulfonyl chloride , 4 - methoxy - 2 - nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride and 4 - n - butylbenzenesulfonyl chloride are available from aldrich chemical co ., inc ., other chemical suppliers , such as lancaster , salor , or maybridge , or are otherwise known in the art . the anhydrides of structure ( 50 ) are commercially available or may be readily prepared by techniques and procedures well known and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art . for example , benzenesulfonic anhydride , 4 - toluenesulfonic anhydride , 2 - mesitylenesulfonic anhydride and 4 - nitrobenzenesulfonic anhydride are available from aldrich chemical co ., inc ., or are otherwise known in the art . the cis α - thioamide of structure ( 15 ), the trans o - thioamide of structure ( 16 ), and the α - thioamide of structure ( 41 ) where r 3 is a q ′ 3 — z ′ 7 —( ch 2 ) m — group , wherein q ′ 3 is as defined in scheme g , m is defined previously and z ′ 7 is nr 6 c ( o ), can be synthesized according to techniques well known and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art . a general synthetic scheme for preparing these compounds , signified as the compounds of structure ( 54 ), is set forth in scheme k wherein all substituents , unless otherwise indicated , are previously defined . scheme k provides a general synthetic procedure for preparing compounds of structures ( 15 ), ( 16 ) and ( 41 ) wherein r 3 is a q ′ 3 — z ′ 7 —( ch 2 ) m — group , wherein q ′ 3 is as defined in scheme g , m is defined previously and z ′ 7 is nr 6 c ( o ). all of the other substituents are as defined above . in scheme k , step a , an appropriate ester of structure ( 52 ) is deprotected under conditions well known in the art to provide the acid of structure ( 53 ). for example , when r 6 ′ is methyl or ethyl , the ester of structure ( 52 ) is dissolved in a suitable organic solvent , such as ethanol and treated with approximately an equal volume of water . to this solution , with stirring is added 1 to 2 equivalents of lithium hydroxide and the reaction is allowed to stir for 1 to 6 hours . the resulting acid is then isolated and purified by techniques well known in the art . for example , the organic solvent is removed under vacuum and the remaining aqueous solution is acidified with dilute hydrochloric acid . the aqueous phase is then extracted with a suitable organic solvent , such as ethyl acetate , and the combined organic extracts are dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate , filtered and concentrated under vacuum . the residue can then be purified by flash chromatography on silica gel with a suitable eluent , such as methanol / chloroform to provide the acid of structure ( 53 ). in scheme k , step b , the acid of structure ( 53 ) is coupled with the amine of structure ( 53a ) under conditions well known in the art to provide the retroamide of structure ( 54 ). for example , the acid of structure ( 53 ) is dissolved in a suitable organic solvent , such as methylene chloride , under an inert atmosphere , such as nitrogen . the solution is then treated with one to four equivalents of a suitable amine , such as n - methylmorpholine , cooled to about − 20 ° c . and one equivalent of isobutylchloroformate is added . the reaction is allowed to stir for about 10 to 30 minutes and 1 to 4 equivalents of the amine of structure ( 53a ) is added to the reaction . the reaction is stirred for 30 minutes to 2 hours at about − 20 ° c . and then it is allowed to warm to room temperature and stir for 1 to 3 hours . the retroamide ( 54 ) is then isolated and purified by techniques well known in the art , such as extractive techniques and flash chromatography . for example , the reaction is diluted with a suitable organic solvent such as methylene chloride , rinsed with water , dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate , filtered and concentrated under vacuum . the residue is purified by flash chromatography on silica gel with a suitable eluent , such as ethyl acetate / hexane to provide the retroamide ( 54 ). alternatively , the amine of structure ( 53a ) is dissolved in a suitable anhydrous organic solvent , such as methylene chloride under an inert atmosphere , such as nitrogen . to this solution is added an equivalent of n - hydroxybenztriazole hydrate , an equivalent of 1 -( 3 - dimethylaminopropyl )- 3 - ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride and an equivalent of the acid of structure ( 53 ), dissolved in a suitable anhydrous organic solvent , such as methylene chloride . the reaction is then allowed to stir for about 1 to 15 hours . the retroamide of structure ( 54 ) is then isolated and purified by techniques well known in the art , such as extractive techniques and flash chromatography . for example , the reaction is diluted with a suitable organic solvent , such as ethyl acetate , rinsed with water , dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate , filtered and concentrated under vacuum . the residue is purified by flash chromatography on silica gel with a suitable eluent , such as ethyl acetate / hexane to provide the retroamide ( 54 ). the cis α - thioamide of structure ( 15 ), the trans α - thioamide of structure ( 16 ), and the α - thioamide of structure ( 41 ) where r 3 is a q ′ 3 — z ′ 8 —( ch 2 ) m — group , wherein q ′ 3 is as defined in scheme g , m is defined previously and z ′ 8 is hnc ( o ) o , can be synthesized according to techniques well known and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art . a general synthetic scheme for preparing these compounds , signified as the compounds of structure ( 56 ), is set forth in scheme l wherein all substituents , unless otherwise indicated , are previously defined . scheme l provides a general synthetic procedure for preparing compounds of structures ( 15 ), ( 16 ) and ( 41 ) wherein r 3 is a q ′ 3 — z ′ 8 —( ch 2 ) m — group , wherein q ′ 3 is as defined in scheme g , m is defined previously and z ′ 8 is hnc ( o ) o . all of the other substituents are as defined above . in scheme l , step a , an appropriate ester of structure ( 52 ) is reduced under conditions well known in the art to provide the alcohol of structure ( 55 ). for example , the ester of structure ( 52 ) is dissolved in a suitable solvent , such as hexane , dichloromethane , tetrahydrofuran or toluene , with tetrahydrofuran being preferred , and contacted with a suitable reducing agent , such as lithium borohydride , sodium borohydride , lithium aluminum hydride , diisobutylaluminum hydride , 9 - borabicyclo [ 3 . 3 . 1 ] nonane , preferably lithium borohydride . the reaction is carried out by either adding a solution of an appropriate ester ( 52 ) to a solution of an appropriate reducing agent or by adding a solution of an appropriate reducing agent to a solution of an appropriate ester of structure ( 52 ). the addition is carried out at a temperature of from about − 30 ° c . to about 10 ° c . the reaction is carried out at a temperature of from about 0 ° c . to about 30 ° c . the reaction generally requires from 2 to 5 hours . the product can be isolated by quenching and extraction . the quench is carried out at a temperature of from about − 15 ° c . to about 0 ° c . the alcohol of structure ( 55 ) can be isolated by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as extraction and evaporation . the alcohol of structure ( 55 ) can be purified as is well known in the art by chromatography and distillation . in scheme l , step b , the alcohol of structure ( 55 ) is reacted with the isocyanate of structure ( 44 ) according to the procedures set forth in scheme h above to afford the appropriate compound of structure ( 56 ). alternatively , the cis α - thioamide of structure ( 15 ), the trans α - thioamide of structure ( 16 ), and the α - thioamide of structure ( 41 ) can be synthesized according to techniques well known and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art . an alternate general synthetic scheme for preparing these compounds is set forth in scheme m wherein all substituents , unless otherwise indicated , are previously defined . scheme m provides an alternate general synthetic procedure for preparing compounds of structures ( 15 ), ( 16 ) and ( 41 ). all of the substituents are as defined above . in scheme m , step a , the thiol of structure ( 57a ) in a suitable organic solvent such as dimethylformamide , is degassed and treated with ethyl bromoacetate ( 57b ) and a suitable tertiary amine such as diisopropylethylamine . the reaction mixture is placed in a cooling bath and stirred for a period of time ranging from about 20 minutes to about 1 hour whereupon a precipitate is observed . the cooling bath is then removed and the reaction mixture is stirred for an additional 48 to 72 hours . the sulfide ester of structure ( 57 ) can be isolated by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as extraction and evaporation . the sulfide ester of structure ( 57 ) can be purified as is well known in the art by chromatography and distillation . in scheme m , step b , the sulfide ester of structure ( 57 ) in a suitable organic solvent such as tetrahydrofuran is treated with an amide base such as lithium bis ( trimethylsilyl ) amide . the resulting intermediate is then reacted with an r 3 - substituted alkyl halide ( r 3 ch 2 - hal ) to yield the r 3 - substituted sulfide ester of structure ( 58 ). the r 1 - substituted sulfide ester of structure ( 58 ) can be isolated by methods well known and appreciated in the art , such as extraction and evaporation . the r 3 - substituted sulfide ester of structure ( 58 ) can be purified as is well known in the art by chromatography and distillation . in scheme m , step c , the r 3 - substituted sulfide ester of structure ( 58 ) is deprotected to yield the r 1 - substituted sulfide acid of structure ( 59 ) according tothe procedure described in scheme k , step a . in scheme m , step d , the r 3 - substituted sulfide acid of structure ( 59 ) is coupled with an appropriate compound of structures ( 11 ), ( 12 ) or ( 29 ) to provide an appropriate compound of structures ( 15 ), ( 16 ) or ( 41 ) according the procedures described in scheme g . the compounds of formula ( 1 ) wherein r 4 is a — c ( o )—( ch 2 ) q — k group can be synthesized according to techniques well known and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art , as disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 424 , 425 , issued jun . 13 , 1995 . a general synthetic scheme for preparing these compounds , signified as the compounds of structure ( 61 ), is set forth in scheme n wherein all substituents , unless otherwise indicated , are previously defined . scheme n provides a general synthetic procedure for preparing compounds of structure ( 61 ) wherein k ′ is r 7 ″ represents boc , c 1 - c 4 alkyl or a —( ch 2 ) p — ar 2 group . all of the other substituents are as defined above . in scheme n the appropriate thioacetyl compound of structure ( 61 ) can be prepared by reacting the appropriate bromoamide of structure ( 13 ), ( 14 ) or ( 30 ) with the appropriate triphenylmethyl aminothiolacetate of structure ( 60 or 60a ) under basic conditions such as sodium hydride , hydrogen sulfide in a suitable aprotic solvent such as dimethylformamide . wherein r 7 ′ is boc , the boc protecting group can be removed using trifluoroacetic acid to give the corresponding compounds where r 7 is hydrogen . in addition , the sulfide functionality of those thioacetyl compounds of structure ( 61 ) wherein k ′ is may be oxidized by techniques and procedures well known in the art , such as magnesium monoperoxyphthalic acid hexahydrate to give the thioacetyl compounds of structure ( 61 ) wherein k is scheme o provides a general synthetic scheme for preparing the triphenylmethyl aminothiolacetates of structures ( 60 ) and ( 60a ). scheme o provides a general synthetic procedure for preparing compounds of structure ( 64 ) and ( 64a ) wherein k ″ is r 7 ″ represents boc , c 1 - c 4 alkyl or a —( ch 2 ) p — ar 2 group . all of the other substituents are as defined above . in scheme o , step a , a triphenylmercaptan ( 62 ) and bromoacetyl bromide ( 63 ) are reacted under basic conditions , such as pyridine , in an aprotic solvent , such as methylene chloride to give triphenylmethylbromothiolacetate of structure ( 64 ). in scheme o , step b , triphenylmethyl bromothiolacetate of structure ( 64 ) is reacted with the appropriate amino compound of structure ( 65 ) under basic conditions , such as pyridine , in an aprotic solvent such as methylene chloride to give the appropriate triphenylmethyl aminothiolacetate compound of structure ( 66 ). in scheme o , optional step c , the sulfide functionality of those thioacetyl compounds of structure ( 66 ) wherein k ″ is may be oxidized by techniques and procedures well known in the art , such as magnesium monoperoxyphthalic acid hexahydrate to give the thioacetyl compounds of structure ( 66a ) wherein k is alternatively , the compounds of formula ( 1 ) wherein r 4 is a — c ( o )—( ch 2 ) q — k group may be prepared as described in scheme p . in scheme p , all substituents are as previously defined unless otherwise indicated . scheme p provides a general synthetic procedure for preparing compounds of structure ( 61 ) wherein all of the substituents are as previously defined . in scheme p , the thiol functionality of the thiol compounds of structures ( 17 ), ( 18 ) or ( 32 ) is coupled with the appropriate acid of structure ( 68 ) in the presence of a suitable coupling agent to give the appropriate thioacetyl compound of structure ( 61 ). for example , the appropriate thiol compound of structures structures ( 17 ), ( 18 ) or ( 32 ) can be reacted with the appropriate acid of structure ( 68 ) in the presence of a coupling agent such as 2 - fluoro - 1 - methylpyridinium p - toluenesulfate , edc ( 1 -( 3 - dimethylaminopropyl )- 3 - ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride ), carbonyldiimidazole , eedq ( 1 - ethoxycarbonyl - 2 - ethoxy - 1 , 2 - dihydroquinoline , dcc , or diethylcyanophosphonate in a suitable aprotic solvent such as methylene chloride to give the appropriate thioacetyl compound of structure ( 61 ). the compounds of formula ( 1 ) wherein r 4 is a — s — g group can be synthesized according to techniques well known and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art , as disclosed in pct int . publ . no . wo 95 / 21839 , published aug . 17 , 1995 . a general synthetic scheme for preparing these compounds , signified as the compounds of structure ( 71 ), is set forth in scheme q wherein all substituents , unless otherwise indicated , are previously defined . the disulfides of structure ( 69 ) can be obtained by methods inown in the art or by methods known analogously in the art , roques , b . p . et al ., j . med . chem . 33 , 2473 - 2481 ( 1992 ). in scheme q , an appropriate disulfide of structure ( 69 ) is contacted with an appropriate thiol of structures ( 17 ), ( 18 ) or ( 32 ) to give a disulfide of structure ( 70 ) or a protected form thereof . an appropriate disulfide of structure ( 70 ) is one in which g is as desired in the final product of formula ( 1 ) or gives rise upon deprotection to g as is desired in the final product of formula ( 1 ). for example , an appropriate disulfide of structure ( 69 ) is contacted with an appropriate thiol of structures ( 17 ), ( 18 ) or ( 32 ). the reaction is carried out in a suitable solvent , such as ethanol , methanol , dichloromethane , or mixtures of ethanol or methanol and dichloromethane . the solvent is degassed by passing a stream of nitrogen gas through it for 15 minutes before the reaction is carried out . the reaction is carried out using from 1 . 0 to 4 . 0 molar equivalents of an appropriate compound of structure ( 69 ). the reaction is carried out at temperatures of from 0 ° c . to the refluxing temperature of the solvent , with a temperature of 10 ° c . to 30 ° c . being preferred . the reaction generally requires from 1 to 48 hours . the product can be isolated by techniques well known in the art , such as extraction , evaporation , and precipitation . the appropriate disulfide or protected disulfide of structure ( 70 ) can be purified by chromatography and recrystallization . the protected disulfides of structure ( 70 ) can be deprotected according to techniques well known in the art . the selection , use and removal of protecting groups and the removal of protecting groups in a sequential manner utilizing suitable protecting groups such as those described in protecting groups in organic synthesis by t . greene is well known and appreciated by those skilled in the art . the following preparations and examples present typical syntheses as described in schemes a through q . these examples are understood to be illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way . as used herein , the following terms have the indicated meanings : “ g ” refers to grams ; “ mol ” refers to moles ; “ mmol ” refers to millimoles ; “ l ” refers to liters ; “ ml ” refers to milliliters ; “ bp ” refers to boiling point ; “° c .” refers to degrees celsius ; “ mm hg ” refers to millimeters of mercury ; “ mp ” refers to melting point ; “ mg ” refers to milligrams ; “ μm ” refers to micromolar ; “ μg ” refers to micrograms ; “ h ” or “ hrs .” refers to hours , “ min ” refers to minutes ; “ hobt ” refers to hydroxybenzotriazole ; “ edc ” refers to 1 -( 3 - dimethylaminopropyl )- 3 - ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride ; “ ncep ” refers to n - carbethoxy phthalimide ; and “ mtbe ” refers to methyl : tert - butyl ether . combine 6 - aminohexanoic acid ( 6 - aminocaproic acid ) ( 8 . 0 g , 60 mmol ) and water ( 100 ml ). add sodium carbonate ( 6 . 84 g , 64 mmol ) and n - carbethoxyphthalimide ( 14 . 0 g , 64 mmol ). after 1 . 5 hours , extract the reaction mixture with ethyl acetate ( 100 ml ). cool the aqueous layer in an ice bath and acidify using concentrated hydrochloric acid to give a solid . collect the solid by filtration , rinse with water , and dry to give 6 - phthalimidohexanoic acid ( 12 . 7 g , 80 % yield ). combine 6 - phthalimidohexanoic acid ( 12 . 7 g , 48 mmol ) and dry red phosphorous ( 1 . 95 g , 63 mmol ). cool in an ice bath and add dropwise bromine ( 12 . 7 ml , 246 mmol ). warm to room temperature and then heat to 80 ° c . after 3 hours , cool the reaction mixture to ambient temperature , pour into water ( 300 ml ) containing sodium bisulfite , and neutralize using solid sodium bicarbonate and extract with diethyl ether ( about 150 ml ). acidify the aqueous layer with concentrated hydrochloric acid give a solid . collect the solid by filtration and dry to give the title compound ( 15 g , 91 . 5 % yield , 73 . 2 % for both steps ). combine diisopropylamine ( 16 . 2 ml , 116 mmol ) and tetrahydrofuran ( 100 ml ). cool in an ice - bath . add dropwise a solution of n - butyl lithium ( 44 ml , 2 . 5 m in hexane , 110 mmol ). cool in a dry - ice / acetone bath . add a solution of 4 - phenylcyclohexane - 1 - one ( 17 . 42 g , 100 mmol ) in tetrahydrofuran ( 40 ml ). after 1 hour , add trimethylsilyl chloride ( 14 ml , 110 mmol ). after 45 minutes , warm to ambient temperature . after 2 hours , pour the reaction mixture onto ice water ( about 100 ml )/ saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate ( about 100 ml ) and extract with pentane ( 300 ml ). extract the organic layer with brine , dry over na 2 so 4 , filter , and evaporate in vacuo to give the title compound . combine 1 - trimethylsilyloxy - 4 - phenylcyclohex - 1 - ene from example 1 . 1 . 2 ( about 24 . 6 g , 100 mmol ) and dichloromethane ( 200 ml ) and methanol ( 300 ml ). cool in a dry - ice / acetone bath . bubble with ozone until a blue color persists . after 5 minutes , purge with argon . after 20 minutes add dimethyl sulfide ( 40 ml , 540 mmol ). after 16 hour , evaporate in vacuo to give a residue . combine the residue , trimethylorthoformate ( 50 ml , 460 mmol ), and acetyl chloride ( 10 ml , 200 mmol ). heat to reflux . after 4 hours , cool to ambient temperature and add potassium hydroxide ( 17 g , 300 ml ) and water ( 200 ml ). heat to 60 ° c . after 1 hour , add an additional portion of potassium hydroxide ( 11 . 0 g , 200 mmol ). after 1 additional hour , cool to ambient temperature . after 18 hours , evaporate in vacuo to leave an aqueous solution . extract twice with methyl t - butyl ether . cool the aqueous layer in an ice - bath and acidify using 1 m aqueous hydrochloric acid solution and extract with dichloromethane . extract the organic layer with brine , dry over na 2 so 4 , filter , and evaporate in vacuo to give the title compound : r f = 0 . 26 ( silica gel , 2 / 3 ethyl acetate / hexane ). combine 6 , 6 - dimethoxy - 4 - phenylhexanoic acid ( 16 . 0 g , 63 . 4 mmol ), triethylamine ( 10 . 6 ml , 76 . 1 mmol ), and tetrahydrofuran ( 200 ml ). cool in a dry - ice / acetone bath . add dropwise pivaloyl chloride ( 8 . 6 ml , 70 mmol ). after 15 minutes , warm to 0 ° c . using an ice - bath . after 45 minutes , cool again in a dry - ice / acetone bath before adding , by cannula , a solution of litho ( s )- 4 - benzyl - 2 - oxazolidinone , as prepared below . combine ( s )- 4 - benzyl - 2 - oxazolidinone ( 12 . 9 g , 73 mmol ) and tetrahydrofuran ( 200 ml ). cool in a dry - ice acetone bath . add dropwise a solution of n - butyl lithium ( 28 . 4 ml , 2 . 5 m , 71 . 0 mmol ). after 1 hour , add , by cannula , to the mixed anhydride prepared above . after the addition is complete , warm slowly to ambient temperature . after 18 hours , quench the reaction mixture with water ( 5 ml ) and partition between a saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution and dichloromethane . dry the organic layer over na 2 so 4 , filter , and evaporate in vacuo to give a residue . chromatograph the residue on silica gel eluting sequentially with 1 / 4 ethyl acetate / hexane , 1 / 2 ethyl acetate / hexane , and then 2 / 3 ethyl acetate / hexane . combine the product containing fractions , evaporate , and dry to give the title compound : r f = 0 . 43 ( silica gel , 2 / 3 ethyl acetate / hexane ). cool a solution of potassium hexamethyldisilazide ( 58 ml , 0 . 5 m in toluene , 29 . 0 mmol ) in tetrahydrofuran in a dry - ice / acetone bath . add dropwise a solution of ( s )- 4 - benzyl - 3 -( 6 , 6 - dimethoxy - 4 - phenylhexanoyl )- 2 - oxazolidinone ( 10 . 6 g , 25 . 7 mmol ) in tetrahydrofuran ( 100 ml ). after 30 minutes , add a cold (− 70 °) solution of 2 , 4 , 6 - triisopropylbenzenesulfonyl azide ( 9 . 9 g , 32 mmol ) in tetrahydrofuran ( 50 ml ). after 3 minutes , quench by the addition of acetic acid ( 6 . 9 ml , 120 mmol ). after 5 minutes , warm to 35 ° c . after 1 . 5 hours , cool to ambient temperature , add water to dissolve salts , and evaporate in vacuo to give a residue . partition the residue between a saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution and ethyl acetate . separate the layers , extract the organic layer with a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution , and then brine . dry the organic layer over na 2 so 4 , filter , rinse with dichloromethane , and evaporate in vacuo to give a residue . chromatograph the residue on silica gel eluting sequentially with 1 / 3 ethyl acetate / hexane , 1 / 2 ethyl acetate / hexane , and then 2 / 3 ethyl acetate / hexane . combine the product containing fractions , evaporate , and dry to give the title compound : r f = 0 . 49 ( silica gel , 2 / 3 ethyl acetate / hexane ). combine ( s )- 4 - benzyl - 3 -( 2 - azido - 6 , 6 - dimethoxy - 4 - phenylhexanoyl )- 2 - oxazolidinone ( 9 . 6 g , 21 . 8 mmol ) in tetrahydrofuran ( 300 ml ), and water ( 90 ml ). cool in an ice bath . add lithium hydroxide hydrate ( 1 . 05 g , 44 mmol ) and an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide ( 8 . 75 ml , 30 %, 77 mmol ). after 3 hours , quench by the addition of a solution of sodium sulfite ( 12 . 0 g ) in water ( 68 ml ). concentrate the quenched reaction mixture to remove most to the tetrahydrofuran and extract twice with diethyl ether . cool the aqueous layer in an ice bath , acidify with an aqueous 6 m hydrochloric acid solution , and extract twice with dichloromethane . dry the organic layer over na 2 so 4 , filter , and evaporate in vacuo to give the title compound : r f = 0 . 28 ( silica gel , 5 / 95 methanol / dichloromethane ). combine ( s )- 2 - azido - 6 , 6 - dimethoxy - 4 - phenylhexanoic acid ( 6 . 4 g , 21 . 8 mmol ) and tetrahydrofuran ( 120 ml ). add 2 -( trimethylsilyl ) ethanol ( 9 . 4 ml , 66 mmol ), pyridine ( 5 . 3 ml , 66 mmol ), and 1 -( 3 - dimethylaminopropyl )- 3 - ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride ( 8 . 4 g , 44 mmol ). after 2 . 5 days , evaporate in vacuo to give a residue . partition the residue between methyl t - butyl ether ( about 150 ml ) and an aqueous 5 % sulfuric acid solution . separate the layers and extract the organic layer with a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and then brine . dry the organic layer over na 2 so 4 , filter , and evaporate in vacuo to give a residue . chromatograph the residue on silica gel eluting sequentially with 1 / 7 ethyl acetate / hexane and then 1 / 6 ethyl acetate / hexane to give the title compound : r f = 0 . 51 ( silica gel , 1 / 6 ethyl acetate / hexane ). combine 2 -( trimethylsilyl ) ethyl ( s )- 2 - azido - 6 , 6 - dimethoxy - 4 - phenylhexanoate ( 3 . 0 g , 7 . 62 mmol ), acetic acid ( 30 ml ), tetrahydrofuran ( 10 ml ), and water ( 10 ml ). heat to 60 ° c . after 4 hours , cool to ambient temperature and evaporate in vacuo to give a residue . partition the residue between methyl t - butyl ether ( about 125 ml ) and brine ( 50 ml ). separate the layers , dry the organic layer over na 2 so 4 , filter , and evaporate in vacuo to give a residue . chromatograph the residue on silica gel eluting with 1 / 6 ethyl acetate / hexane to give the title compound : r f = 0 . 36 ( silica gel , 1 / 6 ethyl acetate / hexane ). combine 2 -( trimethylsilyl ) ethyl ( s )- 2 - azido - 6 - oxo - 4 - phenylhexanoate ( 0 . 72 g , 2 . 06 mmol ), t - butyl ( s )- phenylalanine hydrochloric acid salt ( 1 . 59 g , 6 . 2 mmol ) and methanol ( 20 ml ). add powdered 3 å molecular sieves ( about 1 . 4 g ). after 30 minutes add a solution of sodium cyanoborohydride ( 0 . 73 ml , 1 . 0 m in tetrahydrofuran , 0 . 73 mmol ). after 2 . 5 hours , filter through celite and evaporate in vacuo to give a residue . combine the residue and dichloromethane , extract with a saturate sodium bicarbonate solution and then brine , dry the organic layer over na 2 so 4 , filter , and evaporate in vacuo to give the title compound . combine 2 -( trimethylsilyl ) ethyl ( s )- 2 - azido - 6 -(( s )- t - butyl phenylalanyl )- 4 - phenylhexanoate ( 0 . 80 g , 1 . 45 mmol ) and tetrahydrofuran ( 15 ml ). add a solution of tetrabutyl ammonium fluoride ( 2 . 2 ml , 1 . 0 m in tetrahydrofuran , 2 . 2 mmol ). after 3 hours , evaporate in vacuo to give a residue . partition the residue between ethyl acetate and an aqueous 1m hydrochloric acid solution . separate the layers and extract the organic layer with brine , dry over na 2 so 4 , filter , and evaporate in vacuo to give the title compound . combine ( s )- 2 - azido - 6 -(( s )- t - butyl phenylalanyl )- 4 - phenylhexanoic acid ( 0 . 65 g , 1 . 45 mmol ) and tetrahydrofuran ( 27 ml ). cool in an ice bath . add n - methylmorpholine ( 0 . 35 ml , 3 . 2 mmol ) and then isobutyl chloroformate ( 0 . 24 ml , 1 . 85 mmol ). after 2 . 5 hours , filter , rinse solids with tetrahydrofuran , and concentrate in vacuo , filter through a short column of silica gel eluting with 2 / 1 ethyl acetate / hexane . evaporate to give the title compound . combine n -[ hexahydro - 1 -[ 1 -( phenylmethyl )- 1 - t - butoxycarbonylmethyl ]- 2 - oxo - 3 - azido - 5 - phenyl - 1h - azepin ] ( 0 . 32 g , 0 . 74 mmol ) and methanol ( 12 ml ). degas by three cycles of evacuation and filling with nitrogen gas . add 1 , 3 - propanedithiol ( 0 . 40 ml , 4 . 0 mmol ) and triethylamine ( 0 . 54 ml , 3 . 9 mmol ). after 42 hours , evaporate in vacuo to give the title compound . combine n -[ hexahydro - 1 -[ 1 -( phenylmethyl )- 1 - t - butoxycarbonylmethyl ]- 2 - oxo - 3 - amino - 5 - phenyl - 1h - azepin ] ( 0 . 14 g , 0 . 34 mmol ), 2 - bromo - 6 - phthalimidohexanoic acid ( 0 . 189 g , 0 . 56 mmol ), 1 -( 3 - dimethylaminopropyl )- 3 - ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride ( 0 . 106 g , 0 . 55 mmol ), and 1 - hydroxybenztriazole hydrate ( 75 mg , 0 . 56 mmol ) in dichloromethane ( 8 ml ). after 17 hours , evaporate in vacuo to give a residue , partition the residue between ethyl acetate and an aqueous 5 % sulfuric acid solution ( about 20 ml ). separate the layers , extract the organic layer with a saturate aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and then brine , dry over na 2 so 4 , filter , and evaporate in vacuo to give the title compound . combine p - methoxybenzylmercaptan ( 0 . 08 ml , 0 . 57 mmol ) and sodium hydride ( 17 mg , 60 % oil dispersion , 0 . 42 mmol ) in degassed dimethylfornamide ( 3 ml ). after 1 hour , tetra - n - butylammonium iodide ( about 5 mg ) and n -[ hexahydro - 1 -[ 1 -( phenylmethyl )- 1 - t - butoxycarbonylmethyl ]- 2 - oxo - 5 - phenyl - 1h - azepin - 3 - yl ]- 1 , 3 - dihydro - a - bromo - 1 , 3 - dioxo - 2h - isoindole - 2 - hexanamide ( 0 . 20 g , 0 . 27 mmol ). after 20 hours , quench be the addition of a saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution and dilute with water ( about 5 ml ). extract with ethyl acetate ( about 75 ml ). separate the layers and extract the organic layer with brine , dry over na 2 so 4 , filter , and evaporate in vacuo to give the title compound . combine n -[ hexahydro - 1 -[ 1 -( phenylmethyl )- 1 - t - butoxycarbonylmethyl ]- 2 - oxo - 5 - phenyl - 1h - azepin - 3 - yl ]- 1 , 3 - dihydro - a -( p - methoxybenzylthio )- 1 , 3 - dioxo - 2h - isoindole - 2 - hexanamide ( 0 . 16 g , 0 . 20 mmol ), mercury ( ii ) acetate ( 0 . 084 g , 0 . 26 mmol ), and anisole ( 0 . 23 ml , 2 . 1 mmol ) in dichloromethane ( 6 . 6 ml ). cool in an ice bath and degas by repeatedly cycles of vacuum and filling the vessel with nitrogen gas . add trifluoroacetic acid ( 2 . 5 ml ). after 1 hour , warm to ambient temperature . after 3 hours , purge with hydrogen sulfide ( gas ) for about 10 minutes . filter and evaporate in vacuo to give a residue . repeatedly , combine the residue and carbon tetrachloride and evaporate in vacuo to give the title compound . prepare by the methods of example 1 . 1 - 1 . 14 using 4 - methylcyclohexane to give the title compound . prepare by the methods of preparation 1 using 3 - phenylpropionic acid or a - bromo - 3 - phenylpropionic acid as prepared in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 491 , 143 , issued feb . 13 , 1996 and example 1 . 12 - 1 . 14 to give the title compound . in a further embodiment , the present invention provides a method of inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase ( mmp ) to a patient in need thereof comprising administering to the patient an effective matrix metalloproteinase inhibiting amount of a compound of formula ( 1 ). as used herein , the term “ patient ” refers to warm - blooded animals or marnmmals , including guinea pigs , dogs , cats , rats , mice , hamsters , rabbits and primates , including humans . a patient is in need of treatment to inhibit mmp when it would be beneficial to the patient to reduce the physiological effect of active mmp . for example , a patient is in need of treatment to inhibit mmp when a patient is suffering from a disease state characterized by excessive tissue disruption or tissue degradation , such as , but not limited to , a neoplastic disease state or cancer ; rheumatoid arthritis ; osteoarthritis ; chronic inflammatory disorders , such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis ; cardiovascular disorders , such as atherosclerosis ; corneal ulceration ; dental diseases , such as gingivitis or periodontal disease ; and neurological disorders , such as multiple sclerosis . the identification of those patients who are in need of treatment to inhibit mmp is well within the ability and knowledge of one skilled in the art . a clinician skilled in the art can readily identify , by the use of clinical tests , physical examination and medical / family history , those patients who are suffering from disease states characterized by excessive tissue disruption or tissue degradation . an “ effective matrix metalloproteinase inhibiting amount ” of a compound of formula ( 1 ) is an amount which is effective , upon single or multiple dose administration to the patient , in providing relief of symptoms associated with mmp and is thus effective in inhibiting mmp - induced tissue disruption and / or mmp - induced tissue degradation . as used herein , “ relief of symptoms ” of mmp - mediated conditions refers to decrease in severity over that expected in the absence of treatment and does not necessarily indicate a total elimination or cure of the disease . relief of symptoms is also intended to include prophylaxis . an effective matrix metalloproteinase inhibiting dose can be readily determined by the use of conventional techniques and by observing results obtained under analogous circumstances . in determining the effective dose , a number of factors are considered including , but not limited to : the species of the patient ; its size , age , and general health ; the specific disease involved ; the degree of involvement or the severity of the disease ; the response of the individual patient ; the particular compound administered ; the mode of administration ; the bioavailability characteristics of the preparation administered ; the dose regimen selected ; and the use of concomitant medication . an effective matrix metalloproteinase inhibiting amount of a compound of formula ( 1 ) will generally vary from about 0 . 1 milligram per kilogram of body weight per day ( mg / kg / day ) to about 300 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day ( mg / kg / day ). a daily dose of from about 1 mg / kg to about 100 mg / kg is preferred . the term “ neoplastic disease state ” as used herein refers to an abnormal state or condition characterized by rapidly proliferating cell growth or neoplasm . neoplastic disease states for which treatment with a compound of formula ( 1 ) will be particularly useful include : leukemias , such as , but not limited to , acute lymphoblastic , chronic lymphocytic , acute myeloblastic and chronic myelocytic ; carcinomas and adenocarcinomas , such as , but not limited to , those of the cervix , oesophagus , stomach , small intestines , colon , lungs ( both small and large cell ), breast and prostate ; sarcomas , such as , but not limited to , oesteroma , osteosarcoma , lipoma , liposarcoma , hemangioma and hemangiosarcoma ; melanomas , including amelanotic and melanotic ; and mixed types of neoplasias such as , but not limited to carcinosarcoma , lymphoid tissue type , follicullar reticulum , cell sarcoma and hodgkin &# 39 ; s disease . neoplastic disease states for which treatment with a compound of formula ( 1 ) will be particularly preferred include carcinomas and adenocarcinomas , particularly of the breast , prostate and lung . atherosclerosis is a disease state characterized by the development and growth of atherosclerotic lesions or plaque . the identification of those patients who are in need of treatment for atherosclerosis is well within the ability and knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art . for example , individuals who are either suffering from clinically significant atherosclerosis or who are at risk of developing clinically significant atherosclerosis are patients in need of treatment for atherosclerosis . a clinician of ordinary skill in the art can readily determine , by the use of clinical tests , physical examination and medical / family history , if an individual is a patient in need of treatment for atherosclerosis . the term “ chronic inflammatory disease ” refers to diseases or conditions characterized by persistent inflammation in the absence of an identifiable irritant or microbial pathogen . inflammatory diseases for which treatment with a compound of formula ( 1 ) will be particularly useful include : emphysema , chronic bronchitis , asthma , and chronic inflammation , and especially smoking - induced emphysema . in effecting treatment of a patient , a compound of formula ( 1 ) can be administered in any form or mode which makes the compound bioavailable in effective amounts , including oral and parenteral routes . for example , the compound can be administered orally , subcutaneously , intramuscularly , intravenously , transdermally , topically , intranasally , rectally , and the like . oral administration is generally preferred . one skilled in the art of preparing formulations can readily select the proper form and mode of administration depending upon the disease state to be treated , the stage of the disease , and other relevant circumstances . remington &# 39 ; s pharmaceutical sciences , 18th edition , mack publishing co . ( 1990 ). a compound of formula ( 1 ) can be administered in the form of pharmaceutical compositions or medicaments which are made by combining a compound of formula ( 1 ) with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients , the proportion and nature of which are determined by the chosen route of administration , and standard pharmaceutical practice . the pharmaceutical compositions or medicaments are prepared in a manner well known in the pharmaceutical art . the carrier or excipient may be a solid , semi - solid , or liquid material which can serve as a vehicle or medium for the active ingredient . suitable carriers or excipients are well known in the art . the pharmaceutical composition may be adapted for oral or parenteral use and may be administered to the patient in the form of tablets , capsules , suppositories , solution , suspensions , gels , ointments , aerosol or the like . the pharmaceutical compositions may be administered orally , for example , with an inert diluent or with an edible carrier . they may be enclosed in gelatin capsules or compressed into tablets . for the purpose of oral therapeutic administration , a compound of formula ( 1 ) may be incorporated with excipients and used in the form of tablets , troches , capsules , elixirs , suspensions , syrups , wafers , chewing gums and the like . these preparations should contain at least 4 % of a compound of formula ( 1 ), the active ingredient , but may be varied depending upon the particular form and may conveniently be between 4 % to about 70 % of the weight of the unit . the amount of the active ingredient present in compositions is such that a unit dosage form suitable for administration will be obtained . the tablets , pills , capsules , troches and the like may also contain one or more of the following adjuvants : binders , such as microcrystalline cellulose , gum tragacanth or gelatin ; excipients , such as starch or lactose , disintegrating agents such as alginic acid , primogel , corn starch and the like ; lubricants , such as magnesium stearate or sterotex ; glidants , such as colloidal silicon dioxide ; and sweetening agents , such as sucrose or saccharin may be added or flavoring agents , such as peppermint , methyl salicylate or orange flavoring . when the dosage unit form is a capsule , it may contain , in addition to materials of the above type , a liquid carrier such as polyethylene glycol or a fatty oil . other dosage unit forms may contain other various materials which modify the physical form of the dosage unit , for example , as coatings . thus , tablets or pills may be coated with sugar , shellac , or other enteric coating agents . a syrup may contain , in addition to the active ingredient , sucrose as a sweetening agent and certain preservatives , dyes and colorings and flavors . materials used in preparing these various compositions should be pharmaceutically pure and non - toxic in the amounts used . for the purpose of parenteral administration , a compound of formula ( 1 ) may be incorporated into a solution or suspension . these preparations should contain at least 0 . 1 % of a compound of the invention , but may be varied to be between 0 . 1 and about 50 % of the weight thereof . the amount of the active ingredient present in such compositions is such that a suitable dosage will be obtained . the solutions or suspensions may also include one or more of the following adjuvants depending on the solubility and other properties of a compound of formula ( 1 ): sterile diluents such as water for injection , saline solution , fixed oils , polyethylene glycols , glycerine , propylene glycol or other synthetic solvents ; antibacterial agents such as benzyl alcohol or methyl paraben ; antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or sodium bisulfite ; chelating agents such as ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid ; buffers such as acetates , citrates or phosphates and agents for the adjustment of toxicity such as sodium chloride or dextrose . the parenteral preparation can be enclosed in ampules , disposable syringes or multiple dose vials made of glass or plastic . the mmp inhibitors of the present invention can be evaluated by the procedures that follow . prommp - 1 ( ec 3 . 4 . 24 . 7 ; interstitial collagenase ) was purified from culture medium of human rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts stimulated with macrophage - conditioned medium according to okada , y . et al ., j . biol . chem . 261 , 14245 - 14255 ( 1986 ). the active mmp - 1 was obtained by treatment of prommp - 1 with trypsin ( 5 μg / ml ) at 37 ° c . for 30 minutes , followed by addition of soybean trypsin inhibitor ( 50 μg / ml ). the activated mmp - 1 is assayed using a fluorogenic substrate , mca - pro - leu - gly - leu - dpa - ala - arg - nh 2 , knight , c . g . et al ., febs lett . 296 , 263 - 266 ( 1992 ), at 37 ° c . in 2 . 0 ml of assay buffer containing 50 mm tris , ph 7 . 6 , 0 . 2 m sodium chloride , 50 mm calcium chloride , and 0 . 02 % brij - 35 . the increase in fluorescence due to cleavage of gly - leu peptide bond by mmp - 3 was monitored with perkin - elmer ls50b fluorimeter ( λ ex 328 nm , λ em 393 nm , excitation slit 2 . 5 , emission slit 10 ). substrate and inhibitor stock solutions were made in dmf . for determination of k i values for mmp - 1 inhibitors , a series of intermediate inhibitor solutions were prepared in dmf and 1 or 2 μl of the diluted inhibitor solution was mixed with 1 μl of 2 mm substrate solution in dmf in a quartz cuvette containing 2 ml of assay buffer . the enzyme ( 10 μl of 0 . 2 μm mmp - 3 dilution in assay buffer ) was added at the last to start the reaction . for routine measurement of a k i value for a reversible , competitive inhibitor , the initial rates in the presence of at least four inhibitor concentrations ( two concentrations above k i and two concentrations below k i ) were measured using [ s ]= 1 μm (& lt ;& lt ; k m ) and [ mmp - 1 ]= 0 . 8 nm . under these conditions , the measured k i , app is close to true k i . the k i for a competitive inhibitor is calculated using : v 0 / v i =( 1 +[ i ]/ k i , app ) and k i = k i , app /( 1 +[ s ]/ k m ), where v 0 is the initial rate in the absence of inhibitor , v i is the initial rate in the presence of inhibitor at the concentration of [ i ], [ s ] is the substrate concentration , and k m is the michaelis constant . if slow binding is observed ( i . e . if the approach to the binding equilibrium is slow ), the final steady - state rate rather than the initial rate is taken as v i . recombinant mmp - 2 was purified from the fermentation broth of yeast pichia pastoris that carries the integrated mmp - 2 gene into its chromosome . in brief , the full - length cdna for mmp - 2 was obtained by reverse transcription of rna from human melanoma a375m cell line by the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction ( rt - pcr ) using sequence specific oligonucleotides . the nucleotide sequence was confirmed by taq cycle sequencing . the cdna was ligated into the pichia pastoris expression vector phil - d2 in such a way that the expression of pro - mmp - 2 is under the control of the methanol inducible alcohol oxidase promoter . the expression construct was digested with either sali or nsii and used to transform the pichia pastoris strains km71 and smd1168 . a large - scale culture of a selected clone designated 24s was performed in a high cell density fermentor and the recombinant mmp - 2 was purified from the culture supernatant by gelatin - sepharose 4b ( pharmacia ). the enzyme is sufficiently pure at this stage for routine measurement of inhibition . if desired , however , the enzyme may be further purified by aca 44 gel filtration ( spectra ). the active mmp - 2 was obtained by activation of prommp - 2 at 37 ° c . for 1 h with 4 - aminophenylmercuric acetate which was then removed by a sephadex g - 50 spin column . the enzyme is assayed using a fluorogenic substrate , mca - pro - leu - gly - leu - dpa - ala - arg - nh 2 , at 37 ° c . in 2 . 0 ml of assay buffer containing 50 mm tris , ph 7 . 6 , 0 . 2 m sodium chloride , 50 mm calcium chloride , 0 . 02 % brij - 35 , and 50 μm β - mercaptoethanol . the increase in fluorescence is monitored ( λ ex 328 nm , λ em 393 nm ). substrate and inhibitor stock solutions are made in dmf . the enzyme is added at the last to start the reaction . for routine measurement of a k i value for a reversible , competitive inhibitor , the initial rates in the presence of at least four inhibitor concentrations ( two inhibitor concentrations above k i and two below k i ) are measured using [ s ]= 1 μm (& lt ;& lt ; k m ) and [ mmp - 2 ]= 0 . 4 nm . under these conditions , the measured k i , app is close to true k i . prommp - 3 ( ec 3 . 4 . 24 . 17 ; stromelysin - 1 ) was purified from culture medium of human rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts stimulated with macrophage - conditioned medium according to okada , y . et al ., j . biol . chem . 261 , 14245 - 14255 ( 1986 ). the active mmp - 3 was obtained by treatment of prommp - 3 with trypsin ( 5 μg / ml ) at 37 ° c . for 30 minutes , followed by addition of soybean trypsin inhibitor ( 50 μg / ml ). aliquots of the activated mmp - 3 were stored at − 20 ° c . the activated mmp - 3 is assayed using a fluorogenic substrate , mca - pro - leu - gly - leu - dpa - ala - arg - nh 2 , knight , c . g . et al ., febs lett . 296 , 263 - 266 ( 1992 ), at 37 ° c . in an assay buffer containing 50 mm tris , ph 7 . 6 , 0 . 2 m sodium chloride , 50 mm calcium chloride , and 0 . 02 % brij - 35 . the increase in fluorescence due to cleavage of gly - leu peptide bond by mmp - 3 was monitored with perkin - elmer ls50b fluorimeter ( λ ex 328 nm , λ em 393 nm , excitation slit 2 . 5 , emission slit 10 ). substrate and inhibitor stock solutions were made in dmf and 0 . 1 % hcl - dmf , respectively . for determination of k i values for mmp - 3 inhibitors , a series of intermediate inhibitor solutions were prepared in 0 . 1 % hcl - dmf and 1 or 2 μl of the diluted inhibitor solution was mixed with 1 μl of 2 mm substrate solution in dmf in a quartz cuvette containing 2 ml of assay buffer . the enzyme ( 10 μl of 0 . 2 μm mmp - 3 dilution in assay buffer ) was added at the last to start the reaction . for routine measurement of a k i value for a reversible , competitive inhibitor , the initial rates in the presence of at least four inhibitor concentrations ( two concentrations above k i and two concentrations below k i ) were measured using [ s ]= 1 μm (& lt ;& lt ; k m ) and [ mmp - 3 ]= 1 nm . under these conditions , the measured k i , app is close to true k i . the k i for a competitive inhibitor is calculated using : v 0 / v i =( 1 +[ i ]/ k i , app ) and k i = k i , app /( 1 +[ s ]/ k m ), where v 0 is the initial rate in the absence of inhibitor , v i is the initial rate in the presence of inhibitor at the concentration of [ i ], [ s ] is the substrate concentration , and k m is the michaelis constant . if slow binding is observed ( i . e . if the approach to the binding equilibrium is slow ), the final steady - state rate rather than the initial rate is taken as v i . mmp - 12 ( ec 3 . 4 . 24 . 65 ) was cloned , expressed and purified according to shapiro , s . d . et al ., j biol . chem . 268 , 23824 - 23829 ( 1993 ). autoactivation resulted in the fully processed active form of the enzyme . aliquots of mmp - 12 were stored at − 70 ° c . the potency of inhibitors of mmp - 12 was measured using either quartz cuvettes or microtiter plates . the activity of mmp - 12 was measured using a fluorogenic substrate , mca - pro - leu - gly - leu - dpa - ala - arg - nh 2 , knight , c . g . et al ., febs lett . 296 , 263 - 266 ( 1992 ), at 25 ° c . in an assay buffer containing 50 mm tris , ph 7 . 6 , 0 . 2 m sodium chloride , 50 mm calcium chloride , and 0 . 02 % brij - 35 . the increase in fluorescence due to cleavage of gly - leu peptide bond by mmp - 12 was monitored with a perkin - elmer ls50b fluorimeter ( λ ex 328 nm , λ em 393 nm , excitation slit 2 . 5 , emission slit 10 ) for the cuvette assay and with a molecular devices fmax fluorescence plate reader ( λ ex 320 nm , λ em 405 nm ) for the microtiter plate assay . substrate and inhibitor stock solutions were made in n , n - dimethylformamide ( dmf ) and 0 . 1 % hcl - dmf , respectively . k i values were determined using the cuvette method by preparing a series of intermediate inhibitors solutions in 0 . 1 % hcl - dmf and mixing the inhibitor with substrate ( final concentration 2 μm ) in a quartz cuvette containing 2 ml of assay buffer . mmp - 12 was added to start the reaction at a concentration of 2 nm and progress curves were generated . for routine measurement of a k i value for a reversible competitive inhibitor , the initial rates in the presence of at least four inhibitor concentrations ( two concentrations above and two concentrations below the k i ) were measured [ s ]= 2 μm (& lt ;& lt ; k m ) and [ mmp - 12 ]= 2 nm . under these conditions , the measured k i , app is close to the true k i . k i values were determined using the microtiter plate method in a manner similar to that described for the cuvette method with some modifications . four different inhibitor concentrations ( 50 μl in assay buffer ) of each compound were added to separate wells of a microtiter plate and substrate was added ( 100 μl ) to get a final concentration of 4 mm . mmp - 12 was added to a final concentration of 2 nm ( 50 μl ) to start the reaction . cleavage of substrate was recorded every 30 seconds for 30 minutes and progress curves were generated . the ki for a competitive inhibitor was calculated using : v 0 / v i =( 1 +[ i ]/ k i , app ) and k i = k i , app /( 1 +[ s ]/ k m ), where v 0 is the initial rate in the absence of inhibitor , v i is the initial rate in the presence of inhibitor at the concentration of [ i ], [ s ] is the substrate concentration , and k m is the michaelis constant . if slow binding is observed ( i . e . if the approach to the binding equilibium is slow ), the final steady - state rate rather than the initial rate is taken as v i .	2
fig2 shows a majority voting technique according to the present invention that increases the immunity of integrated circuits from single even upsets . as in the case of fig1 , an integrated circuit is provided with triple redundancy in the form of three instantiations of the same integrated circuit similar to the instantiations 10 , 12 , and 14 shown in fig1 . a first of these instantiations of the integrated circuit is coupled to an input a of a majority voter circuit 50 , a second of these instantiations of the same integrated circuit is coupled to an input b of the majority voter circuit 50 , and a third of these instantiations of the same integrated circuit is coupled to an input c of the majority voter circuit 50 . the majority voter circuit 50 provides an output on an output line 52 based on a majority vote between the inputs a , b , and c . for example , if the inputs a and b are the same but are different from the input c , then the output on the output line 52 is based on the inputs a and b . alternatively , if the inputs b and c are the same but are different from the input a , then the output on the output line 52 is based on the inputs b and c . however , if the inputs a and c are the same but are different from the input b , then the output on the output line 52 is based on the inputs a and c . the majority voter circuit 50 comprises p - channel transistors 54 , 56 , 58 , 60 , and 62 and n - channel transistors 64 , 66 , 68 , 70 , and 72 . the source terminals of the p - channel transistors 54 , 56 , and 58 are coupled to v dd . the drain terminals of the p - channel transistors 54 and 56 are coupled to the source terminal of the p - channel transistor 60 , and the drain terminal of the p - channel transistor 58 is coupled to the source terminal of the p - channel transistor 62 . the drain terminals of the p - channel transistors 60 and 62 are coupled to the output line 52 and to the source terminals of the n - channel transistors 64 and 66 . the drain terminal of the n - channel transistor 64 is coupled to the source terminals of the n - channel transistors 68 and 70 , and the drain terminal of the n - channel transistor 66 is coupled to the source terminal of the n - channel transistor 72 . finally , the drain terminals of the n - channel transistors 68 , 70 , and 72 are coupled to ground . the gates of the p - channel transistors 54 and 58 and the gates of the n - channel transistors 66 and 68 are coupled to the input a . the gates of the p - channel transistors 56 and 62 and the gates of the n - channel transistors 70 and 72 are coupled to the input b . the gate of the p - channel transistor 60 and the gate of the n - channel transistor 64 are coupled to the input c . accordingly , radiation may strike the sensitive area of one of the instantiations of the integrated circuit coupled to the inputs a , b , and c causing the output of that instantiation to assume an incorrect output state radiation . however , because it is not likely that radiation will also strike the sensitive area of a second of the instantiations at the same time , the output on the output line 52 will be in the correct state because the majority voter circuit 50 will vote on a majority basis to select the two inputs unaffected by the radiation to control the output on the output line 52 . moreover , it is noted above in connection with fig1 that the drain currents provided by two of the p - channel transistors in two of the invertors of the majority voter circuit 16 may not be greater than the drain current provided by the n - channel transistor in the other of the inverters under worst case conditions . if so , it can be seen that the circuit of fig1 is not immune to seu events . this circumstance cannot occur in the majority voter circuit 50 because the majority voter circuit 50 ensures that there is always adequate drive current to maintain the output line 52 in the proper state . it is also noted above in connection with fig1 that , even if the total drain current provided by two of the p - channel transistors in two of the invertors of the majority voter circuit 16 is greater than the drain current provided by the n - channel transistor in the other of the inverters under worst case conditions , the speed of the circuit of fig1 is adversely affected in a significant way due to the competition between the drain currents in the three inverters . however , the speed of the majority voter circuit 50 is not adversely affected in a significant way due to the competition between drain currents . it is finally noted above that the majority voter circuit of fig1 is somewhat seu hardened . however , if a strong seu event occurs in one of the transistors of the majority voter circuit 16 , the affected transistor can turn on so hard that its drain current will overcome the drain currents of the other transistors and produce an erroneous output signal on the output line 18 . this situation cannot occur in the circuit of fig2 because , in the majority voter circuit 50 , there is always a redundant off transistor to block the drain current of a transistor that is turned on by an seu event . accordingly , the majority voter circuit 50 is immune to seu events . certain modifications of the present invention will occur to those practicing in the art of the present invention . for example , in the majority voter circuit 50 , the transistors 54 , 56 , 58 , 60 , and 62 are p - channel transistors and the transistors 64 , 66 , 68 , 70 , and 72 are n - channel transistors . instead , the transistors 54 , 56 , 58 , 60 , and 62 may be n - channel transistors and the transistors 64 , 66 , 68 , 70 , and 72 may be p - channel transistors . also , instantiations 10 , 12 , and 14 are described above as being instantiations of an integrated circuit . however , instantiations 10 , 12 , and 14 may instead be instantiations of only portions of an integrated circuit . thus , an integrated circuit block as used herein means either an entire integrated circuit or a portion of an integrated circuit . moreover , the majority voter circuit 50 as shown above has only two transistors coupled to the input c . however , the majority voter circuit 50 may instead have four transistors coupled to the input c as it does in the case of inputs a and b . 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 .	6
referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail and first , particularly , to fig1 - 5 thereof , there is seen an apparatus 1 for protecting a sprouted tree 100 . the apparatus 1 includes an opaque frustoconical cover 2 . the frustoconical cover 2 has a base 3 and a frustum 4 . a wall 11 extends between the base 3 and the frustum 4 . a hole 5 is formed in the frustum 4 through which the leaves 106 of the tree 100 can be exposed . the cover 2 is made of opaque material such as a flexible resilient polymer . the cover 2 is opaque to light and liquid . by blocking light , the growth of weeds and sprouts , especially from the root stalk 102 , is deterred beneath the cover 2 . by being impervious to liquids , herbicides can be mechanically sprayed to the surrounding environment and prevented from reaching the root ball underlying the cover 2 . the cover 2 is manufactured by molding . holes 10 and seams 7 can be formed or cut into the cover 2 as desired . the base 3 of the cover 2 is wider ( or at least as wide as ) than the underlying root ball 101 . by being wider than the root ball 101 , herbicides are prevented from reaching the root ball 101 . in addition , sprouts from the root ball 101 are caught within the cover 2 . the cover 2 has a height that covers at least fifty percent (≧ 50 %) of the height of the stalk 105 when the cover 2 is being attached ; the percentage will decrease as the tree 100 grows . more preferably , the height of the cover 2 is such that it covers sixty to sixty - five percent ( 60 - 65 %) of the height of the stalk 105 at the time of attaching the cover 2 . the height of the cover 2 should not be so high as to cover leaves 106 at the top of the stalk 105 . by remaining uncovered , the leaves 106 are able to receive sunlight to sustain the tree 100 when the cover 2 is installed . in the case of orange trees , the height of the cover is approximately sixty centimeters (˜ 60 cm ). a hole 5 is formed in the frustum 4 . the width of the hole 5 should be wider than a width of the stalk 105 . by being wider than the stalk 105 , the hole 5 allows the stalk 105 to grow . the hole 5 should not be so wide as to allow enough sunlight to reach the ground 200 that weeds and sprouts 104 can thrive . an annular rim 6 extending from and encircles the base 3 . the rim 6 can be buried with sand or soil 201 . by burying the rim 6 with soil 201 , the cover 2 is held against the ground 200 . a seam 7 runs vertically in the cover 2 from the base 3 to the frustum 4 . because the cover 2 is made of a flexible resilient material , the cover 2 can be spread along the seam 7 to allow the cover 2 to be installed or removed from the tree 100 by sliding the stalk 105 through the seam 7 . with the seam 7 , the cover 2 does not need to be pulled over the leaves 106 to be removed . the seam 7 has a flange 8 attached along each side of the seam 7 reaching from said base 3 to said frustum 4 . a fastener 9 such as a staple or zip connector connects the flanges 8 . fig6 shows the apparatus 1 connected to a means for watering the tree 100 . the means for watering the tree includes a pipe 30 . the pipe 30 runs through the cover 2 and enters and exits at holes 10 in the cover 2 . the pipe 30 is soft , puncturable polypropylene . a microsystem 20 is staked within the cover 2 . a lead 31 is inserted in the pipe 30 . the lead is connected to the micro jet 22 . the micro spray jet 22 forms a water mist when water is supplied thereto . the micro spray jet 22 can be used to irrigate the tree 100 . the micro spray jet 22 sprays water to warm the tree 100 when temperatures fall below a temperature set by the farmer . possible temperatures for activating the micro spray jet 22 are the freezing point ( i . e . zero degrees centigrade ) or the frost point . spraying water within the cover 2 tends to warm the tree 100 . holding the water within the cover 200 increases the warming effect and decreases dissipation of the heat from the water compared to spraying without the cover 2 . the invention contemplates that other known systems for watering can be used instead of or in addition to pipe 30 and micro spray jet 22 . in the preferred embodiment , the tree 100 being protected is an orange tree . orange trees are usually grown in temperate areas , for example , florida , united states . ground water in florida maintains a constant temperature around twenty - two degrees celsius ( 22 ° c .). significant warming is provided to prevent freezing and frost damage by spraying the trees with ground water . fig7 - 8 show an embodiment including air passages formed in the cover . air passages can be formed in the cover 2 . air passages allow fresh air to enter the cover . while heat can be lost through air vents , the loss is outweighed by preventing fungus growth . a tortured ( i . e . non - linear air passage ) can be provided by overlapping an inner panel 41 with a raised panel 42 . the tortured passages 40 allow air to enter but prevent sunlight from reaching the interior of the cover 6 . fig6 shows a preferred embodiment of the apparatus 1 in use . the tree 100 is formed by grafting a native root ball 101 to an orange tree stalk 105 . the stalk 105 is sprouting leaves 106 at the top of the stalk 105 . the root ball 101 is planted in the ground 200 . once the tree 100 has been planted , the cover 2 is installed . the cover 2 is installed by lowering the cover 2 over the tree 100 . as the opaque cover 2 is lowered , the leaves 106 are pulled through the hole 5 in the frustum 4 . the base 3 is rested on the ground 200 . the cover 2 is not filled in with soil ; an airspace 202 is maintained within the cover 2 , between the cover 2 , stalk 105 , and the ground 200 . to secure the cover 2 to the ground 200 , soil 201 is added to cover the rim 6 . when installed , the opaque cover 2 prevents sunlight from reaching the ground 200 within the cover 2 . if sprouts 104 grow from the root stalk 102 , the lack of light , prevents the sprouts 104 from flourishing . as a result , the sprouts 104 will wither and the amount of nutrients stolen from the tree 100 are minimized . once installed and secured , the cover 2 is also used to warm the tree 100 . when the temperature outside the cover 2 falls below a user - selected temperature such as the frost point or the freezing part , water is injected within the cover . injected water warms the tree 100 and the airspace 202 within the cover 2 . for warming purposes , the water is preferably injected as a mist . the mist is produced by flowing water through the micro spray jet 22 . the cover 2 holds the warm mist within the airspace 202 and holds the heat within the cover and prevents dissipation of the heat . in addition , the cover 2 creates an insulative airspace 202 between the outside air and the tree 100 . solid fertilizer 203 such as time - released fertilizer can be placed on the ground 200 beneath the cover 2 . because the amount of moisture within the cover 2 is controlled through by controlling the irrigation , the time for adding additional fertilizer can be more accurately estimated . once the cover 2 is installed , herbicide can be mechanically sprayed on the ground 200 outside the cover 2 . the cover 2 prevents the herbicide from reaching the root ball 101 . the herbicide is used to kill the grass 204 that can grow taller than the tree 100 and strangle the tree 100 . once the tree 100 has grown to a sufficient height that it can survive without protection from the cover 2 , the cover 2 is removed . to remove the cover 2 , the fasteners 9 are cut or otherwise removed . the seam 7 is spread . next , the stalk 105 is passed through the open seam 7 . the cover 2 can be recycled and used a different plant . while various descriptions of the present invention are described above , it should be understood that the various features can be used singly or in any combination thereof . therefore , this invention is not to be limited to only the specifically preferred embodiments depicted herein . further , it should be understood that variations and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention may occur to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains . accordingly , all expedient modifications readily attainable by one versed in the art from the disclosure set forth herein that are within the scope and spirit of the present invention are to be included as further embodiments of the present invention .	0
one aspect of the invention concerns a communications network , including multiple communications nodes capable of communicating with each other . as an illustrative example , this network may be embodied by various hardware components and interconnections as described in fig1 . the network 100 includes multiple nodes 102 - 105 , numbering four in the present example . the nodes may be interconnected to facilitate communications between any two nodes . in the present example , the nodes 102 - 105 are coupled in a torus network , where adjacent nodes are coupled by two communications links . thus , each node has multiple paths to every other node , either directly or via another node . for example , the nodes 102 - 103 are interconnected by the links 108 - 109 . each of the nodes 102 - 105 is preferably assigned a node - id , which is a numeric , alphabetic , alphanumeric , or other code unique to that node . all node - ids preferably contain the same number of characters . preferably , the node - 10 is a binary number . the links , such as links 108 - 109 , may be implemented in a number of different forms . as examples , the links may comprise conductive metallic cables , metallic wires , electromagnetic broadcast links , optically transmissive media such as fiber optic cable , traces on a printed circuit board , or any other suitable media for conveying data between electronic devices . ordinarily skilled artisans having the benefit of this disclosure will also recognize other links within the scope of this disclosure . furthermore , many different connection schemes may be used in substitution for the node connection shown in fig1 . although not essential , it is preferred that each two nodes are interconnected by at least two communication paths . each of the nodes 102 - 105 comprises an electronic machine capable of communicating over the provided link . accordingly , the nodes 102 - 105 may comprise a number of different hardware devices . for instance , the nodes 102 - 105 may include printers , display monitors , computer terminals , personal computers , mainframe computers , network servers , printed circuit boards , logic circuits , or any other electronic device capable of communicating with other devices . as one specific example , the nodes 102 - 105 may comprise printed circuit boards inside a personal computer , where the cards are interconnected by links comprising ribbon cable and / or traces on a motherboard . moreover , ordinarily skilled artisans having the benefit of this disclosure may also recognize other suitable embodiments of node within the scope of this disclosure . each node includes a communications director coupled to a communications interface . the interface is coupled to one or more communications links in the network . the communications director oversees operations of the node , while the interface manages communications between the director and the link ( s ) attached to the interface . the communications director and interface may be implemented in a variety of forms as recognized by ordinarily skilled artisans having the benefit of this disclosure . fig2 depicts the components of an exemplary node 200 . the communications director of the node 200 comprises a logic unit 202 , which is coupled to a communications interface 204 . the logic unit 202 comprises circuitry that performs an operational sequence for resolving conflicts , as discussed in greater detail below . the logic unit 202 may comprise discrete circuitry , a field programmable gate array , or another suitable circuit . the interface 204 relays signals between the logic unit 202 and the communication lines 205 - 206 . each of the lines 205 - 206 , for example , may be coupled to a communications link such as the links 108 - 109 . the interface 204 therefore comprises an appropriate circuit for translating the voltages and signal formats between the lines 205 - 206 and the logic unit 202 . the interface 204 may comprise , for example , a communications adapter card . fig3 depicts the components of a different exemplary node 300 . in the node 300 , the communications director comprises a processing unit 302 . the processing unit 302 is coupled to a storage unit 304 and a communications interface 306 . the processing unit 302 performs a sequence for resolving conflicts , as discussed in greater detail below . more particularly , the processing unit 302 comprises a digital processing apparatus that executes a series of machine - readable programming instructions . the processing unit 302 may comprise a microprocessor , mainframe computer , personal computer , workstation , or another suitable digital processing apparatus . as an example , the processing unit 302 may comprise a motorola 8051 microprocessor or an ibm powerpc processor . the storage unit 304 comprises a module for storing data , such as the machinereadable programming instructions executed by the processing unit 302 . the storage unit 304 may be part of the processing unit 302 , if desired . preferably , the storage unit 304 comprises fast - access memory such as random access memory . the interface 306 relays signals between the processing unit 302 and the communication lines 307 - 308 . each of the lines 307 - 308 , for example , may be coupled to a communications link such as the links 108 - 109 . the interface 306 therefore comprises appropriate circuitry for translating the voltages and message formats between the lines 307 - 308 and the processing unit 302 . the interface 306 may comprise , for example , a communications adapter card . in addition to the various hardware embodiments described above , a different aspect of the invention concerns a method for resolving communication conflicts in a multi - node communications network . with nodes implemented as shown in fig3 such a method may be implemented by operating the processing unit 302 to execute a sequence of machine - readable instructions . these instructions may reside in various types of signal - bearing media . in this respect , one aspect of the present invention concerns a programmed product , comprising signal - bearing media tangibly embodying a program of machine - readable instructions executable by a digital data processor to perform method steps to resolve conflicts experienced by the node 300 . this signal - bearing media may comprise , for example , fast access memory such as random access memory contained in the storage unit 304 . alternatively , the instructions may be contained in another signal - bearing media , such as a magnetic data storage diskette 400 ( fig4 ). whether contained in the storage unit 304 , diskette 400 , or elsewhere , the instructions may instead be stored on another type of data storage medium such as dasd storage ( e . g ., a conventional &# 34 ; hard drive &# 34 ; or a raid array ), magnetic tape , electronic readonly memory ( e . g ., cd - rom or worm ), optical storage device ( e . g . worm ), paper &# 34 ; punch &# 34 ; cards , or other signal - bearing media including transmission media such as digital and analog and communication links and wireless . in an illustrative embodiment of the invention , the machine - readable instructions may comprise lines of compiled assembly or &# 34 ; c &# 34 ; language code , for example . fig5 shows a sequence of method steps 500 to illustrate one example of the method aspect of the present invention . for ease of explanation , but without any limitation intended thereby , the example of fig5 is described in the context of the multi - node network 100 using nodes 200 , as described above . thus , the sequence 500 is performed by the logic unit 202 executing machine - readable programming instructions , as discussed above . as an alternative ( not shown ), the sequence 500 may also be performed by a node , such as the node 300 ; in this alternative embodiment , the processing unit 302 implements the sequence 500 by executing machine - readable programming instructions . the sequence 500 may also be implemented in many other types of networks , other than the specific configuration illustrated by the network 100 . preferably , each node in the network 100 independently performs the sequence 500 when that node attempts to send a message to another node . alternatively , the sequence 500 may be performed by a limited number of nodes , if desired . for example , certain nodes may contain hardware or software that has been updated with respect to the remaining nodes . in the illustrated example , the sequence 500 is performed by the node 200 to send a message to another node referred to as the &# 34 ; target node &# 34 ;. the node 200 is therefore called the &# 34 ; requesting node &# 34 ;. after the sequence 500 is initiated in task 502 , tasks 503 - 504 set counter variables &# 34 ; wait - count &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; cycle - count &# 34 ; equal to zero . as discussed in greater detail below , the waitcount variable is used to keep track of successive unsuccessful attempts of the requesting node 200 to communicate with the target node ( not shown ). between communication attempts , the node 200 waits for successively longer and longer periods , ultimately reaching a maximum wait time . after reaching the maximum wait time , the wait period is reset . as discussed in further detail below , the cycle - count variable is used to record how many times the requesting node 200 sequentially advances through the entire sequence of wait times . after task 504 , task 506 attempts to send the desired communications to the target node . in the illustrated example , this involves the logic unit 202 directing the communicating interface 206 to transmit the message over a communication link using one of the lines 205 - 206 . query 508 then asks whether the message of task 506 was sent successfully . if so , the routine 500 ends in task 510 . instead of task 510 , the routine progresses to query 512 if the message cannot reach the target node , e . g ., due to the target node or the links being busy . query 512 asks whether wait - count exceeds a wait - count threshold value . the wait - count threshold value may be permanently fixed , or it may be programmably set prior to operation of the routine 500 . in an illustrative embodiment , the wait - count threshold is set to achieve the most efficient operation of the sequence 500 based on empirical data . if wait - count does not exceed its threshold , the logic unit 202 in task 514 computes a waiting period according to the current wait - count . the computation of the waiting period , discussed in greater detail below , is preferably done to implement an exponential backoff incorporating a controlled aspect of randomness . after computing the waiting period in task 514 , the logic unit 202 waits for the computed waiting period in task 516 , prior to resending the communications message . since wait - count is initially zero , the wait period used in the first performance of task 516 is a minimum value . in an illustrative embodiment , this minimum waiting time is set empirically to achieve the most efficient operation of the sequence 500 . the minimum waiting time may be permanently fixed , or it may be programmably set prior to operation of the routine 500 . alternatively , if the sequence 500 is executed by a node such as the node 300 , the node 300 may perform various background activity , such as performing other computations , managing data , or engaging in another suitable activity . the background activity may even involve sending other awaiting messages to new target nodes , different than the original target node . these background activities are facilitated by the availability of a multi - purpose processing unit 302 as opposed to the more specialized logic unit 202 . after the logic unit 202 waits in task 516 , task 518 increments the wait - count by one to accurately reflect the number of times task 516 has been performed . then , following task 518 , the node 200 re - attempts the communications in task 506 . after query 512 finds that wait - count exceeds its threshold , inquiry is made to determine which action should be taken next , in order to most efficiently utilize the requesting node &# 39 ; s resources during the unavailability of the target node . first , task 520 increments cycle - count by one . cycle - count keeps track of the number of times that wait - count has completed its entire cycle of increasing values , ultimately exceeding the wait - count threshold . in other words , cycle - count counts the times that the cycle ending with query 512 answering &# 34 ; yes &# 34 ; has occurred . after task 520 , query 522 determines whether cycle - count exceeds another threshold , particular to cycle - count . if the cycle - count threshold is not yet surpassed , this is deemed a good time for the node 200 to perform some background activity in task 523 . the cycle - count threshold value may be permanently fixed , or it may be programmably set prior to operation of the routine 500 . in an illustrative embodiment , the cycle - count threshold is set empirically to achieve the most efficient operation of the sequence 500 . the background activity of task 523 may comprise performing computations , data management , or another suitable activity . preferably , as illustrated , the background activity involves sending other awaiting messages to new target nodes , different than the original target node . although the busy - ness of the target node frustrates communication attempts , communications with the new target nodes may be conducted in the meantime . if the background activity involves sending any other awaiting messages , as illustrated , step 523 is implemented by query 524 and task 526 . namely , query 524 determines whether the node 200 is maintaining other messages for sending to new target nodes , different than the original target node . if so , the node 200 in task 526 sends these messages . preferably , the sending of these messages in task 526 involves repeating the sequence 500 for each message or new target node . after task 526 , or a negative answer to query 524 , the routine 500 branches back to task 504 . although branching back to task 504 resets wait - count , cycle - count is not affected . therefore , cycle - count continues to increase , ultimately exceeding its threshold , and branching from query 522 to task 530 . in this event , node 200 has waited long enough without success . in this case , task 530 takes appropriate action . this action may involve initiating an error recovery routine to determine whether some error has occurred , preventing the transmission of communications to the target node . alternatively , task 530 may involve sending the message via an alternate path , employing other hardware components for example . as an example , the error recovery routine , as well as the alternate message transmission , may be initiated by the node 200 generating a hardware interrupt . as another alternative the node 200 may simply abandon the failed communications request in task 530 , and generate an appropriate error message . the computation of the wait period ( task 514 ) may be performed in a number of different ways . in one embodiment , the wait period increases by one fixed increment each time wait - count increases . in this embodiment , the waiting period increases linearly . in another embodiment , the wait period is determined each time by a random code generator . in another embodiment , the waiting period is determined by exponential backoff . with exponential backoff , the initial waiting period is multiplied by some factor each time waitcount increases . therefore , it grows exponentially . in the preferred embodiment , the waiting period is determined using exponential backoff that incorporates a controlled aspect of randomness . referring to fig6 the waiting period of task 516 is determined by the contents of a wait register 600 , which includes a plurality of binary bits . the value contained in the wait register , for example , may represent a number of cycles that a system clock of the processing unit 302 spends waiting for the next communications attempt . the contents of the wait register 600 are determined by copying a base code 602 from a base register into the wait register 600 . the base code 602 , in the illustrated example , remains constant . the base code 602 itself does not determine the waiting period , though , because a scrambling code 604 is also copied into the wait register 600 . the scrambling code 604 may be determined in a number of different ways . in one example , the scrambling code 604 is provided by a random number generating routine . preferably , however , the scrambling code 604 is extracted from the node - id uniquely assigned to the requesting node 200 . preferably , a different portion of the node - id is extracted each time task 514 is performed . as a result , two competing requesting nodes will ultimate compute different wait periods , even if there is some commonality in their node - ids . to determine the first waiting period ( i . e ., when wait - count equals zero ), the base code 602 and then the scrambling code 604 are copied into the least significant bits of the wait register 600 . the scrambling code 604 overwrites several bits of the base code 602 . this leaves a portion of the base code 602 in a location 606 , abutting bits from the scrambling code 604 copied into a location 608 . in the present example , the scrambling code 604 comprises four bits extracted from the node - id of the node 300 . writing of these four bits into the location 608 overwrites the least significant four bits of the base code 602 . next time task 514 is performed , the wait period is computed differently , as shown in fig7 . namely , the base code 602 is copied into a location 700 of the wait register 600 that is shifted with respect to the locations 606 - 608 . in the illustrated embodiment , this location is shifted one bit to the left , i . e ., toward the most significant bits of the register 600 . then a scrambling code 702 is extracted from a different portion of the node - id of the node 300 , and copied into the location 608 . due to the shifting of the shifted location of the base code 602 , however , it does not overwrite all of the base code 602 located at 608 . only the overlapping three bits arc overwritten . the steps of fig7 result in a wait period that is exponentially increased with respect to the wait period of fig6 . namely , the shifting of the base code 602 one bit to the left increases the wait period by about two . the factor of multiplication is not exactly two , however , due to the present introduction of the scrambling code 702 into the location 608 , and the previous introduction of the scrambling code 604 into the location 608 . subsequent performances of task 514 compute the wait period by continuing the steps of fig7 . namely , each time , the base code 602 is copied into a location of the wait register 600 that is shifted with respect to the location 700 . fig8 depicts the state of the wait register 600 after eight repetitions of task 514 . accordingly , the base code 602 has been shifted to the location 800 , a sufficient movement that the scrambling code 802 no longer overwrites any of the base code 602 . the steps of fig8 result in a wait period that is multiplicatively increased with respect to the wait period of fig7 and exponentially increased with respect to the wait period of fig6 . namely , the shifting of the base code 602 one bit to the left increases the wait period by another factor of two . this multiplication factor is not exactly two , however , due to the introduction of the scrambling code 802 into the location 608 . while there have been shown what are presently considered to be preferred embodiments of the invention , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims .	7
in fig6 , a general view of a cellular radio system 100 is depicted . the system 100 depicted in fig6 is a utran system . however it is also envisaged that the system can be a geran system or another similar systems . the system 100 comprises a number of radio base stations 101 , whereof only one is shown for reasons of simplicity . the radio base station 101 can be connected to by user equipments , which in fig6 are represented by the ue 103 located in the area served by the radio base station 101 . the ue access the network via an rach on the air interface between the ue and the radio base station . the radio base station and the user equipment further comprise controllers / controller circuitry 105 and 107 for providing functionality associated with the respective entities . the controllers 105 and 107 can for example comprise suitable hardware and or software . the hardware can comprise one or many processors that can be arranged to execute software stored in a readable storage media . the processor ( s ) can be implemented by a single dedicated processor , by a single shared processor , or by a plurality of individual processors , some of which may be shared or distributed . moreover , a processor may include , without limitation , digital signal processor ( dsp ) hardware , asic hardware , read only memory ( rom ), random access memory ( ram ), and / or other storage media . the radio base station is further connected to a central control node ( not shown ) such as a radio network controller provided to control a number of radio base stations . as described above , let the total number of users / devices trying to access one and the same rach slot be . k = kt , kεn + as one rach slot can serve only one user without risking any collisions , then ideally the subsequent access attempts should be spread uniformly , so that after a collision the user waiting time ( again being denoted by the stochastic variable x ) will be distributed as : for obvious reasons it is not possible to in advance know how many devices that are trying to access one rach slot simultaneously . an approach that is more likely to succeed is to create a probability density distribution for a pseudo - random wait timer , denote it p x i , j which approximates the ideal distribution after say j access attempts . that is now , let the first access attempt be given , as previously , by p x [ x ]. then create an interleaved uniform probability density function consisting of t unit impulses ( normalized to amplitude 1 / t ) separated i in time , that is the interleaved density function is depicted in fig8 . the convolution between p x [ x ] and p x ( i ) [ x ] can be divided into two different cases , i ≧ t and i & lt ; t . the distribution of k users for i ≧ t after the second access attempt can be depicted as in fig9 . note that in fig9 the special case i = t is depicted , if i & gt ; t there will be ( i − t ) zeros after each consecutive t impulses . the distribution of k users for i & lt ; t can be given an upper bound as depicted in fig1 . it is here to be noted that the left limit of where maxa first is obtained in fig1 is given by which provides an upper bound on the distribution is obtained . it is also to be noted that the right limit of where maxa last is obtained can in a similar way be upper bounded by 2s +( t − 1 ) i +( i − 1 )= ti − 1 . thus compared to the existing solution described in the background section it is now possible to avoid any further collisions after the second access attempt if where i is a design parameter , which in accordance with some embodiments can be broadcasted as a system parameter for example on the bcch . the parameter i can also be pre - programmed in an mtc device . the parameter i thus determines how the width of the probability density function for the wait time distribution for each access attempt . the density distribution function h ( 2 , i )[ x ] can be upper bounded by the box function with amplitude maxa and length (( t − 1 ) i + t ). let the case i & gt ; t is of less interest because then the delay is increased without increasing the number of users that can be served . assume therefore that i ≦ t and thus that in the situation where maxa & gt ; 1 there will be a third access attempt . let the users be distributed accordingly to the density function p x ( i ′) [ x ], where i = ti − 1 . this will guarantee that the third convolution will not result in a spike . instead the distribution of users will be flatten out over time after the third access attempt event as depicted in fig1 . it is to be noted that the value of maxa ′ is approximate as the choice of i ′ will result in convex bumps as shown in fig1 . if instead setting i ′= ti it is possible to obtain concave holes where the bumps are now located . if maxa ′& gt ; 1 there will be a fourth retry for rach access . the same method of spreading the users can be applied by distributing them with the probability density function p x ( i ″) [ x ], where i ′=( t − 1 )( ti − 1 ). for more access attempts the setting of the parameter i ( j ) is in accordance with one embodiment defined as : in accordance with some embodiments a parameter u can be introduced that specifies if the system should prioritize either to maximize the peak rach load capacity or to always minimize the access delay . the parameter u is in accordance with one embodiment distributed via the air interface to an mtc device , for example using the bcch carrier . in accordance with some embodiments the parameter u is pre - programmed in the mtc device . this can be performed by changing the order of how the random waiting times are picked . thus , in accordance with some embodiments before every rach attempt the mobile device is configured to choose a random waiting time from some distribution . the ue is in accordance with one embodiment configured to let the “ widest ” distribution be used first , and thus every subsequent distribution will have a smaller width , or in accordance with another embodiment to let the “ narrowest ” distribution be used first , and let every subsequent distribution have a larger and larger width . let u = 1 be to optimize peak capacity . in such a case let the first random wait time be given by the distribution defined by p x ( i ″) [ x ], the second wait time be defined by p x ( i ′) [ x ] and so forth . this assumes that there are only four access attempts on the rach and if more attempts are desired use the distribution with the largest spread over time first , the second largest the second time and so forth . this scheme will introduce a larger average delay for the mtc users / devices but on other hand the entire rach will not be blocked for periods of time when a large amount of mtc users / devices try to access the system . if u = 0 , the mtc device is set to minimize the access delay and the wait time distributions are set as defined by the setting of i ( j − 1 ) as defined above . thus i (− 1 ) = 1 ( first attempt ) and so forth . in accordance with some embodiments a parameter r that specifies if the systems mtc users / devices should employ a random delay before making a first access attempt to the rach is employed . the parameter r is in accordance with one embodiment distributed via the air interface to an mtc device , for example using the bcch carrier . in accordance with some embodiments the parameter r is pre - programmed in the mtc device . the parameter r is set to specify if the mtc users / devices should employ a random delay before making a first access attempt to the rach . let r = 1 denote that mtc users / devices should employ an initial random wait time before trying to access the system . the wait time should in such a case be chosen from the distribution p x i , 1 [ x ] as specified above . if there still are collisions the first access retry delay should be picked from the distribution p x i , 2 [ x ] and so forth . this optional functionality might as well be combined with the use of parameter u as described above . in accordance with some embodiments the wait time distribution sequences are selected from other sequences than those specified above . this can e . g . make it possible to further approach the ideal uniform distribution of users in time after j retry attempts to the rach , or to further balance the average delay between different access attempts . such distributions can be obtained by selecting a set of sequences with suitable auto - and cross - correlation properties , created using different mathematical constructions like e . g . projective geometries or difference families . an mtc device is configured to operate in accordance with the parameters ( i . e . i , u and r )— and of course possibly also alternative values of the existing parameters t and m ( which could e . g . be called t2 and m2 ). the configuration of the mtc device can be executed in a number of different ways , for example . the parameters ( i , u , r ) can be broadcasted in one or more appropriate system information message ( s ) on e . g . the bcch . the mtc device is configured using non access stratum ( nas ) signaling at registration procedures like attach to the network , routing / location / tracking area or session management procedures like pdp context activation the mtc device is configured via the actual application that uses the device for communication with the cellular network having an api to instruct the mtc device whether to use the new procedure or not and / or the values of the parameters to use . the mtc device is configured using dedicated signaling over facch , sacch , pacch or similar once an mtc device has become gprs attached it is activated as an mtc device ( e . g . using mtc device - mtc server signaling ) which can include configuring it the mtc device can be hard - coded . the hard - coding can be made in response to specifications as dependent on e . g . which mtc optimization category , qos or other properties of the mtc device . in fig1 a flow chart illustrating an exemplary random access scheme for an mtc device with varying wait time distributions is shown . it is to be noted that in some embodiments one or many of the steps described in fig1 is omitted for example because only a subset of the parameters i , u and r may be used in a particular embodiment . in other embodiments some steps are replaced by other steps including use of other distributions than the distributions used in fig1 . first in a step s 1 it is determined that an access attempt is to be made . next in a step s 2 the relevant parameters are retrieved . the parameters can e . g . be retrieved via the bcch . in the example depicted in fig1 it is assumed that the parameters s , t , m , i , u and r as described above are all retrieved and read by the mtc device . next in a step s 3 it is determined if the parameter u is set to zero . if the parameter u is set to zero the procedure continues to a step s 4 . in step s 4 the set of distributions defining the wait time is set to a first set of distributions that in this embodiment is : { p x i , 0 , p x i , 1 , . . . , p x i ,( m + r ) }={ δ , p x i ( 0 ) , . . . , p x i ( m − 1 + r ) }. if in step s 3 u is not set to zero the procedure continues to a step s 5 . in step s 5 the set of distributions defining the wait time is set to a second set of distributions that in this embodiment is : { p x i , 0 , p x i , 1 , . . . , p x i , m + r }={ δ , p x i ( m − 1 + r ) , p x i ( m − 2 + r ) , . . . , p x i ( 0 ) } when the set of distributions has been set in either step s 4 or s 5 the procedure continues to a step s 6 . in step s 6 the mtc device waits a time specified by p x i ,( j + r ) , where j corresponds to the number of the attempt with j = 0 for the first attempt . next in a step s 7 an access attempt is made . then in a step s 8 it is determined if the attempt was successful . if in step s 8 it is determined that the attempt was successful the procedure continues to a step s 9 . in step s 9 the access attempt is finished . if in step s 8 it is determined that the attempt was not successful the procedure continues to a step s 10 . in step s 10 the parameter j is increased by one . from step 10 the procedure continues to a step s 11 . in step s 11 it is determined if the parameter j exceeds the parameter m ( m being the parameter controlling the maximum number of attempts ). if j exceeds m in step s 11 the procedure continues to step s 9 . in step s 9 the access attempt is finished . if j does not exceed m in step s 11 the procedure returns to step s 6 with an increased value of the parameter j as set in step s 10 . further in fig1 a ue 1300 , in particular an mtc ue , is schematically depicted . the ue 1300 comprises controller circuitry 1301 for performing all the procedures performed by the ue as described herein . the controller circuitry 1301 can be implemented using suitable hardware and or software . the hardware can comprise one or many processors that can be arranged to execute software stored in a readable storage media . the processor ( s ) can be implemented by a single dedicated processor , by a single shared processor , or by a plurality of individual processors , some of which may be shared or distributed . moreover , a processor may include , without limitation , digital signal processor ( dsp ) hardware , asic hardware , read only memory ( rom ), random access memory ( ram ), and / or other storage media . in addition the ue 1300 comprises an input / output device 1303 for receiving / transmitting data to a radio base station . further , in fig1 a central node 1400 of a radio system , in particular a cellular radio system is schematically depicted . the central node can for example be a radio network controller or a base station controller or even a radio base station . the central node 1400 comprises controller circuitry 1401 for performing all the procedures performed by the central node on the network side as described herein . the controller circuitry 1401 can be implemented using suitable hardware and or software . the hardware can comprise one or many processors that can be arranged to execute software stored in a readable storage media . the processor ( s ) can be implemented by a single dedicated processor , by a single shared processor , or by a plurality of individual processors , some of which may be shared or distributed . moreover , a processor or may include , without limitation , digital signal processor ( dsp ) hardware , asic hardware , read only memory ( rom ), random access memory ( ram ), and / or other storage media . in addition the central node 1400 comprises an input / output device 1403 for receiving / transmitting data to a ue ( via a designated radio base station in the case the central node is not the radio base station ). to further illustrate the benefit of the random access procedure as described herein , the same probabilistic behavior over time as shown in fig5 is shown for a procedure in accordance with the teachings herein in fig1 . again for the case when 100 , 300 and 1000 users attempt to access the system via the rach when t = 50 , s = 55 and m = 4 . fig1 shows the expected number access attempts per rach slot when performing the first access attempt at air frame number 0 . every time the values in the graph exceeds the value 1 ( as marked in fig1 ) there are in average more than one access attempt per rach slot , whereupon the rach and thus the cell will in practice be inaccessible during these instances . fig . thus shows the probabilistic behaviour over time for simultaneous access attempts of 100 users ( left ), 300 users ( middle ) and 1000 users ( right ) when t = 50 , s = 55 , m = 4 and i = 10 . naturally , it takes longer before all users are served , but it is possible to avoid the peaks associated with the aggregated distribution even after the third access attempt . further , there really is no need for a fourth access attempt with i = 10 , since that would require some 25000 users arriving exactly simultaneous ( with the current parameter setting ). for each of the scenarios the following happens : 100 users : all are served on the second access attempt . during the second access attempt they occupy approximately 20 % of the rach slots . thus the rach channel is only completely blocked during 0 . 23 s ( access attempt 1 ). 300 users : all are served on the second access attempt , during the second access attempt they occupy approximately 60 % of the rach slots , thus the rach channel is only completely blocked during 0 . 23 s ( access attempt 1 ) and still has a limited capacity of 40 % during an additional 2 . 5 s . 1000 users : all are served on the third access attempt . during the third attempt they occupy approximately 4 % of the resources . thus there is still 96 % of the capacity available . the rach channel is pretty much completely blocked during 2 . 73 s ( access attempt 1 and 2 ). the third access attempt takes place during ˜ 112 s . what achieved is that it is possible to avoid the extreme peaks and outages of the rach by employing a random distribution which is spreading the access attempts more for each subsequent access attempt . as pointed out above it is possible to rearrange the order of the distributions , thus greatly increasing the delay of mtc devices but making the impact on the rach channel for other users minimal . it is to be noted that the invention is not limited to geran , but can be used for any system that has a collision based access channel , such as e . g . any 3gpp or 3gpp2 network , wifi , etc .	7
the inventor has realized the desirability of providing a software testing framework that not only facilitates a process for programmers to test the code they have programmed , but that also imposes some objectivity on the testing process . in accordance with an aspect , then , a unit - level software testing framework is provided that provides “ maturity levels ” by which unit level software testing should be carried out . in general , the maturity levels provide a prioritized list of functionality to be tested and a method by which to prioritize testing activities . in some examples , such a unit level software testing framework removes or minimizes a personal judgment aspect from the process of creating unit tests , which should make it easier for a software developer at any level to create effective unit tests . in addition , the framework may describe with some precision what should be tested and how . the unit testing framework can provide a method and systematic approach for finding deficiencies in a software architecture . in one example , there are four such maturity levels . basically , a level 1 unit tests represent how the code should work based on ‘ a perfect world ’ ( i . e ., does not test for anything except strictly expected conditions ). level 2 unit tests characterize behavior in the absence of dependencies . level 3 tests exceptions , corner cases , and ‘ what happens if ’ scenarios . level 4 — refactoring , additional functions , and new requirements — should be expressed as failed unit tests , as this can ensure testability up front and make the code easier to maintain . the unit test mindset results in a change in thinking and a shifting of roles ( where testing can be performed by the coders , as opposed to specialized testers ). this ultimately results in better code . unit tests are not ‘ finished ’, and should not be looked upon as a finite task as long as the units ( objects ) themselves are being maintained and refactored . developers should actively look for ways to break their own code and express those ways as unit tests . code combinations , and therefore unit test permutations , can quickly become a daunting number . for example , fig1 illustrates a software system ( in this case , an object ) in which there are four functions . the functions typically have dependencies and , additionally , a developer may identify “ what if ” scenarios . for example , the functions correspond to functions the object is intended to perform . the dependencies are external conditions that need to be met in order for the object to perform the functions it is intended to perform . the “ what if ” scenarios are scenarios in which an improbable condition occurs . finally , it is recognized that software development is often ongoing . thus , a developer may have identified “ to do ” enhancements to an object , but may not have implemented them yet . having discussed various maturity levels of a software object , we now discuss an example of a unit testing framework that is based on maturity levels , as applied to the fig1 object . as mentioned above , in the example , there are four functions and eleven identified dependencies . furthermore , the developer has identified seventeen ‘ what happens if ?’ scenarios . therefore there are 748 different possible code paths to test . while one hundred percent test coverage is the goal , in many cases it is not practical to predicate project timelines on this goal . there is a lot of utility to be gained from a core testing at two levels of maturity ( in the example , called level 1 and level 2 ), and ‘ kaizen ’ ( continuous improvement ) plans and metrics can be put into place for ensuring that the test plan coverage ( for level 3 and level 4 , in the example ) increases over time . in one example , a minimum of testing is required for delivery that includes all level 1 and identified level 2 unit tests . fig2 schematically illustrates an level 1 maturity of unit testing . referring to fig2 , each function fnx ( where , in fig2 , x is an integer between 1 and 4 ) has a corresponding level 1 unit test . in the fig2 example , each unit test is referred to as utx , where “ x ” corresponds to the “ x ” in the function designation fnx . for example , generically , unit test utx corresponds to function fnx . as a specific example , unit test ut 3 corresponds to function fn 3 . each level 1 unit test is directed to the “ what does it do ?” of the function corresponding to that level 1 unit test . unit test maturity level 1 can be categorized under the question ‘ what does it do ?’ this level of testing addresses the basic functionality of the unit . although this is the least mature of the testing levels , it provides the foundation for the rest of the unit testing . for example , assume that the object of fig2 is a car , and the following functions are the four functions of the car object : function 1 : int istartengine // starts engine , returns 0 upon success function 2 : int iaccelerate // accelerates by 5 , returns 0 upon success function 3 : int idecelerate // decelerates by 5 , returns 0 upon success function 4 : int istopengine // stops engine , returns 0 upon success the level 1 unit testing for this car object , in the bulleted list below , directly tests the four functions to make sure they work on a basic level . with the level 1 unit testing passed , it is known that the functions work , but not much more . fig3 illustrates level 2 dependency testing . the object dependencies are indicated in fig3 as fidj , where “ i ” is an indication of the function ( e . g ., referring to fig2 , “ i ” may be an integer from 1 to 4 ). additionally , “ j ” is an indication of the dependency for the function “ i .” referring to fig3 , there are eleven unit tests ( ut 1 to uti 11 ), one unit test for each dependency . in describing fig3 , we continue to use the “ car ” object from the previous example , with function 1 , function 2 , function 3 and function 4 . the level 2 unit testing for this car object will test the behavior of the 4 functions based on dependencies . five examples of level 2 unit testing are set forth below : example 1 tests the behavior of the istartengine function and its dependency on a key being inserted . example 2 tests the behavior of the istartengine function and its dependency on the gas tank not being empty . example 3 tests the behavior of the iaccelerate function and its dependency on the engine having been started . example 4 tests the behavior of the idecelerate function and its dependency on the engine having been started . finally , example 5 tests the behavior of the istopengine function and its dependency on the engine having been started . referring now to fig4 , level 3 unit testing tests extraneous exceptions of the object functions and function dependencies . level 3 unit tests can be categorized under the question “ what happens if . . . ?” level 3 unit testing may involve some imagination and creativity for a coder to think of the cases , and not all cases may be covered on the first try . in general , the object may be used , continuously improved , and made more robust over time . the unit tests may be correspondingly used , improved and made more robust . // what happens if the engine has been started and i run out of gas ? // what happens if the engine has been started and i try to start it again ? // what happens if i try to accelerate and i pull the key out ? // what happens if i try to accelerate and i run out of gas ? // what happens if i try to decelerate and speed == 0 ? // what happens if i try to decelerate and the engine is stopped ? // what happens if i try to stop the engine and my speed & gt ; 0 ? // what happens if i try to stop the engine and the engine is already as shown in fig5 , level 4 unit testing tests product backlog items , to - do items , and new functionality . these are assumed to fail all the time . if they do not fail , then they can be characterized and placed into the level 1 , level 2 , or level 3 category . building on the object of the previous examples , the following functions are tested using unit testing maturity level 4 tests . the level 4 unit testing for this car object will fail because they are backlog items . in summary , then , it can be see that level 1 unit tests represent how code is supposed to behave based on ‘ a perfect world .’ level 2 unit tests characterize behavior in the absence of dependencies . exceptions , corner cases , and ‘ what happens if ’ scenarios are tested by level 3 unit tests . refactoring , additional functions , and new requirements may be expressed as failed unit tests ( level 4 ), thus maximizing the testability of these functions up front and making the code easier to maintain . the unit test mindset utilizes a change in thinking and a shifting of roles , but ultimately results in better code . unit tests are never ‘ finished ’, and are not to be looked upon as a finite task as long as the units ( objects ) themselves are being maintained and refactored . a developer will actively look for ways to break her own code and express those as unit tests . fig6 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for software development using the above - described unit test methodology . referring to fig6 , at 602 , unit tests are generated . the unit tests may include , for example , unit tests at maturity level 4 ( i . e ., relative to refactoring of functions , additional functions and / or new requirements ). at 604 , code is developed to accomplish the function refactoring , additional functions and / or new requirements . at 606 , unit tests are performed . after performing the unit tests at 606 , additional unit tests may be generated at 602 , such as relative to refactoring of functions , additional functions and / or new requirements ). furthermore , at either 604 or 606 , return may be made to 602 or 604 , respectively . for example , at 604 , code may be developed for a function of an object , and then at 602 , unit tests may be generated for refactoring of the functions , additional functions and / or new requirements . as another example , at 606 , unit tests may be run for a particular function or dependency and , based on the running of the unit tests , code for the function or dependency for which the unit tests are run may be further developed . the unit tests may be included as part of the software product that , for example , are not executed when the software product is in an operational , non - testing mode . embodiments of the present invention may be employed to facilitate unit testing in any of a wide variety of computing contexts . for example , as illustrated in fig7 , implementations are contemplated in which users may interact with a diverse network environment via any type of computer ( e . g ., desktop , laptop , tablet , etc .) 702 , media computing platforms 703 ( e . g ., cable and satellite set top boxes and digital video recorders ), handheld computing devices ( e . g ., pdas ) 704 , cell phones 706 , or any other type of computing or communication platform . according to various embodiments , applications may be executed locally , remotely or a combination of both . the remote aspect is illustrated in fig7 by server 708 and data store 710 which , as will be understood , may correspond to multiple distributed devices and data stores . the various aspects of the invention may also be practiced in a wide variety of network environments ( represented by network 712 ) including , for example , tcp / ip - based networks , telecommunications networks , wireless networks , etc . in addition , the computer program instructions with which embodiments of the invention are implemented may be stored in any type of computer - readable media , and may be executed according to a variety of computing models including , for example , on a stand - alone computing device , or according to a distributed computing model in which various of the functionalities described herein may be effected or employed at different locations . we have described a mechanism for software testing . more particularly , we have described a mechanism for facilitates a process for programmers to test the code they have programmed , but that also imposes some objectivity on the testing process .	6
the autoloading apparatus of the present invention , generally indicated at 10 , includes a base 12 which is affixed to an extension 14 of a revolving turret mount 16 for a large caliber gun 18 movable in elevation about trunnions 20 . thus , the relative position of the base and the breech 18a of the gun , which may be a liquid propellant gun , is fixed to permit loading an ammunition round , such as a projectile 22 , regardless of gun position in azimuth and elevation or while changing gun position . base 12 , in turn , mounts a carriage 24 via a series of rollers 25 for linear , reciprocating movement . a rammer , generally indicated at 26 , is linked to the carriage in pantographic fashion by two transversely aligned sets of parallel arms , one set seen in fig1 as elongated arms 28 and 30 . the rearward arms 28 are pivotally connected at one end to the carriage , as indicated at 31 , and at their other ends to the rammer , as indicate at 32 . the ends of forward arms 30 are similarly pivotally connected to the carriage and rammer , as indicated at 33 and 34 , respectively . the rearward arms are also pivotally connected to base 12 by pivot links , one seen at 36 in fig1 and 2 . as seen in fig3 a hydraulic cylinder 38 is pivotally connected to base 12 at 39 , while its plunger 40 is pivotally connected to carriage 4 at 41 . upon activation of the hydraulic cylinder , its plunger 40 extends to the left , as seen in fig3 causing the carriage to move linearly to the left , as indicated by arrow 42 . by virtue of the pivot link 36 connection of rearward arms 28 to base 12 , leftward or rearward motion of the carriage relative to the base causes the arms to swing in the clockwise direction from their collapsed condition of fig2 to their elevated condition of fig1 . this motion encompasses both lifting and translating the projectile into the breech through pure translation of the carriage only . this is especially beneficial for liquid propellant guns where the projectile can be placed close to the gun barrel forcing cone . the pantographic arrangement of the arms maintains the centerline of projectile 22 resting on a rammer tray 44 parallel with the boreline 46 of gun 18 while the rammer is in the depressed , projectile - loading position of fig2 as well as during rammer motion into the ramming position where the projectile centerline is aligned with the gun boreline . turning to fig4 - 6 , when the rammer is in its ramming position , a ramming pawl 48 is driven through a ramming stroke by a chain drive to propel the projectile into the gun breech 18a ( fig1 ). the ramming pawl , of a v - shaped configuration , includes a ramming projection 48a and an orienting projection 48b carrying at its free end a guide pin 50 which runs in a linear channel 52 formed in the projectile holding tray 44 of the rammer 26 . the pawl is pivotally connected at 54 to a chain 56 trained around a rear sprocket 58 and a forward sprocket 60 , mounted in the rammer housing , to provide an upper run extending parallel to the gun boreline . in practice the ramming pawl chain drive may be provided by a pair of commonly driven transversely aligned chains and sprockets with pawl 48 carried by a pin 54 interconnecting the two chains . prior to executing a ramming stroke , forward motion of the projectile during elevation of the rammer is restrained by a stop pawl 62 ( fig4 ) which is pivotally mounted to the rammer by a pin 63 and biased by a torsion spring 64 to elevate its tip into engagement with the forward edge of the projectile &# 39 ; s obturator band 22a . a link 65 , pinned at 66 to the rammer , is provided with a slot for receiving a pin 67 carried by the stop pawl . when the chain drive is activated to begin a ramming stroke , guide pin 50 engages nose 65a of link 65 to cam this link in the clockwise direction with the result that stop pawl 62 is depressed to disengage the obturator band , freeing the projectile for a forward ramming stroke . as pin 54 swings clockwise around rear chain sprocket 58 and guide pin 50 moves forward to release stop pawl 62 , ramming projection 48a of ramming pawl 48 moves into engagement with the projectile base to begin a ramming stroke . fig5 illustrates the orientation of pawl 48 during a ramming stroke dictated by drive pin 54 and guide pin 50 running in channel 52 . fig6 illustrates the conclusion of the powered ramming stroke , wherein drive pin 54 has travelled around forward sprocket 60 to begin its return of the ramming pawl to the start position of fig4 . once the gun is loaded , rammer 26 is returned to its loading position of fig2 clearing the way for closure of the breech , firing of the gun and the consequent recoil fig7 and 8 illustrate the loading of projectiles onto rammer 26 from a projectile clip , generally indicated at 70 . this clip includes an inclined platform 71 for supporting several projectiles 22 , e . g ., two projectiles . this platform is supported by an extension 72 of base 12 . the projectiles are retained on the platform by a release member 74 mounted for oscillation by a shaft 75 . the release member acts on the leading or lowest projectile resting on inclined platform 71 . to release the leading projectile , the release member 74 is rotated in the clockwise direction from its position of fig7 to its position of fig8 . this motion is seen to release the leading projectile to roll off the platform , while preventing the trailing projectile from rolling down the platform . when the release member is then rotated back to its position of fig7 the trailing projectile is permitted to roll down the platform to the leading projectile position where it is held by the release member . it is thus seen that this simple oscillating release member 74 is effective to gravity feed one projectile at a time to the rammer . still referring to fig7 and 8 , rammer 26 carries an inclined apron 78 which serves as a continuum of platform 71 when the rammer is in its projectile loading position of fig2 . thus , a leading projectile freed by release member 74 rolls down platform 71 and apron 78 into rammer tray 44 . to cooperate with the fixed side 44a of the tray in providing lateral restraint for a loaded projectile , the rammer is equipped with an articulating side flap 80 . this side flap assumes an open position seen in fig7 to clear the way for a projectile to roll over apron 78 into tray 44 . in response to passage of the projectile , the side flaps swings to the closed and latched position of fig9 in opposed relation with the tray fixed side 44a to fully laterally confine the projectile on the tray . to this end , side flap 80 is pivotally mounted to tray 44 along its lower edge by a hinge pin 81 , as best seen in fig9 . a pair of links 82 and 84 are pivotally interconnected by a knee pin 85 to form a toggle linkage , generally indicated at 86 . the free end of link 82 is pivotally connected to side flap 80 by a pin 87 , while the free end of link 84 is pivotally connected to apron mounting bracket 88 by a pin 89 . link 84 is provided with a tang 90 which engages a shoulder 91 on link 82 to hold the toggle linkage 86 in a straightened , over - center condition to latch the side flap in its closed position . returning to fig7 and 8 , as a projectile rolls over apron 78 into tray 44 , it engages a projecting lower edge 80a of side flap 80 in its open position . this engagement forces the side flap to swing in a counter - clockwise , closing direction following the projectile onto the tray . the collapsed toggle linkage begins to straighten and ultimately assumes the straightened , over - center condition of fig9 latching the side flap in its closed position . to unlatch the side flap from its closed position , a laterally extending arm 92 is pivotally mounted by toggle pin 89 and , in turn , pivotally mounts at its free end a lever 94 . a tension spring 95 hooked between the apron bracket and the lever biases the latter to an inline position with arm 92 established by engagement of a laterally turned tab 96 of the lever against the upper edge of arm 92 and also urges the arm to a clockwise most position against a stop 97 carried by apron bracket 88 . arm 92 also carries a sleeve 98 through which an adjustment bolt 99 is threaded to position its tip against the edge of toggle link 84 at a point below knee pin 85 when the toggle linkage 86 is in its straightened , overcenter condition . from fig9 and 10 , it is seen that the tip of lever 94 in its inline position with arm 92 extends beyond the lower end of platform 71 of projectile clip 70 . thus , when the rammer is being raised to its ramming position and side flap 80 is closed and latched by the toggle linkage , lever 94 moves into engagement with ramp 71 . however , spring 95 yields to permit the lever to be deflected in the clockwise direction to clear the platform , as illustrated in fig9 . when the empty rammer is being lowered to its loading position , lever 94 again encounters platform 71 . however , in this case tab 96 precludes counter clockwise pivotal movement of the lever , and thus the only way the platform can be cleared is by counter clockwise pivotal motion of arm 92 about pin 89 . this arm motion , illustrated in fig1 , causes bolt 99 to push the toggle linkage knee pin 85 leftward through the centerline between pins 87 and 89 , and side flap swings by its own weight to its open position as the toggle linkage collapse . the way is then cleared to load the next projectile onto the rammer tray upon arrival at the full - down loading position . from the foregoing description , it is seen that the present invention provides an autoloading apparatus capable of rapidly loading a large caliber gun in a highly efficient and expeditions manner . with a projectile loaded in the gun and two projectiles waiting in clip 70 , burst fire capability can be achieved , e . g ., firing three projectiles within twenty seconds . the parallel arm controlled motion of the rammer between its ramming and loading positions can be accomplished quickly and accurately within a compact space envelope and over a wide range of gun elevation angles . suitable deceleration buffers ( not shown ) are utilized to bring the rammer rapidly to controlled stops precisely at its full - up ramming position and its full - down projectile loading position . microswitches sense the arrival of a projectile on the rammer tray , the achievements of the extreme rammer positions , the opening of the gun breech , and the return of the rammer pawl to its rearward start position , such that the various steps in the operating sequence are initiated as soon as possible to achieve the requisite burst fire rate . it is thus seen that the objectives set forth , including those made apparent from the detailed description , are efficiently attained , and , since certain changes may be made in the construction set forth without departing from the scope of the invention , it is intended that matters of detail be taken as illustrative and not in a limiting sense .	5
as seen from fig1 and fig2 the transmission is divided into a main transmission ( 1 ) on the left and a supplementary transmission ( 2 ) on the right . a transmission shaft ( 5 ) is connected to the transmission gear ( 4 ) to be rotatably supported by fitting a first input shaft ( 3 ) with a transmission gear ( 4 ) formed as one body into the middle of main transmission ( 1 ). a forward moving input shaft ( 10 ) and a main transmission output shaft ( 11 ) are rotatably connected and installed above the transmission shaft ( 5 ) by fixing transmission gears ( 6 )( 7 )( 8 )( 9 ) into the transmission shaft ( 5 ) to the right of transmission gear ( 4 ) and transmission gears ( 13 )( 14 ) with a hub sleeve ( 12 ) interposed are movably fitted into the forward moving input shaft ( 10 ) from its left . into the main transmission output shaft ( 11 ) is fitted a transmission gear ( 15 ). then , a hub sleeve ( 16 ) which moves forward or backward movement is interposed between transmission gears ( 15 )( 17 ) and installed in the part where the forward moving input shaft ( 10 ) and the main transmission output shaft ( 11 ) are connected , but the transmission gears ( 6 )( 7 ) of transmission shaft ( 5 ) are arranged so as to be engaged with the transmission gears ( 13 )( 14 ) of the forward moving input shaft ( 10 ) respectively . thereafter , a pto input shaft ( 18 ) is installed below the transmission shaft ( 5 ) but a transmission gear ( 19 ) is fixed to the pto input shaft ( 18 ) and transmission gears ( 21 )( 22 ) with a hub sleeve ( 20 ) interposed between them are movably fitted thereinto to the right of the transmission gear ( 19 ) and a hub sleeve ( 24 ) is interposed between the transmission gears ( 22 )( 23 ) by movably fitting a transmission gear ( 23 ) from the right of pto input shaft ( 18 ) to enable the transmission gears ( 19 )( 21 )( 22 ) of the pto input shaft ( 18 ) to be engaged with the transmission gears ( 4 )( 6 )( 8 ) of the transmission shaft ( 5 ) respectively and the transmission gear ( 23 ) thereof to be engaged with the transmission gears ( 9 )( 15 ). subsequently , the pto input shaft ( 18 ) is connected to a first pto transmission shaft ( 25 ) and the first pto transmission shaft ( 25 ) and the first pto transmission shaft ( 25 ) is situated in the lower part of supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ). transmission gears ( 29 )( 30 )( 31 ) are movably fitted thereinto from the left but a hub sleeve ( 32 ) is interposed between the transmission gears ( 30 )( 31 ). a transmission shaft ( 33 ) and a second pto transmission shaft ( 34 ) are supported by being arranged to the left and right in the center of supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ). a transmission gear ( 35 ) is tightly fitted onto the transmission shaft ( 33 ) and transmission gears ( 37 )( 38 ) with a hub sleeve ( 36 ) interposed between them are movably fitted thereinto . next , transmission gears ( 40 )( 41 ) with a hub sleeve ( 39 ) interposed between them and a transmission gear ( 42 ) are movably fitted onto the second pto transmission shaft ( 34 ) to be engaged with the transmission gears ( 29 )( 30 )( 31 ) of the first pto transmission shaft ( 25 ) respectively . thereafter , a transmission gear ( 43 ) is tightly fitted onto the right end of the second pto transmission shaft ( 34 ) and a pto output shaft ( 44 ) is rotatably supported in the right lower part of supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) and a transmission gear ( 45 ) is fixed to the pto output shaft ( 44 ) for engaging the transmission gear ( 43 ) of the second pto transmission shaft ( 34 ) with the transmission gear ( 45 ) of the pto output shaft ( 44 ). on the other hand , a travelling output shaft ( 46 ) which transmits power to a differential ( 51 ) is supported in the upper part of supplementary reduction transimission ( 2 ). transmission gears ( 48 )( 49 ) with a hub sleeve ( 47 ) interposed in between are movably fitted onto the travelling output shaft ( 46 ) so as to be engaged with the transmission gears ( 37 )( 38 ) of the transmission shaft ( 33 ). a guide shaft ( 50 ) which transmits power at the time of travelling output is connected from the main transmission output shaft ( 11 ) and transmission gears ( 27 )( 28 ) with a hub sleeve ( 26 ) interposed in between are tightly and movably fitted onto the guide shaft ( 50 ) from the left to be engaged with the transmission gears ( 35 )( 38 ) of the transmission shaft ( 33 ) respectively , as illustrated in fig2 . as heretofore described , shafts and gears in each part generate the pto output together with travelling output of 15 - step forward movement and 9 - step backward movement by being united with one another . finally , the travelling output shaft ( 46 ) moves a tractor forward or backward by transmitting power to the differential ( 51 ) and the pto output shaft ( 44 ) drives the working implement of a tractor . moreover , the shafts ( 3 )( 5 )( 10 )( 11 )( 18 )( 25 )( 33 )( 34 )( 44 )( 46 )( 50 ) are arranged as shown in fig3 . referring to a group of identically standardized gears which have the same number of teeth and the identically standardized hub sleeves in such a transmission , namely , in the main and supplementary transmission , gears of the helical gear tooth type include ; the operation of the present invention will be described in detail by the speed changing steps . when a speed changing lever ( not illustrated ), for change of forward or backward movement , is placed at the forward movement position and a main speed changing lever ( not illustrated ) is changed to the speed 1 position , the hub sleeve ( 12 ) of the forward movement input shaft ( 10 ) in the main transmission ( 1 ) is engaged with the transmission gear ( 14 ) the forward or backward movement choosing hub sleeve ( 16 ) of main transmission output shaft ( 11 ) is synchronously engaged with the transmission gear ( 17 ), the hub sleeve ( 20 ) of the pto output shaft ( 18 ) is engaged with the transmission gear ( 21 ) and , when a supplementary speed changing lever ( not illustrated ) is changed to the speed 1 position , the hub sleeve ( 26 ) of guide shaft ( 50 ) and the hub sleeve ( 47 ) of travelling shaft ( 46 ) in the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) are engaged with transmission gears ( 27 )( 28 ) and the power of an engine ( not illustrated ) is transmitted in the following order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 21 , 6 , 5 , 7 , 14 , 10 , 17 , 11 , 50 , 27 , 35 , 33 , 37 , 48 , and 46 , as shown in fig4 . when the main speed changing lever is changed to the speed 2 position in the forward movement speed 1 condition , the hub sleeve ( 20 ) and the hub sleeve ( 12 ) of main transmission ( 1 ) are respectively engaged with transmission gears ( 22 )( 14 ), the forward or backward movement choosing hub sleeve ( 16 ) is synchronously engaged with the transmission gear ( 17 ), hub sleeves ( 26 )( 47 ) being engaged with the transmission gears ( 27 )( 48 ) and the power of the engine is transmitted in the following order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 22 , 8 , 5 , 7 , 14 , 10 , 17 , 11 , 50 , 27 , 35 , 33 , 37 , 48 , and 46 as shown in fig5 . the power of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) is transmitted in the same order as the supplementary speed change for the speed 1 . when the main speed changing lever is changed to the speed 3 position , the hub sleeve ( 20 ) and the hub sleeve ( 12 ) of main transmission ( 1 ) are respectively engaged with the transmission gears ( 21 )( 13 ). the forward or backward movement choosing hub sleeve ( 16 ) is synchronously engaged with the transmission gear ( 17 ), the hub sleeves ( 20 )( 47 ) being engaged with the transmission gears ( 27 )( 48 ) and engine power is transmitted in the following order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 21 , 6 , 13 , 10 , 17 , 11 , 50 , 27 , 35 , 33 , 37 , 48 , and 46 as shown in fig6 . the power of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) is transmitted in the same order as the supplementary speed change for the speed 1 . when the main speed changing lever is changed to the speed 4 position , the hub sleeve ( 20 ) and the hub sleeve ( 12 ) of main transmission ( 1 ) are engaged with the transmission gears ( 22 )( 13 ) respectively , the forward or backward movement choosing hub sleeve ( 16 ) is synchronously engaged with the transmission gear ( 17 ). the hub sleeves ( 26 )( 47 ) are engaged with the transmission gears ( 27 )( 48 ) and engine power is transmitted in the following order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 22 , 8 , 5 , 6 , 13 , 10 , 17 , 11 , 50 , 27 , 35 , 33 , 37 , 48 and 46 as shown in fig7 . the power of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) is transmitted in the same order as the supplementary speed change for the speed 1 . when the main speed changing lever is changed to the speed 5 position , the hub sleeves ( 12 )( 24 ) are engaged with the transmission gears ( 13 )( 23 ) respectively . the forward or backward movement choosing hub sleeve ( 16 ) is synchronously engaged with the transmission gear ( 17 ), the hub sleeves ( 26 )( 47 ) being engaged with the transmission gears ( 27 )( 48 ). the engine power is transmitted in the following order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 23 , 9 , 5 , 6 , 13 , 10 , 17 , 11 , 50 , 27 , 35 , 33 , 37 , 48 and 46 as shown in fig8 . the power of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) is transmitted in the same order as the supplementary speed change for the speed 1 . when the main speed changing lever is changed to the speed 1 position , the hub sleeve ( 20 ) and the hub sleeve ( 12 ) of main transmission ( 1 ) are respectively engaged with the transmission gear ( 17 ) and , when the supplementary speed changing lever is changed to the speed 2 position , the hub sleeve ( 36 ) of supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) is engaged with the transmission gear ( 38 ) and the engine power is transmitted in the following order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 21 , 6 , 5 , 7 , 14 , 10 , 17 , 11 , 50 , 27 , 35 , 33 , 38 , 49 and 46 as shown in fig9 . when the main speed changing lever is changed to the speed 2 position , the hub sleeve ( 20 ) and the hub sleeve ( 12 ) of the main transmission ( 1 ) are respectively engaged with the transmission gears ( 22 )( 14 ), the forward or backward movement selecting hub sleeve ( 16 ) is synchronously engaged with the transmission gear ( 17 ), the hub sleeve ( 36 ) being engaged with the transmission gear ( 38 ) and the engine power is transmitted in the following order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 22 , 8 , 5 , 7 , 14 , 10 , 17 , 11 , 50 , 27 , 35 , 33 , 38 , 49 and 46 as shown in fig1 . the power of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) is transmitted in the same order as the supplementary speed change for the speed 6 . when the main speed changing lever is changed to the speed 3 position , the hub sleeve ( 20 ) and the hub sleeve ( 12 ) of the main transmission ( 1 ) are respectively engaged with the transmission gears ( 21 )( 3 ). the forward or backward movement selecting hub sleeve ( 16 ) is synchronously engaged with the transmission gear ( 17 ), the hub sleeve ( 36 ) being engaged with the transmission gear ( 38 ) and the engine power is transmitted in the following order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 21 , 6 , 13 , 10 , 17 , 11 , 50 , 27 , 35 , 33 , 38 , 49 and 46 as shown in fig1 . the power of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) is transmitted in the same order as the supplementary speed change for the speed 6 . when the main speed changing lever is changed to the speed 4 position , the hub sleeve ( 20 ) and the hub sleeve ( 12 ) of the main transmission ( 1 ) are respectively engaged with the transmission gears ( 22 )( 13 ), the forward or backward movement selecting hub sleeve ( 16 ) is synchronously engaged with the transmission gear ( 17 ), the hub sleeve ( 36 ) being engaged with the transmission gear ( 38 ) and the engine power is transmitted in the following order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 22 , 8 , 5 , 6 , 13 , 10 , 17 , 11 , 50 , 27 , 35 , 33 , 38 , 49 and 46 as shown in fig1 . the power of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) is transmitted in the same order as the supplementary speed change for the speed 6 . when the main speed changing lever is changed to the speed 5 position , the hub sleeves ( 12 )( 24 ) are engaged with the transmission gears ( 13 )( 23 ) respectively . the forward or backward movement selecting hub sleeve ( 16 ) is synchronously engaged with the transmission gear ( 17 ), the hub sleeve ( 36 ) being engaged with the transmission gear ( 38 ) and the engine power is transmitted in the following order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 23 , 9 , 5 , 6 , 13 , 10 , 17 , 11 , 50 , 27 , 35 , 33 , 38 , 49 and 46 as shown in fig1 . the power of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) is transmitted in the same order as the supplementary speed change for the speed 6 . when the main speed changing lever is changed to the speed 1 position , the hub sleeve ( 20 ) and the hub sleeve ( 12 ) are engaged with the transmission gears ( 21 )( 14 ). the forward or backward movement selecting hub sleeve ( 16 ) is synchronously engaged with the transmission gear ( 17 ) and , when the supplementary speed changing lever is changed to the speed 3 position , the hub sleeves ( 26 )( 47 ) are respectively engaged with the transmission gears ( 28 )( 49 ) and the engine power is transmitted in the following order of elements of 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 21 , 6 , 5 , 7 , 14 , 10 , 17 , 11 , 50 , 28 , 38 , 49 and 46 as shown in fig1 . when the main speed changing lever is changed to the speed 2 position , the hub sleeve ( 20 ) and the hub sleeve ( 12 ) of the main transmission ( 1 ) are respectively engaged with the transmission gears ( 22 )( 14 ). the forward or backward movement selecting hub sleeve ( 16 ) is synchronously engaged with the transmission gear ( 17 ), the hub sleeves ( 26 )( 47 ) are engaged with the transmission gears ( 28 )( 49 ) and the engine power is transmitted in the following order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 22 , 8 , 5 , 7 , 14 , 10 , 17 , 11 , 50 , 28 , 38 , 49 and 46 as shown in fig1 . the power of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) is transmitted in the same order as the supplementary speed change for the speed 11 . when the main speed changing level is changed to the speed 3 position , the hub sleeve ( 20 ) and the hub sleeve ( 12 ) of the main transmission ( 1 ) are respectively engaged with the transmission gears ( 21 )( 13 ). the forward or backward movement selecting hub sleeve ( 16 ) is synchronously engaged with the transmission gear ( 17 ), the hub sleeves ( 26 ) ( 47 ) being engaged with the transmission gears ( 28 ) ( 49 ) and the engine power is transmitted in the following order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 21 , 6 , 13 , 10 , 17 , 11 , 50 , 28 , 38 , 49 and 46 as shown in fig1 . the power of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) is transmitted in the same order as the supplementary speed change for speed 11 . when the main speed changing lever is changed to the speed 4 position , the hub sleeve ( 20 ) and the hub sleeve ( 12 ) of the main transmission ( 1 ) are respectively engaged with the transmission gears ( 22 )( 13 ). the forward or backward movement selecting hub sleeve ( 16 ) is synchronously engaged with the transmission gear ( 17 ), the hub sleeves ( 26 )( 47 ) being engaged with the transmission gears ( 28 )( 49 ) and the engine power is transmitted in the following order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 22 , 8 , 5 , 6 , 13 , 10 , 17 , 11 , 50 , 28 , 38 , 49 and 46 as shown in fig1 . the power of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) is transmitted in the same order as the supplementary speed change of said speed 11 . when the main speed changing lever is changed to the speed 5 position , hub sleeves ( 12 )( 24 ) are respectively engaged with the transmission gears ( 13 )( 23 ). the forward or backward movement selecting hub sleeve ( 16 ) is synchronously engaged with the transmission gear ( 17 ), the hub sleeves ( 26 )( 47 ) being engaged with the trasmission gears ( 28 )( 49 ) and the engine power is transmitted in the following order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 23 , 9 , 5 , 6 , 13 , 10 , 17 , 11 , 50 , 28 , 38 , 49 and 46 as shown in fig1 . the power of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) is transmitted in the same order as the supplementary speed change for the speed 11 . when the main speed changing lever is placed at the speed 1 position , after the speed changing lever for changing of forward or backward movement is changed to the backward movement position , the hub sleeve ( 20 ) and the forward or backward movement selecting hub sleeve ( 16 ) of main transmission ( 1 ) are respectively engaged with the transmission gears ( 21 )( 15 ), the hub sleeves ( 26 )( 47 ) are engaged with the transmission gears ( 27 )( 48 ) and the engine power is transmitted in the following order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 21 , 6 , 5 , 9 , 23 , 15 , 11 , 50 , 27 , 35 , 33 , 37 , 48 and 46 as shown in fig1 . at this time , backward movement is made possible by the operation of a reversing transmission gear ( 15 ). the power of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) is transmitted in the same order as the supplementary speed change of the forward movement speed 1 . when the main speed changing lever is changed to the speed 2 position at said backward movement speed 1 condition , the hub sleeve ( 20 ) and forward or backward movement selecting hub sleeve ( 16 ) of the main transmission ( 1 ) are respectively engaged with the transmission gears ( 22 )( 15 ). the hub sleeves ( 26 )( 47 ) are engaged with the transmission gears ( 27 )( 48 ) and the engine power is transmitted in the following order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 22 , 8 , 5 , 9 , 23 , 15 , 11 , 50 , 27 , 35 , 33 , 37 , 48 and 46 as shown in fig2 . the power of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) is transmitted in the same order as the supplementary speed change of the forward movement speed 1 . when the main speed changing lever is changed to the speed 3 position at the backward movement position , the hub sleeve ( 24 ) and the forward or backward movement selecting hub sleeve ( 16 ) of the main transmission ( 1 ) are engaged with the transmission gears ( 23 )( 15 ). the hub sleeves ( 26 )( 47 ) are engaged with the transmission gears ( 27 )( 48 ) and the engine power is transmitted in the following order of elements of 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 23 , 15 , 11 , 50 , 27 , 35 , 33 , 37 , 48 and 46 as shown in fig2 . the power of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) is transmitted in the same order as the supplementary speed change of the forward movement speed 1 . when the main speed changing is changed to the backward movement speed 1 position at the backward movement position , the hub sleeve ( 20 ) and the forward or backward movement selecting hub sleeve ( 16 ) of main transmission ( 1 ) are respectively engaged with the transmission gears ( 21 )( 15 ). the hub sleeve ( 36 ) is engaged with the transmission gear ( 38 ) and the engine power is transmitted in the following order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 21 , 6 , 5 , 9 , 23 , 15 , 11 , 50 , 27 , 35 , 33 , 38 , 49 and 46 as shown in fig2 . the power of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) is transmitted in the same order as the supplementary speed change of the forward movement speed 6 . when the main speed changing lever is changed to the backward movement speed 2 position , the hub sleeve ( 20 ) and the forward or backward movement selecting hub sleeve ( 16 ) of the main transmission ( 1 ) are respectively engaged with the transmission gears ( 22 )( 15 ). the hub sleeve ( 36 ) is engaged with the transmission gear ( 38 ) and the engine power is transmitted in the following order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 22 , 8 , 5 , 9 , 23 , 15 , 11 , 50 , 27 , 35 , 33 , 38 , 49 and 46 as shown in fig2 . the power of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) is transmitted in the same order as the supplementary speed change of the forward movement speed 6 . when the main speed changing lever is changed to the backward movement speed 3 position , the hub sleeve ( 24 ) and the forward or backward movement selecting hub sleeve ( 16 ) of main transmission ( 1 ) are engaged with the transmission gears ( 23 )( 15 ). the hub sleeve ( 36 ) is engaged with the transmission gear ( 38 ) and the engine power is transmitted in the following order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 23 , 15 , 11 , 50 , 27 , 35 , 33 , 38 , 49 and 46 as shown in fig2 . the power of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) is transmitted in the same order as the supplementary speed change of the forward movement speed 6 . when the main speed changing lever is changd to the backward movement speed 1 position , the hub sleeve ( 20 ) and forward or backward movement selecting hub sleeve ( 16 ) of the main transmission ( 1 ) are respectively engaged with the transmission gear ( 21 )( 15 ). the hub sleeves ( 26 )( 47 ) are engaged with the transmission gears ( 28 )( 49 ) and the engine power is transmitted in the following order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 21 , 6 , 5 , 9 , 23 , 15 , 11 , 50 , 28 , 38 , 49 and 46 as shown in fig2 . the power of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) is transmitted in the same order as the supplementary speed change of the forward movement speed 11 . when the main speed changing lever is changed to the backward movement speed 2 position , the hub sleeve ( 20 ) and the forward or backward movement selecting hub sleeve ( 16 ) of the main transmission ( 1 ) are engaged with the transmission gears ( 22 )( 15 ). the hub sleeves ( 26 )( 47 ) are engaged with the transmission gears ( 28 )( 49 ) and the following engine power is transmitted in order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 22 , 8 , 5 , 9 , 23 , 15 , 11 , 50 , 28 , 38 , 49 and 46 as shown in fig2 . the power of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) is transmitted in the same order as the supplementary speed change of the forward movement speed 11 . when the main speed changing lever is changed to the backward movement speed 3 position , the hub sleeve ( 24 ) and the forward or backward movement selecting hub sleeve ( 16 ) of the main transmission ( 1 ) are engaged with the transmission gears ( 23 )( 15 ). the hub sleeves ( 26 )( 47 ) are engaged with the transmission ( 28 )( 49 ) and the following engine power is transmitted in order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 23 , 15 , 11 , 50 , 28 , 38 , 49 and 46 as shown in fig2 . the power of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) is transmitted in the same order as the supplementary speed change of the forward movement speed 11 . when one intends to generate a pto output for pto operation , if a pto speed changing lever ( not illustrated ) is changed to the speed 1 position , the hub sleeves ( 32 )( 39 ) of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) are engaged with the transmission gears ( 31 )( 40 ) and the engine power is transmitted in the following order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 25 , 31 , 42 , 41 , 30 , 29 , 40 , 34 , 43 45 and 44 and the pto output is thereby drawn as shown in fig2 . when a pto speed changing lever is changed to the speed 2 position , the hub sleeves ( 32 )( 39 ) of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) are engaged with the transmission gears ( 30 )( 40 ) and the engine power is transmitted in the following order of elements 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 25 , 29 , 40 , 34 , 43 , 45 and 44 and the pto output is thereby generated as shown in fig2 . when the pto speed changing lever is changed to the speed 3 position , the hub sleeves ( 32 )( 39 ) of the supplementary reduction transmission ( 2 ) are engaged with the transmission gears ( 31 )( 41 ) and engine power is transmitted in the order of 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 25 , 31 , 42 , 34 , 43 , 45 and 44 and the pto output is thereby generated as shown in fig3 . when the pto changing lever is changed to the speed 4 position , the hub sleeves ( 32 )( 39 ) are engaged with the transmission gears ( 30 )( 41 ) and the engine power is transmitted in the order of 3 , 4 , 19 , 18 , 25 , 30 , 41 , 34 , 43 , 45 and 44 and the pto output is thereby generated as shown in fig3 . as heretofore described , the present invention uses a number of speed changing steps of the main transmission , specifically 5 forward movement steps and 3 backward movement steps and the number of speed changing steps of the supplementary reduction transmission into 3 travelling speed steps and 4 pto steps by using 11 shafts , 27 transmission gears and 9 hub sleeves and can easily generate the travelling output of 15 forward movement steps , 9 backward movement steps and 4 pto steps by mutually uniting and changing the main speed changing part and the supplementary speed changing part . as the present invention makes it easy to change speed at a number of steps proper to a job site by simplifying the structure of the transmission ( the number of gears is reduced ) to the utmost but fractionalizing the number of speed changing steps , namely , generating the output of 15 forward movement steps , 9 backward movement steps and 4 pto steps , a tractor moves quickly and its efficiency of work is considerably promoted . consequently , power consumption is reduced and the expected life span of the equipment can be prolonged . since a large number of identically standardized gears and hub sleeves are used , their productivity can be raised and disassembly for maintenance is very easy . moreover , power transmission routes are so simple that a change of pto speed is easy .	8
one physical embodiment of the new pixel architecture is shown in fig3 . other specific physical embodiments are realizable . this one is chosen for illustration . the pixel 30 has a photodetecting area 31 that accumulates charge from incident light and transfers the stored charge under control of the transfer gate 32 to a floating diffusion 34 . there are various contact regions that are associated with the circuit elements recited within the above description . the transfer gate 32 has a transfer gate contact 33 , the reset gate 36 has a reset gate contact 37 and the row select gate 38 has a row select gate contact ( rsgc ) 39 . these contact regions are row common contact regions , and are placed appropriately along the left and right side of pixel 30 boundaries . in the preferred embodiment as shown if fig3 half of the contact region for reset gate contact 37 and transfer gate contact 33 are placed on the left edge of the pixel . half of a contact region for the row select gate contact 39 is placed along the right edge of the pixel . next the column common contact regions vddc 40 and outc 41 are placed appropriately along the bottom edge of the pixel . this architecture allows these various elements to be shared between pixels , in terms of function and also in terms of pixel area used to construct these elements . in the case where the photodetector 31 is a photogate , the photogate contact region 35 can be shared between photogates of adjacent pixels . an array of pixels is then constructed in the following manner . first , a new pixel is created by mirroring the original pixel shown in fig3 in the x - dimension . the new pixel is then butted with the original pixel by placing the half contact regions adjacent to each other . this is shown in fig4 a and 4b . in fig4 a , vddc 48 is shared by 2 pixels . outc 46 is placed along a pixel border so that it may be shared with another pixel . in fig4 b , vddc 49 is placed along the bottom edge of the pixel so that it can be shared by 4 pixels . this can be done since the vddc 49 node is common to all pixels , rows and columns . outc 47 is placed along a pixel border so that it may be shared by another pixel . the transfer gate 32 and the transfer gate contact 33 are also mirrored and shared by the two pixels shown in fig4 a and 4b . next this group 2 pixels mirrored in the y - dimension then created another set of 2 pixels . these sets of 2 pixels are then butted so that the half contact regions for vddc and outc are adjacent to each other . this is shown in fig5 a and 5b , corresponding to fig4 a and 4b , respectively . this set of 4 pixels is then arrayed to produce the desired number of pixels in the image sensor . in order to provide antiblooming control during readout of the sensor , it is necessary to provide an overflow drain for the photodetector . the simplest approach in a cmos process is to provide a lateral overflow drain that is separated from the photodetector 31 by a gate 65 . if one were to include a lateral overflow drain 66 in each pixel , this would further reduce the fill factor of the pixel , and adversely affect the sensitivity of the pixel . this is shown in fig6 . however , by placing the vdd region appropriately within the pixel , this can be used as the lateral overflow drain for the adjacent pixel or pixels . one example of this is shown in fig7 . this vdd serves as the power source for the amplifier for the top pixel in fig7 while serving as the overflow drain for the bottom pixel in fig7 . since the lateral overflow drain 66 is now in another pixel , the pixel fill factor is not affected . by using this approach , antiblooming control during readout is achieved without impacting pixel fill factor . finally , fig8 illustrates a new design of a pixel 80 that shares the floating diffusion 84 , with associated floating diffusion contact 94 , amplifier 85 , with associated drain contact vddc , row select transistor 86 , and reset gate 87 with an adjacent pixel that is in a separate row . in this case the row select signal for 2 consecutive rows is actually the same . image signal separation is achieved by having separate transfer gates 81 , 82 in each pixel . the operation occurs in the following manner . row a is integrated , and the gate of the row select transistor 85 is turned on . the floating diffusion 84 is then reset by pulsing the reset gate 87 . this reset signal is then read out for row a . transfer gate 81 is then pulsed on and the signal charge from photodetector a is transferred onto the floating diffusion 84 . the signal level is the read out for row a . next the floating diffusion 84 is reset by pulsing on reset gate 87 again . the reset level for row b is then read out . tgb is then pulsed on to transfer the signal charge from photodetector b onto the floating diffusion . the signal level is then read out for row b . this procedure is then repeated for the remaining pairs of rows on the device . in the embodiment as shown in fig8 the resent drain 88 is separate from the amplifier drain vdd . as shown in fig8 the reset drain 88 is shared between both adjacent pixels , as is the reset drain contact . fig9 is a top view of 4 pixels of the present invention illustrating it the concept of routing or interconnecting across pixel boundaries . a contact region for the signal transistor is placed to the right side of the floating diffusion and ends at the right side of the pixel boundary 90 . when another pixel is butted to the right side , this completes the connection of the floating diffusion to the signal transistor . this is done similarly with the reset gate using the top and bottom boundaries of the pixel . this concept provides the ability to have minimum routing and interconnect area . although not shown in these examples , it is desirable to design the pixel so the photodetector occupies the same site within the pixel even when the pixel is mirrored so the modulation transfer function of the imager is constant throughout the device . it should be noted that although not shown in the drawings , each of the features detailed in this invention can be used in conjunction with each other to produce other physical layouts and embodiments that provide the advantages discussed . the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment , however , it will be appreciated that variations and modifications can be effected by a person of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention .	7
in the below description , one or more ′ signs added to a reference number indicates that the element referred to has the same or similar function as the element designated the un - superscripted reference number , however , differing in structure . further , where useful for discussing a plurality of identical elements , one or more subscript latin numerals added to a reference number indicates that the element referred to is a further one of the element designated the un - subscripted reference number . when further embodiments of the invention are shown in the figures , the elements which are new in relation to earlier shown embodiments have new reference numbers , while elements previously shown are referenced as stated above . elements which are identical in the different embodiments have been given the same reference numerals and no further explanations of these elements will be given . fig1 shows a first embodiment of a method of handling a guest print job for processing by an authenticated printing system and a system for performing the method according to the first and second aspects of the present invention . a user 2 wishing to print a document may use any of a desktop pc 10 , a smartphone 10 ′ or a tablet pc 10 ″, each representing a user device , to submit a print job via a wireless network 4 and through a firewall 6 for printing on a printer located on a local network 20 of a higher education institution such as “ acme university ” or a corporate organization . users of the local network 20 are authenticated for access to the local network 20 using an authentication server 22 . within the local network 20 is further provided a processing server 30 for handling the print job as will be described below . user 2 may submit his print job for example by attaching the document to be printed to an email retrievable by the processing server 30 , by uploading the document using a web site interface hosted by the processing server 30 or on its behalf , by using a driver software on the user device 10 , 10 ′, 10 ″, by submitting the document to a cloud printing service , or by providing a reference to a document stored in a cloud storage system . in either way the document to be printed is supplied to the processing server 30 in step a the processing server 30 is interposed in the path of the document between user device 10 , 10 ′ or 10 ″ and the authenticated printing system 50 of “ acme university ” and the printer 60 operated by “ acme university ”. the processing server 30 may comprise a user interface program routine ( not shown ) for hosting a website to which the user may navigate using any of the user devices 10 , 10 ′ or 10 ″ for uploading the print job , i . e . the document to be printed . alternatively the processing server may comprise an email program routine ( not shown ) for receiving or retrieving an email comprising the print job . the processing server 30 may comprise further program routines for receiving or retrieving the document to be printed . the processing server 30 comprises an authentication program routine 32 for authenticating the user 2 using first user credentials , associated with the print job or supplied with the print job . the first user credentials may for example be the email address of the user 2 or the owner of the print job , or the ip address from which the email is sent . authentication is performed based on the first user credentials against the authentication server 22 in step b . where second user credentials are supplied with the print job , for example when the print job was uploaded to a web site hosted by the processing server 30 and the second user credentials where submitted by the user 2 on that website , then the authentication program routine 32 may also authenticate the user 2 using the second user credentials against an authentication , tracking and accounting server 54 , more details below , of an authenticated printing system 50 , more details below , in step optional step c . the second user credentials may be the user &# 39 ; s username on the local network 20 . for authenticating the user 2 against the authentication , tracking and accounting server 54 , a management program routine for managing the authentication , tracking and accounting server 54 is provided ( not shown ) in the processing server 30 or is made accessible to the processing server 30 . the management program routines for managing and interacting with the authenticated printing system 50 may comprise an api ( application programming interface ) 56 provided in the authentication , tracking and accounting server 54 . further alternatives include a gateway utility or module provided in the authentication , tracking and accounting server 54 or an integration api between the processing server 30 and the authenticated printing system 50 . the api may be a dll based api , web services api , rest api , etc . alternatively , if the authentication , tracking and accounting server 54 stores user accounts in a database such as sql database 56 ′, the management program routines for managing and interacting with the authenticated printing system 50 may comprise program routines for directly querying and modifying the sql database 56 ′. in a first , known user scenario the user 2 is known by the authentication server 22 on the basis of the first user credentials , or the authentication , tracking and accounting server 54 on the basis of the second user credentials . in this scenario the print job is then in step d forwarded to a conversion program routine 34 . the conversion program routine 34 converts the document using the software application corresponding to the format of the document 22 in a first step to read the document , and a printer driver for obtaining a print job based on the document 22 in a second step . the conversion program routine 34 may not be needed where the document is directly printable by a printer . the print job comprises metadata which may include the first user credentials for identifying the user 2 as the owner of the print job . alternatively the print job metadata does not comprise the first user credentials . the print job is then sent to a rendering program routine 36 in step e in which it is rendered into a bitmap suitable for printing by a printer . the rendered print job is then in step f sent to a metadata modification program routine 38 in which the second user credentials are injected or added into the metadata , replacing or substituting the first user credentials if present in the metadata . the second user credentials are obtained from a user credentials mapping database 40 by querying the user credentials mapping database 40 using the first user credentials for obtaining the second user credentials in steps g and h . if there are no second user credentials corresponding to the first user credentials stored in the user credentials mapping database the metadata modification program routine 38 , or the processing server 30 is configured to either a ) discard the print job , b ) where the first user credentials comprise the user 2 &# 39 ; s email address — contact the user 2 to prompt the user 2 to submit the second user credentials ( not shown ), or c ) initiate the guest management program routine as discussed below . the conversion program routine 34 and the metadata modification program routine 38 may be combined into a single program routine for obtaining a print job , comprising print job metadata comprising the second user credentials , in a single program routine . the metadata modification program routine 38 , after retrieving the second user credentials in step h , now injects or adds the second user credentials to the metadata of the print job , replacing or substituting the first user credentials if present in the metadata , and forwards the print job to the authenticated printing system 50 in step i . the authenticated printing system 50 comprises a print server 52 , and the authentication , tracking and accounting server 54 . the print job is first analyzed by the print server 52 to determine the destination , i . e . which printer is to print the print job . additionally the print job metadata is supplied to the authentication , tracking and accounting server 54 in step j . the authentication , tracking and accounting server 54 comprises a database of a plurality of second user credentials , one of the plurality of second user credentials corresponding to the second user credentials comprised by the print job metadata for authenticating the user 2 as being allowed to use the printers connected to the authenticated printing system 50 . further the authentication , tracking and accounting server 54 may comprise an active print job database comprising details of every print job currently printing on the printers or temporarily stored by the print server 52 in order to track the progress of each print job . the authentication , tracking and accounting server 54 also comprises a database of user accounts , each user account being associated with one of the plurality of second user credentials , comprising settings or quotas for controlling and restricting printing on a per user basis . the settings may for example comprise settings or rules for limiting which printers are available to each user , including the user 2 , and the quotas may comprise a maximum number of pages printable per user , including user 2 , and month or year . further the rules may include rules which disallow the user from printing any colour print jobs , only allowing the user to print in black / white . after the authentication , tracking and accounting server 54 has determined that the user 2 is allowed to print the print job , e . g . by determining that the quota corresponding to the user 2 is not yet met and will not be exceeded by printing the print job , then the authentication , tracking and accounting server 54 communicates this to the print server 52 in step k , following which the print server 52 sends the print job to the printer 60 in step l for printing . the printer 60 then directly , or after temporarily storing the print job in the memory of printer 60 , prints the print job . the above describes the known user scenario where the user 2 already has a user account with the authentication tracking and accounting server 54 , the user account being associated with the second user credentials . further there exists a second user credential mapped to the user 2 &# 39 ; s first user credentials and stored in the user credentials mapping database 40 . normally in the known user scenario a guest user does not have a user account with the authentication tracking and accounting server 54 . as there is no user account there is no second user credentials associated with the user account . further the first user credentials submitted with the print job are not known to the authentication server 22 , thus a guest user cannot be authenticated in steps b and c against the authentication server 22 or the authentication tracking and accounting server 54 . further the authenticated printing system 50 would not be able to handle such a print job . this problem is solved by the guest management program routine 42 . in the guest user scenario , where the processing server further includes the guest management program routine 42 , if the user 2 cannot be authenticated against the authentication server 22 and the authentication tracking and accounting server 54 , the print job is in modified step d ′ forwarded to the guest management program routine 42 . the guest management program routine 42 now generates second user credentials for the user 2 . the second user credentials may be temporary , i . e . destined to be revoked after a time such as for example 24 hours , or may be permanent . in the case the second user credentials are destined to be temporary the guest management program routine 42 stores the generated second user credentials in a database together with a time point when the second user credentials for the user 2 should be revoked . the generated second user credentials are then used in step m to create a guest user account for the user 2 with the authentication tracking and accounting server 54 by instructing the api 56 to create the guest user account , or by creating the guest user account directly in the sql database 56 ′ using sql commands . the guest management program routine 42 may be configured to assign rules and quotas to the guest user account , by instructing the above mentioned api 56 or modifying the sql database 56 , to prevent excessive printing by the user 2 if the user 2 is a guest . the print job is then in step n forwarded , still with the first user credentials , to the conversion program routine 34 after which processing proceeds as described above . if desired the guest management program routine 42 may further be configured to instruct the conversion program routine to 34 to specify that the print job should be printed with secure release , i . e . held in a print queue or holding file in the processing server 30 or in the authentication , tracking and accounting server 54 , until the proper release code is provided . the guest management program routine 42 may in step o forward the generated second user credentials to the user 2 for example in an email . the second user credentials 2 may then be used by the user 2 when submitting further documents for printing , or the second user credentials may be used as a release code to release the print job if the print job was to be printed with secure release . in this case the user 2 may for example navigate to a website hosted by the processing server 30 or the authentication , tracking and accounting server 54 to release the print job for printing . the guest management program routine 42 in step p forwards the first user credentials and the generated second user credentials to the user credentials mapping database 40 for storing and mapping the second user credentials to the first user credentials so that the second user credentials may be retrieved in step h by the metadata modification program routine 38 . in case the generated second user credentials are temporary , the guest management program routine may further , not shown , after a time has passed communicate with the authentication , tracking and accounting server 54 in order to delete the guest user account created in step m using the api 56 or directly deleting the guest user account in the sql database 56 ′. thus , as can be seen in fig1 , the first embodiment of the method and system according to the first and second aspects of the present invention allows the user 2 , even if he is a guest who does not from the outset have a user account with the authentication , tracking and accounting server 54 , to print a document on the authenticated printing system 50 by providing the guest management program routine which generates second user credentials for the user 2 and uses the generated second user credentials to create a guest user account with the authentication , tracking and accounting server 54 . there is further no need to manually create a user account for the user 2 . as the guest management program routine 42 further forwards the first user credentials and the generated second user credentials to the user credentials mapping database 40 there is no need for the user 2 to resubmit his print job . further the printing of the user 2 , even if he is a guest , may be controlled and limited using all available functions of the authenticated printing system 50 . as an alternative to , or in addition to the guest management program routine 42 generating the second user credentials , the guest management program routine 42 and / or the processing server 30 may be configured such that when the print job in step d ′ arrives at the guest management program routine 42 , the guest management program routine 42 and / or the processing server 30 hosts a web site for self registration where the user 2 may register his first user credentials and where the user 2 may choose the second user credentials . where the first user credentials comprises an email address associated with the user 2 , the user 2 may be directed to the web site for self registration using an email sent by or on behalf of the guest management program routine 42 or the processing server 30 to the email address . the web site for self registration may additionally be visited by the user 2 prior to submitting his print job , in which case the user 2 in step b and c is able to be authenticated as in the known user scenario . as an alternative to the printer 60 the print job may in step l be sent to the printer 60 1 via a secondary print server 52 i . in a further alternative the print job is sent in step l to wired printer 60 2 or wireless printer 60 3 , any of which may be connected to a secondary print server embodied by laptop computer 52 ii comprising wired and wireless interfaces for communication with the respective printers 60 2 and 60 3 . although fig1 shows the user 2 as being positioned outside the local network 20 , i . e . outside the firewall 6 , the user may alternatively be located within the local network 20 or the user 2 may connect to the local network 20 directly , i . e . not through the firewall 6 .	6
referring now to the drawing wherein like numbers represent like parts in each of the several figures , the structure and operation of the trajectory correction kit ( tck ) is described in detail . any and all of the numerical dimensions and values that follow should be taken as nominal values rather than absolutes or as a limitation on the scope of the invention . these nominal values are examples only ; many variations in size , shape and types of materials may be used as will readily be appreciated by one skilled in the art as successfully as the values , dimensions and types of materials specifically set forth hereinafter . in this regard , where ranges are provided , these should be understood only as guides to the practice of this invention . free - flight rocket theory and practice have established that the most significant trajectory errors occur within the first few seconds of flight . the most significant error sources are launch - induced errors and aerodynamic effects that occur before the rocket fins deploy and before the rocket velocity is sufficient to generate aerodynamic stability . tck corrects these errors immediately , whereas the canard type guidance systems , such as previously available , must allow the rocket velocity to build before corrections become effective . consequently , using canard systems makes the magnitude and duration of the necessary correction larger . additionally , the canard correction system significantly alters the aerodynamics of the rocket and usually necessitates new firing algorithms for the rocket . in contrast , as will be seen below , the thin cross section of the tck and its aerodynamic housing has minimal effect on the drag of the rocket on which it is mounted , thus enabling the rocket &# 39 ; s original firing algorithm to be used with little or no modification . tck 101 is intended to be installed on the rear ( aft of tailfins 103 ) of rocket 100 so the tck can be partially aerodynamically obscured by the tailfins . the tck , which is essentially a tube having an annular vertical cross section , is mounted onto the rocket by being slipped over the rear portion of the rocket body so as to wrap around the rear portion . this is illustrated in fig1 . the specific mechanism for mounting the tck so as to secure its attachment fixedly to the rocket prior to and during flight depends on the shape of the airframe of the particular rocket on which it is used . one such securing mechanism is explained with respect to the multiple launch rocket system ( mlrs ) rocket . the general configuration of the mlrs is shown in fig1 and the external configuration of the tck is shown in fig2 . the mlrs has protruding spin lugs on its outer body . to accommodate and take advantage of this feature on an already - existing rocket , cut - outs 209 that match the shape and size of the lugs can be made into the housing of the tck . the tck is positioned on the rocket immediately in front of the lugs , with the lugs slipping into the cut - outs . such mounting allows the lugs to keep the tck from falling off the rocket and also to prevent the tck from sliding around the rocket body during flight . other suitable mounting mechanisms may be found for extant rockets that accommodate the unique airframes of the rockets . for rockets yet to be produced , the tck can be integrated into the airframe during manufacture or internalized and placed in the payload bay or the nose . as seen further in fig2 , for it to be usable as an external add - on to a pre - existing rocket ( such as an mlrs that has protruding spin lugs ) and for ease of installation , the tck can be comprised of first and second hemispherical plates 201 and 203 that are joined together to form a complete ring ( tubular unit ) around the rocket . they may be joined by longitudinal bolts 501 that slide through the holes in plate lugs 503 . this , illustrated in fig5 , is basically a door hinge type arrangement . another means for adjoinment is a lap joint that screws the plates together . yet another means is using high - strength aerospace fasteners in a cross bolt arrangement . if the tck is to be installed on the rocket during the manufacturing process , the plates may be formed as a single , integrated unit . over the first and second hemispherical plates and sharing the same design , including any necessary cut - outs , third and fourth hemispherical plates 205 and 207 can be added to serve as aerodynamic covers . the third and fourth plates together form an annulus and are joined to the first and second plates , respectively , using any suitable aerospace fastening means . due to the high temperature environment of the artillery rocket launch tube , suitable materials for the tck plates are aluminum , stainless steel or non - metallic materials that are capable of withstanding high temperatures . fig3 shows the tck with the aerodynamic covers removed . onto the first hemispherical plate are secured first battery pack 307 , angular rate sensor 303 , flight control computer 305 and a multitude of thrusters 301 . fig4 shows the second hemispherical plate having thereon addition thrusters 401 , second battery pack 405 and power - conditioning card 403 . the securing of the components onto the first and second hemispherical plates can be achieved by using standard aerospace fasteners . it is noted that the placement of any particular component on the first or second hemispherical plate is not critical , except that the multiple thrusters should be positioned in an orderly , pre - determined pattern such that they are distributed around the circumference of the rocket body and render symmetry to the two hemispherical plates with respect to the thrusters . each thruster has therein propellant material , an igniter and an exhaust port 309 through which the exhaust gas can escape . the thrusters can be grouped into blocs , each bloc having several ( such as six to seven ) thrusters . the operation of the tck begins upon first motion of rocket 100 when it is launched . powered by battery packs 307 and 405 , angular rate sensor 303 and computer 305 are triggered by the motion of the launch . the computer has therein data as to the normal parameters for the rocket at launch , such as the sustained acceleration ( example : 35 - 80 g &# 39 ; s for mlrs rocket ) and the spin acceleration ( example : from 0 — prior to launch — to 4 , 000 degrees / second in five feet of travel ). the angular rate sensor , in co - operation with the computer , verifies that the rocket motion is within the parameters for launch ( i . e . that launch has actually occurred ) and that the tck operation can begin . the trajectory correction begins when the rocket is released from the launch tube after a per - determined time and distance interval from launch . the angular rate sensor continuously measures the pitch and yaw rates of the rocket in flight and inputs these rates into the computer . a functional diagram of the tck is presented in fig6 , wherein plain lines indicate electrical connections while arrow lines indicate data connections as well as electrical connections . although only four thrusters are shown in the figure , there can , of course , be many more thrusters . the computer uses the pitch and yaw rates to determine which particular thrusters should be fired and when so as to eliminate the measured pitch and yaw and transmits ignition commands to the selected thrusters at the appropriate time . the thrusters respond to the ignition commands by igniting the propellant material and expelling the resulting exhaust gas through exhaust ports 309 , thus steering the rocket in a given direction . the pitch and yaw rates are continuously measured and one or more thrusters ignited from time to time to eliminate the measured pitch and yaw until either all of the thrusters have been ignited or there is no more measured pitch and yaw , whichever occurs first . a power - conditioning card can be used to maximize the function of the tck . card 403 is coupled , as depicted in fig6 , between the battery packs , angular rate sensor and the computer . the card takes the battery voltage , which can vary based on ambient temperature and the age of the batteries , and converts it to a clean , uniform , constant voltage and current supply for the sensor , the computer and the thrusters . although a particular embodiment and form of this invention has been illustrated , it is apparent that various modifications and embodiments of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the foregoing disclosure . one modification is equipping the tck with a release mechanism to allow the tck to fall away from the rocket when trajectory correction has been accomplished . this would reduce the weight of the rocket and remove any aerodynamic drag that may be caused by the tck . one release mechanism is a means for pulling longitudinal bolts 501 free from the plate lugs 503 and compressed springs mounted on the underside of first and second hemispherical plates . when the bolts are released from the plate lugs , the springs eject the hemispherical plates away from each other as well as away from the rocket itself . other similar modifications may be made to the tck to enhance its performance . accordingly , the scope of the invention should be limited only by the claims appended hereto .	5
the present invention relates to a transfer development xerographic apparatus in which toner particles are applied to an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductive surface to develop an image . although the apparatus is described herein as part of a xerographic copier , it can be utilized in conjunction with any reproduction system wherein a latent image is to be developed by applying toner thereto . referring now to the drawings in detail wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views , and more particularly to fig1 there is shown a xerographic reproduction apparatus utilizing the concept of the present invention . in this apparatus a xerographic plate in the form of a cylindrical drum 10 passes through stations a - e in the direction shown by the arrow . the drum has a suitable photosensitive surface , such as one including selenium overlying a layer of conductive material , on which a latent electrostatic image can be formed . the various stations about the periphery of the drum which carry out the reproduction process are : charging station a , exposing station b , developing station c , transfer station d , and cleaning station e . stations a , b , d and e represent conventional means for carrying out their respective functions . apart from their association with the novel arrangement to be described with respect to station c they form no part of the present invention . at station a , a suitable charging means 12 , e . g ., a corotron , places a uniform electrostatic charge on the photoconductive material . as the drum rotates , a light pattern , via a suitable exposing apparatus 14 , e . g ., a projector , is exposed onto the charged surface of drum 10 . the latent image thereby formed on the surface of the drum is developed or made visible by the application of a finely divided pigmented , resinous powder called toner , at developing station c , which is described in greater detail below . after the drum is developed at station c , it passes through transfer station d comprising a copy sheet 16 , corona charging device 18 and fusing device 20 . following transfer and fixing of the developed image to the copy sheet , the drum rotates through cleaning station e , comprising cleaning device 22 , e . g ., a rotating brush , at which residual toner is removed . at developing station c , the apparatus includes a donor member 24 ( more particularly described below ) rotatably mounted adjacent a toner reservoir 26 , containing a supply of toner particles 28 . the donor member 24 is positioned so that a portion of its periphery comes into contact with toner particles 28 . the donor member is also located so as to provide a small gap between the surface of drum 10 and the outer surface of a toner layer carried by donor roll 24 . as toner particles are presented to the electrostatic imaged regions of drum 10 , the particles traverse this small gap thereby developing the latent image . located between toner reservoir 26 and the development zone is a charging means 30 , such as a corona charging device , which is adapted to place a uniform charge on the toner particles of a polarity opposite to the polarity of the latent image on the photoconductive drum 10 . the construction of microfield donor 24 , which carries the toner particles 28 to developing station c , comprises the subject of the instant invention . one form of a particular donor structure which is suitable to carry out the concepts of the invention is illustrated in fig2 to 5 , inclusive . as illustrated in fig2 microfield donor 24a is constructed from a plurality of lamellae 32 . lamellae 32 are punched or etched from conductive sheet material and sandwiched between layers of dielectric material 34 with preselected electrical properties . lamellae 32 may be coated on one side with a similar dielectric material and the lamellar segments may be fixed together by fusion of the dielectric interfaces of dielectric segments 34 and the dielectric coating on conductive lamellae 32 in a cylindrical pattern as shown clearly in fig2 . the rigid cylinder 24a so formed may be further processed such as by turning , grinding , lapping , etc . the conductive lamellar segments 32 are formed with a radial extension 36 adjacent their front end . radial extension 36 is provided with a pair of commutator tabs 38 , 40 forming a conductive edge 46 and a pair of commutator tabs 42 , 44 forming a conductive edge 48 . each lamellar segment 32 of microfield donor 24a is oriented so that an electrical potential may be established between any two adjacent segments by alternately electrifying or grounding any one of the two adjacent segments through their commutator tab pairs 38 , 40 and 42 , 44 ( forming edge 48 ) which are placed in sliding contact with stationary brushes 50 and 52 , respectively , as the donor 24a rotates about the axis of shaft 54 . all of the brushes 50 are connected to ground 56 through a slip ring 58 on shaft 54 , while all of the brushes 52 are connected to a source of positive potential 58 through a slip ring 60 on shaft 54 . as microfield donor 24a rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in fig2 each lamellar segment 32 on the microfield donor 24a is alternately and rapidly pulsed between ground and a positive potential and then from a positive potential back to ground through sliding contact with brushes 50 and 52 . thus , charged toner 28 , which was initially picked up from vibrating reservoir 26 and subjected to a charge of the same polarity by corona charging device 30 , is alternately repelled and attracted between adjacent lamellar segments 32 , which act as electrodes . in this manner the toner particles 28 are brought into a constant jumping motion along the electrostatic field lines between the lamellar segments or electrodes 32 as the doner 24a transports them to the development station c . when a toner particle 28 is repelled from the surface of the microfield donor 24a and comes within the reach of an electrostatic flux line emanating from the image charge on the photoconductive surface of drum 10 adjacent station c it can home in on the field line more readily and thus develop the latent image . at the same time , toner should not move to the areas of background on the photoconductive drum 10 . basically the toner is agitated or vibrated on the microfield donor 24a so that the toner particles may be attracted to the image area on the photoconductor more readily by nullifying the electrostatic attraction of the toner particles 28 to the doner cylinder 24a . by nullifying the electrostatic attraction at station c the charge on a latent image will be more readily able to pull the toner particles to the image . further , by enabling the toner to be brought into a constant jumping motion along the donor surface substantially all toner on the surface is attracted to the photoconductive surface of drum 10 enabling a high density image to be developed . because of the conditions difficult to control , some of the toner particles 28 would normally tend to agglomerate on a conventional donor surface . these agglomerations would be deposited on the surface of the photoconductive drum 10 causing background development . in addition , if some provision is not made for controlling the thickness of the toner layer carried by the donor , thicker regions of the toner layer will be compacted between the donor and the surface of the photoconductor in the development zone adjacent station c also causing background development . with the microfield donor 24a of the present invention , however , such agglomeration is substantially eliminated . by constantly agitating the toner particles 28 by reversing the established microfields , buildups of toner particles on the donor is substantially eliminated as the particles tend to be uniformly dispersed about the cylindrical surface . also the quantity of toner particles removed from reservoir 28 can be increased . since the reservoir 26 will contain toner particles which are charged positively and negatively in substantially equal amounts , by constantly reversing the microfields on the donor surface , both types of particles will be initially attracted to the donor surface . it should be understood that alternate lamellar segments or electrodes 32 in lieu of being connected alternately to ground and positive potentials , could be connected to positive and negative potentials , respectively . in this instance the proximity of donor 24a to the toner reservoir 26 or photoconductive drum 10 establishes the necessary ground reference potential . this configuration will not only result in the attraction of a greater amount of electrostatically charged toner particles from reservoir 26 , but will aid in impelling the particles across the gap at station c by increasing the repelling force on e . g . negative charged particles , rather than merely nullifying the electrostatic attraction to the microfield donor 24a . other types of drums or microfield donors could function with the same alternating or pulse field concept . for example , a cylindrical donor member 24b as shown in fig1 , can be formed as illustrated in fig6 to 9 from metallized plastic or metal foil 70 coated with a dielectric 72 on one surface thereof . the foil 70 is folded or pleated along lines 74 in accordian - like fashion , as shown in fig7 . after pleating , the material is compressed as shown in fig8 into a cylindrical configuration and the adjacent dielectric surface 72 are fused together to rigidify the structure . the edges of the structure can then be cut to form separate conductive segments 74 spaced by a dielectric 76 as illustrated in fig9 and 10 . pre - cut commutator tabs 80 and 82 extend from the end plane of the donor cylinder 24b . when donor cylinder 24b is assembled as shown in fig9 and 10 , tabs 82 form a top row and tabs 80 form a bottom row . each conductive segment 74 has one of each of tabs 80 , 82 . stationary brushes 84 and 86 are positioned to contact tabs 82 and 80 , respectively , on adjacent segments 74 spaced by dielectric 76 , so that alternate conductive segments 74 can be connected to a source of electrical potential of opposite polarity to establish the requisite microfields between alternate conductive segments 74 . the polarity of each segment 74 can be continuously reversed as the cylinder rotates through alternate contact of the end tabs 80 , 82 on each segment 74 with the stationary brushes to effect toner particle agitation . with this type of donor construction , criss - cross fields may also be obtained by silk - screening or otherwise depositing staggered gridworks 90 and 92 of conductive material on a dielectric foil surface 70 &# 39 ; as shown in fig1 and pleating , compressing , fusing and turning the foil into a cylinder 24c as described above . the end portions of the conductive screen , when viewed in plan about the circumference of the cylinder as shown in fig1 , will provide criss - crossed flux lines between screen grid elements 94 and 96 about the cylinder 24c . the commutator tab arrangement is identical to that on cylinder 24b as the conductive grids 90 , 92 are extended onto the dielectric tabs 80 &# 39 ; and 82 &# 39 ;. in another form of the invention , the donor member can be manufactured using a conductive cylinder 24d as shown in fig1 and 14 having an axial wire 100 , with two spaced strands of its conductive surfaces exposed and extending along the cylinder surface . wire 100 is looped around a conductive pin 102 and 104 extending outwardly from opposite ends 106 and 108 , respectively , of the cylinder 24d . an adjacent axial wire 116 is connected to a pin 102 on cylinder end 108 and a pin 104 on cylinder end 106 . accordingly , as cylinder 24d rotates , pin 102 on cylinder end 106 can contact a stationary brush 112 which will connect both strands of axial wire 100 to a source of electric potential of one polarity . at the same time , the strands of adjacent axial wire 116 are connected to a source of electrical potential of opposite polarity through contact of lower pin 102 on cylinder end 108 with a stationary brush 114 . adjacent strands of wires 100 and 116 are therefore connected to a source of opposite potential to establish a microfield on the donor surface between these strands . a series of brushes 112 and 114 arranged at opposite ends of cylinder 24d in contact with pins 102 assure that adjacent strands of the looped axial wires are of different polarity as the cylinder 24d rotates to transport toner particles and the polarity of each wire strand can be reversed continuously for toner agitation if each of the series of brushes 112 and 114 are connected alternatively to sources of electrical potential having opposite polarity . in certain instances it may be advantageous to form ripples or peaks 120 and valleys 122 in the adjacent axial strands on a cylindrical surface 24e so that the toner particles will tend to migrate and be held to the cylinder in the wire valleys 122 , rather than extend outwardly from the cylinder surface . by staggering the location of the peaks 120 and valleys 122 on adjacent strands of the axial wires , the microfields can be established with electrostatic flux lines criss - crossing each other between the strands to create denser microfields and cause more uniform dispersal of toner particles on the donor surface 24e adjacent the valleys 122 . alternatively , a donor element 24f can be constructed from lamellar conductive rings 124 , 126 coated with a dielectric on one surface and fused together through the intermediary of a dielectric ring 128 to form the cylinder 24f as shown in fig1 . the rings have radial notches 130 cut from their inner circumference . alternate rings 124 , 126 are assembled so that their notches 130 are out of phase with respect to each other , as shown in fig1 and 19 . the notches 130 provide tabs 132 for contact with stationary brushes 134 and 136 connected to sources of electrical potential of opposite polarity . brushes 134 and 136 extend the length of cylinder 24f , so that alternate rings can be connected to a source of electrical potential of opposite polarity to establish microfields therebetween . as the cylinder 24f rotates , the polarity of each alternate ring is continuously reversed to agitate the toner particles . instead of conductive rings , in another form of the invention the donor element can be a conductive cylinder 24g as shown in fig2 to 22 which is subjected to a reference electrical potential . a pair of conductive filaments 140 , 142 are wound radially about the circumference of the drum in between each other . each of the conductive filaments 140 , 142 are connected to a source of electrical potential of opposite polarity through commutator contact so that microfields are established between each adjacent pair of filament windings . as shown in fig2 , one end of exposed filament 140 is connected to a pin 144 extending outwardly from the plane of cylinder end 146 . one end of exposed filament 142 is connected to a pin 148 which also extends outwardly from the plane of cylinder end 146 . the opposite ends of filaments 140 and 142 are connected to pins 150 and 152 , respectively , extending outwardly from the plane of cylinder end 154 . pin 148 connected to filament 142 is initially in contact with a stationary brush 156 and pin 150 connected to filament 140 is initially in contact with a stationary brush 158 . brushes 156 and 158 are connected to sources of electric potential of opposite polarity to establish microfields between the adjacent windings of filaments 140 and 142 . as cylinder 24g rotates , pin 144 connected to filament 140 will contact stationary brush 160 , while pin 152 connected to filament 142 will simultaneously contact stationary brush 162 , reversing the polarity of the filaments 140 and 142 to cause toner agitation . when brushes 160 and 162 are operative , brushes 156 and 158 are inoperative and conversely , when brushes 156 and 158 are operative , brushes 160 and 162 are inoperative . brushes 160 and 158 are connected to sources of electrical potential of the same polarity , while brushes 156 and 162 are similarly situated . a series of stationary brushes as disclosed are used in order to continuously reverse or pulse the established microfields .	6
referring to fig1 an embodiment of a fuel cell system 10 in accordance with the invention includes a fuel cell stack 20 that is capable of producing power for a load 50 ( a residential load , for example ) in response to fuel and oxidant flows that are provided by a fuel processor 22 and an air blower 24 , respectively . in this manner , the fuel cell system 10 controls the fuel production of the fuel processor 22 to control the fuel flow that the processor 22 provides to the fuel cell stack 20 . this rate of fuel flow to the fuel cell stack 20 , in turn , controls the level of power that is produced by the stack 20 . as described below , the fuel cell system 10 bases ( at least in part ) its regulation of the fuel processor 22 on the power that is consumed ( or “ demanded ”) by the load 50 . the power that is consumed by the load 50 varies with time , as the load 50 represents a collection of individual loads ( appliances and / or electrical devices that are associated with a house , for example ) that may each be turned on and off . as a result , the power that is consumed by the load 50 may change to produce a transient . in the context of this application , a “ transient in the power consumed by the load 50 ” refers to a significant change in the power ( in the power that is consumed by the load 50 ) that deviates from the current steady state level of the power at the time the transient occurs . the transient may have a time constant that is on the same order or less than the time constant of the fuel processor 22 . therefore , the fuel processor 22 may not be able to quickly adjust to transients in the power that is consumed by the load 50 . however , as described below , the fuel cell system 10 takes measures to prevent the fuel processor 22 from prematurely responding to the transients until the system 10 verifies that the change in power is sustained and thus , is not temporary in nature . in the context of the application , the phrase “ up transient ” refers to a positive transient in the power that is consumed by the load 50 , and the phrase “ down transient ” refers to a negative transient in the power that is consumed by the load 50 . an up or down transient may or may not result in a sustained change in the power that is consumed by the load 50 . as described below , the fuel cell system &# 39 ; s response to up transients may differ from the system &# 39 ; s response to down transients , in some embodiments of the invention . the effect of up and down transients on the fuel cell system 10 may differ , depending on the power connection mode of the system 10 . in this manner , in a first power connection mode , the fuel cell system 10 is connected to furnish power to the load 50 in parallel with a power grid 56 . therefore , if the fuel cell system 10 is not capable of supplying all of the power that is consumed by the load 50 , the power grid 56 may supplement the system &# 39 ; s output power . this arrangement may be cost ineffective . therefore , it may be desirable for the fuel processor 22 to increase its output when the load 50 needs more power . however , the increase in power that is consumed by the load 50 may be short in nature , and as a result , it is possible that by the time the fuel processor 22 increases its fuel output , the power that is consumed by the load 50 has returned to the level that existed before the up transient . thus , the fuel processor 22 may be producing too much fuel that does not match the power that is being consumed by the load 50 . in some embodiments of the invention , when the power that is consumed by the load 50 is not changing , the fuel processor 22 provides a flow rate that establishes a predetermined percentage of the load &# 39 ; s power , and the remaining percentage is provided by the power grid 56 . in this manner , for these embodiments , both the fuel cell system 10 and the power grid 56 provide power to the load 50 . for example , in some embodiments of the invention , during steady state operation , the fuel cell system 10 may provide ninety - five percent of the power that is consumed by the load 50 , and the power grid 56 may provide the remaining five percent of the power . it is noted that when up or down transients occur , the fuel cell system 10 may provide power that deviates from the predetermined percentage until the fuel cell system 10 changes its power output in accordance with the techniques described herein . in a second power connection mode , the fuel cell system 10 may be disconnected from the power grid 56 and include a battery 41 as a source of instant supplemental power for purposes of providing time to allow the fuel processor 22 to increase its output . therefore , if the fuel cell stack 20 cannot provide adequate power for the load 50 in response to an up transient , the battery 41 may provide the additional power . however , the increase in power that is consumed by the load 50 may be short in nature , and as a result , it is possible that the by the time the fuel processor 22 increases its fuel output , the power that is demanded by the load 50 has returned to the level that existed before the up transient . it is noted that if the increase in power that is consumed by the load 50 is sustained , the fuel cell system 10 eventually responds to boost its power output to prevent depletion of the finite amount of energy that is stored in the battery 41 . referring also to fig2 to prevent the fuel processor 22 from prematurely responding to up and down transients , in some embodiments of the invention , the system 10 uses a technique 100 to regulate the fuel production of the fuel processor 22 so that the fuel processor 22 only responds to sustained increases and decreases in the power that is consumed by the load 50 . in the technique 100 , the fuel cell system 10 determines ( diamond 102 ) whether an up transient has occurred . if so , the fuel cell system 10 responds ( block 104 ) to the up transient using a first control technique ( described below ), as indicated in block 104 . however , if the output power has not increased , the fuel cell system 10 then determines ( diamond 106 ) whether a down transient has occurred . if so , then the fuel cell system 10 responds to the down transient using a different , second control technique ( described below ). thus , the fuel cell system 10 may use two different control techniques to control the fuel processor 22 : a first control technique for up transients and a second different control technique for down transients . the two different control techniques accommodate the scenario in which the rate at which the fuel processor 22 increases its output may be significantly slower than the rate at which the fuel processor 22 decreases its output . the two different control techniques may also accommodate the scenario in which the up transients occur at a significantly greater frequency than the down transients . referring to fig1 in some embodiments of the invention , the fuel cell system 10 includes a controller 60 to detect the up and down transients and regulate the fuel processor 22 accordingly . more specifically , in some embodiments of the invention , the controller 60 detects these up and down transients by monitoring the cell voltages , the terminal stack voltage ( called “ v term ”) and the output current of the fuel cell stack 20 . from these measurements , the controller 60 may determine when an up or down transient occurs in the power that is consumed by the load 50 . to obtain the above - described measurements from the fuel cell stack 20 , the fuel cell system 10 may include a cell voltage monitoring circuit 40 to measure the cell voltages of the fuel cell stack 20 and the v term stack voltage ; and a current sensor 49 to measure a dc output current from the stack 20 . the cell voltage monitoring circuit 40 communicates ( via a serial bus 48 , for example ) indications of the measured cell voltages to the controller 60 . the current sensor 49 is coupled in series with an output terminal 31 of the fuel cell stack 20 to provide an indication of the output current ( via an electrical communication line 52 ). with the information from the stack 20 , the controller 60 may execute a program 65 ( stored in a memory 63 of the controller 60 ) to determine whether an up or down transient has been detected and control the fuel processor 22 accordingly via electrical communication lines 46 . specific implementations of the technique 100 ( according to different embodiments of the invention ) are described below . more specifically , referring to fig3 and 5 , in some embodiments of the invention , the program 65 , when executed by the controller 60 , may cause the controller 60 to perform a technique 150 ( depicted in fig5 ) to control the fuel processor 22 in response to up and down transients . in particular , the controller 60 introduces ( block 152 of fig5 ) a first delay in response to an up transient . for example , the power that is demanded by the load 50 may initially reside near output power level called p 1 ( see fig3 ), and during the time interval from t 0 to t 1 , the fuel processor 22 may operate at a steady state fuel output level called l 1 ( see fig4 ) to provide the appropriate fuel to sustain the power that is consumed by the load 50 at the p 1 level . as depicted in fig3 the power that is consumed by the load 50 may actually vary slightly about the p 1 level from time t 0 to time t 1 . however , the controller 60 does not respond to slight deviations from the p 1 level . instead , the controller 60 establishes a hysteresis zone 121 about the p 1 level by establishing upper 121 a and lower 121 b thresholds to set the respective upper and lower limits of the zone 121 . as long as the power that is consumed by the load 50 is within the zone 121 , the controller 60 determines no up or down transient has occurred . otherwise , a variation of the power outside of the zone 121 indicates an up transient ( for an increase above the upper threshold 121 a ) or a down transient ( for a decrease below the lower threshold 121 b ). as an example , as depicted in fig3 at time t 1 , the power that is consumed by the load 50 increases to a new output level p 2 , a level that is above the upper threshold 121 a and thus , is recognized by the controller 60 as being an up transient . this increase may be attributable to one or more appliances and / or devices ( that are associated with a house , for example ) being turned on at about the same time , for example . as noted from fig3 the increase may approximate a step function . the controller 60 does not immediately respond to this increase but rather introduces a delay , or delay interval 125 , from time t 1 until time t 2 , pursuant to block 152 ( see fig5 ). as described in more detail below , this delay may have a fixed or variable duration , depending on the particular embodiment of the invention . at the expiration of the delay interval ( such as the delay interval 125 ), the controller 60 determines ( diamond 154 of fig5 ) whether there has been a sustained increase in the power that is consumed by the load 50 during the delay interval . for the example that is depicted in fig3 the power that is consumed by the load 50 during the delay interval 125 does not deviate from a hysteresis zone 123 that the controller 60 establishes about the p 2 level . if the output power would have decreased below the upper threshold 121 a , for example , during the delay interval 125 then the controller 60 would deem this as not being a sustained increase in the power that is consumed by the load 50 and thus , would reset the delay interval without changing the output of the fuel processor 22 . however , as shown , the power that is demanded by the load 50 remains with the zone 123 during the interval 125 , and as a result , the controller 60 increases the fuel output of the fuel processor 22 to respond to the increase in the load 50 , in accordance with block 156 of fig5 . referring to fig4 thus , from time t 0 to t 1 , the fuel output of the fuel processor 22 is at a constant level l 1 , as the power that is demanded by the load 50 also remains at a nearly constant level . at time t 1 , the fuel output of the fuel processor 22 does not change ( although the power that is consumed by the load 50 has changed ). at the expiration of the delay interval 125 at time t 2 , the controller 60 controls the fuel processor 22 to ramp its fuel production upwardly until the output of the fuel processor reaches a level l 2 , a level that sustains the p 2 level of power that is being consumed by the load 50 . in some embodiments of the invention , the controller 60 controls the maximum rate at which the fuel processor 22 increases its fuel production to minimize the level of carbon monoxide that may be otherwise produced by causing the fuel processor 22 to change its operating point too rapidly . in this manner , the controller 60 may establish a predefined maximum rate of increase ( as indicated by the upward slope 129 in fig4 ) that permits the fuel processor 22 to ramp upwardly without producing excessive carbon monoxide . the controller 60 may impose a similar limit on the rate of decrease in the fuel processor &# 39 ; s output , as depicted by the constant decreasing slope 130 in fig4 . in some embodiments of the invention , the controller 60 executes the program 65 to perform a technique 160 ( depicted in fig6 ) to perform the second control technique for responding to down transients . referring to fig3 and 6 , in this manner , the controller 60 may introduce a second delay , or delay interval , ( pursuant to the second control technique ) when the controller 60 detects a down transient , as depicted in block 162 of fig6 . the controller 60 determines that a down transient has occurred when the power that is consumed by the load 50 decreases below the lower threshold of the associated hysteresis zone , as described above . if the controller 60 determines ( diamond 164 ) that this decrease is sustained ( i . e ., the power that is consumed by the load 50 does not increase above the lower threshold during the delay interval ), then the controller 60 decreases ( block 166 ) the output of the fuel processor 22 to respond to the sustained decrease in power . as an example , fig3 depicts a down transient that occurs at time t 3 . in response to this down transient , the controller 60 begins measuring a delay interval 126 that lasts from time t 3 until time t 4 . because the power that is demanded by the load 50 does not increase above the lower threshold 123 b of the zone 123 during the interval 126 , the controller 60 determines a sustained decrease in the power has occurred and decreases the output of the fuel processor 22 ( as indicated by the ramp 130 ) during time t 4 to time t 6 . at time t 6 , the fuel processor 22 provides an output level l 3 to cause the fuel cell stack 20 to provide the appropriate level of power to the load 50 . fig3 also depicts a momentary spike 120 in the power that is consumed by the load 50 . the spike begins at time t 5 and lasts until time t 7 . in response to the increase , the controller 60 introduces another delay interval 128 that begins at time t 5 and extends until time t 7 . however , the delay interval 128 is shorter than the delay interval 125 , as the controller 60 recognizes ( at time t 7 ) that the increase in power has not been sustained and therefore , resets the delay and does not increase the fuel output of the fuel processor 22 to accommodate this increase . thus , pursuant to the technique 160 , if the controller 60 determines ( diamond 164 ) that a sustained decrease in the power that is consumed by the load 50 has existed for the duration of the second delay interval , the controller 60 decreases the fuel output of the fuel processor 22 to respond to the decrease in load , as depicted in block 166 . the first delay interval ( associated with the first control technique ) and the second delay interval ( associated with the second control technique ) may each have a fixed duration ; may each have a variable duration ; or one of the delay intervals may have a fixed duration and the other delay interval may have a variable duration , depending on the particular embodiment of the invention . as an example , fig7 depicts a technique 170 that is used in connection with the first control technique and which uses a variable duration for the first delay interval . the technique 170 may be performed by the controller 60 when executing the program 65 . in the technique 170 , the controller 60 measures ( block 172 ) the power that is demanded by the load 50 at regular time intervals , the frequency of which is governed by the first control technique . from these sampled measurements , the controller 60 constructs a rolling average of the power that is consumed by the load 50 . for example , the controller 60 may measure the power that is consumed by the load 50 at five minute intervals . other time intervals may be used . after measuring the power at each time interval , the controller 60 determines ( block 174 ) a new rolling average for the power that is consumed by the load 50 . if the controller 60 subsequently determines ( diamond 176 ) that the rolling average of the power is above an upper threshold , then the controller 60 sets ( block 178 ) a flag indicating the continued increase and controls the fuel processor 22 accordingly . as an example , the upper threshold may represent a predetermined percentage increase from a level of the power averaged over the last several time intervals , for example . other techniques may be used to set the threshold . alternatively , the rolling average itself may be used to control the output of the fuel processor 22 without comparing this average to a threshold before taking action with the fuel processor 22 . other variations are possible . therefore , due to this technique , increases in the power ( that is consumed by the load 50 ) that are relatively short in duration do not effect the rolling average . however , sustained increases in the power increase the rolling average and thus , provoke a change in the output of the fuel processor 22 . referring to fig8 in a similar manner , the controller 60 may perform a rolling average technique 182 to address decreases in the power that is consumed by the load 50 . the controller 60 may perform the technique 182 when executing the program 65 . in the technique 182 , the controller measures ( block 184 ) the power that is consumed by the load 50 at the next regular time interval . the timing of the time intervals ( i . e ., the frequency at which measurements of the power that is consumed by the load 50 are taken ) is governed by the second control technique . after each measurement , the controller 60 uses the measurement to determine ( block 186 ) the new rolling average . in some embodiments of the invention , the controller 60 takes the measurements that are used for determining the rolling average that is associated with the second control technique at a higher frequency than the measurements that are used for determining the rolling average that is associated with the first control technique . this difference allows the controller 60 to respond more rapidly to decreases in the power that is consumed by the load 50 than to increases in the power that is consumed by the load 50 . continuing the description of the technique 182 , if the controller 60 determines ( block 188 ) that the average power is below a lower threshold , then the controller 60 sets ( block 190 ) a flag indicating the continued decrease and proceeds as described above to control the fuel processor 22 to respond to the sustained decrease in the power that is consumed by the load 50 . alternatively , the rolling average itself may be used to control the output of the fuel processor 22 without comparing this average to a threshold before taking action with the fuel processor . other variations are possible . thus , the controller 60 may use a first rolling average in connection with the first control technique to respond to up transients and a second rolling average in connection with the second control technique to respond to down transients . instead of using rolling averages to establish the first and second delay intervals , in some embodiments of the invention , the controller 60 may measure a delay interval that has a constant , or fixed , duration . in this manner , the controller 60 may introduce a fixed delay interval that is shorter in duration for responding to sustained decreases in the power that is demanded by the load 50 and introduce a fixed delay interval that is longer in duration for responding to sustained increases in the power that is demanded by the load 50 . more specifically , referring to fig9 the controller 60 may perform a technique 194 ( when executing the program 65 ) to control the fuel processor 22 in response to an up transient using a delay interval that has a fixed duration . in the technique 194 , the controller 60 measures ( block 196 ) a predefined interval ( i . e ., the first delay interval that is associated with the first control technique ) when the controller 60 determines that an up transient has occurred . if the controller 60 subsequently determines ( diamond 198 ) that the increase in the power that is consumed by the load has been sustained during this time interval , then the controller 60 sets ( block 199 ) a flag that indicates the continued increase and thereafter , controls the fuel processor 22 accordingly to increase its output to produce the appropriate level of power for the load 50 . referring to fig1 , similar to the above - described technique 194 to control the fuel processor 22 in response to up transients , the controller 60 may use a technique 210 ( when executing the program 65 ) that uses a fixed duration delay interval ( i . e ., the second delay used by the second control technique ) in response to the controller 60 detecting a down transient . the duration of this delay interval may be less than the duration of the delay interval that is used in the technique 194 . in the technique 210 , the controller 60 begins measuring ( block 212 ) a predefined delay interval ( that is associated with the second control technique ) in response to a down transient . if the controller 60 determines ( diamond 214 ) that a decrease in the power has been sustained , then the controller 60 sets ( block 216 ) a flag indicating the continued decrease and decreases the output of the fuel processor 22 accordingly . referring back to fig1 among the other features of the fuel cell system 20 , the system 20 may include a voltage regulator 30 that regulates the v term stack voltage and converts this voltage into an ac voltage via an inverter 33 . the output terminals 32 of the inverter 33 are coupled to the load 50 . the fuel cell system 10 also includes control valves 44 that provide emergency shutoff of the oxidant and fuel flows to the fuel cell stack 20 . the control valves 44 are coupled between inlet fuel 37 and oxidant 39 lines and the fuel and oxidant manifold inlets , respectively , to the fuel cell stack 20 . the inlet fuel line 37 receives the fuel flow from the fuel processor 22 , and the inlet oxidant line 39 receives the oxidant flow from the air blower 24 . the fuel processor 22 receives a hydrocarbon ( natural gas or propane , as examples ) and converts this hydrocarbon into the fuel flow ( a hydrogen flow , for example ) that is provided to the fuel cell stack 20 . the fuel cell system 10 may include water separators , such as water separators 34 and 36 , to recover water from the outlet and / or inlet fuel and oxidant ports of the stack 22 . the water that is collected by the water separators 34 and 36 may be routed to a water tank ( not shown ) of a coolant subsystem 54 of the fuel cell system 10 . the coolant subsystem 54 circulates a coolant ( de - ionized water , for example ) through the fuel cell stack 20 to regulate the operating temperature of the stack 20 . the fuel cell system 10 may also include an oxidizer 38 to burn any fuel from the stack 22 that is not consumed in the fuel cell reactions . for purposes of isolating the load from the fuel cell stack 20 during a shut down of the fuel cell system 10 , the system 10 may include a switch 29 ( a relay circuit , for example ) that is coupled between the main output terminal 31 of the stack 20 and an input terminal of the current sensing element 49 . the controller 60 may control the switch 29 via an electrical communication line 50 . in some embodiments of the invention , the controller 60 may include a microcontroller and / or a microprocessor to perform one or more of the techniques that are described herein when executing the program 65 . for example , the controller 60 may include a microcontroller that includes a read only memory ( rom ) that serves as the memory 63 and a storage medium to store instructions for the program 65 . other types of storage mediums may be used to store instructions of the program 65 . various analog and digital external pins of the microcontroller may be used to establish communication over the electrical communication lines 46 , 51 and 52 and the serial bus 48 . in other embodiments of the invention , a memory that is fabricated on a separate die from the microcontroller may be used as the memory 63 and store instructions for the program 65 . other variations are possible . in the connection mode in which the fuel cell system 10 is connected in parallel to the power grid 56 , the controller 60 may activate the switches 58 and 57 ( part of a relay circuit , for example ) to couple the fuel cell system 10 to the power grid 56 . thus , due to this connection , when the fuel cell system 10 does not provide all of the power that is consumed by the load 50 , the power grid 56 supplies the additional power to the load 50 . in some embodiments of the invention , the fuel cell system 10 may provide power to the power grid 56 when the fuel cell system 10 provides more power than is consumed by the load 50 . in the connection mode in which the fuel cell system 10 is not connected in parallel with the power grid 56 , the controller 60 may open the switches 57 and 58 to disconnect the power grid 56 from the fuel cell system 10 . in the case that the fuel cell stack 20 does not supply adequate power to the load 50 , the batteries 41 may supplement the power that is provided by the fuel cell stack 20 . in this mode , the controller 60 closes a switch 45 to couple the battery 41 to the remainder of the fuel cell system 10 . when the switch 45 is closed , the output terminal of the battery 41 is coupled to the anode of a diode 43 that has its cathode coupled to the output terminal 31 of the fuel cell stack 20 . another diode 11 has its anode coupled to the output terminal 31 and its cathode coupled to the cathode of the diode 42 . thus , when the v term terminal voltage of the fuel cell stack 20 drops below a predefined threshold , the diode 43 conducts , thereby allowing the battery 41 to provide additional power to supplement the power that is provided by the fuel cell stack 20 . other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims . for example , in some embodiments of the invention , the second control technique may include not introducing any delays when responding to down transients . thus , in this manner , for these embodiments the controller may immediately respond to a down transient . the controller 60 may , however , place a limit on the rate at which the fuel flow may decrease , as described above . other variations are possible . while the invention has been disclosed with respect to a limited number of embodiments , those skilled in the art , having the benefit of this disclosure , will appreciate numerous modifications and variations therefrom . it is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention .	7
referring now to the drawings wherein like structures having the same function are referred to with like numerals , in fig1 a version of the solvent evaporator 10 in accordance with the present invention is shown . a control box 12 , which can be made out of a variety of materials and in this example steel being the preferred material , houses a motor 14 , the motor having a circular shaped 8 pole ceramic magnet 16 attached to it . a laterally extending portion of the control box contains an infra - red radiation emitting heater 18 . the heater 18 contains metal resistance elements 20 encased in a ceramic blanket 21 . during operation infra - red radiation 82 is efficiently transmitted through a flat vycor ( a registered trademark of corning glass works ) plate 22 . the infra - red heater is conventional , and well known to the art . for the purpose of laboratory scale evaporations , e . g . 50 ml . to 1 liter , maximum power is 600 watts at 110 volts , a . c . maximum watts / square inch is 40 , and the infra - red wavelength range in microns is 2 . 6 to 6 . 0 . infra - red heaters of this type are available from manostat corporation , 518 eighth ave ., n . y ., n . y . 10018 . controls within the control box include an on / off switch 26 for the entire apparatus , an analog indicator knob 24 to activate the motor 14 and regulate the rotation of the first magnet 16 , and a heat knob 28 to turn on the infra - red heater 18 and to set a high limit temperature on the led temperature diplay / set point panel 86 . these electrical and electronic switches and controls are all interconnected electrically in a conventional manner as shown in the drawings , and all are conventional and well known to the art . the flat upper surface of the laterally extending portion of the control box has a stand 30 for supporting a solvent container . the stand provides a slope of approximately 15 degrees from the horizontal surface of the vycor top plate 22 on the infra - red heater , from that portion of the stand which is nearest to the first magnet 16 , to the end of the stand 30 which is farthest away from this magnet , the full length of the stand being directly over the vycor top plate . solvent container 32 is placed directly on the stand 30 . the embodiment of the solvent container 32 shown in fig1 and 4 is a cylindrical pyrex container having a substantially flat , fully closed base portion and an open top . prior to being placed on the stand 30 , the container 32 has the cylinder 36 together with second magnet 38 placed within it , and then the solvent 44 to be evaporated is placed within the container 32 . the open top of the container is then sealed with a vacuum tight closure such as the closure 34 illustrated in fig1 . this closure is fabricated in teflon , having a viton ( a registered trademark of e . i . du pont de nemours ) o ring around its circumference in order to provide the vacuum tight seal . openings within this closure ( 74 , 76 , and 77 -- fig4 ) are for the connection of a pyrex vapor transport tube 46 , containing vapor conduit 48 , a teflon plug 52 to seal the opening 74 for additional solvent entry into the container , and for the insertion of a stainless steel ( or teflon coated ) temperature probe 54 within the container . with the closure 34 in place sealing the open top of the container 32 , and with the vapor transport tube 46 secured to the closure , the solvent addition opening 74 sealed shut with the plug 52 , and the probe 54 vacuum tight secured within the closure 34 by means of teflon knurled vacuum securing knob 56 with the tip of the probe in contact with the inner surface of the container 32 at heat detection area 84 ( fig4 ), the container is placed on the stand 30 so that the flat base surface of the container is immediately adjacent the first magnet 16 . under these conditions the first magnet 16 and the second magnet 38 will securely magnetically engage one another in their respective magnetic fields of attraction . to operate this version of the invention depicted in fig1 the on / off switch 26 , which is connected to a conventional source of electricity ( not shown ) is turned on to provide power for all of the equipment , and the analog indicator knob 24 is turned on and set at a cylinder rotation , such as , for example , 200 r . p . m .&# 39 ; s , considered suitable for the evaporation . this action causes the first magnet 16 to rotate and in turn the second magnet 38 rotates in synchrony with it . the second magnet 38 operates within the cylinder 36 , and is encased in a clear teflon envelope 40 to assist in providing an inert environment in which the solvent 44 is to be processed . the second magnet envelope 40 has four projections 42 spaced equidistantly about its periphery for engaging matching slots 72 within the cylinder 36 , so that as the two magnets rotate in synchrony the cylinder 36 is also caused to rotate within the container 32 , thereby developing a thin solvent film on both the external and internal surfaces of the cylinder . the cylinder is similarly fabricated in clear teflon , of approximately 10 mils thickness in order to maintain an inert environment for the evaporating solvent . the vapor transport tube 46 is then connected at its end external to the container 32 to a source of vacuum , such as a water aspirator ( not shown ), or to a cooled condenser ( not shown ), such as a water cooled or dry ice cooled condenser which in turn is connected to a source of vacuum . the electric plug 60 which connects the probe by means of wire 58 is connected to an electrical outlet 80 within the control box , which in turn is connected in series ( not shown ) with the led temperature display / set point panel 86 and the heat knob 28 . to activate the infra - red heater 18 on demand of the temperature probe , the heat knob 28 is turned on and the temperature display / set point is set to an arbitrarily selected high temperature , such as , for example , + 50 degrees c . ( as shown in the drawings ) if it is expected that the actual boiling point of the solvent under the obtained vacuum would be , for example , 30 degrees c . after a few minutes the solvent will be seen to be boiling . the temperature setting on the temperature display / set point panel is then reset at the actual boiling temperature of the solvent 44 . the boiling point of the solvent is determined by turning the heat knob 28 to progressively cooler temperatures than the original heat setting , and at some temperature below the original heat setting it will be observed that an on / off infra - red heater indicator light 88 within the temperature display / set point panel 86 &# 34 ; flickers &# 34 ; on and off . this is the actual boiling point of the solvent under the prevailing vacuum , and the infra - red heater will now go on and off on demand of the temperature probe , which at least initially is in contact with the solvent . under these conditions the evaporation will now proceed efficiently , without the necessity for continuous operator monitoring of the temperature of the evaporation in order to prevent excessive heating of a dried product at the conclusion of an evaporation . the above outlined procedure insures that a small solvent residue will remain in the container after an efficient period of evaporation has occurred for the major portion of the solvent 44 . the residual solvent 78 can then be left to evaporate to dryness over a period of time if desired . or to rapidly bring this residual solvent 78 to dryness the heat setting on the temperature display / set point panel is re - set a few degrees warmer than the &# 34 ; flicker &# 34 ; or boiling point temperature setting in order to remove this residual solvent quickly . the necessity for the above described method for sample temperature control derives from the nature of infra - red heating itself . infra - red heat is traveling at the speed of light whereas conducted heat in materials such as glass is traveling much more slowly . if in the above described example the sample container were in a perfectly horizontal plane with the flat , horizontal infra - red heater , and the temperature probe was placed so as to be immersed in the last remaining solvent residue near the conclusion of an evaporation , overheating of any dried residue would result . the reason for this is that a single temperature probe would keep demanding heat until virtually the last drop of solvent were to be vaporized . shutting the infra - red heater off at this point still permits the remainder of the container to act as a heat sink , causing over heating of any dried residue . this , of course , can be prevented by using a sophisticated , multi - point detection temperature control system . in the instant invention , however , a simple , inexpensive single point temperature probe 54 is employed while still providing operator unassisted product over temperature protection . this is accomplished by first creating the conditions for the existence of a residue of solvent a spaced distance from the temperature probe near the conclusion of an evaporative procedure . one method for creating this condition is illustrated in fig1 and 4 by having the solvent container tilted from front to back relative to its position to the infra - red heater . to further insure optimum over temperature protection for the solvent 78 at this point the temperature probe is laterally offset from the deepest level of the solvent so that it is in contact with a second heat detecting area 84 within the container , with the tip of the temperature probe 54 in contact with the inner surface of the solvent container 32 . under these conditions the temperature probe becomes free of solvent and shuts off the infra - red heater before over heating of the residual solvent 78 and any dried residue can occur . obviously this same method of heat control can be employed for solvent evaporations that do not make use of the thin film developing cylinder 36 and second magnet 38 assembly . a second version of the invention is depicted in fig2 . the control box 12 , motor 14 , first magnet 16 , infra - red heater 18 and temperature display / set point panel 86 are identical to that described for fig1 . the difference lies in the solvent container 62 . this container has a circumferential bulge area 64 immediately adjacent the flat base portion of the container . the purpose of this bulge area 64 is to provide a well in order to create the conditions for a solvent residue to exist at or near the conclusion of an evaporation . the same teflon closure 34 , together with its viton o ring 50 seal is employed as the closure for the top , open end of the container 62 . the same cylinder 36 and second magnet 38 assembly described for the container of fig1 is similarly employed in this case . since the solvent container 62 is equipped with a well area 64 it is unnecessary to tilt the container as previously described . once the cylinder 36 and second magnet 38 assembly are placed within the container , solvent 44 added to the container , and the container opening secured with the closure 34 as previously described , the container is simply placed on stand 16 in a horizontal position relative to the flat vycor plate 22 of the infra - red heater 18 . the flat base portion of the container 62 is placed immediately adjacent the first magnet 16 within the control box 12 so that the first magnet 16 and the second magnet 38 securely engage each other in their respective magnetic fields . fig2 , and 7 illustrate the placement of the temperature probe 54 at a first heat detecting area 90 within the container that is closest to the vycor top plate 22 of the infra - red heater at this particular latitudinal plane of the container . this is a permissible placement of the temperature probe , which results in a faster distillation , but usually with some sample heating in excess of the original temperature set point , which may be undesirable for certain heat sensitive materials . for these heat sensitive materials the placement of the temperature probe as shown in fig1 , and 6 is recommended due to superior temperature control at the conclusion of an evaporation . fig3 shows an exploded view of the cylinder 36 and second magnet 38 which operate within the solvent containers 32 and 62 to form a thin solvent film on both the internal and external surfaces of the cylinder in order to expedite solvent evaporation . the cylinder 36 also serves the purpose of controlling bumping and foaming which may occur during a vacuum evaporation . the cylinder can be fabricated in glass or a variety of plastics capable of efficient transmission of infra - red radiation . in this preferred embodiment the cylinder is vacuum formed from a clear teflon film . this provides solid base portion 68 to the cylinder with the other end 70 of the cylinder being open for efficient vapor escape from the internal portion of the cylinder , and to permit the convenient placement and removal of the second magnet 38 . the second magnet is preferably encased in a similar clear teflon film 40 to that which forms the cylinder so that a completely inert environment is provided for the solvents to be evaporated . the magnet encapsulating film 40 has four projections 42 on its periphery which slot into matching openings 72 within the cylinder ( fig1 ). in this manner when the second magnet 38 is in place within the cylinder ( fig3 a ) and rotates in synchrony with the first magnet 16 , the cylinder is caused to rotate within the solvent container . for purposes of cleaning the magnet and its encapsulating film are simply removed from the cylinder . obviously , a variety of other methods can be employed for the magnet / cylinder combination , including making the magnet a permanent part of the cylinder , etc . fig4 illustrates the near conclusion of an evaporative procedure in which the solvent container is tilted so as to provide a solvent residue 78 for the purpose of preventing overheating the solvent sample . the angle 96 illustrated in fig4 is defined by the height of the top portion of the container 32 having the teflon closure relative to the base portion of the container having the second magnet 38 , as the container 32 is located on the stand 30 ( fig1 ). this angle insures that a solvent residue 78 remains in the solvent container when the temperature probe 54 is placed in contact with heat detecting area 84 ( fig4 and 6 ). it has been found that an angle 96 of approximately 15 degrees permits efficient infra - red heating of the solvent , and adequate thin film development of all surfaces of the cylinder 36 , while insuring a solvent residue at or near the conclusion of an evaporation . a second version of the solvent container 62 of the invention is shown in fig5 . a circumferential well area 64 is built into the base portion of the container . this makes possible the creation of a solvent residue 81 at or near the conclusion of an evaporation even though the solvent container 62 is placed in a horizontal position over the infra - red heater 18 ( fig2 ) without any tilting of the container from front to back . the temperature probe 54 is shown in contact with a first heat detecting area 90 within the container which provides for faster evaporation rates with less control over sample over heating than is provided with the second heat detecting area 84 . in the partially sectional end views ( fig6 and 7 ) of solvent containers 32 and 62 the optimum placements for the temperature probe is shown . in fig6 the temperature probe is shown to be in contact with the inner surface of the container 32 at the second heat detecting area 84 . assuming a cylindrical shape to the solvent container , and the container having a substantially flat bottom and an open top , the location of the preferred first and second heat detecting areas ( 90 and 84 ) within the containers ( 32 and 62 ) is as follows : the first and second heat detecting areas are located at least two thirds of the distance away from the flat base portion of the solvent container so as not to provide an obstruction to the proper functioning of the cylinder 36 when the temperature probe is in contact with the heat detecting area . the first heat detecting area 90 is located on the inner surface of the container at any convenient point along the last 1 / 3 length of the container , any such point being the point nearest to the source of infra - red radiation in the latitudinal plane of the point . heat will be turned on and off on demamd of the temperature probe during evaporation and the temperature probe will become free of solvent while there is still a solvent residue within the container , and will shut the infra - red heater off at this point . however , this placement of the probe in this heat detecting area 90 will result in some degree of temperature overshoot over the temperature display / set point panel 86 original set point , which may be deleterious to certain heat sensitive materials . for greater protection against product over heating at the conclusion of a procedure , the temperature probe should contact the second heat detecting area 84 on the inner surface of the container . this second heat detecting area 84 is in the same latitudinal plane within the container as is the first heat detecting area 90 , but it is offset laterally approximately 30 degrees ( either to the left or to the right ) from the first heat detecting area 90 , assuming that the first heat detecting area is at 0 degrees in this latitudinal plane . as can be best seen in fig6 and 7 , the temperature probe 54 will become free of solvent more quickly than if it were in contact with the first heat detecting area 90 , and therefore the infra - red heating is turned off at the temperature display / set point , the evaporation being safely and automatically monitored by this procedure without the necessity for operator attendance . if complete drying of the sample within the solvent container is desired , the heat setting on the temperature display / set point is re - set a few degrees higher than the original boiling point temperature setting , and the remainder of the solvent is rapidly evaporated . as an example of the above described procedures , 150 ml . of water was place in a 1 liter capacity solvent container under the conditions as described and illustrated for fig1 . the cylinder 36 was rotated to develop a thin film of water , the solvent container 32 was connected to a water cooled condenser which in turn was connected to a vacuum pump . the temperature probe was in place within the container as shown in fig6 . the boiling point of the water , i . e . the point at which the 600 watt infra - red heater was being turned on and off as indicated by the infra - red heater on / off indicator light 88 ( i . e . the &# 34 ; flicker &# 34 ; point ) in this case was 23 degrees c . after one hour and six minutes 124 ml . of water had been removed from the container , leaving a water residue of 26 ml . at this point no further infra - red heat was being supplied to the solvent container and the temperature probe indicated no excessive heat had been applied to the contents of the container . in a similar experiment to one above 150 ml . of water was processed at an on / off heater light indicator 88 temperature or &# 34 ; flicker &# 34 ; point of 20 degrees c . after the infra - red heater ceased to go on and off the temperature display / set point was re - set to 25 degrees c . within 10 minutes the container was completely dry . the temperature probe indicated a temperature of 61 degrees c ., but feeling the external area of the container immediately adjacent the temperature probe revealed that only this immediate area of the container was warm . that portion of the container that had retained the residual solvent remained cool to the touch . it is to be expected that setting this final drying temperature slightly lower , as , for example , in this case at 23 degrees c . would result in a longer final drying period , but with less excess heat at the second heat detection area 84 . the following experiments demonstrate the clear superiority of infra - red heating over various forms of conductive heating for this application . for example , 1 lb . of water was placed in a 1 liter capacity container 32 as illustrated in fig1 together with the cylinder 36 and magnet assembly 38 , and the water was heated with an 800 watt infra - red hot plate similar to the infra - red heater 18 described for fig1 . the temperature of the water rose from 19 degrees c . to 90 degrees c . within the cylinder in 15 . 5 minutes . in contrast , placing 1 lb . of water in a pyrex beaker , and then heating the beaker on a conventional 800 watt conductive heating type hot plate caused the temperature to rise from 19 degrees c . to 90 degrees c . in 24 . 5 minutes . in another experiment 1 lb . of water was placed in a 1 liter capacity solvent container 32 together with the teflon cylinder 36 and magnet assembly 38 . the container was then placed in a water bath pre - heated to 85 degrees c . by a conventional 800 watt conductive heating type hot plate . the temperature in the water bath dropped to 80 degrees c . then rose to 95 degrees c . in 15 minutes . the water within the stationary teflon cylinder rose to 78 degrees c . in 45 minutes . the above experiments indicate the clear advantages of infra - red heating over conventional conductive type heaters , and over water baths for providing efficient evaporation in rotary evaporator procedures . in addition the instant invention discloses an apparatus and method for controlling product temperature without operator assistance , and doing so in a simple and economical manner . while the invention describes a cylindrical pyrex glass solvent container , other constructions and shapes can be similarly employed , the limitation being that the container efficiently transmits infra - red radiation within the practical limitations of infra - red emitting heating devices . the magnetic drive described could also make use of an external electromagnetic drive , and , of course , magnets other than the ceramic magnets noted can also be utilized . while versions of the present invention have been shown and described in detail , various modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art . accordingly , the spirit and scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims .	8
as used herein , “ micro ” refers to individual features that are not individually discernable , when viewed by the human eye from about 18 inches , although a change in texture on a whole may be discernable , while “ macro ” refers to features that are individually discernable when viewed by the human eye from about 18 inches . for example , micro - apertures with a mesh of between about 30 apertures per linear inch and 100 apertures per linear inch will change the surface texture of a film , but the individual apertures will not be individually discernable by the human eye from a distance of about 18 inches . likewise , macro - apertures with a spacing of about 5 to about 11 holes per square centimeter will be individually discernable by the human eye from a distance of about 18 inches . a film material 10 , which is typically thermoplastic , is extruded onto a forming screen 12 . forming screen 12 contains a micro - texture . the forming screen 12 may have a variety of micro - texture patterns . the film material 10 is thereby formed into a microscopically three - dimensional film 14 . the film material 10 may be apertured as part of the vacuum forming or may be allowed to stay intact . the film material 10 may be a thin film consisting of a 50 / 50 blend of ldpe and lldpe extruded from a cast die 16 or a blown die . while the film material 10 is still in a semi - molten , malleable state a pressure is applied by differential pressure means , such as a vacuum , blown air , etc ., to the film material 10 to have the film material 10 form to a screen 12 . the pressure may be applied by known vacuum forming techniques as shown in fig1 , although other means may be acceptable . the screen 12 imparts a micro - texture 16 to the film material 10 . the resultant micro - textured film 14 will have a micro - texture 16 , which may include micro - apertures , micro - ridges , micro - dots , or other micro - textures known in the art , as it is removed from the screen 12 as shown in fig2 . if the micro - texture 16 is micro - apertures , the micro - apertures may have a density of between about 30 holes per linear inch and about 100 holes per linear inch , also known as about 30 mesh to about 100 mesh , and preferably between about 40 mesh and about 60 mesh . where micro - textures 16 are formed of micro - apertures , they may be three - dimensional micro - funnels to increase their effect on tactile response as well as fluid handling properties . where micro - textures 16 are formed of micro - apertures they may be round ;. elongated , octagonal , oval , hexagonal , ellipsoid , rectangular , square , or any other shape or pattern depending on the preferred texture or fluid handling properties . the film material 10 may contain surfactants in the resin , or surfactants may be added to the micro - textured film 14 . surfactants increase the philicity of the normally phobic film material 10 and may affect the performance of the finished product as discussed below . alternatively , surfactants may not be added , resulting in a phobic film material 10 . in a preferred embodiment , the micro - textured film 14 is then thermo - mechanically perforated to produce a macroscopic three - dimensional aperture 18 . the macro - aperture 18 forms a macroscopic texture on the film , and therefore the terms macro - texture and macro - aperture 18 are used throughout . heat shielding 22 allows the use of heated pins 20 to perforate the micro - textured film 14 without destroying the micro - texture 16 . without heat shielding 22 , the heated pins 20 may soften the material of film 14 such that micro - texture 16 is destroyed or the heated pins 20 may crisp the edges of the micro - texture 16 as described above . if micro - textured film 14 is sufficiently heated by heated pins 20 , the micro - texture 16 will melt back to a film , thus losing the texture created by screen 12 . the heat shield 22 , shown in fig3 , 7 , and 9 , is a shielding material 26 having a higher melting point than the film , such as a nonwoven polypropylene , which passes through the perforating nip 30 between the micro - textured film 14 and a drum 24 carrying heated perforating pins 22 . two effective examples of shielding material 26 are nonwovens known in the art as spun - meltblown - spun 19 gsm and thermo - bonded carded 24 gsm . the selection of an appropriate nonwoven material to be used as shielding material 26 should be based on finding a nonwoven that has a melting point higher than the film material 10 . other heat shields would include various other materials , which may be able to run on a continuous loop with a cooling cycle , a cooled drum / heated pin arrangement , and various fluid - cooling means . the thermo - mechanical perforating unit shown in fig3 uses heated pins 20 mated into an unheated female roll 28 to form a nip 30 . the micro - textured film 14 and above - mentioned shielding material 26 are fed into the nip 30 such that the heated pins 20 form macroscopic three - dimensional apertures 18 in the micro - textured film 14 . the shape of the apertures is determined by the relationship between pins 20 and roll 28 . the macro - apertures 18 of this preferred embodiment have a density of between about 4 holes per square centimeter and about 15 holes per square centimeter , and preferably between about 5 holes per square centimeter and about 12 holes per square centimeter . the macro - apertures 18 may be formed into a cone that extends from an upper surface of the film 14 to a lower surface spaced apart by a distance greater than the initial thickness of film 14 . the taper of the cone will depend on the shape of female roll 28 and heated pins 20 . depending on the relative speed at which the film 14 , heated pins 20 , and female roll 28 are moving , the macro - apertures 18 may be round or elongated . female roll 28 may be temperature controlled to maintain a consistency to the macro - apertures 18 formed at the nip 30 . the temperature control may include cooling or heating as needed for the desired results . for example , an operating temperature of 30 degrees celsius may require cooling in some environments , heating in others . the film 32 of the preferred embodiment will have a vacuum formed micro - texture 16 and a thermo - mechanically formed macro - texture 18 , as shown in fig4 and 8 . the micro - textured film 14 of fig2 has a caliper of about 25 microns while the caliper of the film 32 of fig4 and 6 is about 400 microns to about 1500 microns , preferably between about 800 microns and 1300 microns . the film 32 of this preferred embodiment will have a desirable texture provided by the micro - texture 16 and a resilient structure provided by the macro - texture 18 . as shown in fig5 and 9 , a second material 34 , such as a wicking nonwoven , may be fed into the nip 30 of the thermo - mechanical forming means to simultaneously bond the second material 34 to the film layer 14 thus creating a composite material 36 . the second material 34 may be positioned between the film layer 14 and female roll 28 so that the micro - texture 16 is still exposed . heated pins 20 would puncture second material 34 at macro - apertures 18 . in this manner , a composite , material 36 may be formed having the tactile impression and fluid handling abilities of a micro - apertured film backed by a wicking material and the fluid handling abilities of macro - apertures 18 unobstructed by the second material 34 as shown in fig6 . the second material 34 is effective in wicking moisture away from the film layer 14 , thus improving the wetback performance . as can be seen by comparison of fig4 and 8 or fig6 and 10 where the micro - textures 16 are micro - apertures , the micro - apertures may extend in the same direction as the macro - apertures 18 , fig8 and 10 , or in the opposite direction as the macro - apertures 18 , fig4 and 6 . absorbent articles typically have a body facing topsheet , a backsheet opposite the topsheet , and an absorbent core between the topsheet and backsheet . additionally , modem absorbent articles may contain an intermediate layer between the topsheet and the absorbent core . the film 32 or composite material 36 may be used as a topsheet or an intermediate layer in an absorbent article . various materials were tested as topsheets against comparative topsheet materials . one of the comparative materials is a hydro - formed topsheet used in the procter & amp ; gamble sanitary napkin product “ lines petalo blu ” and referred to herein as “ hff ”. another of the comparative materials is the nonwoven phobic topsheet used in the sca sanitary napkin product “ nuvenia libresse ” and referred to herein as “ nw ”. the materials used for the different examples are as follows : example 1 : a micro - texture 16 of 60 mesh micro - apertures in a philic film material 10 and macro - apertures 18 with a spacing of about 5 . 6 apertures per square centimeter . example 2 : similar to example 1 , but with a micro - texture 16 of 40 mesh micro - apertures . example 3 : similar to example 1 , but with a phobic film material 10 . example 4 : similar to example 2 , but with a phobic film material 10 . example 5 : similar to example 1 , but with a second material 34 of 25 gsm air through bonded nonwoven ( atb 25 ram ). example 6 : similar to example 2 , but with a second material 34 of 25 gsm air through bonded nonwoven ( atb 25 ram ). example 7 : similar to example 5 , but with macro - apertures 18 with a spacing of about 11 apertures per square centimeter . example 8 : similar to example 6 , but with macro - apertures 18 with a spacing of about 11 apertures per square centimeter . strikethrough is a measure of the rate of absorption through a topsheet into an absorbent article and was conducted on finished articles as indicated below . in order to test strikethrough the original topsheet material is removed from the article and replaced with the topsheet material to be tested , except when testing the sample of the original material . the article is then insulted with a 10 ml sample of menstrual internal synthetic solution ( miss ) and the strikethrough time is recorded using a lister apparatus as described in edana recommended test method ert 150 . 5 - 02 liquid strike through time test method . lower strikethrough numbers reflect a fast absorption and are desired in most absorbent articles . wetback is measured on the same samples used in the strikethrough test described above . after the strikethrough is measured the samples are carefully removed from the test apparatus and positioned on a flat surface . a 4 kg weight with a surface of 10 cm by 10 cm is placed on the insult area of the sample for three minutes . at three minutes the weight is removed and 5 pre - weighed pick up papers are placed over the insult area and the weight is placed over the pickup paper . at two minutes the weight is removed and the pickup paper is removed and reweighed the weight gained by the pickup paper is reported as the wetback . this method is based on edana recommended test method ert 151 . 3 - 02 wetback . lower wetback numbers reflect more complete absorption and less leakage to the insult surface and are desired in most absorbent articles . the following data refers to the tests performed on “ lines petalo blu ” articles tested under the method described above : topsheet strikethrough ( seconds ) rewet ( grams ) hff 49 . 0 0 . 93 example 1 38 . 7 0 . 72 example 2 13 . 0 0 . 36 example 5 54 . 8 0 . 43 example 6 27 . 8 0 . 27 example 7 47 . 0 0 . 42 example 8 32 . 0 0 . 26 the following data refers to the tests performed on “ nuvenia ” articles tested under the method described above : topsheet strikethrough ( seconds ) rewet ( grams ) nw & gt ; 500 1 . 3 example 1 143 . 6 1 . 2 example 2 73 . 4 1 . 2 example 3 325 . 3 1 . 1 example 4 164 . 0 1 . 1 example 7 91 . 78 0 . 465 example 8 61 . 13 0 . 570 as can be seen from the above results , all of the examples showed improvement over the original topsheet material used in the absorbent article . while particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described , it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . the appended claims are therefore intended to cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention .	1
the invention disclosed herein describes a method and apparatus for first accurately recording variable length pulses of analog data by optical means and secondly , if a datum cannot be recorded due to physical or chemical imperfections in the recording medium , then to detect and store the unrecordable addresses with respective data that was to be recorded therein for later insertion as appropriate and thereby eliminating all errors in an optical recording process . the invention permits more accurate recording on an optical recording medium comprising conventional photo reactive and reflective layers by implementing means and processes for detecting transitional optically nonreflective , null inflection points on the deflecting , bending surface of a reflective layer which conventionally is caused to deflect or indent forming pits to record data . in a real time feed back circuit of the type described in the inventor &# 39 ; s earlier patent cited above , detection of an instantaneous null inflection point will indicate a pit indicative of optimal recording of a spike pulse of information , whereas detection of two sequential null inflection points will indicate an oblong pit or slot indicative of optimal recording of an elongated pulse of information . a slot is basically a continuous or extended pit of variable length depending on recording pulse length , the variation in length being determined by and proportionally related to the variable analog data to be recorded . the null inflection point is described as that point on the reflective surface at which sufficient deflection or pitting has occurred in the reflective surface to instantaneously change the surface from reflective or variably reflective to nonreflective as defined and vice versa . in fig1 the laser analog recording circuit of this invention is shown . fig1 essentially is a novel variation of the feedback circuit described in this inventor &# 39 ; s earlier patent addressed in the background . in fig1 a unity pulse 100 of amplitude &# 34 ; one &# 34 ; and minimum duration such as a &# 34 ; spike &# 34 ; is fed to a signal input 102 . when pulse 100 enters input 102 , two results may occur : ( 1 ) the minimum duration of pulse 102 may be too short to produce a corresponding ideal spike pit 104 ; or ( 2 ) the minimum duration of pulse 102 may be too long to produce the corresponding ideal spike pit 104 but rather may cause an elongated pit or slot wherein an instantaneous null does not occur as with an ideal spike pit , but rather two sequential null inflections are indicated , one going reflective to nonreflective , and the other going from non reflective to reflective . since the first result above is undesirable in any recording situation , appropriate processes and circuitry have been provided in the invention as disclosed herein to eliminate the possibility of the first result occurring . to prevent the first result above wherein pulses are too short to be recorded optically , an output 106 , of a differential amplifier 108 , must be held positive ( high ) long enough until pit 104 in an optical recording medium 110 is satisfactorily formed by a laser beam 112 emanating from a diode laser 114 . unity pulse 100 received on input signal terminal 102 , is fed through a reverse current blocking diode 116 to a &# 34 ; command &# 34 ; input 118 of differential amplifier 108 . pulse 100 is concomitantly fed via an &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; latch lead 120 to a latch 122 and in so doing turns on latch 122 . latch 122 is continuously maintained &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; by a unity pulse generator 124 , for the required period of time to allow laser diode 114 to power up and form pit 104 . a latch output 146 applied to command input 118 of differential amplifier 108 thereby holds output 106 high long enough to drive laser diode 114 to form pit 104 by a broadened unity pulse 128 . if unity pulse 100 is equal to or greater than corresponding latch broadened pulse 128 , then pulse 128 will not be observed as being totally absorbed within pulse 100 . at the instant that unity pulse 100 rises , a photosensitive layer 130 of recording medium 110 , initially at full reflectivity corresponding to &# 34 ; zero &# 34 ; level at a &# 34 ; demand &# 34 ; input 144 of differential amplifier 108 , causes output 106 of differential amplifier 108 to deliver a maximum gain and power signal to diode laser 114 , and a correspondingly proportional increased laser energy to optically active layer 130 and a reflective layer 132 of recording medium 110 . laser energy is demanded by active layer 130 via a reflection 134 of laser beam 112 , to a beam splitter 136 , hence a photo diode 138 yielding a feedback lead 140 which is passed to a peak detector 142 and feedback demand input 144 of differential amplifier 108 . when photo diode 138 detects a null or zero reflectivity , it yields a peak positive signal on feedback lead 140 , which indicates to amplifier 108 that pit 104 is satisfactorily formed . under such condition , both command 118 and demand 144 inputs being high , differential amplifier 100 will show no difference therebetween and will yield a zero or low gain output 106 and thereby , effectively shutdown diode laser 114 . although pulse 100 , being too short to properly record , would have preemptorily returned to zero and thereby prevented a satisfactory pit formation to yield a null , latch 122 remains on and sustains unity pulse 100 until a satisfactory pit is formed . on proper pit formation , demand input 144 is now high , due to zero - reflectivity received by photo diode 138 . peak detector 142 , likewise receiving a high from feedback lead 140 , then releases latch 122 via a latch release &# 34 ; off &# 34 ; lead 146 . during the interval in which unity pulse 100 is at zero and latch 122 maintains broadened pulse 128 at command input 118 , diode 116 blocks broadened pulse 128 from being fed back to input terminal 102 . the total period during which latch 122 was on is measured and stored by a timer 152 . fig2 ( a ), ( b ), ( c ), illustrate a displacement in λ units as a function of time indicating laser energy and beam distribution on a photo sensitive surface for a pulse λ long during writing along an optical recording path 200 . fig2 ( a ) illustrates an electronic spike , pulse 202 and write pulse 204 , of amplitude &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; and length &# 34 ; λ &# 34 ;, the wavelength of the laser utilized . fig2 ( b ) illustrates the corresponding track 206 of the overlapping focus of the laser beam initial circle 208 , on the optically active surface and subsequent tracking circle 210 , to the terminal end circle 212 . during the travel of initial focus circle 208 to terminal focus circle 212 , the cross hatched area therein exposed to the laser beam incurs overlapping and therefore cumulative and excessive exposure to the irradiating laser beam which tends to increase without bound , yielding uncontrolled and undesirable physical and chemical reactivity of the photo reactive layer . fig2 ( c ) illustrates a sectional side view of the optical recording medium comprising photoreactive layer 130 and reflecting layer 132 in which the foregoing pulse is recorded . fig2 ( c ) is an ideal recording depiction of a pulse recorded by deflection , indentation of reflective layer 132 , at an approximate depth of 1 / 4 λ at edges 214 and 216 for a spike pulse 202 or at edges 214 and 218 for a pulse λ long . again the illustration in fig2 ( c ) depicts an ideal &# 34 ; sharp end &# 34 ; pit or slot with sides 214 , 216 and 218 being vertical and sharply distinguishable from the surrounding nonrecorded level 220 . in actuality , however , the edges are not abrupt and sharply defined but are curved and shaped as in dashed lines 222 , 224 and 226 . it should be noted that fig2 ( a ), ( b ) and ( c ) share the same common displacement / time frame abscissa 228 . in so noting , it should be apparent that although the electronic pulse time lapse of fig2 ( a ) is one wavelength ( λ ) in duration , the same pulse recorded on the recording medium in fig2 ( c ) is actually two wavelengths ( 2λ ) in displacement . referring now to fig3 ( a ) and ( b ), the foregoing electronic analysis and explanation of the recording process is expanded upon to consider the optical aspect of the recording process . fig3 ( a ) is a graph illustrating laser power vs . recording medium displacement and fig3 ( b ) is a graph depicting integrated recorded laser energy vs . medium displacement . the abscissa 302 , common to both graphs , is proportional to displacement of a moving point on photosensitive layer 130 of fig1 as a function of multiple wavelengths of the laser wavelength at that point on medium 110 . since displacement ( d ) is velocity ( v ) times time ( t ), d = vt , the abscissa may also be interpreted as time . zero ( 0 ) on common abscissa 302 of fig3 ( b ) represents the beginning of spike pulse 100 . negative quantities on common abscissa 302 , represent displacement or lapsed time before the beginning and positive quantities after the beginning of spike pulse 100 . the ordinate of fig3 ( b ) describes optical power level proportional to nominal laser output , at the recording point on photosensitive layer 130 . the 100 % nominal power output 304 in fig3 ( b ), of the laser graph represents the peak power available . the cumulative , excess energy is indicated in shaded area 306 . before the instant spike pulse 100 rises at displacement zero ( 0 ), illustrated in fig3 ( a ), it is preceded by the normal maximum reflectivity of a read or write laser beam indicated in fig3 ( b ) inherent in the unrecorded portion of the optical path , corresponding to a zero ( 0 ) signal fed into the system . normal read level is considered to be approximately 10 % of normal write level . at the instant that unity signal 100 is fed into the system , the optical power output 304 reaches 100 %, heats energy absorbing reactive layer 130 to its temperature of reaction or decomposition and then begins to cause deflection indentation of reflective layer 132 such that the phase of the light returned through path 133 and 134 is reduced proportionally . referring now to fig4 ( a ) and ( b ), another view is presented in recording an optical spike pulse . fig4 ( a ) depicts electrical write pulse amplitude vs . displacement or time and fig4 ( b ) describes the respective relationship of optical or laser power vs . displacement or time . as illustrated in fig4 ( b ), the optical path of a read - write - read laser beam as it moves positively in displacement and time along the path will confine total laser energy within a triangular area 410 , bounded by sides x , y and z , has been such as to complete the reduced reflection of beam 133 / 134 by forming pit 416 . the right half 412 of the recording path is symmetrical with the left half 414 and represents the recovery interval of approximately one wavelength during which further pulse recording capability is fully or partially inhibited . inhibition of subsequent pulses is necessary due to the low but rising reflectivity of the right edge 412 , of pit 416 , when read by the beam of diameter approximately the same as that of the pit . this lower state of reflection along right edge 412 , produces a proportionally low level of laser beam power , as dictated by feedback lead 140 to demand input 144 of laser driver 108 of fig1 . referring again to fig1 in a second case , signal input 102 offers a spike pulse 100 which is too long , and which therefore shifts a reflectivity null at pit 104 incorrectly , if long spike 100 is longer than an ideal spike pulse but shorter than a long slot - writing pulse . under such conditions , zero - reflectivity , peak detector 142 , having detected that the desired minium state of reflectivity has been achieved , will send an &# 34 ; off &# 34 ; signal 150 to latch 122 and temporarily suspend incoming pulse 128 . by such means the invention uniquely controls the energy required to form a pit or indentation in the recording medium relative to a spike pulse . the pit so recorded has inherent optimum reproducible characteristics , and is properly located in terms of displacement as a function of time over a broad range of photosensitive layer characteristics . if analog as well as digital data is to be recorded by similar means , it is necessary to record variable length pulses in addition to spike pulses . this is accomplished by forming variable length slots in the recording medium . a slot in recording medium 110 is considered to be a prolonged pit of accurate length and at least one wavelength ( λ ) in displacement or length . referring now to fig5 ( a ) and ( b ), the process of recording a slot pulse 500 is initiated by forming pit indentation 416 . as indicated in fig4 the center of pit 416 in fig5 is slightly displaced from zero displacement at 417 , as a function of time because a finite period of time is required to achieve zero reflection from reflective layer 132 due to the chemical and physical reaction of photo - sensitive layer 130 . slot 500 is initiated by the leading edge of a write pulse 502 of fig5 ( a ), which forms pit 416 . again , this process is similar to that of fig4 arbitrarily chosen as one wavelength long between the inflection points 416 and 518 to conform with other figures . nevertheless , slot 500 could be somewhat shorter , depending upon the characteristics of the photosensitive medium , but indefinitely longer . a similar curve of reduced scale is shown , from the inflection point 416 and onward , together with a phantom curve 502 , in order to demonstrate that in this invention , the system is reading at all times both in the read mode 504 and 506 , and during the write mode 500 . curve 502 is a phantom curve representing the power reflected from pit 416 , already formed , not at the nominal 10 % read power , but at the peak 100 % laser power of the light source under the hypothesis that data cannot be recorded . this hypothesis is necessary to understand the significance of the characteristics of the photosensitive material employed . the characteristics of photosensitive material in the layer or stratum 130 , employed are : ( 1 ) the material responds to electromagnetic energy in the form of photons ; ( 2 ) the photons may lie in the spectrum between the deep infrared and the far ultraviolet ; ( 3 ) the material may be metallic , organometallic or organic ; ( 4 ) the material may respond to photonic energy by physical or chemical change or a combination thereof ; ( 5 ) such change will produce a reduction of laser reflection ; ( 6 ) for change to occur , the material must be heated by photonic energy to a temperature above the ambient such that the physical or chemical or combination change thereof in optical properties begins to occur , said transition temperature which may be abrupt or gradual is called a &# 34 ; threshold &# 34 ;; and ( 7 ) above the transitional temperature , the physical or chemical change in the photoreactive layer is proportional to the incremental photonic energy received by the material , which will be interpreted as sensitivity . in the preferred embodiment of the invention , the optical change in reflectivity is brought about by the phase contrast caused by deflection , indenting , or pitting of a coating of reflective material affixed to the photosensitive layer . the photosensitive material used in the preferred embodiment is an organic dye sensitive to the wavelength of the light source used normally available from a laser diode . referring again to fig5 ( a ) and ( b ), the complete process of recording a slot optimally will be more clearly delineated . as the optical beam 112 ( fig1 ) at 10 % power in the read mode 504 , moves with respect to the recordable medium 130 , the leading edge 508 of a slot - producing pulse 510 of fig5 ( a ), rises at zero displacement . the optical beam in fig5 ( b ), responds instantaneously to peak power ( 100 %). for a short threshold interval 512 , the beam power remains at peak power until the threshold temperature of the photosensitive dye layer is reached . after the threshold interval 512 , the chemical decomposition of the dye commences , causing the reflective layer to commence deflecting , indenting proportionally at 514 , which deflection in turn causes a proportional and varying drop in beam power brought about by the feedback electronic circuit described earlier , slaved to this process . upon reaching a certain point of deflection or indentation , a reflective &# 34 ; null &# 34 ; point 416 is reached by the reflective layer at which minimum reflectivity is attained . a pit at null point 416 is thereby created with one wavelength positive displacement and one wavelength negative displacement due to a regressive effect caused by the finite diameter of the laser beam . capability of the invention process to complete the rest of slot 500 is controlled by a variation in laser power indicated by increasing laser power reflection curve 502 . curve 502 begins at zero - reflectivity at null point 416 , which is displaced from zero ( 0 ) displacement by a variable reflection interval 417 . curve 502 rises upward as laser reflectivity increases and arrives at a pseudo - restoration of 100 % reflective power at a full wavelength displacement 516 , plus a pulse drop delay interval 520 equal in duration to that of variable reflection interval 417 . delay interval 518 is encountered when the one - wavelength long slot - forming pulse 510 returns to zero ( 0 ) at 522 . beginning at null point 416 and rising to some point to be determined , the optical beam is initially turned completely off due to the feedback circuit tending to avoid excessive energy . an important aspect of the invention process is the fact that the optical beam is turned back on proportionally with the displacement until a predetermined point is reached . that point is determined by the threshold temperature of the photosensitive layer below which recording cannot take place . the threshold temperature is a property of the photosensitivity of the reactive layer and may be chosen in the preparation of the photo sensitive material . the threshold temperature is primarily a function of the specific heat of the photo sensitive compound used , the wavelength of the light source used , and the exothermic or endothermic additives used to moderate the specific heat . fig6 and 8 , are provided to graphically illustrate optical reflection of a read beam across recorded data . fig6 indicates a straight line , 100 % reflection for a series of perfectly recorded zeroes where no reflective layer deflection occurs . fig7 describes optical reflection of single , perfectly recorded , one wavelength diameter laser beam , i . e . a spike pulse indicated by a single instantaneous null reflection . fig8 indicates a single perfectly recorded pit of 2λ wavelength , i . e . a slot indicated by two null inflection points . it should be understood that the analysis throughout this description , assumed for clarity and simplicity of explanation , that optical beam 112 was of uniform power density and would cause pits of cylindrical shape . in reality , however , though coherent a laser beam is not of uniform power density across its diameter . the laser beam normally approximates a tem 00 mode , which is a gaussian distribution in form along the optical path of photo sensitive layer 130 . a normal gaussian distribution may be described as : ## equ1 ## and δ = standard deviation if the interval between ( x 0 - δ ) and ( x 0 + δ ) is equal to one wavelength of the laser diode , i . e . the diffraction limited circumstances for optical recording , then deflection of reflective layer 132 , for a spike pulse will approximate the shape of a curved pit . the bottom of the pit , formerly assumed to be a flat circle , will be spherically rounded . due to the curved geometry of the pit , the optical effect of scattering tends to replace the conventional phenomenon of phase contrast or destructive interference due to 1 / 2λ difference in incoming beam and reflected beam from bottom of a pit 1 / 4λ deep . referring now to fig9 through 16 , the novel method and apparatus for residual error reduction in an optical recording process is shown . as shown in fig9 the error reduction apparatus 20 according to the present invention includes a number of functional blocks operatively interconnected with a record / playback deck 21 . record / playback deck 21 includes signal processing means 22 , as shown in fig1 . signal processor 22 contains means for monitoring an optical recording medium during the process of recording , as will be explained in detail below . error detection means 23 forming part of the present invention is shown in fig1 , connected to signal processor 22 . signal processor 22 includes a novel closed loop error minimization system ( a100 ) previously disclosed by the present inventors . however , it will become apparent to those skilled in the art in following the ensuing description that the residual error reduction system and apparatus disclosed herein may use other error detection means and need not be interconnected with the previously disclosed error minimization system . referring now to fig9 and 10 , error detection means 23 forming part of error reduction apparatus 20 are shown operatively interconnected to the signal processing portion 22 of a record / playback deck 21 . as depicted in fig1 and described below , the optical recording / playback system of fig9 and 10 is of the type used with optical discs having a reflective metallic coating overlaid by a photo - sensitive or photo - reactive , initially transparent layer . in those locations on the disc which are as yet unrecorded , or on which no data elements are recorded , the disc remains highly reflective . locations on the disc at which data elements are recorded have reduced reflectivity , owing to the deformation or other physical or chemical alteration of the photosensitive layer or underlying reflective substratum . those skilled in the art will understand that the novel method and apparatus described herein would be useful with systems which utilize an optical recording disc having no reflective layer , which discs are read by a light beam transmitted through the disc . referring to fig1 , alteration of the photo - sensitive layer overlaying the reflective layer of an optical disc is usually effected by irradiating the disc with a laser beam b27 . the radiant power level incident upon the disc is modulated from a low , quiescent power level used for reading the data on the disc to higher power levels , sufficient to alter the photo - reactive layer , when recording data elements . the recording system of fig1 employs an error minimization system ( a100 ) in which the reflectivity of a spot on the disc ( d7 ) being irradiated by a laser ( a3 ) is continuously monitored by a photo detector ( a8 ). the output of photo detector ( a8 ), which is inversely proportional to the reduction in reflectivity accomplished by irradiating the spot at a sufficiently high power level to record a pulse is amplified by an amplifier ( a9 ). the amplified photo - detector signal at the output terminal of ( a9 ) is normalized in a divider circuit ( a10 ) by dividing it by a second photo - detector ( a5 ) signal amplified by amplifier ( a6 ), which latter signal is proportional to radiant power incident on the recording surface . the output of normalizer ( a10 ) is subtracted via differential amplifier ( a55 ) from a constant voltage level , and input to the inverting input of a differential amplifier ( a1 ). a signal to be recorded , is input into a non - inverting input terminal 33 of differential amplifier ( a1 ). thus , the output signal from the differential amplifier constitutes an error signal which is proportional to the difference between a desired reflectivity reduction and the instantaneous actual reduction in reflectivity of the recording disc . this error is input to a power amplifier ( a2 ) which drives laser ( a3 ). the elements of the novel system a100 described above comprise a closed - loop servo system that controls the intensity of the laser beam which irradiates a recording surface . closed loop control of laser beam intensity compensates for variations in reflectivity of the reflective layer on the recording disc , and for variations in transmissivity and sensitivity of the photo - reactive layer . this compensation causes the reflectivity of a recorded pulse to fall within a substantially narrower tolerance range than could be achieved with prior art , open - loop recording systems . therefore , the system previously disclosed by the present inventors experiences substantially fewer recording errors than prior art systems . however , certain gross physical or chemical anomalies may exist in the surface or grooves of an optical disc to be recorded which are beyond the capabilities of the prior - disclosed error minimization system to compensate for , resulting in some residual recording errors . the present invention , as disclosed below , is intended to provide a method and apparatus for reducing these residual errors . fig1 , 13 and 14 illustrate idealized waveforms of laser recording power ( upper graphs ) and of energy reflected from the surface of an optical recording disc ( lower graphs ) of the type which might be encountered in the closed loop error minimization system a100 depicted in fig1 . referring in particular to fig1 , waveforms associated with recording a data element ( a pulse ) followed by no pulse are depicted . as shown in fig1 ( a ), laser a3 of fig1 is energized to allow , read power level p1 at time t0 . at this time , the signal b29 ( fig1 ) reflected from an optical disc ( d7 ) would be expected to cause the output voltage v2 , indicated in of fig1 ( b ), at the output of amplifier a9 to exceed a pre - determined threshold value vt1 , for those locations of a previously unrecorded optical disc of sufficient reflectivity to be useable . the output terminal of amplifier a9 is connected to the input terminal of a comparator 15 , referred to as a digital recorded data threshold comparator . for input voltages greater than vt1 , comparator 15 outputs a logic &# 34 ; zero &# 34 ; level , signifying that a logic &# 34 ; zero &# 34 ; level is being read from the disc . referring again to fig1 ( a ), the output power of laser a3 is increased to a higher , record level p2 over the interval t1 to t2 , in response to a command b10 to write a pulse / data element at t1 . thus , after a delay period ( t3 - t1 ), the signal b29 ( fig1 ) reflected from the optical recording disc would be expected to rise along with the incident laser power . therefore , the error signal at the output terminal of differential amplifier a1 would also be expected to rise . the output terminal of differential amplifier a1 is connected to the input terminal of a second comparator 13 , referred to as a spike detector comparator . for input voltages greater than a predetermined threshold voltage vt2 , comparator 13 outputs a maximum signal level , signifying that the recording surface is initially responding properly to the recordation of a data element by generating a &# 34 ; spike &# 34 ; error signal , i . e ., an error signal of a relatively short period . if a data element is being successfully recorded , the error signal at the output terminal of differential amplifier a1 should begin to decrease as the reflectivity of the photo - reactive surface is reduced by the action of the recording laser . thus , at some time t4 or later , the output of spike comparator should attain a quiescent , minimum level . at time t5 , the reflectivity of a location on the surface of an optical disc on which a data element has just been recorded will remain at a low value , resulting in a voltage below a threshold value vt3 at the input terminal of comparator 15 . thus , at this time , the output of comparator 15 will be high if a &# 34 ; high &# 34 ; has been successfully recorded on the disc . at a location on the optical disc on which a short pulse or data element ( fig1 ), or a lengthy pulse or data element ( fig1 ), has been recorded moves away from the laser and photo - sensor ( a8 ), the output voltage of amplifier a9 will rise above threshold vt3 , as shown in the lower graph of fig1 ( b ). when this occurs , the output of comparator 15 will change to a low level . it should be apparent to the reader that while fig1 may be likened to or utilized in a conventional manner for digital data recording techniques , fig1 , on the other hand , graphically illustrates applicability of the invention process and apparatus to wide band analog recording applications wherein a variable length pulse or recorded data element may be utilized , which pulse length accuracy is enabled by the close circuit feedback recording technology in combination with the instantaneous error detection and elimination processes disclosed herein . the sequence of the operations of comparators 13 and 15 of fig1 in detecting recording errors , as utilized in conjunction with the closed loop optical recording system of fig1 , is illustrated in the flow charts of fig1 ( a ) and 15 ( b ). that operation is summarized as follows : 1 . a recording surface is irradiated ( fig1 ( a )) with a low , read , laser power level p1 ( b27 ), insufficient to alter the photo - reactive layer of the recording surface . at time to , the signal reflected ( fig1 ( b )) indicating a voltage level r51 ( b29 from the recording surface to photo - detector a8 and amplified by amplifier a9 is checked by operation of comparator 15 , if this signal is above a threshold voltage level vt1 , a suitable recordable medium is deemed to be present , and the test is passed . 2 . ( a ) at time t1 , if a low level data element is to be recorded , the laser power level remains at read level , p1 . if the reflected signal ( rs ) remains at a level rs1 above vt1 throughout the duration of a low level data element , it is inferred that a data element has been successfully recorded . ( b ) if a high level data element is to be recorded , the laser power level is increased from a quiescent , read level p1 to an initial high recording level p2 . because of the finite response time of the circuitry of the laser , the increase of laser power from p1 to p2 takes until time t2 to be accomplished . owing to the response time of the photo - detector a8 and associated circuitry , it takes until time t3 for the amplified reflected signal from the recording medium to begin to increase from rs1 to rs2 . as the reflected signal ( rs ) increases , the error signal of the servo loop controlling the laser power level increases , causing the laser power level to increase to a maximum recording level of p3 . between time t3 and t4 , the error signal is monitored by comparator 13 to verify that it is above a predetermined threshold value vt2 ( fig1 ( b )). 3 . irradiating the recording surface alters its photo - reactive layer , decreasing the reflectivity of the surface . since the laser power level is controlled by a closed loop servo , the laser power level decreases to a minimum at the end of a pulse recording interval t5 , provided that the pulse is successfully recorded . 4 . shortly after t5 , the laser power level is returned to read level p1 , and reflected signal ( rs ) monitored by comparator 15 to verify that the reflected signal is below a threshold value vt3 , verifying that a pulse has been recorded . as shown in fig1 , the input terminal of digital recorded data threshold comparator 15 is connected to the output of amplifier a9 , and is therefore proportional to the laser signal b29 reflected from the recording surface of optical disk d7 onto photo - diode a8 . optionally , the input terminal of comparator 15 may be connected to the output terminal of normalizer a10 , as shown by the dashed line ( a00 ) in fig1 . in the latter case , the dynamic range of signals is desirably reduced as compared to the dynamic range of signals at the output of amplifier a9 . the action of comparators 13 and 15 as described above provides a continuous real - time verification that the surface of an optical recording disc is sufficiently reflective to represent a minimum level data element and that maximum level data elements are properly recorded on the surface . if any of the verification tests indicates a recording error , the error reduction apparatus of fig9 will compensate for those errors , as will now be described . referring again to fig9 and 10 , error reduction system 20 is first placed in the record mode by means of switch a12 ( fig1 ). selection of the record mode is controlled by a user control module 25 ( fig9 ). data to be recorded on an optical disc d7 ( fig1 and 11 ) is input from user control module 25 to a first memory means , preferably a serial shift register 26 , configured as a first - in - first - out ( fifo ) register . fifo 26 is referred to as a record data fifo . a data output terminal 27 of record data fifo 26 is connected to a data input terminal 28 of a system control module 29 . system control module 29 provides interfacing , control and temporary memory storage functions for interfacing user control module 25 with record / playback deck 21 , and other elements of error reduction system 20 to be described . those skilled in the art will recognize that the functions of system control module 29 , which functions are defined in detail below , may be performed by a general purpose computer , hard - wired logic elements , or , preferably , a microprocessor . those alternate implementations are also useable for other components of the apparatus 20 . record / playback deck 21 has a deck ready output status terminal 30 connected to a deck ready status input terminal 31 of system control module 29 . system control module 29 responds to a logic true state of deck ready input terminal 31 in outputting a sequence of data to be recorded on optical disc d7 . raw data to be recorded is output from record data fifo 26 to system control module 29 . here the raw data is formatted by system control module 29 to contain an error code typically a circular redundant correction code ( crcc ), and addresses where the data is to be written on optical disc d7 . thus formatted , data is output on a record data output terminal 32 of system control module 29 , which record data output terminal is connected to data input terminal 33 of record / playback deck 21 . record / playback deck 21 records the data input to its data input terminal 33 on an optical disc d7 , as shown in fig1 . this data is recorded in an annular location on disc d7 referred to as a data file section d34 . as shown in fig9 the output of data comparator 15 ( fig1 ), is connected to an output terminal 34 of record / playback deck 21 , which output terminal is connected to a corresponding status input terminal 35 of system control module 29 . also , the output of spike comparator 13 ( fig1 ), is connected to an output terminal 36 of record / playback deck 21 , which output terminal is connected to a corresponding status input terminal 37 of system control module 29 . control logic within system control module 29 monitors the state of status input terminals 35 and 37 . if no recording errors are detected , recording of a complete data file on optical disc d7 proceeds conventionally . however , if a recording error is detected during the recording process , the error reduction apparatus 20 according to the present invention compensates for any such recording errors , as will now be described . as shown in fig9 data output on record data output terminal 32 of system control module 29 is formatted by the system control module , as described above , and then entered into a temporary data storage register 38 , as well as into record / playback deck 21 . the address on optical disc d7 into which data input to temporary storage register 38 , is to be written is stored in a temporary address storage register 39 . data in registers 38 and 39 which have successfully been recorded on the optical disc are overwritten with new blocks of data not yet recorded . however , if a recording error is detected by system control module 29 , a recording error signal status signal is output on a terminal 40 of the system control module . recording error output terminal 40 of system control module 29 is connected to control input terminal 42 of control logic module 41 . when a recording error status signal is present on control input terminal 42 of control logic module 41 , unsuccessfully recorded data elements along with the addresses of data file section d34 ( fig1 ) at which each data element should have been recorded , are gated by control logic module 41 from data and address registers 38 and 39 , respectively , into an error data fifo 43 . along with each data element and its address which is gated into error data fifo 43 from control logic module 41 , a number representing the instant state of a data element counter 44 , is also written . each time another data element and address is input to error data fifo 43 , counter 44 is incremented and the new count stored along with the new data element and address . the purpose of the count number stored with each unsuccessfully recorded data element and data file section address is to indicate where on the optical disc each such data element and its address will subsequently be stored , as will now be described . after a complete data file has been recorded onto optical disc d7 , each data element in the data file which was not successfully recorded , and the address in data file section 34 of the disc where the data element should have been recorded , is recorded in another location of the disc referred to as the data error section d44 . as shown in fig1 , data error section d44 on the disc is preferably located adjacent the end of the data files section d34 . upon completion of the recording of a data file , system control module 29 initiates a first subsidiary recording cycle of optical disc d7 , if any recording error occurred during the recording of the data file . in the subsidiary recording cycle , each unsuccessfully recorded data element , along with the address in the data file section d34 on disc d7 where it should have been recorded , is sequentially output from error data fifo 43 , to system control module 29 , along with each data element and its address , a data error section address , derived from data element counter 44 as described above , is input to control module 29 . system control module 29 then formats the data and causes each data element and its address to be recorded at that address in the data error section d44 of optical disc d7 indicated by the number previously output by counter 44 , and stored in error data fifo 43 . when error data fifo 43 has been emptied , the subsidiary recording cycle is halted . a particularly useful aspect of the novel error reduction method and apparatus according to the present invention , is the capability of the system to re - initiate a second and successive subsidiary recording cycles , should a recording error occur during the recording of data in the data error section d44 during a prior subsidiary recording cycle . after the completion of the desired number of error - reduction subsidiary recording cycles , the names of the data file , addresses of the data file section 34 in which recording errors were detected , and addresses of data error section 44 where corrected data is stored are recorded in a file directory section d45 of optical disc d7 . fig1 a and 16b summarize via a flow chart the record mode described above . error reduction apparatus 20 utilizes data stored in data error section d44 of optical disc d7 to produce a corrected data stream during playback of the disc , as follows . as shown in fig9 system control module 29 includes a two - input &# 34 ; multiplexer &# 34 ; 46 whose output terminal 47 is connected to a data input terminal 49 of a playback data fifo 48 . multiplexer 46 actually comprises circuit means for formatting data from two separate sources , as well as alternatively gating data from either source to an output terminal . multiplexer 46 has a first input port 50 connected to data output terminal 51 of playback / record deck 21 . also , multiplexer 46 has a second input port 52 connected to the output port 53 of a correcting data buffer 54 . when a playback command is transmitted to system control module 29 from user module 25 , the system control module responds by issuing commands to record / playback deck 21 . thus , record / playback deck 21 is first commanded to position the laser read head over the inner , file directory section d45 of an optical disc d7 . at this position , the names and locations of each data file within the data files section 34 are read out and stored in temporary memory locations within system control module 29 . also at this position , the addresses of the data file section d34 at which recording errors occurred , and the addresses of data error section d44 where corrected data is stored are read out and stored in temporary memory locations within systems control module 29 . after the contents of file directory section 45 of optical disc d7 have been read out , system control module 29 commands the laser read head of record / playback deck 21 to be positioned over those locations in the data error section d44 which contain corrected data . corrected data , and the addresses in the data files section d34 where the corrected data should have been recorded , are then read out of data error section d44 of optical disc d7 . corrected data and addresses may be stored in any convenient memory means . as shown in fig9 those data and addresses are stored in a correcting data buffer 54 . data and addresses are input to correcting data buffer 54 on its input terminal 55 . after the contents of data error section d44 ( fig1 ) of optical disc d7 have been read and stored in corrected data buffer 54 , system control module 29 commands the laser read head of record / playback deck 21 to be positioned over the first track in data files section d34 of optical disc d7 . now , when data is read out from those locations of data files section d34 of optical disc d7 where no recording errors were detected , multiplexer 46 transmits data from the data files section 34 on input port 50 to output port 47 of multiplexer 46 , and thence to playback data fifo 48 . however , at those locations at which recording errors occurred , a signal generated by system control module 29 and applied to control input terminal 56 of multiplexer 46 commands the multiplexer to transmit data in correcting data buffer 54 , connected to input port 52 of multiplexer 46 , to output port 47 of the multiplexer 46 . thus , the data stream at output terminal 47 of multiplexer 46 , and hence , ultimately at the output terminal 57 of playback data fifo 48 , will consist of data from the tracks of data file section d34 of optical disc d7 , interleaved where necessary by corrected data elements from correcting data buffer 54 , which corrected data were previously read out from data error section d44 . fig1 ( a ) and ( b ) illustrate in a block - flow diagram the foregoing residual error reduction method and apparatus for optical recording . fig1 ( a ), ( b ) and ( c ) summarize in flow - chart form the sequence of steps comprising the playback mode according to the present invention . although a particular embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described , it is understood that obvious modifications and alterations of components thereto within the ambit of the disclosure and claims is anticipated . it is intended therefore that the following claims be interpreted to cover all such modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the invention .	6
the present invention is seen more fully by the examples below . reduction step in the preparation of pioglitazone hydrochloride ( formula a - 3 ) refer to chart a . a slurry of 3 . 544 g of the compound of formula a - 1 in 45 ml of water is cooled to 3 ° c . and 0 . 51 ml of 50 % sodium hydroxide is added . the resulting solution is then treated with 22 mg of dimethylglyoxime , and then 1 . 0 g of powdered blue indicating silica gel ( containing about 0 . 7 wt % cocl 2 ), 432 mg of sodium borohydride and 5 . 0 ml of dimethylformamide ( dmf ) are added in that order . a thin black slurry results . the reaction mixture is stirred at about 17 ° c . for 25 hours at which time high pressure liquid chromatography ( lc ) indicates no remaining starting material . the silica gel is removed by filtration and the flask and solids are rinsed with a little water . the combined flitrate and rinse are treated with a solution of 1 . 90 ml acetic acid in 14ml of water in order to precipitate the product . after stirring for 2 hours at room temperature , the solids are collected by filtration , rinsed with three - 14 ml portions of water and vacuum dried at 60 ° c . overnight to provide 3 . 20 g of crude product of formula a - 2 . this product is slurried with 3 . 2 g of magnesol in 70 nil of ethyl acetate for 2 hours at 70 ° c . this slurry is transferred to a soxlet extraction thimble aid the solids are extracted with hot ethyl acetate ( 100 ml ) for 5 days . the volume of the product slurry is adjusted to 70 ml by distillation and then the temperature is lowered to 50 ° c . and 2 . 2 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid is added . the resulting slurry of the hydrochloric acid ( hc 1 ) salt is stirred at 50 ° c . for 1 hour and then cooled to 0 ° c . the solids are collected , rinsed with three - 8 ml portions of room temperature ethyl acetate and dried at 60 ° c . overnight to give 3 . 025 g of the title product . reduction step in the preparation of pioglitazone hydrochloride ( formula a - 3 ) refer to chart a . to a 100 ml 3 - necked round bottomed flask , equipped with mechanical stirrer , is charged 1 . 772 g of the compound of formula a - 1 , 25 ml of water , 6 . 0 ml of tetrahydrofuran , and 2 . 0 ml of 1 . 0n sodium hydroxide . the mixture is stiffed at 25 ° c . for 10 min . and cooled to 15 ° c . to the cooled mixture is added 0 . 05 - 0 . 50 ml of catalyst solution , prepared by dissolving 0 . 232 g of dimethylglyoxime and 0 . 012 g of cobaltous chloride • 6 h 2 o in 5 . 0 ml of dimethylformamide , and then a solution of 0 . 378 g of sodium borohydride and 0 . 5 ml of 1 . 0n sodium hydroxide diluted with 3 . 5 ml of water is added at a rate of 0 . 1 ml / min . the reaction is stirred at 15 ° c . for 3 hours and then 2 . 6 ml of acetone is added to quench any remaining sodium borohydfide . after stirring for 0 . 5 hours , the solution is extracted with three 15 ml portions of ethyl acetate , and then it is acidified by the dropwise addition of 2 . 3 ml of glacial acetic acid diluted with 5 . 0 ml of water . upon acidification , the product precipitates as white solids . the slurry is cooled to 0 ° c . and stirred for 0 . 5 hours prior to filtration . the collected product is washed with three 15 ml portions of water and dried at 45 ° c . under vacuum . the yield of crude product of formula a - 2 is 1 . 583 g . the crude product of formula a - 2 is converted to the hydrochloride salt title product by the method described in example 1 , part b . reduction step in the preparation of piogliazone hydrochloride ( formula a - 3 ) refer to chart a . a slurry of 5 . 0 g of the compound of formula a - 1 in 15 ml of water , 9 ml of tetrahydrofuran and 9 . 5 ml of 1n sodium hydroxide is treated with a solution of 42 mg of cobalt ( ii ) chloride • h 2 o in 4 ml of 1 : 1 aqueous tetrahydrofuran . the temperature is adjusted to 15 ° c . and a solution of 667 mg of sodium borohydride in 15 ml of water containing 1 . 8 ml of 1n sodium hydroxide is added dropwise while maintaining the temperature at 15 ° c . to 18 ° c . the reaction mixture is quenched with 5 . 3 ml of acetone and then extracted with ethyl acetate as described in example 2 . the aqueous layer containing crude product of formula a - 2 is acidified to ph 6 . 5 using 9 ml of 20 % aqueous acetic acid . the resulting slurry is treated with 25 ml of ethyl acetate and is stirred at 70 ° c . for 2 hours . after cooling the slurry to 15 ° c ., the solids are collected , washed first with water and then with methanol followed by drying at 65 ° c . the yield of the product of formula a - 2 is 4 . 75 g . a 5 . 00 g sample of the above solids is slurried at room temperature in 30 ml of methanol and then treated with 1 . 0 equivalent of conc . hydrochloric acid in 13 ml of methanol . the slurry is stiffed at 24 ° c . until all of the solids dissolved ( 2 hours ). the solution is concentrated by vacuum distillation to 20 ml . the solvent changes over to ethyl acelate by displacement vacuum distillation . the desired hydrochloride salt precipitates during this solvent exchange . the slurry is cooled to 2 ° c . and the solids are collected by vacuum filtration , washed with cold ethyl acetate and dried in the vacuum oven at 60 ° c . the pioglitazone hydrochloride salt weighed 5 . 06 g and showed 97 . 7 % quality by lc analysis . ## str2 ##	2
certain embodiments as disclosed herein provide for a web performance monitoring system that enables sharing of web performance monitoring data collected by the system between the various accounts maintained by the system . for example , one method as disclosed herein allows for an owner account to share a portion of the data collected on behalf of the owner account with a recipient account . after reading this description it will become apparent to one skilled in the art how to implement the invention in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications . however , although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein , it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only , and not limitation . as such , this detailed description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims . specifically , one embodiment described herein is designed to function in the web monitoring industry and the operating environment set forth herein . it should be understood that alternative embodiments may also be deployed in different industries , for example in collaborative research systems , homeland security and other data rich industries where information is collected and can be shared amongst different entities . fig1 is a network diagram illustrating an example web performance monitoring data sharing system according to an embodiment of the present invention . the monitoring system which collects the website uptime and performance data comprises three major components : a network composed of servers 100 - 1 xx ( referred to as the monitoring network 300 ), which each contain a monitoring probe module ( 200 - 2 xx ). the monitoring probe modules connect to the monitoring targets 500 - 5 xx to collect the monitoring data . a repository 1200 stores the collected monitoring data as well as other information , including but not limited to , the data collection parameters . the monitoring system also comprises one or more servers referred to as controlling servers 600 - 6 xx ) which act as intermediaries between the monitoring network 300 and the data repository 1200 . additional details and information regarding the monitoring system is described by applicant in its prior filed u . s . patent application ser . no . 12 / 163 , 659 filed 27 jun . 2008 and u . s . patent application ser . no . 11 / 142 , 889 filed 1 jun . 2005 and issued as u . s . pat . no . 7 , 770 , 068 , each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety . fig2 is a block diagram illustrating a web performance monitoring account 803 according to an embodiment of the present invention . the web performance monitoring account 803 , is a collection of monitoring modules 700 - 7 xx . an account 803 can store a multiple number of monitoring modules 700 - 7 xx , as well as additional information those modules have in common . the account 803 allows access to monitoring modules 700 - 7 xx , their data 900 - 9 xx , as well as to a collection of tools used to analyze , correlate , and provide reports on the data . the monitoring system can contain a large number of such accounts . fig3 is a block diagram illustrating a web performance monitoring module 8002 , according to an embodiment of the present invention . the parameters 7002 for collecting the monitoring data as well as the collected monitoring data 7001 itself , along with other data 7004 ( such as the information of the person to be contacted in case a monitoring probe , e . g . 200 , detects a problem with a monitoring target , e . g . 500 ,) are stored in an associated fashion by a web performance monitoring module , or monitoring module 8002 for short . each account can contain a large number of such monitoring modules . in one embodiment , the web performance monitoring system includes a variety of modules and tools that can be used by the various accounts for analyzing the collected monitoring data . these modules and tools include , but are not limited to , dash - boarding , graphing , viewing data collection logs , running diagnostics , etc . using the description above for fig1 - 3 as one embodiment in which the sharing of web monitoring data can be implemented , the following description of fig1 - 5 describe an operating environment and context for sharing of web monitoring data according to one embodiment . turning now to fig4 , a block diagram illustrating data sharing as performed within a controlling server is described according to an embodiment of the present invention . in the illustrated embodiment , what is shown is a system and a process for allowing a monitoring account 800 to provide data access to another monitoring account 801 via a sharing module 1000 . this sharing is accomplished even though the accounts can , and often will be , completely independent in terms of data collection parameters , collected monitoring data , as well as rights to view and modify the data collection parameters . in the illustrated embodiment , the process comprises four steps that are collectively described in connection with fig1 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 and 8 . note that the various steps can occur in any order , although described in this particular sequence to illustrate an example of the sharing mechanism and process according to one embodiment . fig5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of the process of sharing website uptime and performance data between two monitoring accounts according to an embodiment of the present invention . in one embodiment , this process can be carried out by the web monitoring system previously described with respect to fig1 . in this description , the account that is providing the data access will be known as the data owner account 800 , whereas the account that is receiving the data access will be known as the data recipient account 801 . initially , in step 1 a recipient account to which web monitoring data will be shared is identified . in one embodiment , to identify a recipient account 801 to provide web monitoring data to , the data owner account 800 uses a unique identifier 8002 of the data recipient account 801 . accounts are uniquely defined in the system by a string of characters . this string of characters can comprise a randomly generated username , a selected username , an e - mail address , etc ., and can include numbers , letters , and other characters . the string of characters may be referred to herein as a username . the easiest method of picking an account 801 to provide data access to is by providing the username of that account to the monitoring system . referring briefly back to fig4 , the monitoring system is then able to associate the owner account 800 with the recipient account 801 and will establish a share 8300 between the two accounts . should the recipient account 801 not yet exist , the owner account 800 can provide an email address associated with intended data recipient 401 ( fig1 ) and the monitoring system sends out an email invitation to the specified email address . the invitation email provides instructions for the creation of the recipient account 801 . once the recipient account 801 is created , the share 8300 between the two accounts will be automatically created , and data sharing is allowed and may proceed . once the data share 8300 is created to provide a logical link between the data owner account and the data recipient account , the sharing parameters 8400 associated with that link are stored as part of the data share 8300 data structure . the sharing parameters 8400 specify the properties of the share , including but not limited to , what type of data is shared , how much data the recipient account 801 has access to , as well as the operations and tools the recipient account is allowed to perform on the data . fig8 is a block diagram detailing an example of a data share 8300 between two accounts , as well as the sharing parameters 8400 associated with the data share 8300 , according to an embodiment of the present invention . referring back to fig5 , once the identify of the recipient account has been established , the data to be shared with the recipient account is identified , as shown in step 2 . for example , once the data share 8300 between two accounts has been created , the next step is selecting the data that the owner account 800 will make available to the recipient account 801 . in one embodiment , the data owner account 800 chooses a monitoring module 8002 to share with the data recipient account 801 . although it is possible for the data owner account 800 to choose multiple monitoring modules and configure sharing for them simultaneously , a single monitoring module is used in this example for simplicity . the data contained by a monitoring module 8002 can be very diverse and depends on the data collection parameters 7002 . one example breakdown of monitoring data is provided below . the description of the breakdown of data provided below is intended to serve only as an example of one embodiment and shall not serve to limit the invention to this particular type of breakdown . in the example embodiment , the data owner account 800 can choose all or a subset of the monitoring data to provide to the recipient account 801 . data collection parameters 7002 . the parameters specify how often a monitoring target 500 is to be examined by a monitoring probe 200 , what the monitoring probe will record from the target , as well as what conditions constitute a problem or cause a monitoring entry related to the monitoring target . common parameters include , but are not limited to , target status ( e . g . online or offline ), target load time , target dns lookup time and target timeout thresholds . additional parameters may also be used . collected monitoring data 7001 . this is the data collected by a monitoring probe 200 while this particular monitoring module 8002 has been active , and can include recent monitoring data , as well as historical monitoring data , and is a record of whether or not the target has conformed to the data collection parameters 7002 each time it was examined by a monitoring probe 200 . administrative data 7003 . this data may be needed by a monitoring probe 200 to authenticate itself to a monitoring target 500 . an example includes probing a website which requires a set of credentials , such as a username and password , for access . if the probe must examine the site content which is protected , the probe must present a set of credentials to the target for authentication . other data 7004 . this includes other data that may be associated with the monitoring module 8002 , including but not limited to , contact information in case the probe detects an error , as well as escalation procedures in case the error persists for a predetermined period of time . next , in step 3 permissions are assigned to the data . in one embodiment , once the data to be shared has been identified , the owner account 800 can specify the types of operations the recipient account 801 can perform on the data and the types of tools and utilities that the recipient account may use to interrogate the data . advantageously , the permissions scheme for specifying the types of operations the receiving account can perform on the data is flexible , providing customizable levels of security and access control . the flexibility of the scheme allows for the definition of multiple levels of security . for example , in one embodiment there may be security levels 1 through n , with each level providing greater access than the preceding level . in such an embodiment , increasing levels of security allow more operations to be performed on the data . the description of the security scheme provided below comprises three levels ( 1 through 3 ). this description is provided only as an example and is not intended to limit the number of security levels that can be supported by this scheme or the permissions flexibility of each level . level 1 — restricted read only . in this mode , the recipient account 801 is only allowed to see a portion of the data type that is being shared . one example restriction is limiting the amount of historical status of the collected monitoring data 7001 the recipient account 801 is allowed to view , e . g ., from 1 year to 6 months . another example would be to limit the viewing of the data collection parameters 7002 to only a subset of those parameters . another example would be to allow access to the monitoring target load times but not to the monitoring target &# 39 ; s dns lookup times . other limitations can also be employed . even with the limitations in place for level 1 security , the recipient account 801 is able to analyze the data via certain tools normally available for data analysis , including viewing graphs , viewing the current status , viewing the description of the service , dash - boarding , and other utilities in accordance with the functionality provided at level 1 security . level 2 — read only access . in this mode , the recipient account 801 is allowed to view all the collected data 7001 , as well as the data collection parameters 7002 , but is not allowed to modify the data collection parameters . even with the limitations in place for level 2 security , the recipient account 801 is able to analyze the data via certain tools normally available for data analysis in accordance with the functionality provided at level 2 security . level 3 — full access ( read / write ). in this mode , the recipient account 801 is allowed to work with the data in the same fashion as the owner account 800 , including using the full suite of tools to perform analysis operations on the data as the owner account 800 . for example , the recipient account 801 is able to view the collected data and analyze it using any of the tools provided with a monitoring account . at this security level , the recipient account is also allowed to view and modify the administrative data 7003 . turning now to step 4 of fig5 , in this step the data is delivered to the recipient account 801 . for example , once the owner account 800 has identified the data to be shared and associated a level of permissions with that data , the sharing module 8200 is notified . next , the sharing module 8200 creates a share 8300 . the share 8300 contains sharing parameters 8400 , which comprise a reference to the owner account 800 ( in this case the unique username ), a reference to the recipient account 801 , a list of the type of data that has been shared , as well as the level of permissions associated with the shared data . an example share is illustrated in fig8 . once a share 8300 has been created and the parameters 8400 established , the recipient account 801 is notified by the monitoring system that new data is available for the recipient account 801 . the recipient account 801 may or may not have the option to reject the shared data . once the data has been delivered to the recipient account 801 ( or otherwise made available to the recipient account 801 ), the tools normally used by the account 801 ( such as graphing , reporting , etc ) may be employed on the shared data , in accordance with the security level . in one embodiment , the shared data is visually and textually differentiated from the recipient account &# 39 ; s own data to prevent confusion as to the ownership of the data . additionally , the owner account 800 may optionally be notified of the successful creation of a share 8300 between the two accounts and whether or not the recipient account 801 accepted or rejected the shared data , if applicable . with the shared data integrated into the recipient account &# 39 ; s list of accessible monitoring data , the recipient account 801 can analyze and correlate the shared data with its own data , or with other shared data from other owner accounts . a recipient account 801 is able to receive data from multiple owner accounts 800 , as well as able to send and receive data at the same time ( e . g . a recipient account 801 can simultaneously be an owner account 800 , and a owner account 800 can simultaneously be a recipient account 801 , depending on the context ). fig9 is a block diagram illustrating a monitoring account that is acting as both a data owner and data recipient , according to an embodiment of the present invention . once the sharing process has been completed , the owner account 800 is able to view one or all of the recipient accounts 801 it has shared data with , including which monitoring modules have been shared , what type of data has been shared ( e . g . collected data 7001 , data collection parameters 7002 , etc ), and the permission levels associated with each recipient account . fig6 is a block diagram illustrating the data owner account &# 39 ; s view of the recipient accounts it has shared data with . once the sharing process has been completed , the recipient account 801 is able to view all of the owner accounts 800 it has received data from , as well as information about the data that has been shared , including the type of shared data and the permission levels granted by each owner account 800 . fig7 is a block diagram illustrating the recipient account &# 39 ; s view of the owner accounts that have shared data with it . turning now to fig1 - 12 , a variety of relationship types between an owner account and a recipient account are contemplated . in one embodiment , the mechanism used to create a data share 8300 between an owner account and a recipient account can also be used to create data shares that are one to many . for example , one owner account 800 can provide data to multiple recipient accounts 801 - 8 xx . similarly , one recipient account 801 can be the recipient of data from multiple owner accounts 800 . fig9 is a block diagram illustrating a monitoring account that is simultaneously acting as both a data owner and data recipient , according to an embodiment of the present invention . additionally , in alternative embodiments , shared data can be organized in a variety of ways . for example , the data sharing process described above is an example of a data owner account 800 sharing the data from a single monitoring module with a single data recipient account 801 . in one embodiment , sharing the data collected by multiple monitoring modules is accomplished by repeating the same sharing process described above for each monitoring module for which monitoring data is desired to be shared . however , this approach can be tedious and time consuming and labor intensive . accordingly , the monitoring system is configured to allow several alternative types of high volume organizational methods that each make the sharing of data easier to perform when a large number of accounts and monitoring modules are involved . in one embodiment , the methods described below can be employed as part of steps 2 and 3 that were previously described with respect to fig5 . a first high volume technique is referred to as enumeration . fig1 is a block diagram illustrating the enumeration method for organizing data to be shared , according to an embodiment of the present invention . the enumeration method is advantageously simple . instead of the data owner account choosing only one monitoring module 8002 for which to configure the data sharing , the data owner account enumerates a list of such monitoring modules 8001 - 80 xx . once the list is complete , the data owner account chooses the type of data to be shared and permissions levels from the available options , and every monitoring module included in the list will be configured for sharing with the selected options . the owner account can then select one recipient account , or also enumerate a list of recipient accounts 8100 to 81 xx to share the data with . once the list of recipient accounts is complete , the owner account shares all the monitoring modules identified in the list above with each of the recipient accounts in the enumerated list of recipient accounts . a second high volume technique is referred to as groups . fig1 is a block diagram illustrating the group method for organizing data to be shared , according to an embodiment of the present invention . in this embodiment , the monitoring system includes the ability to associate related monitoring modules into logical entities called groups of monitoring modules , or groups for short . as shown in fig1 , the owner account 810 selects a list of monitoring modules 8011 - 801 x and then groups them into one or more groups of modules 4020 - 402 x . the owner account next selects the type of data to be shared and sharing permissions for the whole group . the group level permissions are then applied to every individual monitoring module in the group . next , the owner account selects a recipient account , and shares the whole group . when this option is used , the recipient account will receive access to every monitoring module in the shared group , as well as gain access to the monitoring modules in the same associated fashion , ( e . g . as a group of modules ), as the owner account . fig1 is a block diagram illustrating sharing being performed within the group method for data organization , according to an embodiment of the present invention . in the illustrated embodiment , a more encompassing organization concept is provided that includes a group of groups 4030 . similar to the way related monitoring modules are associated into a group as described above with respect to fig1 , desired groups of modules can also be associated into a group of groups . the owner account can also provide access to monitoring data at this level , sharing a whole group of groups with the recipient account . furthermore , the nesting of groups can be applied at multiple levels such that an owner account can define groups of groups of groups and beyond in order to simply and efficiently define sharable combinations of data from individual monitoring modules and simply and efficiently apply permissions to related groups . advantageously , because a hierarchy is created when grouping monitoring modules in this way , the monitoring system provides an inheritance mechanism that allows for the access control permissions to be inherited in accordance with the group hierarchy . for example , the lowest level in the group hierarchy is defined as a group of monitoring modules 4020 . a group of groups 4030 encompassing the group of modules is at the next higher level in the hierarchy , and a group encompassing group 4030 is at yet the next higher level , and so on . in this group hierarchy , a group in a higher level in the hierarchy can further restrict permissions of modules in a group lower in the hierarchy , but cannot be more permissive than a group lower in the hierarchy . a third high volume technique is referred to as tagging or labeling . in one embodiment , a tag is a way of labeling a particular monitoring module . for example , a tag can be textual but other types of tags such as images , can be used to label a monitoring module . in tagging , an owner account selects a list of monitoring modules to share . the owner account then tags the monitoring modules with several keywords . in a first example of sharing web based monitoring data using tagging , data shares are created for each monitoring module having a particular tag . once the owner account has a list of tagged modules , the owner account identifies the monitoring modules to be shared by selecting the desired tag . similarly , the type of permissions associated with the shared monitoring data can also be identified by selecting the desired tag . at this point , the monitoring system creates a separate data share as well as sharing parameters for each of the monitoring modules associated with the selected tag . advantageously , this use of tags as an organizational tool allows the mass application of sharing settings to a list of tagged modules . in a second example of sharing web based monitoring data using tagging , a data share is created for each individual tag . in this example , once the monitoring modules have been tagged , a single data share is created that includes all of the monitoring modules that as associated with the particular combination of tags designated by the owner account . permissions can be similarly applied to this single share . this is a very powerful mechanism because when additional monitoring modules are tagged , they automatically receive the sharing parameters of the tag , without the owner account having to individually select them for the data share . a network based software application uses components distributed across a public or private network , components which may be provided by different parties . this network based application is referred to in this example as a mashup . for the purposes of this example , a hypothetical mashup called “ cold call assistant ” is defined . the mashup uses software components provided by salesforce . com . for each sales lead , it gathers recent news near the geographic location of the prospect , news about the competition , provides a list of restaurants near the location of the prospect along with a map for directions , and the mashup provides the current weather in the geographic location of the prospect . internally , it uses data from google local search , google finance , google maps , accuweather , dapper , and apatar . the owner of the mashup would like to know when his / her visitors are having a bad experience . the owner would like to know how often each of the components used by the mashup has a problem . the provider of the mashup would like to track alternatives to the current components used in the mashup , to help identify potentially better performing components that may be used in the future . the provider of the mashup would also like to be able to show this performance monitoring information to the component providers and vendors , to prove when they are having problems . in order to accomplish this , the mashup provider signs up for a web performance monitoring account ( owner account ) and employs performance monitoring modules for each of the components that the mashup uses , such as google local search , google finance , google maps , accuweather , dapper , and apatar . the mashup provider then obtains information about each component vendor &# 39 ; s web performance monitoring accounts — either from the vendors themselves or by using their email addresses to initiate the data sharing process described above . upon sharing the monitoring data with the various vendors , the vendors are then able to see the shared monitoring data the mashup owner account wants them to see . accordingly , the component vendors are able to see , as provide by the mashup provider , when a component is having performance problems . a hypothetical large outsourced payment processor has a behind - the - firewall service oriented architecture (“ soa ”) process . one of the web service requests in the soa transaction is to connect to an outside vendor , the us post office . as part of this connection , the processor sends the us post office its unique account credentials , security key and a data payload including general information about an employee &# 39 ; s paycheck which the post office prints out and mails in an envelope . when the processor gets the positive response back from the post office that the check was mailed , the payment processor completes its soa process and ends with a confirmation number . a ) the payment processor uses performance monitoring accounts and services , and has each step of the soa process monitored as a part of a web service transaction service . the post office also uses performance monitoring accounts , and they have their three step soa process monitored which accepts the requests from customers and connects to the printer and envelope stuffer to complete the internal process . c ) the post office has shared a group status indicator for their complete soa transaction with the post office , showing the operating status of a group of performance monitoring services . d ) the outsourced payment processor monitors the same basic functionality but in a different way — as a discrete transaction from the end user perspective . e ) the payment processor desires to associate its monitoring status with the post office &# 39 ; s group - level monitoring status as a related monitor . in this way the processor can determine : ( 1 ) if a problem is reported by its performance monitoring service and a problem is reported by the post office performance monitoring service then the processor knows that the post office is aware of the problem and is hopefully already working on it ; ( 2 ) if a warning is reported by the processor &# 39 ; s performance monitoring service , and no problem is reported by the post office &# 39 ; s monitoring service , the processor knows that most likely the problem is on the post office end , but they do not perceive it as a problem and are not actively working on it . this way the processor can notify the post office ; and ( 3 ) if the processor sees a problem reported by the post office &# 39 ; s monitoring service , and no warnings or problems are reported by its own monitoring service , the processor would know that most likely the post office is fine and is not working on any problem , and the processor may be the source of the problem . in this way the processor may need to undertake internal investigation . in order to accomplish this , the processor asks the post office to initiate the process described above for sharing website uptime and performance data , and upon receipt of their shared data , the processor can accomplish everything stated in step ( e ) above . fig1 is a block diagram illustrating an example computer system 550 that may be used in connection with various embodiments described herein . for example , the computer system 550 may be used in conjunction with a monitoring server , controlling server , data owner , data repository , or monitoring target previously described with respect to fig1 . however , other computer systems and / or architectures may be used , as will be clear to those skilled in the art . the computer system 550 preferably includes one or more processors , such as processor 552 . additional processors may be provided , such as an auxiliary processor to manage input / output , an auxiliary processor to perform floating point mathematical operations , a special - purpose microprocessor having an architecture suitable for fast execution of signal processing algorithms ( e . g ., digital signal processor ), a slave processor subordinate to the main processing system ( e . g ., back - end processor ), an additional microprocessor or controller for dual or multiple processor systems , or a coprocessor . such auxiliary processors may be discrete processors or may be integrated with the processor 552 . the processor 552 is preferably connected to a communication bus 554 . the communication bus 554 may include a data channel for facilitating information transfer between storage and other peripheral components of the computer system 550 . the communication bus 554 further may provide a set of signals used for communication with the processor 552 , including a data bus , address bus , and control bus ( not shown ). the communication bus 554 may comprise any standard or non - standard bus architecture such as , for example , bus architectures compliant with industry standard architecture (“ isa ”), extended industry standard architecture (“ eisa ”), micro channel architecture (“ mca ”), peripheral component interconnect (“ pci ”) local bus , or standards promulgated by the institute of electrical and electronics engineers (“ ieee ”) including ieee 488 general - purpose interface bus (“ gpib ”), ieee 696 / s - 100 , and the like . computer system 550 preferably includes a main memory 556 and may also include a secondary memory 558 . the main memory 556 provides storage of instructions and data for programs executing on the processor 552 . the main memory 556 is typically semiconductor - based memory such as dynamic random access memory (“ dram ”) and / or static random access memory (“ sram ”). other semiconductor - based memory types include , for example , synchronous dynamic random access memory (“ sdram ”), rambus dynamic random access memory (“ rdram ”), ferroelectric random access memory (“ fram ”), and the like , including read only memory (“ rom ”). the secondary memory 558 may optionally include a hard disk drive 560 and / or a removable storage drive 562 , for example a floppy disk drive , a magnetic tape drive , a compact disc (“ cd ”) drive , a digital versatile disc (“ dvd ”) drive , etc . the removable storage drive 562 reads from and / or writes to a removable storage medium 564 in a well - known manner . removable storage medium 564 may be , for example , a floppy disk , magnetic tape , cd , dvd , etc . the removable storage medium 564 is preferably a computer readable medium having stored thereon computer executable code ( i . e ., software ) and / or data . the computer software or data stored on the removable storage medium 564 is read into the computer system 550 as electrical communication signals 578 . in alternative embodiments , secondary memory 558 may include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other data or instructions to be loaded into the computer system 550 . such means may include , for example , an external storage medium 572 and an interface 570 . examples of external storage medium 572 may include an external hard disk drive or an external optical drive , or and external magneto - optical drive . other examples of secondary memory 558 may include semiconductor - based memory such as programmable read - only memory (“ prom ”), erasable programmable read - only memory (“ eprom ”), electrically erasable read - only memory (“ eeprom ”), or flash memory ( block oriented memory similar to eeprom ). also included are any other removable storage units 572 and interfaces 570 , which allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit 572 to the computer system 550 . computer system 550 may also include a communication interface 574 . the communication interface 574 allows software and data to be transferred between computer system 550 and external devices ( e . g . printers ), networks , or information sources . for example , computer software or executable code may be transferred to computer system 550 from a network server via communication interface 574 . examples of communication interface 574 include a modem , a network interface card (“ nic ”), a communications port , a pcmcia slot and card , an infrared interface , and an ieee 1394 fire - wire , just to name a few . communication interface 574 preferably implements industry promulgated protocol standards , such as ethernet ieee 802 standards , fiber channel , digital subscriber line (“ dsl ”), asynchronous digital subscriber line (“ adsl ”), frame relay , asynchronous transfer mode (“ atm ”), integrated digital services network (“ isdn ”), personal communications services (“ pcs ”), transmission control protocol / internet protocol (“ tcp / ip ”), serial line internet protocol / point to point protocol (“ slip / ppp ”), and so on , but may also implement customized or non - standard interface protocols as well . software and data transferred via communication interface 574 are generally in the form of electrical communication signals 578 . these signals 578 are preferably provided to communication interface 574 via a communication channel 576 . communication channel 576 carries signals 578 and can be implemented using a variety of wired or wireless communication means including wire or cable , fiber optics , conventional phone line , cellular phone link , wireless data communication link , radio frequency ( rf ) link , or infrared link , just to name a few . computer executable code ( i . e ., computer programs or software ) is stored in the main memory 556 and / or the secondary memory 558 . computer programs can also be received via communication interface 574 and stored in the main memory 556 and / or the secondary memory 558 . such computer programs , when executed , enable the computer system 550 to perform the various functions of the present invention as previously described . in this description , the term “ computer readable medium ” is used to refer to any media used to provide computer executable code ( e . g ., software and computer programs ) to the computer system 550 . examples of these media include main memory 556 , secondary memory 558 ( including hard disk drive 560 , removable storage medium 564 , and external storage medium 572 ), and any peripheral device communicatively coupled with communication interface 574 ( including a network information server or other network device ). these computer readable mediums are means for providing executable code , programming instructions , and software to the computer system 550 . in an embodiment that is implemented using software , the software may be stored on a computer readable medium and loaded into computer system 550 by way of removable storage drive 562 , interface 570 , or communication interface 574 . in such an embodiment , the software is loaded into the computer system 550 in the form of electrical communication signals 578 . the software , when executed by the processor 552 , preferably causes the processor 552 to perform the inventive features and functions previously described herein . various embodiments may also be implemented primarily in hardware using , for example , components such as application specific integrated circuits (“ asics ”), or field programmable gate arrays (“ fpgas ”). implementation of a hardware state machine capable of performing the functions described herein will also be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art . various embodiments may also be implemented using a combination of both hardware and software . furthermore , those of skill in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks , modules , circuits , and method steps described in connection with the above described figures and the embodiments disclosed herein can often be implemented as electronic hardware , computer software , or combinations of both . to clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software , various illustrative components , blocks , modules , circuits , and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality . whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system . skilled persons can implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application , but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the invention . in addition , the grouping of functions within a module , block , circuit or step is for ease of description . specific functions or steps can be moved from one module , block or circuit to another without departing from the invention . moreover , the various illustrative logical blocks , modules , and methods described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor , a digital signal processor (“ dsp ”), an asic , fpga or other programmable logic device , discrete gate or transistor logic , discrete hardware components , or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein . a general - purpose processor can be a microprocessor , but in the alternative , the processor can be any processor , controller , microcontroller , or state machine . a processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices , for example , a combination of a dsp and a microprocessor , a plurality of microprocessors , one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a dsp core , or any other such configuration . additionally , the steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware , in a software module executed by a processor , or in a combination of the two . a software module can reside in ram memory , flash memory , rom memory , eprom memory , eeprom memory , registers , hard disk , a removable disk , a cd - rom , or any other form of storage medium including a network storage medium . an exemplary storage medium can be coupled to the processor such the processor can read information from , and write information to , the storage medium . in the alternative , the storage medium can be integral to the processor . the processor and the storage medium can also reside in an asic . the above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention . various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art , and the generic principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention . thus , it is to be understood that the description and drawings presented herein represent a presently preferred embodiment of the invention and are therefore representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention . it is further understood that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly not limited .	6
preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail in accordance with the accompanying drawings . [ 0020 ] fig1 shows an example of a network to which an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected . as shown in fig1 an image forming apparatus 101 is connected to a local area network ( lan ) 103 , and is further connected , via a firewall 105 , to the internet 104 . the image forming apparatus 104 is equipped to send and receive e - mail and internet faxes , and can send and receive image data to and from another communications party through the internet 104 . moreover , the image forming apparatus 104 is connected to a public network 106 via a telephone line 107 , and so can also send and receive image data by facsimile . reference numeral 102 denotes a server device connected to a lan 103 as an external device that , for example , manages personal e - mail addresses and facsimile numbers and provides a communications service such as a directory service . hereinafter , this server device is referred to as a directory server . the image forming apparatus 101 can access the directory server 102 , obtain information such as an e - mail address or facsimile number through the directory service , and , using the information so obtained , send an e - mail or a facsimile . in order to prevent unauthorized access from the outside , the directory server 102 controls access by verification of the network device seeking access . [ 0023 ] fig4 is a schematic diagram of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention . the controller 10 is equipped with a cpu 11 that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 101 and a ram that functions as the main memory for the cpu 11 . in addition , the controller 10 is equipped with a rom 13 for storing a control program ( to be described in detail later ) for accessing the font and other types of data as well as the directory server 102 . the controller is also equipped with an engine interface ( i / f ) for communicating with a printer engine 20 , a modem 15 for connecting to the public network 106 and a network interface 16 for connecting to the lan 103 . [ 0025 ] fig2 is a block diagram of the functional configuration of the control program stored in the rom 13 described above , according to one embodiment of the present invention . as shown in the diagram , an application unit 201 controls connection to the directory server 102 , designation of the communications method , verification requests to the directory server 102 and data manipulation . according to instructions from the application unit 201 , a directory service communications controller 202 controls the directory service protocol and controls communications with the directory server 102 , using an encrypted communications controller 203 and a lan communications controller 204 . the encrypted communications controller 203 established encrypted communications with the directory server 102 and provides high security level encrypted communications . the lan communications controller 204 controls communications protocol within the local area network . [ 0026 ] fig3 is a flow chart showing the process of accessing the directory server 102 from the image forming apparatus 101 , according to one embodiment of the present invention . the process described this flow chart is implemented by the control program having the structure described above . it should be noted that the control program is stored in the rom 13 as described above , is loaded into the ram 12 and executed by the cpu 11 . based on input from a control panel 30 , the application unit 201 instructs the directory service communications controller 202 to connect to the directory server 102 and the process then proceeds to a step s 301 , where the lan communications controller 204 establishes a connection with the directory server 102 . next , in a step s 302 , using the encrypted communications controller 203 , an attempt is made to establish encrypted communications . in a succeeding step s 303 , a determination is made as to whether or not communication between the directory server 102 and the image forming apparatus 101 have been established . if so , then the process proceeds to a step s 305 , and if not , then the process proceeds to a step s 304 . in a step s 304 , a retry is attempted after the connection is terminated , and thereafter the process proceeds to step s 305 . in the present embodiment , a plurality of verification protocols ( in this case three ) of varying levels of security are provided , so verification can be attempted using any of these varying verification protocols . for example , a first verification protocol may be an encrypted password type ( e . g ., kerberos ), a second verification protocol may be a plain text type ( e . g ., planetext ) and a third verification protocol may be an anonymous type . these first , second and third verification protocols are listed in order of descending security level . as described below , the control program selects the verification protocol with the highest level of security and attempts verification to the directory server 102 . in step s 305 , first , the encrypted password type of first verification protocol is used to attempt verification to the directory server 102 . in the case of an encrypted password verification protocol , for example , if the user name is “ maki ” and the password is “ pass ” and these are used for verification , the password “ pass ” is encrypted and sent to the directory server 102 . then , in a step s 306 , the image forming apparatus 101 determines whether or not the transmission has been accepted by the directory server 102 . if the directory server 102 indicates acceptance , then the process proceeds to a step s 311 , providing communications services . for example , it is now possible to access the data on the directory server 102 and search it , add to it , change it , and so forth . the type of operations authorized to be performed on the data is set at the directory server 102 side , so that authorized operations depend on these settings . for example , if the operations of searching , adding and changing have been authorized for the user name “ maki ”, then a user using the “ maki ” user name can perform these operations . when these operations are finished then the process proceeds to a step s 312 and the connected is terminated . however , if in step s 306 the directory server 102 indicates that it does not accept the input user name and / or password , then the process proceeds to a step s 307 and the image forming apparatus 101 attempts verification to the directory server 102 using the plain text password of the second type of verification protocol . the process then proceeds to a step s 308 . in the case of a plain text password verification protocol , the password “ pass ” is not encrypted but is sent as is to the directory server 102 , in the order written . instep s 308 , if the directory server 102 indicates acceptance of the transmitted user name and password , the process proceeds to step s 311 . as described above , in step s 311 , various operations can be executed in accordance with the authorization given to verified users . on the other hand , if in step s 308 the directory server 102 does not accept the input user name and / or password , the process then proceeds to a step s 309 and the image forming apparatus 101 attempts verification to the directory server 102 using the anonymous verification method of the third type of verification protocol . the process then proceeds to a step s 310 . in the anonymous type of verification protocol , “ anonymous ” is the user name and “ anonymous ” is the password . in step s 310 , if the directory server 102 accepts the transmission , the process then proceeds to step s 311 . as with the setups described above , the authorization to perform a particular operation on or to the directory service while verified in an anonymous verification system likewise depends on the settings on the directory server 102 side . for example , if the directory server 102 is set up so that a user whose identity is verified using the anonymous verification protocol is authorized only to search the directory database , then of course such a user is unable to perform any other operation besides searching . in other words , the range of operations that can be performed with the directory service in step s 311 is limited via steps s 309 and s 310 . if , on the other hand , in step s 311 the directory server 102 indicates that the input username and / or password are not accepted , the process then proceeds to a step s 312 . since access to the directory service is now denied no matter which verification protocol is used , the image forming apparatus 101 terminates the connection and the process ends because it is now clear that the directory server 102 does not permit even anonymous verification . thus , according to the present embodiment , when the image forming apparatus 101 accesses the directory server 102 , the communications method is automatically determined and successive attempts at verification using verification protocols of descending levels of security are made until a connection is successfully established . the advantage of the present embodiment is that it allows the user to use the directory service without having to be aware of the communications method and verification protocol , thus reducing the burden on the user . in addition , although the above - described embodiment is described in terms of a system composed of a single device ( e . g ., a host computer , interface device , reader , printer , etc .) the present invention may also be implemented by a system comprising a plurality of devices ( e . g ., a copier , facsimile machine , etc .). it should be noted that a software program for implementing the capabilities of the above - described embodiments ( that is , a program corresponding to the process shown in the flow chart shown in fig3 ), supplied either directly from a recording medium or by using wire or wireless communications , to a system or apparatus having a computer capable of executing such program , the execution of such program by the computer of the system or apparatus achieving equivalent capabilities of the above - described embodiments , is included in the present invention . accordingly , a program supplied to and installed in such a computer for the purpose of implementing the functional processes of the present invention itself achieves the present invention . that is , a computer program for implementing the processes performed by the present invention is itself included within the present invention . in such a case , provided the program capabilities are present , the format of the program , whether executed by object code or by an interpreter , for example , does not matter . the recording media for supplying the program include , but are not limited to , magnetic recording media such as a floppy disk , a hard disk or magnetic tape , optical or magneto - optical recording media such as mo , cd - rom , cd - r , cd - rw , dvd - rom , dvd - r or dvd - rw , or a non - volatile semiconductor memory . wire and wireless methods of supplying the program to the system or apparatus described above include , but are not limited to , a computer program that forms the present invention on a server on the computer network , or storing a data file ( that is , a program data file ) that can become a computer program that forms the present invention on a client computer , such as a compressed file with a self - installing capability , and downloading the program data file to a connected client computer . in this case , the program data file can be divided into a plurality of segment files and the segment files disposed at different servers . in other words , a server device that downloads to a plurality of users a program data file for implementing the function processes of the present invention by computer is also included within the present invention . as can be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art , the program of the present invention may be encrypted and stored on a recording medium such as a cd - rom and distributed to users , with decryption data for decrypting the encryption being made available to users who fulfill certain conditions for example by downloading from a home page via the internet , the users then using the decryption data to execute the encrypted program for installation on a computer . in addition , as can be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art , in addition to implementing the capabilities of the above - described embodiments by reading out and executing the above - described program by computer , the above - described capabilities of the embodiments described above can also be implemented by operating system ( os ) software running on a computer and performing some or all of the actual processes described heretofore based on the program instructions . moreover , the present invention also includes an instance in which the above - described capabilities of the embodiments described above are achieved by processes executed in whole or in part by a cpu or the like provided in a function expansion card or a function expansion unit based on program code instructions , after the program code read from the recording medium is written to a memory provided in such a function expansion card inserted into the computer or such a function expansion unit connected to the computer . as many apparently widely different embodiments of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof , it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific preferred embodiments described above thereof except as defined in the claims .	6
with reference to the accompanying drawings , a projector according to one embodiment of present invention will be described in detail herein below . the projector according to one embodiment of the invention provides security against a user in the following manner . at time of power supply , an operation sequence associated with a specific operation switch is pre - stored , and an authentication process is set . according to the authentication process , even when a power switch is depressed , unless the operation sequence associated with the specific operation switch set thereafter is present , the electronics power is not supplied to , particularly , the lamp section . by reference to the drawings , the following will provide a detailed description , particularly , by reference to the projector by way of example . referring to fig1 a , and 2 b , the projector according to the invention is configured as follows . fig1 is a block diagram showing one example of a configuration of a projector according as an embodiment of the present invention . fig2 a and 2b are exemplary overviews of the projector as an embodiment of the present invention . in general , projector 1 comprises , broadly , an input / output selection section 20 , various terminals including lan connections and a tuner section 12 , an audio preamp section 21 , an audio amp section 22 , an operation section 23 , a remote control section 24 , a control section 27 , a power - supply section 29 , a light source ( e . g ., lamp section ) 31 , a video section 34 and an expander section 35 . the relationship between each section , being hardware and / or software , is as follows . various components are connected to the input / output selection section 20 . by way of example , there are at least connected a wireless lan ( wireless local area network ) 10 used in radio communication in indoors the like ; a wired lan 11 ; the tuner section 12 which receives a broadcast signal from an antenna and which supplies the received signal ; a d - sub terminal 13 , which is shown as being an input / output terminal 50 , for connection of , primarily , a computer or the like ; a ycbcr terminal 14 for connection to which a commercial - use vtr ( video tape recorder ), a bs digital tuner , a dvd player , or the like is frequently connected ; an s - video terminal 15 used for a vtr , tv set , or the like ; and a cvbs ( composite video blanking and sync ) terminal 16 which is a composite signal . in addition , an audio terminal 18 is connected to the audio preamp ( preamplifier ) section 21 . the audio preamp section 21 processes an input signal and supplies the processed signal to the audio amp ( amplifier ) section 22 and a speaker 19 . such processing may include , but is not limited to the adjustment of audio volume , audio quality , acousto - optic effect , and the like . the input / output selection section 20 supplies selected and video - converted rgb signals to the control section 27 . according to control signals from the control section 27 , the input / output selection section 20 and the audio preamp section 21 are controlled for their operation and processing . the projector 1 further includes operation section 23 provided with , for example , a power switch and operation switches ; an operation display section 23 - 2 which displays operation information ; a remote control section 24 which performs a communication process to communicate with a remote controller r ( shown in fig5 ); and an rs232c terminal 25 for taking - in control signals and a memory section 26 . these components are individually connected to the control section 27 while the operation section 23 and the operation display section 23 - 2 are deployed on the main body of the projector 1 . the control section 27 has a memory section 28 , a lamp - power - supply control section 32 , and an operation sequence storage section 32 - 3 . additionally coupled to control section 27 , for example , an angle sensor 38 which detects the angle of the projector 1 used for keystone correction described below , and a focus motor / zoom motor 39 contained in a lens unit 37 of fig4 . the projector 1 further has a setup - mode set section 33 which sets any one of various setup modes ( described below ) upon reception of an output of the control section 27 ; a video process section 34 which performs a video image process upon reception of an output of the setup - mode set section 33 and a video signal from the control section 27 ; an expander section 35 which expands the video signal , which has undergone the video image process in the video process section 34 , in units of each of r , g , and b signals ; and an r lcd ( liquid crystal display ) section 36 r , a g lcd section 36 g , and a b lcd section 36 b which performs image display on , for example , an lcd screen upon reception of an lcd driving current from the expander section 35 . the projector 1 further includes a power - supply section 29 . a driving current at a desired output rate is supplied from the power - supply section 29 to a lamp section 31 through a switch section 32 - 2 . in the lamp section 31 , projection light having been projected arrives at each lcd section 36 r , 36 g , and 36 b and passes therethrough ; and the light is projected as being the light including video images onto a screen ( not shown ) or the like . operation of the switch section 32 - 2 is controlled by the lamp - power - supply control section 32 . fig3 is a plan section view showing one example of operation switches of the projector as an embodiment of the present invention . referring now to fig3 , specifically the operation section 23 has the following elements . they are a power switch k 1 , an upward cursor key k 2 , a downward cursor key k 3 , a leftward cursor key k 4 , a rightward cursor key k 5 , a return key k 6 , an input key k 7 , a menu key k 8 , a setup key k 9 , leds ( light emitting diodes ) l 1 to l 4 , and an enter key k 10 . fig4 is a cross section view showing one example of an optical configuration of the projector as an embodiment of the present invention . as shown in fig4 , in an optical configuration of the projector 1 , a projection lamp 31 is disposed near an optical unit 41 . illuminating light emitted from optical unit 41 is passed through a multilens system 42 and a convex lens 43 provided adjacent the multilens system 42 , passed through or reflected off a transmissive mirror 44 , and is then transmitted through each lcd section 36 r , 36 g , 36 b . thereby , the illuminating light from the lamp section 31 is projected in an image - carrying state through the projection lens 37 and is then imaged on a screen ( not shown ) or the like . the projection lens 37 incorporates a built - in focus motor / zoom motor , in which each control signal are supplied from the control section 27 and appropriate focus control and zoom control are responsively performed . fig5 is a plan section view showing one example of a remote controller used with the projector as an embodiment of the present invention . as shown in fig5 , the remote controller used with the projector 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes various keys and buttons . as an illustrative example , these keys and buttons include , but are not limited or restricted to the following : an input switch button 51 for switching of input signals ; a selection / ok button 52 including an upward cursor key 52 - 1 , a downward cursor key 52 - 2 , a leftward cursor key 52 - 3 , a rightward cursor key 52 - 4 , and an enter key 52 - 5 for performing selection or determine in selection or adjustment at menu ; a menu button 53 for performing menu display ; various setting switches 54 ; the picture mode buttons 55 for selecting a video image mode ; a size button 56 for selecting the screen size ; a user button 57 for calling a registered user setup ; a freeze button 58 for freezing the motion of images ; a surround button 59 for performing mode selection regarding a surround effect ; a sleep button 60 for temporarily turning off image and voice presentations ; and a zoom button 61 for performing magnified screen display . in a configuration where the projector 1 as an embodiment is connected to an external device , although not shown , a video deck ( external input device ) may be connected thereto by using cvbs terminal 16 , audio terminal 18 , and / or s - video terminal 15 . in addition , the projector 1 may be connected with a dvd player ( external input device ) by using ycbcr terminal 14 . generally , the projector 1 as an embodiment of the present invention may be connected with a personal computer ( external input device ) by using d - sub terminal 13 . basic operation of the projector 1 described above will now be described in detail herein below with reference to the drawings . to begin with , when a power - on operation of the operation section 23 or an operation of the remote controller has been recognized , when the below - described security function of the lamp power - supply is not as yet set , the projector 1 is activated , and a video signal specified by the input switch button 51 or the like is selected by the input / output selection section 20 . more specifically , in this stage , “ ypbpr ” button , for example , is selected by the operation of the input switch button 51 of the remote controller or the like , a component video signal from the external dvd player is selected by the input / output selection section 20 through ycbcr terminal 14 . then , the component video signal is determined by the input / output selection section 20 for the signal type , in which an image conversion process is performed corresponding to the signal type , and an rgb signal is then output . the above is not limited to the case of the component signal received from the ypbpr terminal 14 , but is applicable to other cases . for example , suppose that a video signal is received from a network through the wireless lan 10 or the wired lan 11 , or a video signal is received from tuner section 12 , or a video signal is received from s - video terminal 15 , or a video signal , which is a composite signal , is received from cvbs terminal 16 . even in the each case , the same operation as that described above is performed in such a manner that the signal is specified by operation section 23 or 24 , the type of the video signal is determined , and the video signal is image - converted to an rgb signal . the rgb signal supplied from the input / output selection section 20 is supplied to the control section 27 . concurrently , control signals are supplied by the setup - mode set section 33 to the video process section 34 in correspondence to , for example , an image pattern and video image size specified using the size button 56 by the operation section 23 or the remote control section 24 . in the video process section 34 , the image conversion process is performed on the rgb signal , which has been supplied from the control section 27 , in correspondence to the supplied control signals from the setup - mode set section 33 . thereby , the video signal is converted to an rgb signal in conformity to the specified image pattern and video image size . now suppose that operation of the picture mode buttons 55 for selecting the video image mode specifies “ cinema ”. in this event , an image process is performed on an rgb signal corresponding to the specified video image mode , and the rgb signal is then converted into a movie - representing video signal , for example . video signals thus converted are supplied from the video process section 34 to the expander section 35 , is expanded for each of the r , g , and b signals , and are displayed to lc ( liquid crystal ) screens of each r lcd section 36 r , g lcd section 36 g , and b lcd section 36 b . concurrently , in a driver section 30 to which the electronics power has been supplied from the power - supply section 29 , output is controlled to , for example , 100 % output or 50 % output , and a driving current is supplied therefrom to the lamp section 31 . projection light corresponding to the driving current is generated in the lamp section 31 . then , as shown in fig4 , the projection light is passed through the multilens system 42 and convex lens 43 provided adjacent the multilens system 42 , passed through or reflected off a transmissive mirror 44 , and is transmitted through each lcd section 36 r , 36 g , and 36 b . thereby , the projection light from the lamp section 31 is projected in an image - carrying state through the projection lens 37 and is then imaged on a screen ( not shown ) or the like . the projection lens 37 incorporates a built - in focus motor / zoom motor , in which each control signal are supplied from the control section 27 and appropriate focus control and zoom control are responsively performed . further , in correspondence to the operation section 23 or the remote control section 24 , such as operation of the zoom button 61 or the like , the control signals generated in the control section 27 are supplied to , for example , the focus motor and zoom motor , whereby to impart appropriate focus and zoom control , for example , to the projection light . the projector 1 having basic functionality as described above , performs an authentication process ( security function ) of the lamp power - supply as described below . the authentication process at time of power supply will now be described in detail herein below with reference to the drawings . fig6 is a flow chart showing an example of an authentication operation of the projector 1 as an embodiment of the present invention . fig7 is a flow chart showing one example of a setting operation of the security function of the projector 1 as an embodiment of the present invention . firstly , the authentication process at time of power supply will be described with reference to the flow chart of fig6 . in the projector 1 , a power cord from the power - supply section 29 is plugged into , for example , a home - use receptacle , in which when an ac voltage is applied to the power - supply section 29 , a predetermined power of , for example , 5 v or 12 v is supplied to the control section 27 ( block s 11 ). in this state , the processing enters a standby mode , specifically , a power - on standby mode awaiting an event where power switch k 1 is depressed by a user ( alternatively , the power - on operation can be performed using the remote controller ). this state is a preparatory stage for power - on with power switch k 1 or the like , in which the switch section 32 - 2 is off ; that is , power is unsupplied from the power supply section 29 , so that the lamp section 31 is not turned on . upon depression of the power switch k 1 ( block s 12 ), processing of the control section 27 determines whether the authentication process at time of power supply is set for the lamp - power - supply control section 32 of the control section 27 ( block s 13 ). if the security function is not operating , the state enters a power - on state ( block s 17 ). according to one embodiment of the invention , the process may be configured as follows . if the security function is operating , the state becomes ready to receive an authentication code , and the lamp - power - supply control section 32 of the control section 27 controls , for example , leds l 1 to l 4 to blink , thereby presenting a display indicating that the security function has been set and that prompts input with the operation switches ( block s 14 ). in addition , the operation display section 23 - 2 of the operation section 23 may present the display to notify that a security function is set and to prompt the input . further , as an optional feature , a prompting sound is output from a speaker 19 through audio amp 22 , or an audio component ( not shown ) is used to output a prompting “ beep ” sound . in response to the above , the user inputs the authentication code by using either main body keys k 1 to k 10 shown in fig3 or input buttons 51 to 61 shown in fig5 ( block s 15 ). responsively , the lamp - power - supply control section 32 of the control section 27 compares the input operation sequence with the authentication code stored in the operation sequence storage section 32 - 3 of the control section 27 to determine whether a match is detected ( block s 16 ). if the comparison results in a mismatch , the processing returns to the power - on standby mode of the above - described block s 12 to await depression of the power switch k 1 . in this event , as described above , the processing preferably notifies of the mismatch by means of , for example , blinking leds l 1 to l 4 , display on the operation display section 23 - 2 , beep sound from the speaker 19 . if the comparison results in a match between the user - input operation - switch sequence and the authentication code being stored in the operation sequence storage section 32 - 3 ( block s 16 ), a control signal is supplied to the switch section 32 - 2 from the lamp - power - supply control section 32 , and power of the lamp power - supply system is supplied from the power - supply section 29 ( block s 17 ). in this stage , if a portion awaiting the power supply is present , power is supplied in a manner similar to the above , whereby the state thereof is shifted to a normal operation mode ( block s 18 ). in this stage , however , an event is contemplated in which while security is not completely cancelled and an additionally predetermined authentication code such as password input or key operation is requested even after the power supply , responsive operations cannot be performed . to deal with this event , the process may be arranged such that even when a video signal is supplied , the video process section 34 and the expander section 35 are controlled by the control section 27 to not allow display on the r lcd section 36 r , the g lcd section 36 g , and the b lcd section 36 b . thereby , very high security is imparted to the projector 1 . in the above stage , the operation sequence of , for example , the operation section 23 or the remote controller r is arbitrarily settable . the following will describe the settable operation sequence in detail . as shown in a flow chart of fig7 , in addition to a regular adjustment setting menu , a dedicated security - function setting menu is preferably provided to enhance the level of protection regarding operation and termination of the security function the authentication - code registration . a menu screen is invoked ( block s 21 ), and further , a dedicated security - function setting menu is invoked , whereby operation is performed to switch the mode of the security function of the lamp power - supply system from a termination mode to an operation mode ( block s 22 ). then , an authentication code for permitting the power - on operation is input ( block s 23 ). in this stage , various settings can be performed for operation of the operation switches to input a pre - stored authentication code . that is , various keys can be used including , for example , the individual upward , downward , leftward , and rightward cursor keys k 2 to k 5 , the input key k 7 , the return key k 6 , the menu key k 8 , the setup key k 9 , and the enter key k 10 . these keys may be depressed in combination in such a manner as “ upward k 2 , upward k 2 , leftward k 4 , rightward k 5 , then rightward k 5 ” keys . as an illustrative example , one type of operation - switch operation procedure for inputting a pre - stored authentication code may include a depression procedure as “ input key k 7 , menu key k 8 , return key k 6 , then return key k 6 ”, which is not popularly contemplated in regular operations . it is also noted that predetermined operation switches of the remote controller be depressed in a predetermined procedure . further , the procedure may be set such that the power switch k 1 ( or an other key ) is kept depressed for a predetermined time frame , e . g . 10 seconds , to thereby performing the setting . moreover , the procedure may be set such that power switch k 1 ( or an other key ) is depressed predetermined number of times , e . g . five times . thus , the operation switches for inputting the authentication code can be set independently of regular operations , with all combinations for the overall operation section . re - input of the input , pre - stored authentication code is prompted ( block s 24 ). if the two inputs are identical to each other , power - supply security is in the operation mode , and concurrently , the operation - switch sequence representing the pre - stored authentication code is stored into the operation sequence storage section 32 - 3 under control of the lamp - power - supply control section 32 ( blocks s 25 and s 26 ). finally , the setting menu is terminated responsively to an instruction ( block s 27 ). according to the operations described above , the security function of the lamp power - supply system is set . this prevents a situation , for example , where a power - on operation is performed by an undue outsider , thereby shortening the service life of the expensive lamp section . in addition , according to the projector , such events can be prevented in which unnecessary power - on / off operations causes the lamp section to fade out , and the power of the projector is inadvertently turned on due to an erroneous operation . as described above in detail , the projector is characterized as follows . an authentication process for power supply to the lamp section is performed at power - on time . an operation sequence of operation switches is pre - stored in a user setup operation . then , when a user depresses the power switch to perform a power - on operation , light emitting diodes or the like blink to prompt execution of the authentication process with the operation switches or the like . in this stage , while power is supplied to a control section and others , the power is not supplied to the lamp section , whereby security is imparted to the projector . specifically , with a projector , a fault event is predicted in which since the projector is powered on by an undue outsider whereby turning on the lamp and is left as is for as long as one month , a service life of the expensive lamp section is used up thereby . such the fault event can be prevented according to the authentication process with the operation switches or the like . further , according to the projector , such events can be prevented in which unnecessary power - on / off operations causes the lamp section to fade out , and the power of the projector is inadvertently powered on due to an erroneous operation . selection of a pre - stored authentication code , which may be selected through an input sequence of predetermined operation switches for example , can be arbitrarily set by a user from a menu screen . for example , the procedure is used for depression of at least one of the individual upward , downward , leftward , and rightward cursor keys , the input key , the return key , the menu key , the setup key , and the enter key . that is , the cursor keys may be depressed in such a manner as “ upward , upward , leftward , rightward , then rightward ” keys . further , according to another example , the operation - switch operation procedure may be such a key depression procedure as “ input key , menu key , return key , then return key ”, which is not popularly contemplated in regular operations . it is also contemplated that the power switch is kept depressed for , for example , eight seconds for specification . according to the various embodiments described above , those skilled in the art will be able to implement the invention , and various other modified examples would easily occur to those skilled in the art . for instance , in lieu of selecting a sequence of operation switches as an authentication code , an electronic image may be stored such as a fingerprint , retina scan , face geometry and the like . the projector may be implemented with a reader to compare the pre - stored electronic image and allow power to be supplied to the lamp section . accordingly , the invention is not limited to the above - described embodiments , but the invention covers a broad range of applications as long as the applications do not contradict the principles and novel features disclosed herein . for example , whereas the above - described embodiments have each been described with reference to the example projector , the invention is enforceable with a wide variety of electronic devices . particularly , the invention is of course adaptable with to electronic devices in a similar manner to those described above with similar operation and effects to those described above as long as the devices contain components such as a projector lamp section specifically desired to be protected .	7
in the preparation of a polyimide according to the present invention , a mixing mole ratio of an acid anhydride as a monomer for the polyimide , and a diamine is adjusted to a mole ratio of 0 . 7 : 1 - 0 . 98 : 1 to reduce the molecular weight of the polyimide to be lower than that of a common polyimide , so that birefringence of the resultant polyimide is lowered . as a result , the problem associated with waveguiding characteristics that depend on polarization , can be solved by using the polyimide according to the present invention , rather than using common polyimides . also , in synthesizing a polyimide by reacting a cross - linking monomer and monomers used to form a polyimide in order to introduce a cross - linker to an end of a polyimide chain , the resultant polyimide comes to have a lower solubility in an organic solvent due to the network structure . in addition , in the case of forming multiple polyimide films using the resultant polyimide , the problem of dissolution of the lower polyimide film in an organic solvent used to form an upper polyimide film can be avoided . any compound having a functional group that is capable of cross - lining , for example , an unsaturated bond , can be used as the cross - linking monomer without restriction . in the present embodiment , a maleic anhydride is used as the cross - linking monomer . the polyimide for optical communications , expressed as the formula ( 1 ), can be prepared by the following two methods . in a first method , an acid anhydride and a diamine are polymerized in a mole ratio of 0 . 7 : 1 to 0 . 98 : 1 , and more preferably , 0 . 9 : 1 to 0 . 95 : 1 . then , a substituted maleic anhydride at a mole ratio of 0 . 01 to 0 . 3 , and more preferably , 0 . 05 to 0 . 2 mole , relative to the moles of the diamine compound , is added to the polymerized reaction mixture , and the mixture is reacted to synthesize a polyamic acid . here , if the mixing mole ratio of the acid anhydride and diamine and the amount of substituted maleic anhydride are out of the above range , cracks occurs in the lower polyimide film . then , the polyamic acid is imidized . imidization of the polyamic acid into a polyimide can be performed by a chemical method or a thermal method . in the chemical method , acetic acid anhydride and pyridine are added to the mixture of acid anhydride ( a ) and diamine compound ( b ), and heated at 60 - 150 ° c . otherwise , toluene is added to the mixture containing the acid anhydride ( a ) and the diamine compound ( b ), and the mixture is heated to the boiling point of toluene . in the thermal method , the polyamic acid is heated in steps within a range of 50 - 400 ° c ., and more preferably , 250 - 350 ° c . as a second method of preparing the polyimide of the formula ( 1 ), a substituted maleic anhydride of 0 . 0l to 0 . 3 mole , relative to the mole ratio of diamine , is added to a mixture of an acid anhydride and the diamine in a mole ratio of 0 . 7 : 1 to 0 . 98 : 1 , and then polymerized to prepare a polyamic acid . then , the polyamic acid is imidized . preferably , the polyimide has a weight average molecular weight of 2000 - 15000 , as determined by gel permeation chromatography . if the weight average molecular weight is not in the above range , a cross - linking effect by addition of maleic anhydride cannot be attained . in particular , if the weight average molecular weight of the polyimide is less than 2000 , it is hard to form a thin film having good characteristics , for example , having an appropriate thickness . for the formation of multiple polyimide films using the polyimide prepared by the above process , the polyimide expressed as the formula ( 1 ) or polyamic acid expressed as the formula ( 2 ) is dissolved in an organic solvent . then , a substrate is coated with the solution and then heated to form a first polyimide film . here , the polyamic acid of the formula ( 2 ) is a precursor of the polyimide of the formula ( 3 ). in the formation of a polyimide film using the polyamic acid , a thermal process is performed at a temperature of 50 - 400 ° c ., and more preferably , 250 - 350 ° c . the solution used in the above process is coated on the resultant substrate having the fust polyimide film , and then heated to form a second polyimide layer on the first polyimide film , thereby resulting in a dual - layered polyimide film . by repeating the above process , more than one polyimide film can be formed on the second polyimide film , so that multiple polyimide films can be completed . the acid anhydride used in the present invention is not limited to a specific compound . however , 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 , 4 - dicarboxyphenyl ) hexafluoropropane dianhydride is preferred . also , the diamine compound used in the present invention is also not limited to a specific compound . for example , possible compounds for the diamine compound ( b ) may be bis ( perfluorophenyl ) alkanes , bis ( perfluorophenyl ) sulfones , bis ( perfluorophenyl ) ethers or α , α ′- bis ( perfluorophenyl ) diisopropylbenzenes . particular example of the diamine compound ( b ) include tetrafluoro - 1 , 2 - phenylenediamine , tetrafluoro - 1 , 3 - phenylendiamine , tetrafiuoro - 1 , 4 - phenyldiamine , tetrachloro - 1 , 2 - phenylenediamine , tetrachloro - 1 , 3 - phenylenediamine , tetrachloro - 1 , 4 - phenylenediamine , hexafluoro - 1 , 5 - diaminonaphthalene , hexafluoro - 2 , 6 - diaminonaphthalene , 3 - trifluoromethyltrifluoro - 1 , 2 - phenylenediamine , 4 - trifluoromethyltrifluoro - 1 , 2 - phenylenediamine , 2 - trifluoromethylfluoro - 1 , 3 - phenylenediamine , 4 - trifluoromethyltrifluoro - 1 , 3 - phenylenediamine , 5 - trifluoromethyltrifluoro - 1 , 3 - phenylenediamine , 2 - trifluoromethyltrifluoro - 1 , 4 - phenylenediamine , 3 - pentafluoroethyltrifluoro - 1 , 2 - phenylenediamine , 4 - pentafluoroethyltrifluoro - 1 , 2 - phenylenediamine , 2 - pentafluoroethyltrifluoro - 1 , 3 - phenylenediamine , 4 - pentafluoroethyltrifluoro - 1 , 3 - phenylenediamine , 5 - pentafluoroethyltrifluoro - 1 , 3 - phenylenediamine , 2 - pentafluoroethyltrifluoro - 1 , 4 - phenylenediamine , 3 , 4 - bis ( trifluoromethyl ) difluoro - 1 , 2 - phenylenediamine , 3 , 5 - bis ( trifluoromethyl ) difluoro - 1 , 2 - phenylenediamine , 2 , 4 - bis ( trifluoromethyl ) difluoro - 1 , 3 - phenylenediamine , 4 , 5 - bis ( trifluoromethyl ) difluoro - 1 , 3 - phenylenediamine , 2 , 3 - bis ( trifluoromethyl ) difluoro - 1 , 4 - phenylenediamine , 2 , 5 - bis ( trifluoromethyl ) difluoro - 1 , 4 - phenylenediamine , 3 , 4 - bis ( trifluoromethyl ) difluoro - 1 , 2 - phenylenediamine , 3 - trifluoromethoxytrifluoro - 1 , 2 - phenylenediamine , 4 - trifluoromethoxytrifluoro - 1 , 2 - phenylenediamine , 2 - trifluoromethoxytrifluoro - 1 , 3 - phenylenediamine , 4 - trifluoromethoxytrifluoro - 1 , 3 - phenylenediamine , 5 , - trifluoromethoxytrifluoro - 1 , 3 - phenylenediamine , 2 - trifluoromethoxytrifluoro - 1 , 4 - phenylenediamine , 3 , 4 , 5 - tris ( trifluoromethyl ) fluoro - 1 , 2 - phenylenediamine , 3 , 4 , 6 - tris ( trifluoromethyl ) fluoro - 1 , 2 - phenylenediamine , 2 , 4 , 5 - tris ( trifluoromethyl ) fluoro - 1 , 3 - phenylenediamine , 2 , 4 , 6 - tris ( trifluoromethyl ) fluoro - 1 , 3 - phenylenediamine , 4 , 5 , 6 - tris ( trifluoromethyl ) fluoro - 1 , 3 - phenylenediamine , tetrakis ( trifluoromethyl )- 1 , 2 - phenylenediamine , tetrakis ( trifluoromethyl )- 1 , 3 - phenylenediamine , tetrakis ( trifluoromethyl )- 1 , 4 - phenylenediamine , 3 , 3 ′- diaminooctafluorobiphenyl , 3 , 4 ′- diaminooctafluorobiphenyl , 4 , 4 ′- diaminooctafluorobiphenyl , 3 , 3 ′- diaiooctachlorobiphenyl , 3 , 4 ′- diaminooctachlorobiphenyl , 4 , 4 ′- diaminooctachlorobiphenyl , 2 , 2 ′- bis ( trichloromethyl )- 4 , 4 ′- diaminohexachlorobiphenyl , 3 , 3 ′- bis ( trichloromethyl )- 4 , 4 ′- diaminohexafluorobiphenyl , bis ( 4 - aminotetrafluorophenyl ) dichloromethane , 1 , 2 - bis ( 4 - aminotetrafluorophenyl ) tetrachloroethane , 2 , 2 - bis ( 4 - aminotetrafluorophenyl ) hexachloropropane , 2 , 2 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl )- 4 , 4 ′- diaminohexachlorobiphenyl , 3 , 3 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl )- 4 , 4 ′- diaminohexafluorobiphenyl , bis ( 4 - aminotetrafluorophenyl ) difluoromethane , 1 , 2 - bis ( 4 - aminotetrafluorophenyl ) tetrachloroethane , 2 , 2 - bis ( 4 - aminotetrafluorophenyl ) hexafluoropropane , bis ( 3 - aminotetrafluorophenyl ) ether , 3 , 4 ′- diaminooctafluorobiphenylether , bis ( 4 - aminotetrafluorophenyl ) ether , bis ( 3 - aminotetrachlorophenyl ) ether , 3 , 4 ′- diaminooctachlorobiphenylether , bis ( 4 - aminotetrachlorophenyl ) ether , 3 , 3 ′- diaminooctafluorobenzophenone , 3 , 4 ′- diaminooctafluorobenzophenone , 4 , 4 ′- diaminooctafluorobenzophenone , bis ( 3 - aminotetrafluorophenyl ) sulfone , 4 , 4 ′- diaminooctafluorobiphenylsulfone , bis ( 4 - aminotetrafluorophenylsulfone ), bis ( 3 - aminotetrafluorophenyl ) sulfide , 3 , 4 ′- diaminooctafluorobiphenylsulfide , bis ( 4 - aminotetrafluorophenyl ) sulfide , 4 - aminotetrafluorophenoxy - 4 ′- aminotetrafluorophenyldifluoromethane , bis ( 4 - aminotetrafluorophenoxy ) difluoromethane , 1 , 2 - bis ( 4 - aminotetrafluorophenoxy ) tetrafluoroethane , 2 , 2 - bis ( 4 - aminotetrafluorophenoxy ) hexafluoropropane , bis ( 4 - aminotetrafluorophenoxy ) dichloromethane , 1 , 2 - bis ( 4 - aminotetrafluorophenoxy ) tetrachloroethane , 2 , 2 - bis ( 4 - aminotetraflurophenoxy ) hexachloropropane , 4 , 4 ″- diaminododecafluoro - p - terphenyl , 2 ′, 3 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl )- 4 , 4 ″- diamino - p - terphenyl , 2 , 2 ″- bis ( trifluoromethyl )- 4 , 4 ″- diamino - p - terphenyl , 2 ′, 5 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl )- 4 , 4 ″- diaminoterphenyl , 2 , 7 - diaminohexafluorodibenzofuran , 1 , 4 - bis ( 4 - aminotetrafluorophenoxy ) tetrafluorobenzene , 2 , 6 - diaminohexafluoronaphthalene , 2 , 7 - dianinooctafluorophenanthrene , 2 , 6diaminooctafluoroanthracene , 2 , 7 - diaminohexathianthrene , 2 , 6 - diaminohexafluoroanthraquinone , 2 , 6 - diaminohexafluorobiphenylene , 2 , 6 - diaminooxtafluoroanthrone , 2 , 7 - diaminotetrafluorodibenz [ b , e ] 1 , 4 - dioxane , 2 , 2 ′- bis ( 4 - aminophenyl ) hexafluoropropane , 2 , 2 ′- bis ( 4 - aminophenyl ) hexachloropropane , 2 , 4 - diaminobenzotrifluoride , 2 , 2 - bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine , 2 , 2 - bis [ 4 -( 4 - amino - 2 - trifluorophenoxy ) phenyl ] hexafluoropropane , 2 , 2 - bis [ 4 , 4 - amino - 2 - trifluorophenoxy ) phenyl ] hexachloropropane , 3 , 4 - diaminobenzotrifluoride , 3 , 5 - 5 diaminobenzotrifluoride , 2 , 5 - diaminobenzotrifluoride , 2 , 2 - bis [ 4 -( 4 - aminophenoxy ) phenyl ] hexafluoropropane , 2 , 2 - bis [ 4 -( 4 - amino phenoxy ) phenyl ] hexachloropropane , or 3 , 4 - diamino - 1 - fluorobenzene . hereinafter , the present invention will be described in detail through the following examples . however , the present invention is not limited to the following examples . 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 , 4 - dicarboxyphenyl ) hexafluoropropane dianhydride and 2 , 2 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine in a mole ratio of 0 . 95 : 1 , and n , n - dimethylacetamide were mixed . then , maleic anhydride , in 0 . 05 mole ratio with respect to 2 , 2 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine , was added to the mixture and reacted under a nitrogen atmosphere for 24 hours . then , acetic anhydride and pyridine were added to the reaction mixture , and the mixture was reacted under a nitrogen atmosphere at room temperature for 24 hours . after the reaction was completed , the reaction mixture was dropwise added to methanol to form a precipitate . the obtained precipitate was filtered and washed with methanol several times . then , the resultant was dried in a vacuum oven set to 50 ° c . for 24 hours , resulting in a polyimide expressed by the following formula ( having a weight average molecular weight of 15 , 000 ). 1 g of the polyimide was dissolved in 5 g of a solvent mixture containing cyclohexanone and γ - butyrolactone in a ratio of 1 : 1 by weight , to form a coating mixture and then the coating mixture was spin coated on a silicon substrate . the silicon substrate was thermally - treated at 20 ° c ., resulting in a first polyimide film . then , the coating mixture was again spin coated on the silicon substrate having the first polyimide film , and the silicon substrate was thermally - treated at 200 ° c . to form a second polyimide film , and thus a dual - layered polyimide film was obtained . 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 , 4 - dicarboxyphenyl ) hexafluoropropane dianhydride and 2 , 2 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine in a mole ratio of 0 . 95 : 1 , and n , n - dimethylacetamide were mixed . then , the mixture was stirred for 24 hours for polymerization . then , 0 . 05 mole ratio of maleic anhydride , with respect to 2 , 2 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine , was added to the reaction mixture and the mixture was reacted under a nitrogen atmosphere for 24 hours . then , acetic anhydride and pyridine were added to the reaction mixture , and reacted under a nitrogen atmosphere at room temperature for 24 hours . after the reaction was completed , the reaction mixture was dropwise added to methanol to form a precipitate . the obtained precipitate was filtered and washed with methanol several times . then , the resultant was dried in a vacuum oven set to 50 ° c . for 24 hours , resulting in a polyimide expressed by the following formula ( having a weight average molecular weight of 15 , 000 ). 1 g of the polyimide was dissolved in 5 g of a solvent mixture containing cyclohexanone and γ - butyrolactone in a ratio of 1 : 1 by weight , to form a coating mixture and then the mixture was spin coated on a silicon substrate . the silicon substrate was thermally - treated at 20 ° c ., resulting in a first polyimide film . then , the coating mixture was again spin coated on the silicon substrate having the first polyimide film , and the silicon substrate was thermally - treated at 200 ° c . to form a second polyimide film , and thus a dual - layered polyimide film was obtained . 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 , 4 - dicarboxyphenyl ) hexafluoropropane dianhydride and 3 , 5 - diaminobenzotrifluoride in a mole ratio of 0 . 95 : 1 , and n , n - dimethylacetamide were mixed . then , maleic anhydride in 0 . 05 mole ratio with respect to 2 , 2 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine , was added to the mixture and reacted under a nitrogen atmosphere for 24 hours . then , acetic anhydride and pyridine were added to the reaction mixture , and reacted under a nitrogen atmosphere at room temperature for 24 hours . after the reaction was completed , the reaction mixture was dropwise added to methanol to form a precipitate . the obtained precipitate was filtered and washed with methanol several times . then , the resultant was dried in a vacuum oven set to 50 ° c . for 24 hours , resulting in a polyimide expressed by the following formula ( having a weight average molecular weight of 12 , 000 ). 1 g of the polyimide was dissolved in 5 g of a solvent mixture containing cyclohexanone and γ - butyrolactone in a ratio of 1 : 1 by weight , to form a coating mixture and then the coating mixture was spin coated on a silicon substrate . the silicon substrate was thermally - treated at 200 ° c ., resulting in a first polyimide film . then , the coating mixture was again spin coated on the silicon substrate having the first polyimide film , and the silicon substrate was thermally - treated at 200 ° c . to form a second polyimide film , and thus a dual - layered polyimide film was obtained . a polyimide ( having a weight average molecular weight of 6 , 000 ) was synthesized and a dual - layered polyimide film was formed in the same manner as in example 1 , except that 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 , 4 - dicarboxyphenyl ) hexafluoropropane dianhydride and 2 , 2 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine were mixed in a mole ratio of 0 . 9 : 1 . a polyimide ( having a weight average molecular weight of 6 , 000 ) was synthesized and a dual - layered polyimide film was formed in the same manner as in example 2 , except that 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 , 4 - dicarboxyphenyl ) hexafluoropropane dianhydride and 2 , 2 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine were mixed in a mole ratio of 0 . 9 : 1 . a polyimide ( having a weight average molecular weight of 7 , 000 ) was synthesized and a dual - layered polyimide film was formed in the same manner as in example 3 , except that 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 , 4 - dicarboxyphenyl ) hexafluoropropane dianhydride and 3 , 5 - diaminobenzotrifluoride ) were mixed in a mole ratio of 0 . 9 : 1 . polyimides ( each having a weight average molecular weight of 13 , 000 ) were synthesized and dual - layered polyimide films were formed in the same manner as in examples 1 and 2 , except that 2 , 2 ′- difluorobenzidine was used instead of 2 , 2 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine . the resulting polyimide may be expressed : polyimides ( each having a weight average molecular weight of 13 , 000 ) were synthesized and dual - layered polyimide films were formed in the same manner as in examples 1 and 2 , except that tetrafluoro - 1 , 3 - phenylenediamine was used instead of 2 , 2 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine . the resulting polyimide may be expressed : polyimides ( each having a weight average molecular weight of 1 5 , 000 ) were synthesized and dual - layered polyimide films were formed in the same manner as in examples 1 and 2 , except that 4 , 4 ′- diaminooctafluorobiphenyl was used instead of 2 , 2 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine . polyimides ( each having a weight average molecular weight of 14 , 000 ) were synthesized and dual - layered polyimide films were formed in the same manner as in examples 1 and 2 , except that hexafluoro - 1 , 5 - diaminonaphthalene was used instead of 2 , 2 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine . polyimides ( each having a weight average molecular weight of 18 , 000 ) were synthesized and dual - layered polyimide films were formed in the same manner as in examples 1 and 2 , except that 2 , 2 - bis ( 4 - aminotetrafluorophenyl ) hexafluoropropane was used instead of 2 , 2 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine . polyimides ( each having a weight average molecular weight of 15 , 000 ) were synthesized and dual - layered polyimide films were formed in the same manner as in examples 1 and 2 , except that bis ( 4 - aminotetrafluorophenyl ) ether was used instead of 2 , 2 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine . polyimides ( each having a weight average molecular weight of 16 , 000 ) were synthesized and dual - layered polyimide films were formed in the same manner as in examples 1 and 2 , except that 4 , 4 ′- diaminooctafluorobenzophenone was used instead of 2 , 2 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine . polyimides ( each having a weight average molecular weight of 16 , 000 ) were synthesized and dual - layered polyimide films were formed in the same manner as in examples 1 and 2 , except that 4 , 4 ′- diaminooctafluorodiphenylsulfone was used instead of 2 , 2 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine . a polyimide ( having a weight average molecular weight of 16 , 000 ) was synthesized and a dual - layered polyimide film was formed in the same manner as in example 1 , except that 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 , 4 - dicarboxyphenyl ) hexafluoropropanedianhydrideand2 , 2 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine were mixed in a mole ratio of 0 . 83 : 1 . 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 , 4 - dicarboxyphenyl ) hexafluoropropane dianhydride and 2 , 2 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine in a mole ratio of 1 : 1 , and n , n - dimethylacetamide were mixed , and reacted under a nitrogen atmosphere at room temperature for 24 hours to synthesize a polyamic acid . 1 g of the polyamic acid was dissolved in 5 g of n , n - dimethylacetamide , and spin coated on a silicon substrate . then , the silicon substrate was heated to 350 ° c . for imidization , resulting in a first polyimide film on the substrate . 1 g of the polyamic acid was dissolved in 5g of n - methylpyrrolidone , and the obtained solution was spin coated on the silicon substrate having the first polyimide film . then , the silicon substrate was heated to 350 ° c . for imidization , so that a second polyimide film was formed on the first polyimide film , resulting in a dual layered polyimide film . a polyamic acid was synthesized and a dual - layered polyimide film was formed in the same manner as in comparative example 1 , except that 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 , 4 - dicarboxyphenyl ) hexafluoropropane dianhydride and 2 , 2 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine were mixed in a mole ratio of 0 . 95 : 1 . a polyamic acid was synthesized and a dual - layered polyimide film was formed in the same manner as in comparative example 1 , except that 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 , 4 - dicarboxyphenyl ) hexafluoropropane dianhydride and 2 , 2 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine were mixed in a mole ratio of 0 . 9 : 1 . a polyamic acid was synthesized and a dual - layered polyimide film was formed in the same manner as in comparative example 1 , except that 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 , 4 - dicarboxyphenyl ) hexafluoropropane dianhydride and 2 , 2 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine were mixed in a mole ratio of 0 . 87 : 1 . a polyamic acid was synthesized and a dual - layered polyimide film was formed in the same manner as in comparative example 1 , except that 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 , 4 - dicarboxyphenyl ) hexafluoropropane dianhydride and 2 , 2 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine were mixed in a mole ratio of 1 : 0 . 95 . a polyamic acid was synthesized and a dual - layered polyimide film was formed in the same manner as in comparative example 1 , except that 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 , 4 - dicarboxyphenyl ) hexafluoropropane dianhydride and 2 , 2 ′- bis ( trifluoromethyl ) benzidine were mixed in a mole ratio of 1 : 0 . 87 . refractive index and birefringence of the polyimides synthesized in examples and comparative examples were measured at a wavelength of 150mm . the results are shown in fig1 and 2 . from fig1 and 2 , with an decrease in the mole ratio of acid anhydride and diamine , a weight average molecular weight of the polyimide decreases . as a result , the refractive index of the polyimide increases , whereas the birefringence thereof decreases . and , the polyimides synthesized in examples 1 through 23 have a lower birefringence and a higher refractive index than that of the comparative examples 1 - 6 . also , the status of dual - layered polyimide films formed in examples 1 through 23 , and comparative examples 1 through 6 was observed . according to the results , in the dual - layered polyimide films formed in comparative examples 1 through 6 , cracks were detected in a first polyimide film . meanwhile , cracks were not detected in the dual - layered polyimide films formed in examples 1 through 23 . from the above results , it can be concluded that the dual - layered polyimide films formed in examples 1 through 23 are stable in an organic solvent due to the network structure . the polyimide expressed as the formula ( 1 ) according to the present invention has a lower birefringence than a common polyimide that is used as a material for optical waveguiding . the problem of waveguiding characteristics in view of the dependency on polarization may be solved . also , the solubility of polyimide in an organic solvent is lowered , so that the occurrence of cracks in a lower polyimide film , by the organic solvent used to form an upper polyimide film can be avoided , which permits formation of stable multiple polyimide films . applications of such multiple polyimide films to optical communications devices can be very useful .	2
embodiments of the invention will be described below in reference to drawings . while the description is made on embodiments of the operation control device and the operation stopping method for a vacuum pump used for evacuating gas from the chamber of the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus , the vacuum pump , to which the operation control device and the operation stopping method according to the invention are applied , is not limited to such a pump . fig1 and 2 are views showing a constitution example of a vacuum pump using an operation control device according to the invention . fig1 is a sectional view . fig2 shows the sectional view along the line i - i in fig1 . as shown , this vacuum pump includes : a pair of pump rotors 1 , a casing 2 having an exhaust chamber 7 accommodating the pump rotors 1 , and an electric motor 3 for driving and rotating the pump rotors 1 . the casing 2 is provided with an inlet ( not shown ) for suctioning gas and an outlet ( not shown ) for exhausting gas . each of the paired pump rotors 1 is fixed to a shaft 4 supported to be rotatable through a bearing 5 . one shaft 4 is fixed to a motor rotor ( not shown ) around which is disposed a motor stator ( not shown ). the electric motor 3 is made up of the motor rotor and the motor stator . in this embodiment , the electric motor 3 is an induction motor . at an end of each shaft 4 is fixed a timing gear 6 . with these timing gears 6 , the paired pump rotors 1 are adapted to rotate synchronously in directions opposite to each other . the paired pump rotors 1 are adapted to rotate without contacting the casing 2 because very narrow gaps are formed between the pump rotors 1 , and between the pump rotors 1 and the inside surface of the exhaust chamber 7 of the casing 2 . with the vacuum pump of the above constitution , as the electric motor 3 drives and rotates the paired pump rotors 1 , gas is suctioned through the inlet ( not shown ), moved along the pump rotors 1 , and delivered out of the outlet ( not shown ). as the gas is continuously moved from the inlet to the outlet side , gas in the chamber connected to the inlet is evacuated . this chamber is built in the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus . as shown in fig1 and 2 , the vacuum pump is provided with an operation control device 10 for controlling the operation of the vacuum pump . the operation control device 10 is internally provided with a pump rotor control section 15 for controlling rotation and stop action of the pump rotors 1 . fig3 is a diagram showing a constitution example of a motor drive circuit controlled with the operation control device 10 . as shown in fig3 , the motor drive circuit is made up of : a 3 - phase power source 11 , an electric leakage breaker ( elb ) 12 , an electromagnetic contactor 13 , and a thermal protector 14 . the 3 - phase power source 11 is connected through the electric leakage breaker ( elb ) 12 to the electromagnetic contactor 13 . the electromagnetic contactor 13 is connected through the thermal protector 14 to the electric motor 3 . the electromagnetic contactor 13 is connected to the pump rotor control section 15 of the operation control device 10 for controlling rotation and stop action of the pump rotors 1 ( only one pump rotor is shown in fig3 ). incidentally , the electric leakage breaker ( elb ) may be replaced with a circuit breaker ( cb ). the pump rotor control section 15 is connected to an operation stop switch ( not shown ) for the vacuum pump . when the operation stop switch is operated while the vacuum pump is in operation , a stop command is sent from the pump rotor control section 15 to the electromagnetic contactor 13 . the electromagnetic contactor 13 operates upon receiving the stop command to shut off 3 - phase power supplied from the 3 - phase power source 11 to the electric motor 3 . thus , the electric motor 3 stops operation to stop the vacuum pump . the thermal protector 14 works when the electric motor 3 is overloaded to stop electric current supplied from the 3 - phase power source 11 to the electric motor 3 , and stop the operation of the vacuum pump . thus , the electric motor 3 is prevented from being overloaded and overheated . in the pump rotor control section 15 is memorized a pump stop control pattern ( timing pattern for controlling to stop the pump ) for turning on and off the vacuum pump with the lapse of time after a vacuum pump operation stop action is taken by operating the operation stop switch . when a signal is given to take the vacuum pump stop action , using a built - in timer 16 in the pump rotor control section 15 , the pump stop control pattern of fig4 is implemented to repeat the cycle of starting and stopping the operation of the vacuum pump ; the vacuum pump is stopped for a period of t 1 after the pump stop action is taken , then operated for a period of t 2 , and so on . in this way , the pump rotors 1 are repetitively rotated and stopped . in this embodiment , the pattern of the timer 16 is set so that the pump rotors 1 are driven in the order of forward rotation ( rotation in forward direction ), stop , and forward rotation . actual rotating speed of the pump rotors 1 decreases gradually due to inertia . fig4 illustrates motion of the pump rotors 1 with neglecting the inertia force . when the pump rotors 1 rotate in forward direction , one pump rotor 1 rotates in one direction ( for example clockwise ) while the other rotates in the opposite direction ( for example counterclockwise ). here , gas is suctioned through the inlet into the casing , moved toward the outlet , and discharged out of the outlet . in other words , the forward direction of rotation of the pump rotors 1 means the direction of rotation of the pump rotors 1 that moves gas in the casing 2 from the gas inlet toward the outlet . as described above , when the vacuum pump is to be stopped , the pump rotors 1 are stopped , and operation is resumed to rotate again the pump rotors 1 . in this way , it is possible to apply forces of the pump rotors 1 to the products precipitating along with decrease in temperature of the vacuum pump in the gaps between the pump rotors 1 and the casing 2 . thus , because squeeze of the products due to shrinkage is prevented from occurring and the products are removed , the vacuum pump may be started smoothly . here , if a pattern is set to repeat rotation and stopping of the pump rotors 1 for several cycles , it will be possible to remove the products more securely . once the vacuum pump is started normally , the pump rotors 1 rotate in forward direction in steady state to evacuate gas . the vacuum pump used in a second embodiment is the same in constitution as that shown in fig1 and 2 . therefore , description of the vacuum pump is omitted . fig5 is a diagram showing a constitution example of a motor drive circuit controlled with the operation control device 15 . as shown , the motor drive circuit is made up of : the 3 - phase power source 11 , the electric leakage breaker ( elb ) 12 , and a frequency converter 21 . the 3 - phase power source 11 is connected through the electric leakage breaker ( elb ) 12 to the frequency converter 21 . the frequency converter 21 is connected to the electric motor 3 . the frequency converter 21 is made up of : a rectifier 22 , a power transistor section 23 for producing current waveforms for rotating the electric motor 3 , and a frequency conversion control section 24 for controlling the frequency converter 21 . the frequency converter 21 is also connected to the pump rotor control section 15 for controlling operation and stop action of the pump rotors 1 . in the pump rotor control section 15 is memorized a pump stop control pattern for the lapse of time when the operation of the vacuum pump is to be stopped as shown in fig6 or 7 . a pump stop action is taken by operating an operation stop switch ( not shown ) when the vacuum pump is in operation . according to the pump stop control pattern shown in fig6 , a speed reduction command signal is sent from the pump rotor control section 15 to the frequency converter 21 to reduce speed linearly with the lapse of time . the rotating speed of the vacuum pump ( i . e . rotating speed of the pump rotors 1 ) decreases linearly . when a predetermined speed value is reached , the speed reduction command signal is suspended to stop the vacuum pump . according to the pump stop control pattern shown in fig7 , a speed reduction command signal is sent from the pump rotor control section 15 to the frequency converter 21 to reduce the speed , where the time duration of one step is made longer than that of the last step . the rotating speed of the vacuum pump decreases stepwise and the vacuum pump stops when a predetermined reduced speed is reached . in this embodiment too , like in the first embodiment , a pattern like that shown in fig1 may be set according to which the electric motor 3 is operated in the order of forward rotation , stop , and forward rotation , repeated for several cycles . while an induction motor is used as the electric motor 3 in the above embodiments , the induction motor may be replaced with a brushless dc motor on condition that the frequency conversion control section 24 is replaced with a brushless dc motor control section . in that case too , it is possible to rotate the pump rotors 1 based on the predetermined pattern as shown in fig4 , 6 , and 7 , like when using the induction motor . regarding the pump stop control patterns for stopping the vacuum pump operation , those patterns as shown in fig8 to 12 may be considered besides those shown in fig4 , 6 , and 7 . according to fig8 , the pump is de - energized for a period of ti when a pump stop action is taken by operating the operation stop switch . when the period of ti lapses , the pump is energized for a period of t 2 . when the period of t 2 lapses , the pump is de - energized for a period of ti + 1 . thus , the period t 2 for energizing the pump is made constant , while the periods ti , ti + 1 , ti + 2 , . . . for de - energizing the pump are made longer with the lapse of time . in other words , intervals of de - energizing the pump are made short in the early stage ( high temperature state ) immediately after the pomp stop action is taken in which pump temperature decreases rapidly ; and the intervals are made long in low temperature state . this may be brought about by setting a pattern expressed in a numerical value table as shown in fig8 in the pump rotor control section 15 . according to fig9 , the period t 1 for de - energizing the pump and the period t 2 for energizing the pump are both made constant , allowing the rotating speed of the pump or the rotating speed of the pump rotors 1 to decrease with the lapse of time after a pump stop action is taken . according to fig1 , the pump is rotated for a predetermined operation period of t 2 alternately in forward or reverse direction every time a constant period of t 1 lapses . as a result , rotary forces of the pump rotors are applied to the products from different directions , so that the products become more likely to crumble and easy to remove . according to fig1 , the period t 1 for de - energizing the pump and the period t 2 for energizing the pump are both made constant . after a pump stop action is taken , the electric motor is rotated in the forward direction for several times ( twice in fig1 ). if the then current in the electric motor 3 is greater than a predetermined value , it is deemed that the products cannot be removed by forward rotation . then , the pump rotors 1 are rotated in the reverse direction to scrape off the products . the pump stop control repeats the above steps until the current of the electric motor decreases below a predetermined value . according to fig1 , forward and reverse rotations of the pump rotors 1 are made in succession within a pump energizing period ( or a pump operation period ) of t 2 , followed by a pump de - energizing period of t 1 . this cycle is repeated to apply rotary forces of the rotors 1 in forward and reverse rotary directions to the products within the period of t 2 and scrape off the products . to evacuate gas in the chamber of the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus , a main pump mp and a booster pump bp are connected in series to the chamber . when a start command is given , as shown in fig1 , the main pump mp is started first . when the rotating speed of the main pump mp reaches a predetermined value , the booster pump bp is started . when a stop command is given , an action is taken to stop the main pump mp and the booster pump bp simultaneously . after the action to stop the main pump mp and the booster pump bp is taken , the operation of the main pump mp and the booster pump bp is controlled according to the above - mentioned pump stop control pattern . as a result , products in the main pump mp and the booster pump bp are efficiently removed , so that the main pump mp and the booster pump bp may be started smoothly . while embodiments of this invention are described above , this invention is not limited to the embodiments and may be modified in various ways within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims , the specification and the drawings . for example , it is possible to pre - store a plural number of pump stop control patterns in a plural number of pump rotor control sections 15 , so that an appropriate pump stop control pattern matching the kind of gas to be evacuated from the chamber may be chosen out of the plural number of pump stop control patterns to take an action to stop the operation of the vacuum pump . 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 . 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 ) is 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 . 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 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 .	5
fig1 shows the basic elements for obtaining the light scattered off - plane from the fiber . a source of monochromatic light 10 is directed through a lens or lens system , shown here as a cylindrical lens 11 , to focus a slit of light onto the fiber 12 . the beam incident on the fiber advantageously has an in - plane width large enough to include the fiber diameter so as to reveal defects over the whole fiber cross section . the out - of - plane width of the beam is correspondingly small . since the refracted beam may scatter off defects inside as well as on both front and back surfaces of the fiber , it is preferred , but not required , to have the beam incident on the fiber polarized to minimize reflection losses . the optional polarizer is indicated schematically in fig1 a . refracted light scattered off - plane is collimated by lens 13 and detected by photodetector 14 . the important feature of the detector is its location off the axis of the incident beam ( fig1 b ). off - plane light will appear more or less at any angle in the quadrant shown , although we have found that it appears typically most intense at around 15 ° to the beam axis . a placement angle of 5 ° to 70 ° would produce acceptable results . viewed from the side , ( fig1 a ), the detector may be placed at any position around the plane &# 34 ; behind &# 34 ; the fiber . the useful angle is 5 ° to 175 ° from the fiber axis . a preferred placement is 30 ° ± 10 °. it is evident at this point that a plurality of detectors may be preferred over a single detector , although we have demonstrated that a single detector can be used effectively . using multiple detectors one can take advantage more effectively of the fact that the pattern of radiation scattered from a defect can reveal the nature of that defect . thus , we have been able to distinguish micro - cracks capable of causing fiber breaks from dirt particles that are removable with cleaning . moreover , since the cracks or other surface defects of interest typically do not scatter light isotropically , the intensity of the scattered light at a given detector location is likely to vary with the extent and orientation of the defect . if more of the radiation pattern can be analyzed , the nature , size and orientation of the defect is revealed . there are a variety of potential responses to the detection of defects in the fiber . if the fiber is monitored as it is drawn the drawing conditions can be adjusted to eliminate the defects , or reduce their severity or number . the apparatus can be designed to mark the defect with dye or paint at a given servo signal from the photomultiplier . the most likely response in a commericial installation is to sever the fiber at or near the point of the defect and then begin a new length , or splice the fiber after eliminating the section containing the defect . the defect detection technique of this invention was demonstrated using the following embodiment . the apparatus was arranged as in fig1 . the monochromatic light source 10 was a 15 mw he - cd + laser ( 4416 a ). the light source can be of any wavelength capable of convenient detection . radiation of short wavelength , even x - rays , can detect very small defects . however , visible wavelengths are adequate and easily detected . the radiation from source 10 was polarized in the vertical plane and focused in the horizontal plane onto the fiber using a 40 mm focal length cylindrical lens . the fiber was translated through the focal region using a simple motorized translation stage at 500 microns / sec . the rate of travel of the fiber was intentionally slow to allow simple electrometer - recorder electronics for the detection operation . accelerating the rate up to the speeds envisioned in manufacture is straightforward and involves simply the use of commonly available electronics having a shorter response . for example , if the laser is focused to a nominal waist of 20 microns on the surface of a fiber moving at 10 m / sec , then a defect small compared with the illuminated fiber length , will appear as a scattering signal with 2μ sec width . in the demonstration , the output was detected using a philips 150 uvp photomultiplier 14 , with the signal recorded on an electrometer - strip chart recorder 15 . a 5 . 0 cm diameter lens imaged the scattered light through a glass filter ( to block ambient radiation ) onto the photomultiplier . the lens center was 12 . 5 cm from the scattering region ; the lens edges just contacted the scattering plane , and the horizontal plane containing the laser beam . the fiber investigated was a ge doped , graded index , uncoated , 110 micron diameter fiber . the results of a sample analysis are summarized by fig2 a , and 3b . fig2 shows a fiber with defects &# 34 ; a - c and e - h &# 34 ;, located spatially along the fiber as shown . the length of this particular fiber section was about 40 mm . the electrometer recording from this fiber section is shown in fig3 a which recorded the scan on the front of the fiber , and 3b , which recorded the scan with the fiber rotated 180 °. the correlation between the spatial location of the defects and the peaks occurring in the trace is evident and demonstrates the effectiveness of the detection technique . each of the major defects seen in the illustration of fig2 and denoted by letters &# 34 ; a - c &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; e - h &# 34 ;, is accounted for by one of the large spikes in the front side scattering trace of fig3 a at the corresponding position . conversely , part of the defect - free portion of the fiber ( around 22 - 23 mm ) denoted by letter &# 34 ; d &# 34 ;, corresponds to a relatively flat portion of the scattering recording . spike f in the scattering trace from the back of the fiber , fig3 b , appears to contain a contribution from both the defects at 25 . 9 mm and 26 . 2 mm . a comparison of the front and back recordings demonstrates clearly the anisotropy in the scattering signal that was explained earlier . although each of the major spikes in fig3 a has a counterpart in fig3 b , the relative intensities vary by as much as a factor of 50 . this illustrates the need for more than one detector if it is important , in a given application , to derive quantitative information . fig2 has been idealized in the sense that several small defects that appeared in the original fiber were omitted . this choice was made since in each case the defect omitted was situated on the lower hemisphere of the fiber , as seen in fig1 a , and the detector was located on the upper hemisphere . as noted before , these defects would not be expected to show as well in the arrangement used with the detector located in one of the other quadrants , or with multiple detectors . if the fiber being monitored is a so - called &# 34 ; clad &# 34 ; fiber light that enters the core of the fiber and is scattered off - plane it is likely to become entrapped within the core because of the light guiding characteristic of this kind of fiber . this scattered radiation can still be detected but the detector is advantageously placed at the end of the fiber . an arrangement suitable for this is shown in fig4 . the basic elements are the same as those appearing in fig1 except that the detector 14 is placed adjacent the preform 40 of the fiber as it is being drawn . light scattered from the defect is channeled along the fiber core and along the core of the preform to the detector . finally , we have established that the nature of the defects , i . e ., whether cracks , scratches , dirt , etc . is immaterial to the effectiveness of this detection technique .	6
a tracheostoma valve assembly 1 , as shown in fig1 - 8 , illustrates one preferred embodiment of the present invention . the tracheostoma valve assembly 1 includes an annular base member 2 mounted on one end portion 3b of a cylindrical - shaped central body portion or sleeve 3 , a cover or end cap 4 mounted on the other end portion 3a of the sleeve 3 , a dual valve structure which includes an external blow - out or relief valve means , consisting of a band ring 5 mounted around the central portion of the sleeve 3 , and an internal valve means consisting of a flexible silicone valve member 6 , a valve disc 7 , a sealing ring 8 and spiral spring 9 mounted in the end portion of the sleeve 3 which is adjacent to the end cover 4 , fig5 - 8 , as will hereinafter be discussed . the base 2 , the band ring 5 , the valve member 6 and the sealing ring 8 are , preferably comprised of a soft , resilient material , such as , for example , silicone ; and the sleeve 3 , cover 4 and valve disc 7 preferably are made of a suitable hard , light weight plastic material , and the spring 9 is preferably made of a suitable corrosion - resistant material , such as , for example , stainless steel or spring steel . the base 2 is preferably of a one - piece molded construction and embodies an annular flange 10 thereon projecting radially outwardly from one end of a tubular body portion or collar 11 ( fig4 - 8 ). the flange 10 is resilient and flexible so that it is free to move between the position shown in fig5 - 8 , wherein it extends in somewhat over - lying position relative to the collar 11 , and a relatively flat position , as shown in fig1 to which it is moved when the valve assembly 1 is disposed in operative position on a person wearing the same . the flange 10 may be secured to the person wearing the valve assembly 1 by any suitable means , such as , for example , an adhesive on the face thereof remote from the collar 11 , or as shown in fig1 by an annular tape 13 , secured to the person and to the flange 10 in over - lying relation to the annular outer edge of the base 2 . the sleeve 3 is , preferably , of a one - piece construction and embodies a tubular housing 14 having a spider 15 disposed therein , fig3 - 8 , the spider 15 having a post 16 projecting outwardly therefrom through one end 3a of the sleeve 3 along the longitudinal center line of the latter , fig4 - 8 , and depending legs 15a which extend forwardly to engage the walls of the sleeve 3 . the housing 14 of the sleeve 3 has an annular groove 18 formed in and extending around the outer surface thereof , with preferably , a plurality of holes or openings 20 extending through the wall of the housing 14 , within the annular groove 18 , the opening or openings 20 being disposed radially in the wall with respect to the spider 15 in surrounding relation to the post 16 , fig5 - 8 . in the assembled valve assembly 1 , the band ring 5 is mounted in the annular groove 18 in snug fitting , overlying relation to the opening or openings 20 to complete the external blow - out or relief valve means , which will be discussed in greater detail presently . when the valve assembly 1 is completed , the base 2 is mounted on the end portion 3b of the sleeve 3 remote from the post 16 with a snug , but freely removable fit . preferably , the sleeve 3 has a flange 21 on the end 3b adjacent to the base 2 on the sleeve 3 . at the other end 3a of the sleeve 3 , the cover 4 is mounted on the sleeve 3 with a snug , but freely removable fit , in outwardly spaced relation to the band ring 5 , fig5 - 8 . the cover 4 is in the form of a spider 24 , fig4 which has an opening 22 through the center thereof , through which the post 16 extends in the valve assembly 1 and a plurality of openings 23 therein which permits air to be inhaled into the valve assembly 1 , as will hereinafter be described . the internal valve means of the valve assembly 1 is comprised of a flexible silicone valve member 6 , having a central opening 6a therein adapted to have the post 16 inserted therethrough , positioned adjacent a valve disc 7 having a central opening 7a therein and adapted to have the post 16 inserted therethrough . the valve member 6 is smaller in diameter then the valve disc 7 . the disc 7 has a plurality of openings 7b therein ( three are shown in fig4 ), which openings 7b cooperate with the valve member 6 during the inhalation , and a central opening 7a therein adapted to have the post 16 inserted therethrough . however , it is within the scope of the present invention to design a disc 7 having a single arcuate shaped opening therein which cooperates with the valve member 6 . the valve member 6 is smaller in diameter then the valve disc 7 . the disc 7 and openings 7b ( fig4 ) cooperate with the flexible valve member 6 during the inhalation mode or position ( fig6 ) to provide , in effect , a first valve means within the internal valve means and to permit relatively unobstructed breathing through the openings 7b and past the flexible valve member 6 , the position as shown in fig6 and depicted by the arrows therein . a second valve means within the internal valve means is comprised of the valve disc 7 , which is smaller in diameter than the sleeve 3 , and which has a central opening 7a therein , fig4 . when the valve assembly 1 is completed , the disc 7 is mounted on the post 16 with a snug , but freely slidable fit , the post 16 extending through the opening 7a . preferably , the disc 7 cooperates with a washer or sealing ring 8 , made of a suitable soft , resilient material , such as , for example , silicone , associated therewith , the sealing ring 8 having an enlarged opening 8a through the central portion thereof and being mounted onto the end 3a of the sleeve 3 and retained in place by the end cover 4 . the disc 7 cooperates with the sealing ring 8 when the person is in the speaking mode or position to fully close and seal the internal valve means of the valve assembly , the position as shown in fig7 . the spiral spring 9 is mounted on the post 16 in surrounding relation thereto , between the sealing ring 8 and the central portion of the spider 24 of the cover 4 . the spring 8 engages the disc 7 to predeterminely position and bias the disc 7 away from the sealing ring 8 to permit normal exhalation and breathing to occur , the position of the valve assembly as shown in fig5 . in the operation of the valve assembly 1 , during normal exhalation , as shown in fig5 the spring 9 is effective to hold the disc 7 against , or closely adjacent to the spider 15 in the housing 3 and against the flexible valve member 6 . in this position , air may freely flow around the disc 7 and out of the valve assembly 1 . when a person wearing the valve assembly inhales , the air passes through the openings 7b and moves the flexible valve member 6 from the closed position ( fig5 ) to the open position ( fig6 ), thus operatively moving both the first valve means and the second valve means of the internal valve structure from the closed position to the open position . when a person wearing the valve assembly 1 wishes to speak , the person &# 39 ; s increased respiratory effort , for example , airflow , pressure or the like , from the lungs or trachea 26 is effective to move the flexible valve member 6 against the valve disc openings 7b to close the same and to move the disc 7 away from the spider 15 , against the urging of the spring 9 and into position to press the disc 7 into sealing engagement with the sealing ring 8 , the position as shown in fig6 . thus , sealed , the tracheostoma valve directs the exhaled air through a fenestrated tube or a tracheoesophageal puncture voice prosthesis device enabling speech . when the person stops speaking , the attendent increased air pressure within valve assembly 1 decreases , the spring 9 is again effective to move the disc 7 back toward the spider 15 , out of sealing engagement with the sealing ring 8 and thereby permit the exhalation and flow of air through the valve assembly 1 to resume , the position as shown in fig5 . however , when large pressures are generated within the valve assembly 1 , such as , for example , when a person wearing the same coughs , or the like , this buildup of air pressure is effective to move the flexible valve member 6 against the openings 7b in the valve disc 7 and to move the disc 7 against the urging of the spring 9 into sealing engagement with the sealing ring 8 . under such circumstances , if the closing of the disc 7 against the sealing ring 8 were permitted to continue to prevent the flow of air outwardly from the trachea 26 of the person wearing the valve 1 , the person would be in distress . however , with the novel valve assembly 1 , when a large air pressure buildup occurs , thus closing the disc 7 against the sealing ring 8 , the increased air pressure is effective to cause the elastic band ring 5 to be displaced outwardly away from the sleeve 3 , the position as shown in fig7 . the air pressure exerted outwardly ( shown by arrows in fig7 ) through the opening or openings 20 is effective to displace the ring 5 and permit the air to flow outwardly through the opening or openings 20 past the band ring 5 . accordingly , the present invention provides a separate external blow - out or relief valve means which may be predeterminely tuned and sized to open and release the increased air pressure within the valve assembly , and which automatically closes to restore itself when the air pressure within the assembly is reduced therein , a result which has been heretofore been unattainable by the prior art structures . thus , the valve assembly 1 effectively accommodates breathing during various types of activities , ranging from exercise to normal vegetative breathing , speaking , and coughing and permits the control of the sensitivity of the external blow - out valve means by varying the dimensions of the opening or openings 20 and the modulous of the band ring 5 and the internal valve means with respect to each other to provide a valve assembly wherein the closing resistance is precisely controlled by the predetermined spring resistance , and the dimensions of the disc or sleeve , a result that permits the accommodation of unlimited breathing requirements of various individuals . a further embodiment of the tracheostoma valve assembly 1 in accordance with the present invention is shown in fig9 - 12 , and like numerals have been used throughout the several views to designate the same or similar parts of the first embodiment of fig4 - 8 . although the tracheostoma valve assembly 1 of this embodiment includes an annular base member 2 mounted on one end portion 3b of a cylindrical - shaped central body portion or sleeve 3 , a cover or end cap 4 mounted on the other end portion 3a of the sleeve and a dual valve structure , as shown in fig5 - 8 , the dual valve structure has been modified in that the internal valve means includes a flexible silicone valve member 6 , a valve disc 7 , a sealing ring 8 mounted to the valve disc 7 and spiral spring 9 mounted in the end portion of the sleeve 3 which is adjacent to the end cover 4 , fig9 - 12 , as will hereinafter be discussed . the sleeve 3 is , preferably , of a one - piece construction and embodies a tubular housing 14 having a spider 15 disposed therein , fig9 - 12 , the spider 15 having a post 16 projecting outwardly therefrom through one end 3a of the sleeve 3 along the longitudinal center line of the latter , fig9 - 12 . the housing 14 of the sleeve 3 has an annular groove 18 formed in and extending around the outer surface thereof , with a plurality of holes or openings 20 extending radially through the wall of the housing 14 , within the annular groove 18 , the openings 20 being disposed and positioned in the sleeve between where the angled depending legs 15a engage the walls of the sleeve 3 and the spider 15 in surrounding relation to the post 16 , fig9 - 12 . in the assembled valve assembly 1 , the band ring 5 is mounted in the annular groove 18 in snug fitting , overlying relation to the opening or openings 20 to complete the external blow - out valve means . when the valve assembly 1 is completed , the base 2 is mounted on the end portion of the sleeve 3 remote from the post 16 with a snug , but freely removable fit . preferably , the sleeve 3 has a flange 21 on the end 36 adjacent to the base 2 on the sleeve 3 . at the other end 3a of the sleeve 3 , the cover 4 is mounted on the sleeve 3 with a snug , but freely removable fit , in outwardly spaced relation to the band ring 5 , fig9 - 12 . the outer end of the cover 4 is in the form of a spider 24 , fig4 which has an opening 22 through the center thereof , through which the post 16 extends in the completed valve assembly 1 . a plurality of openings 23 is provided in the cover 4 which permit air to be inhaled into the valve assembly 1 , as will hereinafter be described . additionally , the cover 4 includes an annular valve seat 28 embodied therein in surrounding relation to the cover spider 24 . the valve seat 28 is smaller in diameter than the disc 7 and cooperates with sealing ring 8 mounted on the disc 7 to provide sealing engagement of the internal valve means when in the speaking mode or position ( fig1 ) or the blow - out mode or position ( fig1 ), as will hereinafter be described . the internal valve means of the valve assembly 1 is comprised of a flexible silicone valve member 6 , having a central opening 6a therein adapted to have the post 16 inserted therethrough , positioned adjacent a valve disc 7 having a central opening 7a therein and adapted to have the post 16 inserted therethrough . the valve member 6 is smaller in diameter then the valve disc 7 . the disc 7 has a plurality of openings 7b therein ( fig4 ), which openings 7b cooperate with the flexible valve member 6 during the inhalation position ( fig1 ) to provide in effect a first valve means within the internal valve means and to permit relatively unobstructed breathing through the openings 7b and past the flexible valve member 6 , the position as shown in fig1 and depicted by the arrows therein . a second valve means within the internal valve means is comprised of the valve disc 7 , which is smaller in diameter than the sleeve 3 , and which has a central opening 7a therein , fig4 . the valve disc 7 and sealing ring 8 mounted thereon cooperate with the annular valve seat 28 of cover 4 . when the valve assembly 1 is assembled , the disc 7 and sealing ring 8 thereon , is mounted on the post 16 with a snug , but freely slidable fit , the post 16 extending through the opening 7a . the disc 7 and sealing ring 8 cooperate with the annular valve seat 28 when the person is in the speaking mode or position to fully close and seal the internal valve means of the valve assembly , the position as shown in fig1 . the spiral spring 9 is mounted on the post 16 in surrounding relation thereto , between the disc 7 and the central portion of the spider 24 in the cover 4 . the spring 8 engages the disc 7 to predeterminely bias the disc 7 and sealing ring 8 thereon away from the annular valve seat 28 to permit normal exhalation and breathing inhalation to occur , the position of the valve assembly , as shown in fig9 and 10 . in the operation of the valve assembly 1 , during normal exhalation , as shown in fig9 the spring 9 is effective to bias the disc 7 against , or closely adjacent to the spider 15 in the housing 3 and against the flexible valve member 6 . in this position , air may freely flow around the disc 7 and out of the valve assembly 1 during normal exhaling . when a person wearing the valve assembly inhales , the air passes through the openings 7b and moves the flexible valve member 6 from the closed position ( fig5 ) to the open position ( fig6 ), thus operatively moving the first valve means of the internal valve structure from a closed position to an open position . when a person wearing the valve assembly 1 wishes to speak , the person &# 39 ; s increased respiratory effort , for example , airflow , pressure or the like , from the person &# 39 ; s lungs or trachea 26 is effective to move the flexible valve member 6 against the valve disc openings 7b to close the same and to move the disc 7 away from the spider 15 , against the urging of the spring 9 and into position to press the disc 7 and sealing ring 8 thereon into sealing engagement with the annular valve seat 28 , the position as shown in fig1 . upon sealing , the valve assembly diverts the exhaled air through a fenestrated tube or a tracheoesophageal puncture voice prosthesis device enabling speech . when the person stops speaking , and , this increased air pressure within the valve assembly 1 decreases , the spring 9 is again effective to move the disc 7 back toward the spider 15 , out of sealing engagement with the annular valve seat 28 and thereby permit a normal flow of air through the valve assembly 1 to resume , the position as shown in fig9 . however , when large pressures are generated within the valve assembly 1 , such as , for example , when a person wearing the same coughs , or the like , this buildup of air pressure is effective to move the flexible valve member 6 against the openings 7b in the valve disc 7 and to move the disc 7 against the urging of the spring 9 into sealing engagement with the annular valve seat 28 . under such circumstances , if the closing of the disc 7 against the valve seat 28 were permitted to continue to prevent the flow of air outwardly from the trachea 26 of the person wearing the valve 1 , the person wearing the same would be in distress . however , with the novel valve assembly 1 , when a large air pressure buildup occurs , thus closing the disc 7 against the annular valve seat 28 , the increased air pressure is effective to cause the elastic band ring 5 to be displaced outwardly away from the sleeve 3 , the position as shown in fig1 , with the air pressure exerted outwardly ( shown by arrows ) through the openings 20 being effective to so displace the ring 5 , and permit the air to flow outwardly through the opening or openings 20 past the band ring 5 and to provide the separate external blow - out or relief valve means in accordance with the present invention , which relief valve means automatically closes to restore itself when the air pressure within the assembly is reduced therein . a further embodiment of the tracheostoma valve assembly 1 , in accordance with the present invention , is shown in fig1 - 15 . in this embodiment , the tracheostoma valve assembly 1 includes , as set forth above , an annular base member 2 mounted on one end portion of a cylindrical - shaped central body portion or sleeve 3 , a cover or end cap 4 mounted on the other end portion of the sleeve 3 and a dual valve structure . the dual valve structure includes a separate external blow - out valve means , consisting of a band ring 5 mounted around the central portion of the sleeve 3 , and an internal valve means consisting of a valve disc 7 , a sealing ring 8 and mounted on the disc a spiral spring 9 mounted in the end portion of the sleeve 3 which is adjacent to the end cover 4 , fig1 - 15 , as will hereinafter be discussed . the base 2 , the band ring 5 and the sealing ring 8 are , preferably comprised of a soft , resilient material , such as , for example , silicone ; and the sleeve 3 , cover 4 and valve disc 7 preferably are made of a suitable hard , light weight plastic material , and the spring 9 is preferably made of a suitable corrosion - resistant material , such as , for example , stainless steel or spring steel . as previously set forth , the sleeve 3 is , preferably , of a one - piece construction and embodies a tubular housing 14 having a spider 15 disposed therein , fig1 - 15 , the spider 15 having a post 16 projecting outwardly therefrom through one end 3a of the sleeve 3 along the longitudinal center line of the latter , fig1 - 15 . the tubular housing 14 of the sleeve 3 has an annular groove 18 formed in and extending around the outer surface thereof , with a plurality of holes or openings 20 extending radially through the wall of the housing 14 , within the annular groove 18 , the opening or openings 20 being disposed in a plane parallel to the spider 15 in surrounding relation to the post 16 , fig1 - 15 . in the valve assembly 1 , the band ring 5 is mounted in the annular groove 18 in snug fitting , overlying relation to the opening or openings 20 . in the completed valve assembly 1 , the base 2 is mounted on the end portion 3b of the sleeve 3 remote from the post 13 with a snug , but freely removable fit . preferably , the sleeve 3 has a flange 21 on the end 3b adjacent to the base 2 on the sleeve 3 . at the other end 3a of the sleeve 3 , the cover 4 is mounted on the sleeve 3 with a snug , but freely removable fit , in outwardly spaced relation to the band ring 5 , fig1 - 15 . the outer end of the cover 4 is in the form of a spider 24 , fig4 which has an opening 22 through the center thereof , through which the post 16 extends in the assembled valve 1 and a plurality of openings 23 therein which permits air to be inhaled into the valve assembly , as will be described . the disc 7 is round and flat in shape , and is of smaller diameter than the sleeve 3 . the disc 7 has an opening 7a through the center thereof , fig4 . in the assembled valve 1 , the disc 7 is mounted on the post 16 with a snug , but freely slidable fit , the post 16 extending through the opening 7a ( fig1 - 15 ). the disc 7 has a correspondingly shaped sealing ring or washer 8 , made of a suitable soft , resilient material associated therewith , the sealing ring 8 having an opening 8a through the central portion thereof and being slidably mounted on the post 16 in covering relation to the disc 7 on the opposite side thereof from the spider 15 . the spiral spring 9 is mounted on the post 16 in surrounding relation thereto , between the sealing ring 8 and the central portion of the spider 24 in the cover 4 . the cover 4 has an inwardly projecting , annular valve seat 28 embodied therein in surrounding relation to the spider 24 . the valve seat 22 is smaller in diameter than the disc 7 . in the operation of the valve assembly 1 , during normal vegetative breathing , the spring 9 is effective to bias the disc 7 against , or closely adjacent to the spider 15 in the housing 3 , the position as shown in fig1 . in this open position of the disc 7 , air may freely flow around the disc 7 into and out of the valve assembly 1 . when a person wearing the valve assembly 1 wishes to speak , the person &# 39 ; s increased respiratory effort , for example , airflow , pressure or the like , from the person &# 39 ; s lungs or trachea 26 is effective to move the disc 7 away from the spider 15 , against the urging of the spring 9 and into position to press the sealing ring 8 into sealing engagement with the valve seat 28 , the position as shown in fig1 . thus , sealed , the valve assembly diverts the exhaled air through a fenestrated tube or a tracheoesophageal puncture voice prosthesis device enabling speech . when the person stops speaking , the attendent increased air pressure within the valve assembly 1 decreases and the spring 9 is again effective to bias the disc 7 and the sealing ring 8 back toward the spider 15 , out of sealing engagement with the valve seat 28 and thereby permit the exhalation and flow of air through the valve assembly 1 to resume , the position as shown in fig1 . however , when large pressures are generated within the valve assembly 1 , such as , for example , when a person wearing the same coughs , or the like , this buildup of air pressure is effective to move the disc 7 and sealing ring 8 against the urging of the spring 9 into sealing engagement with the valve seat 28 to seal the assembly . under such circumstances , if the closing of the disc 7 against the valve seat 28 was permitted to continue to prevent the flow of air outwardly from the trachea 26 of the person wearing the valve assembly 1 , the person would be in distress . however , with the novel valve assembly 1 , when a large air pressure buildup occurs , thus closing the disc 7 against the valve seat 28 , the increased air pressure within valve assembly is effective to cause the elastic ring 5 to be displaced outwardly away from the sleeve 3 , the position as shown in fig1 . the air pressure exerted outwardly through the openings 20 is effective to displace the ring 5 and to permit the air to flow outwardly through the opening or openings 20 past the ring 5 . this particular structure provides a separate external blow - out or relief valve means which automatically closes to restore itself when the air pressure within the valve is reduced , a result which has been unattainable by the prior art structures . it will be seen that , with the present invention , the valve assembly 1 effectively accommodates breathing during various types of activities , ranging from physical exercise , normal vegetative breathing , speaking , and coughing . also , as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art , with the construction of the described novel valve assembly 1 , springs 9 of different strengths may be predeterminedly selected and used to accommodate the unlimited breathing requirements of various individuals and the separate blow - out valve means may be predeterminely tuned to displace the resilient ring 5 therefrom at a pressure which is more sensitive to a sudden pulse of pressure within the valve assembly . also , the blow - out valve means automatically closes when the air pressure within the assembly is reduced , which eliminates the need for removal or manual refitting of the prior art tracheostoma valve assemblies . in addition , the construction of valve assembly 1 is such that if desired , it may be quickly and easily disassembled and reassembled for purposes of cleaning the same and it will be seen that with the construction of the novel valve assembly 1 , various parts , such as the base 2 , band ring 5 , disc 7 , sealing ring 8 , or spring 9 , may be quickly and easily individually replaced if they should become worn or damaged so that repairs may be readily and economically made to such a damaged or worn valve without the necessity of replacing the entire unit . thus , in accordance with the present invention , the differential sensitivity of either the relief valve and the internal valve may be differentially tuned or adjusted , either independently or together , to permit the user of the present invention to accommodate a variety of respiratory requirements . such accommodation on a reliable and consistant basis is simply not achieved by the prior art tracheostoma valves and the present invention will not experience changes in their operating condition over time , as are true of the prior art structures . in addition , it will be seen that the present invention affords a novel tracheastoma valve which is practical , efficient and reliable in operation and which may be readily and economically produced commercially . thus , while we have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of the present invention , it is to be understood that this is capable of variation and modification , and we , therefore , do not wish to be limited to the precise details set forth but desire to avail ourselves of such changes and alterations as fall within the purview of the following claims .	0
according to the invention , the desired morphology is established by the fact that it is initially preformed in a precursor , and the latter is then converted into the oxide , for example by calcining . the conversion into the oxide may already be carried out in such a way that the morphology of the oxide is stabilized . preferably , however , the structure of the oxide is stabilized by a subsequent heat treatment . this oxide which has been stabilized in this way is converted into the metal by reduction while retaining the morphology . the heat treatment for stabilizing the oxide , if a tantalum oxide is used , is preferably carried out at a temperature of from 1000 to 1800 ° c ., particularly preferably from 1500 to 1800 ° c ., especially preferably from 1600 to 1750 ° c . if a niobium oxide is used , the heat treatment for stabilizing the oxide is preferably carried out at a temperature of from 1000 to 1600 ° c ., particularly preferably from 1350 to 1550 ° c ., especially preferably from 1400 to 1500 ° c . the heat treatment for stabilization is preferably carried out in the presence of air or under inert gas , for example under nitrogen or argon . in the case of the stabilization of niobium oxide , it is also possible to work in the presence of hydrogen . if the niobium oxide is nb 2 o 5 , this leads to a reduction to form nbo 2 , so that in this case stabilization and reduction are coupled with one another . suitable precursors are compounds which can be converted into the oxide or even the oxide itself . an oxide precursor is converted into the desired morphology by techniques such as milling , granulation , coagglomeration or agglomeration techniques . suitable precursors are also valve metal compounds , hydroxides , organo - metallic compounds and nitrates being particularly suitable . these can be produced using precipitation and crystallization processes or using targeted shaping processes such as spinning , sol - gel techniques , weaving , spraying , deposition techniques on surfaces with a desired morphology . this precursor is converted into the desired oxide , for example by calcining , while retaining the morphology . according to the invention , to retain the morphology in the metal , the oxide is either stabilized in targeted fashion during its production or preferably by means of a further heat treatment . after the oxide with a stabilized structure has been produced , it is reduced to form the metal . the reduction method used in this context is preferably magnesium vapor reduction . the invention makes it possible to set the properties required in the valve metal powders , via a precursor , directly in the oxide , and in this way makes it possible to produce valve metal powders for various applications , such as , for example , spray powders , sintering powders or preferably powders for the production of solid electrolyte capacitors . there are a wide range of demands for the valve metal powders required for production of solid electrolyte capacitors , in particular tantalum and niobium powders and their alloys or suboxides . for example , such powders have to have surface areas of 0 . 4 m 2 / g up to 10 m 2 / g in order to achieve the required capacitances . furthermore , a good forming and impregnation behavior is required , which presupposes a defined particle and pore size distribution . moreover , losses ( residual currents ) in the solid electrolyte capacitor are to be minimized , which requires a high purity and accurate control of impurities and dopants . in addition , automated processing has to be possible . this requires the powders to have good flow and pressing properties . in the course of the ongoing miniaturization of electronic components , the passive components required for this purpose are also becoming ever smaller . however , their performance needs to be retained or even increased . in the case of solid electrolyte capacitors made from valve metal powders or suboxides thereof , this is achieved by reducing the size of the primary structure and therefore , as a corollary effect , by increasing the surface area of the powder in order to achieve the required capacitances . the latter property generally causes a significant deterioration to the flow properties and the homogeneity in the pressed anode . complex further treatment endeavors to modify the secondary structure and tertiary structure in such a way that the flow properties are improved . as a result , agglomerates of the order of magnitude of 100 μm , the mean size of which fluctuates considerably , are formed . the drawback of such powders is that non - uniform packing densities are obtained during the pressing of anode bodies . the process according to the invention makes it possible , for example , to preform significantly smaller , spherical agglomerates with a very narrow grain size distribution ( determined by means of mastersizer , astm b 822 ), i . e . with a very homogeneous tertiary structure , in the oxide and to convert them into the metal while retaining the morphology . this represents significant progress over the prior art . for example , it is possible to obtain very narrow distributions of spherical agglomerates with a d 50 value , determined by means of mastersizer , astm b 822 , in the range between 10 and 80 μm , preferably between 20 and 40 μm . valve metal powders or valve metal suboxides of this type have similar surface areas and capacitances to the high - capacitance powders which have been disclosed hitherto . unlike the latter , the flow properties are retained . the homogeneous grain size distribution and relatively small agglomerate size results in a uniform packing density in the anode and therefore in an improvement in the quality and the yield for the user . furthermore , it is also possible to set the secondary structure in such a way that good impregnability of the agglomerate is retained even with a very fine primary structure . the pore structure required for this purpose has a bimodal distribution , with the finer distribution corresponding to the primary structure , and the maximum in the coarser range corresponds to the secondary structure , ensuring good impregnability of the anode body with the counterelectrode , for example manganese dioxide or a conductive polymer . the maximum of the pores of the secondary structure is , for example , between 0 . 5 - 5 μm , preferably between 0 . 7 - 2 μm . the above - described , multifarious requirements cannot be satisfied with a single powder , but rather require a range of powder morphologies . preforming the required morphologies as early as in the oxide , prior to the reduction , and stabilizing these morphologies represents a simplification compared to the known processes and offers significant benefits . for example , fibers comprising oxides of the valve metals can be produced that very greatly reduce expense compared to the corresponding metal fibers , and can even be bought in for many oxides or mixtures thereof . also , the production of fabrics from oxide is easier than the production of metal fabrics . mixtures of the oxides are particularly simple to produce . these can be obtained at atomic level by co - precipitation or sol - gel processes , or macroscopically by simply milling and mixing the oxides , which are less ductile than the associated metals . the purities of the oxides produced by wet - chemical processes , as well as targeted doping at atomic level , are also easier to control in the oxide than in the metal . according to the inventive process , a valve metal powder , in particular one from transition group 4 - 6 of the periodic system , in particular tantalum , niobium and alloys or suboxides thereof is obtained , with the desired morphology being preformed as early as in the oxide , and the oxide being converted into the metal by reduction , preferably by reduction using gaseous reducing agents , and particularly preferably by magnesium vapor reduction . this takes place while retaining the morphology which has been preformed in the oxide . oxides of various valve metals or mixtures of two or more oxides in any desired ratio with or without dopants can be used to produce the desired oxide morphologies . nb 2 o 5 or ta 2 o 5 or mixtures thereof with one another or with other valve metals is preferably used . the oxides are produced using known processes . for example , tantalum and niobium pentoxide ( ta 2 o 5 and nb 2 o 5 ) or mixtures thereof are produced by hydrolysis or combustion of tantalum compounds or niobium compounds or mixtures thereof . preferably they are produced by precipitation of heptafluorotantalic acid ( h 2 taf 7 ) and heptafluoroniobic acid ( h 2 nbf 7 ) or mixtures thereof from hydrofluoric acid solution by means of bases , in particular ammonia ( nh 3 ), as tantalic acid ta ( oh ) 5 or niobic acid nb ( oh ) 5 or mixtures thereof and subsequent heat treatment . the desired morphology can be set both by targeted selection of precipitation conditions and during a later part of the process in the hydroxide or in the oxide . with simultaneous metering of the heptafluoro acid and ammonia , it is in this way possible , for example in a continuous process , to obtain spherical agglomerates with a uniform particle size distribution in the range from 10 - 80 μm and a defined pore size distribution . the agglomerate properties are in this case dependent on the concentrations of the starting solutions , the residence time in the reaction vessel and the ph . for example , to continuously produce spherical agglomerates , the precipitation process is carried out with concentrations of the heptafluoro acids of tantalum or niobium or mixtures thereof of between 10 and 300 g / l , but preferably 50 - 200 g / l , with nh 3 - concentrations of 1 - 20 % by weight , but preferably with 3 - 9 %, by weight , a mean residence time of the precipitated agglomerates of between 0 . 25 and 24 h , but preferably between 30 min and 3 h , and a ph at the precipitation process temperature of between 7 and 12 , but preferably between 7 . 3 - 8 . 3 . even when different precipitation conditions are selected , it is possible to obtain a targeted spherical morphology , for example by spray drying . the desired purity is achieved by purification , if necessary repeated purification , of the heptafluoro acids of tantalum and niobium or mixtures thereof . if necessary , impurities can be reduced down to the ppb range . the hydroxides obtained in this way are dried and calcined . if necessary , this is followed by a mechanical treatment , such as sieving , crushing , milling or agglomeration . the agglomerate structure is stabilized by a high - temperature treatment , preferably in the temperature range & gt ; 1000 ° c . particularly preferably close to the melting point of the oxides . in this way , it is possible to strengthen sintered bridges between the primary grains and to deliberately vary the pore structure . in this context , the set crystallite size of the oxide determines the secondary structure of the valve metal powder produced , and the external shape of the oxide particle / agglomerate determines the tertiary structure . the high - temperature treatment may in turn be followed by a mechanical treatment , such as sieving , crushing or milling . any impurities which are introduced , such as carbon , can be removed via a post - anneal in air , preferably at temperatures between 800 - 1200 ° c . the oxides produced in this way , with a defined morphology , are then converted into the metal by reduction . the reduction is preferably carried out as described in wo 00 / 67936 a1 or ep 997 542 a1 . for this purpose , the oxide is reacted either in a two - stage reduction with liquid magnesium and gaseous magnesium or in a one - stage reduction with gaseous magnesium . the primary structure of the metal powder can be set by means of the reduction conditions as well as downstream steps which are known to the person skilled in the art , such as vacuum high - temperature agglomeration or deoxidation . the valve metal powder produced using the process according to the invention can be treated further in a known way following production . if the valve metal powder is to be used , for example , to produce capacitors , it may be advantageous for the valve metal powder to be subjected to an agglomeration under high vacuum , for example at a temperature of 1350 ° c . this is preferably followed by doping with phosphorus by treatment with h 3 po 4 , deoxidation with magnesium , in which preferably 1 . 5 times the stoichiometric quantity of magnesium , based on the oxygen content in the agglomerated primary powder is used , washing with a mineral acid , for example , dilute h 2 so 4 and finally drying and sieving to & lt ; 300 μm . the subject matter of the invention is also valve metal powders obtainable using the process according to the invention , the secondary structure and tertiary structure of which is determined by the morphology of the precursor . the subject matter of the invention is also valve metal powders comprising spherical agglomerates , having a d 50 value , determined by means of mastersizer in accordance with astm b 822 , of 10 - 80 μm , preferably of 20 - 40 μm , with the valve metal powder flowing freely through a hall - flow funnel ( astm b 212 or b 417 ) with a funnel opening diameter of 2 / 10 inch , preferably 1 / 10 inch . the valve metal powders according to the invention preferably have a narrow grain size distribution . the d 90 value , determined by means of mastersizer in accordance with astm b 822 , preferably corresponds to at most 1 . 5 times the d 50 value , determined by means of mastersizer in accordance with astm b 822 , particularly preferably at most 1 . 3 times the d 50 value . the d 10 value , determined by means of mastersizer in accordance with astm b 822 , is preferably greater than 5 μm , particularly preferably greater than 10 μm . the valve metal powders according to the invention are distinguished in particular by the fact that anode bodies produced therefrom have a bimodal pore distribution , the smaller maximum of the pore distribution corresponding to the primary structure of the valve metal powder , and the larger maximum of the pore distribution corresponding to the secondary structure . this allows good impregnability of the anode body with the counterelectrode . valve metal powders which allow the production of anode bodies with a bimodal pore distribution , in which the larger maximum of the pore distribution , determined by means of mercury porosimetry , is between 0 . 5 - 5 μm , preferably between 0 . 7 - 2 μm , are preferred . the valve metal powders according to the invention are versatile in use . they are preferably used to produce solid electrolyte capacitors , particularly preferably to produce solid electrolyte capacitors which have capacitances of & gt ; 50000 cv / g . for this purpose , the valve metal powders are pressed to form anode bodies which are distinguished by a particular homogeneity , i . e . a uniform pressed density distribution . the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to examples , the examples being intended to facilitate comprehension of the principle according to the invention without being understood as any restriction thereto . the metal oxide powders or metal powders produced in the following examples were analyzed with regard to various chemical and physical properties as indicated in the examples . unless stated otherwise , the procedure was as follows : the chemical composition was determined by means of conventional automated analysis units . the loss on ignition was determined gravimetrically by differential weighing . the temperature at which the loss on ignition was determined is given for the individual examples . the tap densities given were determined in accordance with astm b 527 ; the grain size distribution ( d 10 , d 50 and d 90 values ) was determined by means of laser defraction using a mastersizer sμ produced by malvern ( astm b 822 ); the sieve analysis was determined in accordance with astm b 214 , and the specific surface area was determined using the known brunauer , emmett and teller method ( bet method ). the bulk density was determined on a scott - volumeter ( astm b 329 ), the mean grain diameter was determined by means of fisher sub sieve sizer ( fsss , astm b 330 ) and the flow property was determined by means of hall flow measurements using a 1 / 10 ″ funnel ( astm b 213 ). the press strength was determined on a pressed powder compact ( length 5 . 1 mm , diameter 5 . 1 mm , pressed density 5 . 0 g / cm 3 ) with a chatillon force - measuring device . unless stated otherwise , the percentages are percentages by weight . reduction of spheroidal ta 2 o 5 in high - purity quality ( lt - quality ) to form spheroidal ta powder of analogous morphology with 300 l of deionized h 2 o being included in the initial charge , 6360 l of h 2 taf 7 solution with a ta concentration , calculated as ta 2 o 5 of 80 - 120 g / l ( metallic impurities & lt ; 5 mg / l per element ) were continuously precipitated with 5655 l of an ultrapure aqueous nh 3 solution ( 6 % strength ) in such a way that the ph was 7 . 6 ± 0 . 4 . the temperature was 35 - 40 ° c . the suspension obtained in this way was forced through a pressure filter and washed firstly with an aqueous nh 3 solution ( 3 % strength ) and then with deionized water . then , the moist hydroxide was dried for 24 h at 100 ° c . in a drying cabinet . the spherical tantalum hydroxide produced under a ) was introduced into dishes and annealed in air for approx . 6 h at 1270 ° c . the product was then sieved at & lt ; 600 μm . yield : 460 kg ta 2 o 5 & lt ; 600 μm and 42 kg ta 2 o 5 & gt ; 600 μm chemical analysis : al & lt ; 0 . 2 ppm as & lt ; 0 . 2 ppm ca & lt ; 0 . 5 ppm co & lt ; 0 . 05 ppm cr & lt ; 0 . 05 ppm cu & lt ; 0 . 1 ppm f & lt ; 2 ppm fe 1 ppm k & lt ; 0 . 2 ppm mo & lt ; 0 . 1 ppm na & lt ; 0 . 5 ppm nb 3 ppm ni & lt ; 0 . 1 ppm si 2 ppm ti & lt ; 0 . 1 ppm v & lt ; 0 . 05 ppm zr & lt ; 0 . 05 ppm physical analysis : loss on ignition ( 1200 ° c ./ 2 h ): & lt ; 0 . 05 % tap density : 2 . 8 g / cm 3 grain size distribution : d 10 5 . 51 μm d 50 23 . 94 μm d 90 40 . 00 μm sieve analysis : 97 . 1 % & lt ; 45 μm specific surface area : 0 . 41 cm 2 / g 10 kg of the oxide were annealed at 1700 ° c . under argon for 4 h . the white oxide was comminuted and sieved to less than 1000 μm . d ) reduction of the spherical , stabilized oxide to form ta powder 1000 g of the stabilized tantalum oxide produced under 1c ) were placed onto a fabric sieve located in a ta dish . 300 g of magnesium chips were placed below . the dish was closed and reduction was carried out in a retort for 6 h at 950 ° c . under argon . after cooling , air was slowly introduced into the retort , in order to allow the metal surfaces to be passivated . the material was forced through a 1000 μm sieve in order to be comminuted . the reaction material obtained in this way was leached in 12 % strength sulfuric acid and washed neutral using deionized water . the moist powder was then dried for 24 h at 50 ° c . 750 g of ta powder were obtained . specific surface area : 2 . 4 m 2 / g bulk density : 24 . 0 g / inch 3 oxygen : 7680 ppm the crude powder obtained in this way was finished in a known way corresponding to a conventional capacitor powder : agglomeration at 1350 ° c . under a high vacuum p - doping with 100 ppm of p by means of h 3 po 4 deoxidation at 920 ° c . using 1 . 5 times the stoichiometric quantity of magnesium , based on the oxygen content in the agglomerated primary powder washing with dilute h 2 so 4 drying and sieving & lt ; 300 μm the ta capacitor powder obtained in this way had the following properties : physical analysis : bulk density : 26 . 9 g / inch 3 mean grain diameter ( fsss ): 2 . 26 μm press strength : 8 kg specific surface area : 1 . 2 m 2 / g flow property : 26 s / 25 g grain size distribution : d 10 13 μm d 50 32 μm d 90 210 μm sieve analysis : & gt ; 300 μm 0 % & gt ; 212 μm 2 . 8 % & gt ; 150 μm 3 . 3 % & gt ; 106 μm 2 % & gt ; 63 μm 1 . 9 % & gt ; 38 μm 7 . 8 % & lt ; 38 μm 82 . 6 % chemical analysis : c 24 ppm h 99 ppm mg 15 ppm n 625 ppm o 3183 ppm p 94 ppm na & lt ; 0 . 5 ppm k & lt ; 0 . 5 ppm fe 9 ppm cr & lt ; 2 ppm ni & lt ; 3 ppm the powder was pressed to a pressed density of 5 . 75 g / cm 3 and sintered under high vacuum at 1400 ° c . the pellet obtained in this way was anodically oxidized ( formed ) in h 3 po 4 with a conductivity of 4300 μs at 30 v . the residual current of the anode was measured in the same electrolyte , and the capacitance in 18 % strength h 2 so 4 . sintered density 6 . 3 g / cm 3 specific capacitance : 44828 μfv / g residual current : 0 . 32 na / μfv reduction of spheroidal ta 2 o 5 in pure quality ( hpo - quality ) to form spheroidal ta powder of analogous morphology with 10 l of deionized h 2 o being included in the initial charge , 90 l of h 2 taf 7 solution with a tantalum concentration of approx . 170 g / l , calculated as ta 2 o 5 ( approx . 20 mg / l of sb and 2 mg / l of nb ) were precipitated continuously with 70 l of ultrapure aqueous nh 3 solution ( 6 % strength ), in such a way that the ph was 7 . 6 ± 0 . 4 . the temperature was 35 - 40 ° c . the suspension obtained in this way was forced through a pressure filter and washed firstly with 330 l of aqueous nh 3 solution ( 3 % strength ) and then with deionized water . the moist hydroxide was then dried for 24 h at 100 ° c . in a drying cabinet . the spherical tantalum hydroxide produced under a ) was placed in dishes and annealed for approx . 2 h in air at 1270 ° c . the product was then sieved to & lt ; 600 μm . chemical analysis : al & lt ; 0 . 2 ppm as 3 ppm ca 0 . 8 ppm co & lt ; 0 . 05 ppm cr 0 . 4 ppm cu 0 . 2 ppm f & lt ; 2 ppm fe 4 ppm k 0 . 4 ppm mo & lt ; 0 . 1 ppm na 0 . 5 ppm nb 14 ppm ni & lt ; 0 . 1 ppm sb 110 ppm si 6 ppm ti 0 . 2 ppm v & lt ; 0 . 05 ppm zr & lt ; 0 . 05 ppm physical analysis : loss on ignition ( 1200 ° c ./ 2 h ): 0 . 09 % tap density : 2 . 6 g / cm 3 grain size distribution : d 10 2 . 50 μm d 50 38 . 09 μm d 90 68 . 50 μm sieve analysis : 55 . 5 % & lt ; 45 μm v 38 . 7 % & lt ; 90 μm specific surface area : 0 . 58 g / cm 2 2 kg of the oxide were annealed at 1600 ° c . under air for 10 h . the white oxide obtained was comminuted and sieved to less than 1000 μm . fig1 shows an image of the oxide produced by means of scanning electron microscope ( sem image ). d ) reduction of the spherical , stabilized oxide to form ta powder 400 g of the stabilized tantalum oxide produced under 2c ) were placed onto a fabric sieve positioned in a ta dish . 120 g of magnesium chips were placed beneath it . the dish was closed and reduction was carried out in a retort for 6 h at 920 ° c . under argon . after cooling , air was slowly introduced into the retort in order to allow passivation of the metal surfaces . the material was forced through a 1000 μm sieve in order to be comminuted . the reaction material obtained in this way was leached in 12 % strength sulfuric acid and washed neutral using deionized water . the moist powder was then dried for 24 h at 50 ° c . 290 g of ta powder were obtained . specific surface area : 2 . 8 m 2 / g bulk density : 23 . 5 g / inch 3 oxygen : 8960 ppm fig2 shows an sem image of the tantalum powder . a comparison with fig1 shows that the morphology is retained during the reduction of the stabilized oxide . the untreated powder obtained in this way was finished in the same way as a conventional capacitor powder : agglomeration at 1120 ° c . under a high vacuum p - doping with 150 ppm of p by means of h 3 po 4 deoxidation at 850 ° c . using 1 . 5 times the stoichiometric quantity of magnesium , based on the oxygen content of the agglomerated primary powder washing with dilute h 2 so 4 drying and sieving & lt ; 300 μm the ta capacitor powder obtained in this way had the following properties : physical analysis : bulk density : 25 g / inch 3 mean grain diameter ( fsss ): 1 . 76 μm press strength : 4 . 4 kg specific surface area : 2 . 0 m 2 flow property : 32 s / 25 g grain size distribution : d 10 12 μm d 50 31 μm d 90 175 μm sieve analysis : & gt ; 300 μm 0 . 4 % & gt ; 212 μm 1 . 4 % & gt ; 150 μm 2 . 2 % & gt ; 106 μm 1 . 4 % & gt ; 63 μm 2 . 4 % & gt ; 38 μm 2 % & lt ; 38 μm 90 . 2 % chemical analysis : c 18 ppm h 156 ppm mg 15 ppm n 1244 ppm o 5392 ppm p 130 ppm na & lt ; 0 . 5 ppm k & lt ; 0 . 5 ppm fe 26 ppm cr 3 ppm ni & lt ; 3 ppm the powder was pressed with a press density of 5 . 0 g / cm 3 and sintered under a high vacuum at 1260 ° c . the pellet obtained in this way was anodically oxidized ( formed ) in h 3 po 4 with a conductivity of 4300 μs at 30 v . the residual current of the anode was measured in the same electrolyte , and the capacitance was measured in 18 % strength h 2 so 4 . reduction of spheroidal nb 2 o 5 to form spheroidal nb powder of analogous morphology 4000 l of h 2 nbf 7 solution with a nb concentration of approx . 125 g / l , calculated as nb 2 o 5 , were continuously precipitated with 10980 l of ultrapure aqueous nh 3 solution ( 6 % strength ) in such a way that the ph was 7 , 6 ± 0 . 4 . the temperature was 35 - 40 ° c . the suspension obtained in this way was pressed through a pressure filter and washed firstly with 4400 l of aqueous nh 3 solution ( 3 % strength ) and then with deionized water . the moist hydroxide was then dried for 24 h at 100 ° c . in a drying cabinet . analysis : f − & lt ; 0 . 1 %. the spherical niobium hydroxide produced under a ) was placed into dishes and annealed for approx . 4 h in air at 1270 ° c . chemical analysis : al & lt ; 1 ppm as & lt ; 1 ppm ca & lt ; 1 ppm co & lt ; 0 . 1 ppm cr & lt ; 0 . 3 ppm cu 0 . 3 ppm f 2 ppm fe 4 ppm k 3 ppm mo & lt ; 0 . 3 ppm na 2 ppm ni 0 . 8 ppm si 7 ppm ta 20 ppm ti & lt ; 1 ppm v & lt ; 1 ppm zr & lt ; 0 . 5 ppm physical analysis : loss on ignition ( 1200 ° c ./ 2 h ): & lt ; 0 . 05 % tap density : 1 . 5 g / cm 3 grain size distribution : d 10 6 . 55 μm d 50 20 . 50 μm d 90 34 . 94 μm sieve analysis : 97 . 5 % & lt ; 45 μm specific surface area : 0 . 45 cm 2 / g 21 kg of the niobium oxide produced under 3b ) were annealed at 1400 ° c . under hydrogen for 4 h . the black product was comminuted and sieved to less than 300 μm . oxygen : 27 . 0 % carbon : & lt ; 10 ppm σ ( fe , cr , ni ): & lt ; 10 ppm specific surface area : 0 . 12 m 2 / g grain size distribution : d 10 16 . 4 μm d 50 34 . 6 μm d 90 70 . 7 μm d ) reduction of the spherical , stabilized oxide to form nb powder in each case 500 g of the stabilized , partially reduced niobium oxide produced under 3c ) were placed onto a fabric sieve positioned in an nb dish . in each case 267 g of magnesium chips were placed below . the dishes were closed and reduction was carried out in a retort for 6 h at 975 ° c . under argon . after cooling , air was slowly introduced into the retort in order to allow the metal surfaces to be passivated . the material was forced through a 300 μm sieve in order to be comminuted . the reaction material obtained in this was leached in 8 % strength sulfuric acid and washed neutral using deionized water . the moist powder was then dried for 24 h at 50 ° c . 579 g of nb powder were obtained . specific surface area : 4 . 7 m 2 / g bulk density : 14 . 2 g / inch 3 oxygen : 16100 ppm mean grain diameter ( fsss ): 3 . 0 μm press strength : 1 . 4 kg flow property : 42 s / 25 g grain size distribution : d 10 17 μm d 50 32 μm d 90 56 μm sieve analysis : & gt ; 300 μm 0 . 0 % & gt ; 212 μm 0 . 2 % & gt ; 150 μm 0 . 2 % & gt ; 106 μm 0 . 4 % & gt ; 63 μm 1 . 1 % & gt ; 38 μm 14 . 0 % & lt ; 38 μm 84 . 1 % chemical analysis : c 27 ppm h 436 ppm mg 330 ppm n 300 ppm o 16100 ppm p & lt ; 5 ppm na 2 ppm k 2 ppm fe 8 ppm cr & lt ; 2 ppm ni & lt ; 2 ppm f & lt ; 2 ppm capacitor anodes were produced from the powder produced in this way and their specific capacitance and residual current were measured . for this purpose , the powder was pressed with a pressed density of 3 . 14 g / cm 3 and was sintered under a high vacuum at 1170 ° c . for 20 minutes . the pellet obtained in this way was anodically oxidized ( formed ) in 0 . 1 % strength h 3 po 4 with a conductivity of 3100 μs / cm at 40 v and a forming current of 200 ma / g for 2 h at a temperature of 80 ° c . the residual current of the anode was measured in 18 % strength h 2 so 4 at a temperature of 23 ° c ., a charge time of 2 minutes and a voltage of 28 v ( 70 % of the forming voltage ), and the capacitance was measured in 18 % strength h 2 so 4 at a temperature of 23 ° c . and a frequency of 120 hz . sintered density : 3 . 14 g / cm 3 specific capacitance : 156449 μfv / g residual current : 0 . 18 na / μfv reduction of fibrous ta 2 o 5 to form fibrous ta powder of analogous morphology a commercially available fibrous oxide precursor produced by zircar was used . 500 g of the oxide were annealed at 1650 ° c . under nitrogen for 3 h . the oxide was then reannealed at 1000 ° c . in air in order to remove carbon impurities . the white oxide , which had been stabilized in this way , was comminuted and sieved to less than 1000 μm . fig3 shows a sem image of the stabilized oxide . a fibrous morphology is clearly apparent . c ) reduction of the fibrous , stabilized oxide to form ta powder 200 g of the stabilized tantalum oxide produced under 4b ) were placed onto a fabric sieve positioned in a ta dish . 60 g of magnesium chips were placed below . the dish was closed and reduction was carried out in a retort for 8 h at 950 ° c . under argon . after cooling , air was slowly introduced into the retort in order to allow passivation of the metal surfaces . the material was forced through a 1000 μm sieve for comminution . the reaction material obtained in this way was leached in 12 % strength sulfuric acid and washed neutral with deionized water . the moist powder was then dried for 24 h at 50 ° c . 140 g of ta powder were obtained . specific surface area : 2 . 2 m 2 / g bulk density : 20 . 0 g / inch 3 oxygen : 7520 ppm fig4 shows an sem image of the tantalum powder obtained . a comparison with fig3 shows that the fibrous morphology was retained during the reduction of the stabilized oxide . reduction of platelet - like ta 2 o 5 to form a platelet - like ta powder of analogous morphology 250 ml of a mixture of identical proportions by volume of tantalum ethoxide ( ta ( oc 2 h 5 ) 5 ) and ethanol ( c 2 h 5 oh ) were applied dropwise and uniformly to a smooth surface made from polypropylene and were dried at room temperature with air being supplied . the platelet - like tantalum hydroxide produced under a ) was placed into dishes and annealed for approx . 3 h at 700 ° c . in air . 500 g of the oxide were annealed at 1650 ° c . under nitrogen for 3 h . then , the oxide was annealed further at 1000 ° c . in air in order to remove carbon impurities . the white oxide stabilized in this way is comminuted and sieved to less than 1000 μm . fig5 shows an sem image of the stabilized oxide . the platelet - like morphology is clearly apparent . d ) reduction of the platelet - like , stabilized oxide to form ta powder 200 g of the stabilized tantalum oxide produced under 5c ) were placed onto a fabric sieve positioned in a ta dish . 60 g of magnesium chips were placed below . the dish was closed and reduction was carried out in a retort for 6 h at 980 ° c . under argon . after cooling , air was slowly introduced into the retort , in order to allow passivation of the metal surfaces . the material was forced through a 1000 μm sieve in order to be comminuted . the reaction material obtained in this way was leached in 12 % strength sulfuric acid and washed neutral using deionized water . the moist powder was then dried for 24 h at 50 ° c . 140 g of ta powder were obtained . specific surface area : 2 . 0 m 2 / g bulk density : 32 . 0 g / inch 3 oxygen : 6370 ppm fig6 shows an sem image of the tantalum powder prior to the treatment with 12 % strength sulfuric acid . a comparison with fig5 shows that the platelet - like morphology was retained during the reduction of the stabilized oxide . although the invention has been described in detail in the foregoing 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 limited by the claims .	7
referring to fig1 a base station measures a rotm value at predetermined time intervals , e . g ., slot unit ( s 11 ). rotm is a measured value for judging a load state of reverse link , and is found by subtracting ( db basis ) thermal noise power ( rx power_thermal ) of a base station system from total reception power rx power_total received from an antenna of a reception end of a base station . rotm is measured by a rf device in the base station . rotm is compared to a reference value rotm_th ( s 12 ) if rotm is greater than rotm_th , reverse activity bit ( rab ) is set based on the raising transmission data rate of a terminal ( i . e ., rab = 1 ) ( s 18 ). if rotm is smaller than rotm_th , a rab set time ( rabsettime ) is calculated ( s 13 ), for example . after rab set time corresponding to a rotm state and rab set time corresponding to a transition degree of the rotm state are previously set , the rab set time is calculated whenever the rotm state is changed . for example , rab set time can be calculated by equation 1 . rab_settime = rabsettimebystate + rabsettimebystatetrans , where rab_settime is rab set time , rabsettimebystate is rab set time corresponding to a state of rotm , and rabsettimebystatetrans is rab set time corresponding to a transition degree of the state of rotm . in this case , rabsettime is a value updated again by being calculated whenever a state transition of rotm takes place . for example , the rabsettime value is updated when the state transition of rotm takes place . even though rab set time ( rabsettime ) is found as a great value depending on a previous increment of high width , the state of rotm is shifted to a low state , if rabsettime is updated to a small value . hence , it is possible to prevent the rab from being unnecessarily set to decrease the data rate ( i . e ., rab = 1 ). table 2 is an example of setting the state of rotm according to its size and managing the state according to received rotm . table 3 is an example of managing rab set time which is previously set for each state according to the states of rotm set in table 2 . rabsettimebystate is rab set time defined by slot unit according to a state of rotm . in a preferred embodiment , rab set time is prolonged as rotm gets closer to rotm_th . an example of managing rab set time set previously , according to a transition degree of a state of rot , is shown in table 4 . rabsettimebystatetrans means rab set time set by slot unit to correspond to a transition degree of a state of rotm . rab set time is preferably prolonged as the state transition of rotm increases . if the variation degree of the previous state is big , rab is set to ‘ 1 ’ for a longer time to lower a reverse load amount which is abruptly increased . b1 ˜ b4 in table 3 and c1 ˜ c3 in table 4 are sections where slot length increases . c4 ˜ c6 are sections where slot length decreases . in some embodiments , c4 to c6 are set to values smaller than those of c1 to c3 . for instance , in slot length , b1 to b4 can be applied to 10 to 100 slots and c1 to c3 can be applied to 10 to 1 , 000 slots . equation 1 for finding rab set time is provided as an example . thus , rab set time can be calculated in various ways by considering state of rotm and / or transition degree of the state according to designer &# 39 ; s intention . in one embodiment , it is determined whether the calculated rab set time is greater than 0 . if the calculated rab set time is greater than 0 , ‘ 1 ’ is subtracted from rab set time and rab lowers data rate . if the calculated rab set time is not greater than 0 , rotc as a calculated value for a load degree of reverse link is calculated ( s 15 ). rotc is calculated by finding a ratio of reception pilot power vs . total reception power for each reception data rate and by multiplying a total of f ( datarate ) value of all access terminals in a sector by ecp / io , [ i . e ., average energy per chip of pilot channel in antenna vs . psd ( power spectral density ) of total reception signals ]. the calculated rotc is compared to a specific threshold ( rotc_th ) ( s 17 ). if rotc is greater than rotc_th , rab is set to decrease reverse data rate ( s 18 ). if rotc is smaller than rotc_th , rab is unset to increase reverse data rate ( s 19 ). in one embodiment of the present invention , for example , after rab has been set using rotm , rotc is complementarily considered to set rab . rotc is used as a method of correcting unstable measurement accuracy . in this case , rotm_th and rotc_th may differ and may not be equal to each other , in certain embodiments . referring to fig2 a base station system 200 includes a reception processing unit 21 , a rot measurement unit 22 , a rot set time calculation unit 23 , a rotc calculation unit 24 , a first comparison unit 25 , a second comparison unit 26 , a rab generation unit 27 , and a transmission processing unit 28 . numeral ‘ 29 ’ in the drawing indicates a reception antenna and numeral ‘ 30 ’ indicates a transmission antenna . the reception processing unit 21 demodulates signals received via the reception antenna 29 from terminals . the rotm measurement unit 22 measures rotm representing a load degree of reverse link . the rab set time calculation unit 23 divides at least two rotm state to define set time of rab based on a state of rotm and / or a degree of state transition of rab . the rotc calculation unit 24 calculates rotc as a calculated value of the load degree of the reverse link . the first comparison unit 25 compares rotm to a previously set reference value rotm_th . the second comparison unit 26 compares rotc to a previously set specific threshold ( rotc_th ). the rab generation unit 27 generates rab based on comparison results of the first and second comparison units 25 and 26 and the rab set time calculated by the rab set time calculation unit 23 . an exemplary process for generating the rab from the rab generation unit 27 is illustrated in fig1 . the transmission processing unit 28 modulates a transmission signal carrying the rab generated from the rab generation unit 27 to transmit to the respective terminals via the transmission antenna 30 . referring to fig3 another embodiment of the invention is provided . rotm corresponds to a difference ( db unit ) between total reception power ( rx power_total ) received from antenna in a base station reception end and thermal noise power ( rx power_thermal ) of a base station system itself , is measured ( s 30 ). it is then determined whether rotm exceeds a previously set reference value ( rotm_th ) ( s 31 ). the reference value ( rotm_th ) is set to be a level lower than maximum rot enabling a base station to receive . if rotm exceeds the reference value ( rotm_th ) ( s 31 ), reverse activity bit ( rab ) directing terminals in a cell to lower their transmission data rates is generated . the rab is maintained in each slot until rotm falls below the reference value ( rotm_th ) ( s 32 , s 33 ). for reference , basic setting of rab is a command of raising a transmission data rate of terminal . the terminal once raises its transmission data rate unless there is a separate command of lowering the transmission data rate from the base station . if rotm fails to exceed the reference value ( rotm_th ) ( s 31 ), a variation rate ( rot_v ) of rot is calculated ( s 34 ). based on the calculated result , it is determined whether to maintain the rab directing to raise the transmission data rate of the terminal or to generate the rab directing to lower the transmission data rate of the terminal . it is determined whether an increment rate of rotm ( rot_v & gt ; 0 ) exceeds a setup upward reference value ( rot_up ) ( s 36 ) if the increment rate of rotm ( rot_v & gt ; 0 ) fails to exceed the setup upward reference value ( rot_up ) ( s 36 ), the rab command of raising the transmission data rate is maintained ( s 37 ), for example . if the increment rate of rotm ( rot_v & gt ; 0 ) exceeds the setup upward reference value ( rot_up ) ( s 36 ) ( i . e ., if the increment rate is increased faster than the setup value ), rab directing to lower the transmission data rate of the terminal for a predetermined slot length is generated ( s 38 , s 39 ). hence , it is possible to overcome the related art problem associated with the increase of the transmission power that is unnecessarily transmitted under optimal situation and the reverse link problem of neighboring cells . in fig3 ‘ sl ’ indicates a prescribed slot length in which rab is set to lower data rate . the prescribed slot length ( sl ) is determined according to current rotm . as rotm gets lower , the slot length maintaining the command of lowering transmission data rate of terminal is set shorter . as rotm gets closer to threshold ( rotm_th ), the slot length is set longer . the prescribed slot length can be found by equation 2 . sl = a / rot ( rotm_th [ db ]− rot_measured [ db ]), where sl is a prescribed slot length , rot_measured means rotm , and ‘ a ’ is a proportional constant related to slot length . in some embodiments , if rotm is below rotm_th ( s 31 ), it is then determined whether a decrement rate ( rot_v & lt ; 0 ) exceeds a downward reference value ( rot_down ) downward ( s 40 ). if the decrement rate ( rot_v & lt ; 0 ) exceeds the downward reference value ( rot_down ) downward ( s 40 ), rab directing to raise transmission data rate of terminal is generated regardless of the current set rab ( s 42 ). the rab generated in this step has a priority to the rab directing to lower transmission data rate in the step s 39 . hence , even if the step s 39 is in progress , rab setting is changed to a command of lowering transmission data rate of terminal , if a condition of the step s 42 is satisfied . if the rate ( rot_v & lt ; 0 ) fails to exceed the downward reference value ( rot_down ) downward ( s 40 ), sl is reduced by ‘ 1 ’ ( s 43 ), for example , and rab is set to keep lowering the data rate of the terminal ( s 44 ). [ 0082 ] fig4 illustrates a block diagram of a base station system for implementing the second embodiment . a base station system according to the embodiment of the present invention comprises a reception processing unit 41 , a rot measurement unit 42 , a rot variation rate measurement unit 43 , a first comparison unit 44 , a second comparison unit 45 , a third comparison unit 46 , a rab generation unit 47 , and a transmission processing unit 48 . numeral ‘ 49 ’ in the drawing indicates a reception antenna and numeral ‘ 50 ’ indicates a transmission antenna . the reception processing unit 41 demodulates signals received via the reception antenna 49 from terminals . the rot measurement unit 42 periodically measures total reception power ( rx power_total ) received from the reception antenna 49 in a reception end of the base station 400 and thermal noise power ( rx power_thermal ) of the base station system 400 and measures thermal noise power vs . reception signal power rot corresponding to a difference ( db unit ) of the former two measured values . the rot variation rate measurement unit 43 calculates a variation rate of rotm measured by the rot measurement unit 42 . the first comparison unit 44 compares rotm measured in the rot measurement unit 42 to a previously set reference value ( rotm_th ). the second comparison unit 45 compares whether an increment rate of the variation rate of rotm exceeds a previously set reference value ( rot_up ) upward , and the third comparison unit compares whether a decrement rate of the variation rate of rotm exceeds a preciously set reference value ( rot_down ) downward . the rab generation unit 47 generates rab of directing data transmission amount of reverse link according to the comparison results of the first to third comparison units 44 to 46 . process of generating the rab from the rab generation unit 47 is the same as the algorithm in fig1 or 3 . the transmission processing unit 48 modulates a transmission signal carrying the rab generated from the rab generation unit 47 to transmit to the respective terminals via the transmission antenna 30 . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention . thus , it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents .	7
the described embodiment is a three - dimensional golf swing analyzer for use with an application on a smart phone , a tablet computer , a laptop computer , or other similar mobile device . the device works as an inertial measurement unit ( imu ) attached to the shaft of a golf club to record and transmit the accelerations undergone by the club . it captures and analyzes golf swing data using a compact and lightweight sensor that attaches to any golf club either below the grip or on the cap or is integrated into the shaft . after hitting a shot or swinging the club , players and instructors can view an interactive , three - dimensional animation of the swing , along with key metrics , such as club head speed , path , plane , and various angles at impact . the user is able to see the key metrics for any point in the swing . the user can also play back the swing at any speed , from any angle , and at any magnification . since the described embodiment is not based on video capture , but rather recording the actual position and orientation of the golf club at 1 / 1000 th of a second intervals , there are virtually no limits on the granularity of the playback . by comparing the position of the club when aiming with the position of the club at impact , the application calculates the difference in loft , lie and club face angles between the two positions , allowing the user to compare what s / he meant to do to what actually happened . additionally , the application computes club head speed at impact ( and at all points in between ), tempo , top of backswing , angle of attack , club head path , and other vital characteristics . the application further provides verbal instruction and suggestions to fix common defects in a swing , such as taking the club too far back and an over - the - top swing . the data captured may also be automatically uploaded to a website where users can access and review their historical information or share it with an instructor . the website provides additional analytics by offering advanced comparison features , allowing the user to compare multiple swings at once , including his / her own history , and baseline swings for his / her body type , as well as professional and theoretical swings . this allows the user to see trends over time , and get objective data about their progress as a golfer . this also builds the foundation for an objective instructor ranking system . the website also provides users a way to send their swing data to a third party for review . this can be used for a golfer who travels to a different part of the country for the season but who still wants to receive instruction from their teacher back home . ¼ way — the point in the backswing when the club is parallel to the ground for the first time half - way — the point in the backswing when the projection of the club onto the earth &# 39 ; s y - z plane is perpendicular to the horizon for the first time ¾ way — the point in the downswing when the club is parallel to the ground for the first time tobs ( top - of - backswing )— the point in the swing where the club reverses direction . speedpoint — the point in the swing where the club attains maximum speed plane angle — the angle computed at any time by taking the club &# 39 ; s y vector in terms of the earth &# 39 ; s coordinate system , at the current point in the swing , and the one immediately past it . the cross product of the two vectors is taken , which produces a vector orthogonal to both of them , and the normal vector of the plane defined by the two initial vectors . the plane angle is then the angle between the earth &# 39 ; s x - z plane and the newly computed plane . club face to plane angle — the club &# 39 ; s plane is computed at address . the club face to plane angle is the angle between the x - vector of the club and this initial plane . club face to horizon angle — this club face to horizon angle is the angle between the x - vector of the club and the x - z plane . the following definitions are some parameters that may be derived from the output of the apparatus : swing tempo / club head speed at all points throughout the swing point of release — the point of the swing when the wrist angle is released during the downswing swing plane — determine the swing plane based on address , and show deviation from it club face / loft / lie angles — the difference in angles between address and impact . angle of attack — the angle of attack in the milliseconds preceding the impact launch direction & amp ; speed — the initial speed and direction of travel for the ball based on the impact data and the club used torque — the amount of torque generated by the swing at all points throughout the swing ball spin ball flight path ball flight distance the following data are observed from usage and may be used in analysis : location of use ( via gps in the user &# 39 ; s phone ) frequency of use the following parameters are user defined and entered using the application on the mobile device : club used club deflection — using the club information provided by the user and the observed torque , the application can calculate how much the club shaft will deflect . user demographics such as age , sex , body type , handicap , frequency of play , etc . fig1 a shows a schematic of an accelerometer 10 . in the described embodiment , the bosch ™ bma180 three - axis mems accelerometer 10 is used , although other accelerometers may be used . in the schematic shown in fig1 a , the data coming from the accelerometer 10 is controlled by a linear acceleration interrupt output 12 , labeled int1 , which causes the linear acceleration related data to be output on the serial data in / out line 14 to a microcontroller ( described below ). the accelerometer 10 is synchronized with the microcontroller using a serial clock 16 . fig1 b shows a schematic of a gyroscope 18 . in the described embodiment , the invensense ™ itg3200 three - axis mems gyroscope 18 is used , although other gyroscopes may be used . in the schematic shown in fig1 b , the data coming from the gyroscope 18 is controlled by an angular velocity interrupt output 20 , labeled int2 , which causes the angular velocity related data to be output on the serial data in / out line 14 to a microcontroller ( described below ). the accelerometer 10 is synchronized with the microcontroller using a serial clock 16 . note that the accelerometer 10 and the gyroscope 18 operate with a shared serial data bus and are multiplexed using the two interrupts . fig1 c shows a schematic of flash memory 22 that is used to store the data processed by the microcontroller . in the described embodiment , the atmel ™ at45 db161d is used , although other memory may be used . in the schematic shown in fig1 c , processed data from the microcontroller comes in on the flash data input line 24 and , later , the data is output on the flash data output line 26 for transmission using a transmitter . fig1 d shows a schematic of the battery charger 28 that connects to a usb port 30 of the mobile device , which may be a smart phone , a tablet computer , a laptop computer , or any other similar device . the usb port 30 is used only to provide charging power to the device . fig1 d shows that the described embodiment uses a microchip mcp73831 charge management controller 34 , but other charge management controllers may be used . the power circuitry of the device provides charge on the battery charger line 32 to a battery 36 as shown in fig1 e . fig1 e shows a schematic of a microcontroller 38 , co - processor 40 , radio transmitter 42 , and power control 44 . this figure shows the layout of the various components utilized and reveals how the serial data in / out line 14 and the serial clock 16 come into the microcontroller 38 on the shared bus . in the described embodiment , the microcontroller 38 is an atmel atmega328 , although other microcontrollers may be used . this figure also reveals how the linear acceleration interrupt output 12 and the angular velocity interrupt output 20 are connected to the microcontroller 38 . further shown in fig1 e is how a co - processor 40 is used to assist the transmission of processed data using a radio transmitter 42 . in the described embodiment , the co - processor 40 is an apple ™ mfi341s2164 , although other co - processors may be used . under the control of the microcontroller 38 , the co - processor 40 communicates to a radio transmitter 42 to transmit data to a mobile device . in the described embodiment , the radio transmitter 42 is a bluetooth rn41 , although other radio transmitters may be used . although the function of the radio transmitter 42 is to transmit processed golf swing data , the radio transmitter 42 should be a device that may also be used as a receiver to allow remote updating of the firmware within the device . lastly , fig1 e shows the usb connector 46 used to connect to a power source for charging the battery 36 . fig1 f shows a schematic of a magnetometer 48 . in the described embodiment , the honeywell ™ hmc5883l digital three - axis magnetometer 48 is used , although other magnetometers may be used . fig1 f shows the serial data in / out line 14 and the serial clock 16 that are part of the shared serial bus . the magnetometer is used to let a user set a target line for the golf swing . this is important because each golfer displays variation in how that golfer addresses the ball and because each golfer has a different degree of natural slice or hook , including no slice or hook at all . thus , if a golfer can choose a target line , then the actual shot can be compared to the target line for analysis and criticism . without the target line , there is no accounting for the natural variations in how golfers address the ball . to activate this function with the magnetometer 48 , a golfer starts by horizontally pointing the club , with the head down , along the desired target line , and then rotates the head of the club 180 degrees so that the club head points upward . then , the target line will be established as the line in the direction that golf club shaft is pointing . fig2 a shows a front perspective view of the housing 50 attached to a golf club 56 . this figure shows one variation on how the housing 50 may be attached to the golf club 56 using a strap 53 around the shaft of the golf club 56 . fig2 b shows a side perspective view of the housing 50 attached to a golf club 56 . notable on this figure is the on / off switch 52 , which is in close proximity to a golfer &# 39 ; s hand and easily toggled . fig2 c shows an overhead , angled view of the housing 50 and the strap fastener 54 used . fig3 a shows a hinge 58 and clasp clamp design for attaching the housing 50 to a golf club 56 . the housing 50 is such that its body rotates around the hinge 58 to wrap around a golf club 56 . fig3 b shows the hinge 58 and clasp clamp 60 housing 50 attached to a golf club 56 . this design is made to attach to the golf club 56 below the grip so that it does not interfere with the golfer &# 39 ; s swing . fig4 shows a cap design for attaching the housing 50 to a golf club 56 . in this configuration , the device may be placed inside a cap fitting housing 50 at the top of the club grip . as in the housing 50 that attaches below the grip , the device is placed to not impede the golfer &# 39 ; s swing . fig5 a shows an integrated housing 62 for attaching around a golf club 56 shaft . in this configuration , the individual components of the device may be placed within a specially made grip around the club 56 shaft . fig5 b shows how the a hollow club 56 shaft may be used as the housing 50 for holding individual components 64 . fig6 shows the club selection screen 65 for the application running on a mobile device . on the screen , the club brand 66 is shown and may be a standard club or a custom club . the club type 68 is labeled as a driver , a wedge , or an iron . the club size 70 will be “ driver ” for a driver , “ 2 ” for a pitching wedge , and “ 3 ” and above for irons . a user &# 39 ; s chosen club 72 appears on the left side of the screen . in the instance shown in fig6 , the user has chosen a standard driver . the club information 74 , or characteristics of a standard driver , is shown towards the bottom left corner of the screen . the club information 74 is adjusted based on a user &# 39 ; s biometrics , such as height and distance from wrist to ground . in this instance , the club is forty - four inches , with an eleven degree loft and a fifty degree lie . to use a customized club , the user may select the customization button 76 . then , the user may adjust characteristics of the club , such as length , loft , and lie . fig7 a shows a swing display screen 78 for the application running on a mobile device with the outline of a full swing and summary data . in general , the interface shown may be controlled with touch screen technology , using a mouse , or using some other input method . the view selector 80 is used to select one of three views , down - the - line , face on , and overhead . the current view of these three is shown by the current view indicator 82 . when the locked view indicator 84 is selected , the user may change the view as if rotating a camera . to turn swing recording on and off , the user may select the recording on / off button 86 . this controls whether or not the application will accept signals from the device attached to the golf club . if recording is on , then the user may swing a golf club with the device attached to the golf club and select the animation playback button 88 to see an outline of the club trajectory 104 of the swing . along the bottom of the swing display screen 78 , is the club - in - swing position bar 100 , which displays the location of the club at all times , including when it crosses important points , such as the ¼ way marker 90 , the half - way marker 92 , the tobs marker 94 , the ¾ way marker 96 , and the impact marker 98 . for the screen shown in fig7 a , the impact marker 98 is lit to show that the club trajectory 104 at impact and related statistics are shown . after impact a club - at - impact snapshot 102 is shown that shows the club speed , the club loft , the lie angle , and how much the club face is open or closed . the club trajectory 104 is shown in the center of the screen and is color - coded by trajectory speed . the club trajectory 104 is shown in conjunction with the club initial orientation 106 , the club head orientation 108 at impact , and the club at impact information 110 , such as club speed and club plane , so that a user may analyze the quality of the swing . the swing display screen 78 in fig7 a further shows that the swing display screen was selected with the swing detail button 112 . for impact detail in the form of graphics and statistics , the user may select the impact detail button 114 , and to see further details , the user may select the parameter detail button 116 and see further statistics , such as the speedpoint , plane angle , club face to plane angle , club face to horizon angle , among other parameters defined above . in order to zoom and shrink so that the user may see the club trajectory 104 and other statistics at any magnification , the user may “ pinch ” or “ pan ” the screen if it is a touch screen . the user may also increase or decrease the playback speed by moving his or her hand along the club - in - swing position bar 100 on the touch screen at whatever speed the user desires . the club - in - swing position bar 100 , or progress bar , also functions as a scroll bar . a user may place a finger at any point along the bar to position the club at that point in the playback . dragging a finger along the bar continuously repositions the club to the new playback position , allowing one to animate the club over a specific range at a specific speed . fig7 b shows a swing display screen 78 for the application running on a mobile device with statistics at ¼ the way point through a swing . the club - in - swing position bar 100 is lit up to the ¼ way marker 90 . the ball launch direction 118 is shown for comparison along with the angle of the club face to the horizon 120 and other club at point information 122 , such as club speed and club plane at a particular point . fig7 c shows a swing display screen 78 for the application running on a mobile device with statistics at the top of a back swing . the club - in - swing position bar 100 is lit up to the tobs marker 94 . along with other statistics previously described , the angle of club face to initial plane 124 is shown for comparison with the club initial orientation 106 and the ball launch direction 118 . the user may analyze this data and make proper adjustments to improve his or her swing . fig7 d shows a swing display screen 78 for the application running on a mobile device with statistics at half - way point of a swing . the club - in - swing position bar 100 is lit up to the half - way marker 92 . as with earlier described screens , relevant statistics are shown for comparison and analysis . a user may use a finger or other input device to draw a free - hand line 126 across areas of the swing display screen 78 to mark characteristics of a desired swing and later compare the free - hand line 126 with the actual swing . fig8 shows a swing selection screen 128 with a table of swing descriptions for a period of time . the swing selection screen 128 allows a user to view daily swing information 130 by selecting a particular date . the information shown are swing descriptions based on launch angles . other combinations of data may be displayed . fig9 shows the coordinate system used to describe the algorithm for the following principles of operation . using the earth as a reference point , the x - axis 132 and the z - axis 136 define the plane along the “ ground ”. the y - axis 134 is straight out of or perpendicular to the “ ground ”. the face - on view is the y - z plane . the down - the - line view is the x - y plane , and the overhead view is the x - z plane . a fixed right - orthogonal coordinate system 0x g y g z g is selected , located at the starting position of the object . 0y g is directed at the zenith . axes 0x g and 0z g are horizontal , with 0x g having an arbitrary position within the horizontal plane . a right coordinate system is associated with the object , the axes of which coincide with the fixed coordinate system in the initial position . the angular position of the object in the fixed coordinate system is determined by euler angles α , β and γ , with transitions defined from the fixed coordinate system axes . the relationship between the angular velocities of the object &# 39 ; s orientation and angular velocities of the object &# 39 ; s rotation in the associated axes is defined by integration of these non - linear equations theoretically allows one to obtain the angles of orientation . however , this is impractical in light of the following calculations , and at the angle β = 90 ° ( cos β = 0 ). in light of this , inertial navigation uses different methods to describe the orientation of the object . description is most frequently accomplished using direction cosines . with the unit vectors placed along axes of the fixed and associated coordinate systems with the same identifiers , the transition from the fixed coordinate system to the associated one is defined by the transformation [ x , y , z ] t = p [ x g , y g , z g ] t , where p is a matrix of direction cosines the elements of this matrix will then have the following structure : to obtain the current values of the matrix elements , we integrate poisson &# 39 ; s equation { dot over ( p )}=[ ω ] p , where [ ω ], the rotational matrix , is [ ω ] =  0 ω z - ω y - ω z 0 ω x ω y - ω x 0  where ω x , ω y , ω z are angular velocities of the rotation of the object in the associated axes . the matrix elements found through integration are used to compute the current values of the angles of orientation using to obtain these formulae , one must use the structure of the matrix of direction cosines . the initial conditions for integrating poisson &# 39 ; s equation are determined during the initialization phase ( initial calibration ) of the inertial module . the determination of parameters of the trajectory ( linear velocities and coordinates ) is done by integrating components of the relative acceleration vector in the fixed coordinate system : the calculation of the components of the vector of relative acceleration is done according to w g = p t w −[ g ], where w is the vector of apparent acceleration , the components of which are measured by the accelerometers of the inertial module , and [ g ] is acceleration due to gravity at the point of the current location of the module on the earth &# 39 ; s surface , with components g x = 0 ; g y = g ; g z = 0 ; the initialization procedure is done with the module immobilized in the initial position . the goal of the procedure is an estimate of the 0 values and trends of the gyroscopes , and also the elements of the matrix of direction cosines determining the initial orientation of the object . the first problem , the error values of the gyroscopes , is presented as δω = δω 0 + χt + n ( t ), where δω 0 is the shift of the 0 - value , χ is the speed of the trend , and n ( t ) is the noise of the sensor . the estimate of parameters δωw 0 and χ is done through a method of least - squares applied to a recorded set of measurements of gyroscope values during the period of initialization . three elements of the matrix of direction cosines of the initial orientation of the object are determined by solving the algebraic equation w = pw ′ g , where w ′ g =[ 0 g 0 ] t is the vector of the apparent acceleration of the object in the immobilized system of coordinates during initialization . from this , p 12 ⁡ ( 0 ) = w _ x ⁡ ( 0 ) g ; p 22 ⁡ ( 0 ) = w _ y ⁡ ( 0 ) g ; p 22 ⁡ ( 0 ) = w _ z ⁡ ( 0 ) g , where w x ( 0 ), w y ( 0 ), w z ( 0 ) are the average values of the apparent accelerations of the object during the period of initialization . the formulae for determining the remaining elements of direction cosines are found from equations determining its structure given that α = 0 . some additional considerations are that the system relies heavily on noise filtering algorithms to improve the device &# 39 ; s accuracy over time . additional correction is performed by assuming that the starting point of the club face is at the location of the ball , and that the club passes through that point again on the down - swing . the precise time that the club is passing through this location is determined by locating a shock value in the accelerometer data . the trajectory of the club is then corrected based on this information , reducing the error by more than 50 %. while the present inventions have been illustrated by a description of various embodiments and while these embodiments have been set forth in considerable detail , it is intended that the scope of the inventions be defined by the appended claims . it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications to the foregoing preferred embodiments may be made in various aspects . it is deemed that the spirit and scope of the inventions encompass such variations to be preferred embodiments as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and familiar with the teachings of the present application .	7
referring to fig5 a pdp driving apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first gain adjuster 51 , first and second inverse gamma adjusters 52 a and 52 b connected to the first gain adjuster 51 , a second gain adjuster 53 , an error diffuser 54 and a sub - field mapping unit 55 that are connected between the first inverse gamma gain adjuster 52 a and a data aligner 56 , and an average picture level ( apl ) calculator 57 connected between the second inverse gamma adjuster 52 b and a waveform generator 58 . the first gain adjuster 51 controls a gain of digital video data rgb to be supplied to the peripheral field of the pdp and a gain of digital video data rgs to be supplied to the center field thereof differently depending upon a brightness difference between the peripheral field and the center field of the pdp , thereby compensating for a brightness difference between the peripheral field and the center field of the pdp . each of the first and second inverse gamma adjusters 52 a and 52 b makes an inverse gamma correction of digital video data rgb from the first gain adjuster 51 to thereby linearly convert brightness according to gray level values of image signals the second gain adjuster 53 adjusts an effective gain for each of red , green and blue data to thereby compensate for a color temperature . the error diffuser 54 diffuses a quantized error of the digital video data rgb inputted from the second gain adjuster 53 into the adjacent cells to thereby make a fine control of a brightness value . to this end , the error diffuser 54 divides the data into a positive number part and a decimal fraction part and then multiplies the decimal fraction part by a floyd - steinberg coefficient . the sub - field mapping unit 55 maps a data from the error diffuser 54 onto a sub - field pattern stored in advance for each bit , and applies the mapped data to the data aligner 56 . the data aligner 56 applies digital video data inputted from the sub - field mapping unit 55 to a data driving circuit of the pdp 59 . the data driving circuit is connected to the data electrodes of the pdp 59 to latch a data from the data aligner 35 for each one horizontal line and then apply the latched data to the data electrodes of the pdp 59 for each one horizontal period . the apl calculator 57 detects an average brightness per frame of digital video data rgb inputted from the second inverse gamma adjuster 52 b , that is , an average picture level ( apl ), and outputs information about the number of sustaining pulses corresponding to the detected apl . the waveform generator 58 generates a timing control signal in response to the information about the number of sustaining pulses from the apl calculator 57 , and applies the timing control signal to a scan driving circuit and a sustain driving circuit ( not shown ). the scan driving circuit and the sustain driving circuit apply a sustaining pulse to the scan electrodes and the sustain electrodes of the pdp 59 during the sustain period in response to the timing control signal from the waveform generator 58 . the gain adjusting apparatus for each position of the pdp according to the embodiment of the present invention uniforms a brightness different at the entire field of the pdp with the aid of the first gain adjuster 51 . [ 0061 ] fig6 shows a first embodiment of the first gain adjuster 51 . referring to fig6 the first gain adjuster 51 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a data re - aligner 61 for re - aligning digital video data rgb into predetermined m × n picture blocks , and m × n gain adjusters gc 11 to gcmn for adjusting each gain of data msk ( rgb ) divided into the m × n picture blocks . the m × n picture blocks set at the data re - aligner 61 are identical to m × n picture blocks divided from the effective field of the pdp . each of the picture blocks divided from the effective field of the pdp includes a plurality of pixels . the data re - aligner 61 has a frame memory for storing data , and a multiplexer for dividing the data from the frame memory to each picture block . the gain adjusters gc 11 to gc 1 n , gc 21 to gcm 1 , gcm 2 to gcmn and gcmn at the peripheral picture blocks multiplies data to be supplied to the peripheral field of the pdp by a gain value less than a predetermined reference gain value , thereby relatively lowering a gain of the peripheral field data of the pdp in comparison with the center field data thereof . on the other hand , the gain adjusters multiplies data to be supplied to the center field of the pdp by a gain value more than the predetermined reference gain value , thereby relatively heightening a gain of the peripheral field data of the pdp in comparison with the center field data . [ 0066 ] fig7 shows a second embodiment of the first gain adjuster 51 . referring to fig7 the first gain adjuster 51 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a data re - aligner 71 for re - aligning digital video data rgb into a predetermined center picture block and a predetermined peripheral picture block , a center gain adjuster 72 for adjusting a gain of center picture block data c ( rgb ), and a peripheral gain adjuster 73 for adjusting a gain of peripheral picture block data p ( rgb ). the center picture block and the peripheral picture block set at the data re - aligner 71 are identical to a center picture block c and a peripheral picture block p divided from the effective field of the pdp as shown in fig8 . each of the center picture block c and the peripheral picture block f divided from the effective field of the pdp includes a plurality of pixels , the data re - aligner 71 has a frame memory for storing data , and a multiplexer for dividing the data from the frame memory to the center picture block and the peripheral picture block . the center gain adjuster 72 multiplies data to be supplied to the center picture block c of the pdp by a gain value more than a predetermined reference gain value , thereby relatively heightening a gain of the center field data of the pdp in comparison with the peripheral field data thereof . the peripheral gain adjuster 73 multiplies data to be supplied to the peripheral picture block p of the pdp by a gain value less than a predetermined reference gain value , thereby relatively lowering a gain of the peripheral field data of the pdp in comparison with the center field data thereof . [ 0071 ] fig9 shows a third embodiment of the first gain adjuster 51 . referring to fig9 the first gain adjuster 51 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a data re - aligner 81 for separating digital video data rgb into predetermined x - axis data x ( rgb ) and predetermined y - axis data y ( rgb ), a x - axis gain adjuster 82 for adjusting a gain of x - axis data x ( rgb ), and a y - axis gain adjuster 83 for adjusting a gain of y - axis data y ( rgb ). the data re - aligner 81 applies each row data rd 1 to rdn , as shown in fig1 , arranged in parallel along the x - axis , of nm pixels of the pdp arranged in a matrix type , to the x - axis gain adjuster 82 while applying each column data cd 1 to cd 3 m , as shown in fig1 , arranged in parallel along the y - axis to the y - axis gain adjuster 83 . the data re - aligner 81 has a frame memory for storing data , and a line memory and a switching device for separating the data from the frame memory into x - axis data x ( rgb ) and y - axis data y ( rgb ) to divisionally apply them to the x - axis gain adjuster 82 and the y - axis gain adjuster 83 , respectively . the x - axis gain adjuster 82 multiplies data arranged at the center , of each row data rd 1 to rdn as shown in fig1 , for example , the first - row center data ( …   r  n 2 , g  n 2 , b  n 2   … ) by a gain value more than a predetermined reference gain value , thereby relatively heightening a gain of each row center data in comparison with each row peripheral data , for example , the first - row peripheral data r 1 , g 1 , b 1 , rm , gm and bm . the y - axis gain adjuster 83 multiplies data arranged at the center , of each column data cd 1 to cd 3 m as shown in fig1 , for example , the 3 mth - column center data ( …   b  1 2  n   m - 1 , b  1 2  n   m , b  1 2  n   m + 1   … ) by a gain value more than a predetermined reference gain value , thereby relatively heightening a gain of each column center data in comparison with each column peripheral data , for example , the 3 mth - column peripheral data bm , b 2 m , b 3 m and bnm . as described above , according to the present invention , an effective field of the pdp is divided into m × n block to control a gain of data independently for each block data . alternatively , according to the present invention , an effective field of the pdp is divided into the center field and the peripheral field to control a gain of data independently for each block data or to control a gain of data independently for each x - axis data and each y - axis data . accordingly , a gain of data to be supplied to the center field of the pdp is relatively heightened in comparison with that of data to be supplied to the peripheral field thereof , thereby realizing a brightness uniformity of a picture field . although the present invention has been explained by the embodiments shown in the drawings described above , it should be understood to the ordinary skilled person in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments , but rather that various changes or modifications thereof are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention . accordingly , the scope of the invention shall be determined only by the appended claims and their equivalents ,	6
a specific example of the objective lens will be described below . the objective lens for the optical pick - up devices in examples 1 - 2 , has the aspherical shape expressed by the following [ mathematical expression 3 ] on the both surfaces of the optical surface . z = h 2 / r 1 + 1 - ( 1 + κ )  ( h / r ) 2 + ∑ i = 0 ∞  a 2  i  h 2  i [ mathematical   expression   3 ] where , z is an axis in the optical axis direction ( the advancing direction of the light is defined as the positive ), h is an axis perpendicular to the optical axis ( height from the optical axis ), r is a paraxial radius of curvature , κ is a conical coefficient , and a is an aspherical surface coefficient . in this connection , the objective lens of the present example which will be described later , has the diffractive ring - shaped band expressed by different optical path difference functions bounded by the height hb from the optical axis . in the present example , in the diffractive ring - shaped band on the boundary of the height hb from the optical axis , the ring - shaped band width is short and the ring - shaped band width is an imperfect shape , however , in the present invention , the ring - shaped band in which the value of a o corresponding to the lens thickness of the area of the height h ≧ hb from the optical axis is made an optimum value , and the ring - shaped band width is made a perfect shape , is also included . fig2 is an outline structural view of an optical pick - up device according to the first embodiment . in the optical pick - up device 100 shown in fig2 the first semiconductor laser 111 which is the first light source , and the second semiconductor laser 112 which is the second light source are parallely arranged . the luminous flux from the first semiconductor laser 111 of the wavelength λ 1 (= 655 nm ) is incident on the collimator 114 through a beam splitter 113 , and further , is stopped by the aperture 115 ( a predetermined numerical aperture na 1 ) and converged onto the information recording surface 201 of the first optical information recording medium , that is , the optical disk 200 ( for example , dvd : transparent substrate thickness ti ) by the objective lens 3 . the reflected light from the information recording surface is converged onto the light receiving surface of a photo detector 10 through an objective lens 3 , aperture 115 , collimator 114 , beam splitters 113 , 116 , cylindrical lens 117 , and concave lens 118 . according to the received light , the photo detector 10 generates a detection signal . in contrast to this , the luminous flux from the second semiconductor laser 112 of the wavelength λ 2 (= 785 ) is incident on the collimator 114 through a diffractive lattice 119 , coupling lens 120 , beam splitter 116 , and beam splitter 113 , and further , is stopped by the aperture 115 and converged onto the information recording surface 201 of the second optical information recording medium , that is , optical disk 200 ′ ( for example , cd - r : transparent substrate thickness t 2 & gt ; t 1 ) by the objective lens 3 . the reflected light from the information recording surface is , in the same manner as described above , converged onto the light receiving surface of the photo detector 10 through the objective lens 3 , aperture 115 , collimator 114 , beam splitters 113 , 116 , cylindrical lens 117 , and concave lens 118 . according to the received light , the photo detector 10 generates the detection signal . in this connection , as the objective lens 3 , examples 1 and 2 , which will be described later , may be used . incidentally , the diffraction grating 119 generates 0th order light , + first order light and − first order light on the basis of the light flux from the second semiconductor laser 112 . at this time , an amount of 0th order light ray becomes larger by several times than that of ± first order light . after , each order light is reflected by the information recording surface 201 , the 0th order light having the largest light amount cones to be incident in the central light receiving section 10 a of the photo - detector 10 and is used to the detection for the focusing condition . on the other hand , the - first order light and the + first order light come to be incident into the peripheral light receiving section 10 b of the photo - detector and are used to the detection for the tracking error . fig3 is an outline structural view of an optical pick - up device according to the second embodiment . in the second embodiment shown in fig3 in contrast to the embodiment in fig2 because only a point in which the coupling lens 120 , cylindrical lens 117 , and concave lens 118 are omitted , and the beam splitter is replaced with a planer one ( 206 ), is different , the description of the other structure will be neglected . in this connection , as the objective lens 3 , examples 1 and 2 , which will be also described later , can be used . further , in the first embodiment and the second embodiment , a structure by which the transmitted light is detected by the photo detector 10 by making the information recording surface 201 transparent , may also be possible . next , the examples of the objective lens 3 will be described . in [ table 1 ], data relating to the objective lens in example 1 is shown . in this connection , in the lens data shown hereinafter , an exponent of 10 ( for example , 2 . 5 × 10 − 3 ) is expressed by using e ( for example , 2 . 5 × e − 3 ). fig4 is a sectional view of the objective lens of example 1 , and fig5 is a longitudinal spherical aberration view of the objective lens of example 1 . according to fig5 ( a ), when the recording or reproducing of the information is conducted on the dvd as the optical disk , the spherical aberration can be finely suppressed for the whole numerical aperture , and an appropriate spot light can be formed . on the one hand , according to fig5 ( b ), when the recording or reproducing of the information is conducted on the cd - r as the optical disk , the spherical aberration can be finely suppressed in the inside of a predetermined numerical aperture ( na 2 ), and an adequate spot light can be formed , and on the outside of the predetermined numerical aperture , the flare light can be formed . in [ table 2 ], the data relating to the objective lens 3 in example 2 is shown . fig6 is a sectional view of the objective lens of example 2 , and fig7 is a longitudinal spherical aberration view of the objective lens of example 2 . according to fig7 ( a ), when the recording or reproducing of the information is conducted on the dvd as the optical disk , the spherical aberration can be finely suppressed for the whole numerical aperture , and an adequate spot light can be formed . on the one hand , according to fig7 ( b ), when the recording or reproducing of the information is conducted on the cd - r as the optical disk , the spherical aberration can be finely suppressed in the inside of a predetermined numerical aperture ( na 2 ), and an adequate spot light can be formed , and on the outside of the predetermined numerical aperture , the flare light can be formed . [ table 3 ] is the refractive index data in the objective lens of examples 1 and 2 , and [ table 4 ] shows the inner diameter d 2 and the outer diameter d 1 of the flare light formed on the information recording surface 201 ( fig2 and 3 ) when the objective lens of examples 1 and 2 is used . according to the present invention , although small number of optical elements or objective lenses are used , the optical pick - up device and the objective lens used therefor by which the recording of the information and / or reproducing ( hereinafter , simply called recording and reproducing ) can be conducted on the optical information recording media having different thickness , and the false detection can be suppressed , can be provided .	6
all disclosures of provisional patent application ser . no . 60 / 163 , 615 , filed nov . 4 , 1999 , and entitled “ internet insurance certificate system ,” are hereby incorporated by reference herein . the disclosed system for issuing certificates of insurance , and managing certificate of insurance related information , may be implemented through a web site on the world wide web . for example , as shown in fig1 , client machines 10 effect transactions to a web server system 12 using the hypertext transfer protocol ( http ), which is a known application protocol providing users access to various types of files ( e . g . text , graphics , images , sound , video , etc .) using a standard page description language known as the hypertext markup language ( html ). a web page is a document that is accessible over the web , and that is typically identified using a uniform resource locator ( url ). accordingly , requests for web pages through an html - compatible browser ( e . g . netscape navigator or microsoft internet explorer ) executing on one of the client machines 10 generally involve specification of a requested web page by that web page &# 39 ; s url . the requesting one of the client machines 10 receives , in return , a document or other object formatted according to html . a collection of web pages and / or other documents or programs supported on a web server or servers , such as the server cluster 12 , is sometimes referred to as a web site . in a preferred embodiment , and as shown in fig1 , the web server system 12 includes a web site , web - accessible computer program logic coding and a certificate information database . thus the web server system 12 provides a web - based application program accessible by the client systems 10 over the world wide web 11 . as it is generally known , the client systems 10 typically include a suite of conventional internet tools , including a web browser , operable to access and obtain services from servers connected to the web 11 . various known internet protocols are used in connection with the services provided by servers within the web server system 12 . thus , for example , browsing may be provided using the hypertext transfer protocol ( http ), which provides users of the client systems 10 access to multimedia files , including files written in the hypertext markup language ( html ). for purposes of illustration , a representative one of the client systems 10 may be a personal computer , notebook computer , internet appliance or personal computing device ( e . g . a pda ), that may , for example , be based on one or more x86 -, powerpc ®, or risc type processors . an illustrative client system may include an operating system such as microsoft windows or microsoft windows ce . as noted above , each client system may include a suite of internet tools including a web browser , such as netscape navigator or microsoft internet explorer , that may have a java virtual machine ( jvm ) and / or support for application plug - ins or helper applications . further for purposes of illustration , a representative web server system 12 is based on an intel i686 central processing unit ( cpu ), and includes an associated memory for storing programs executable on the cpu . the web server system 12 further runs the linux operating system and the apache web server program . various communication links may be used to connect to the web server system 12 , such as a digital subscriber line or t1 connection . the illustrative web server system 12 of fig1 is further configured to allow some restricted access to the data for the convenience of administrators and preferred users , but can be completely isolated to a common gateway interface ( cgi ) of the computer program logic coding within the server system 12 . in the illustrative embodiment of fig1 , the cgi is used by the web server program within the web server system 12 to pass requests received from the client systems 10 to the computer program logic within the web server system 12 , and to receive data back to forward to the client systems 10 . accordingly , when a user of one of the client systems 10 fills out a form on a web page provided by the web server system 12 , and sends it in , the web server program within the web server system 12 passes the form information to associated computer program logic code executing on the web server system 12 that processes the data , and that may send back a confirmation , rejection or error message . further during operation of the illustrative embodiment shown in fig1 , permission to access the data within the certificate information database is generally denied to other machines . users of the client systems 10 define ids and passwords that are used to enforce limited access to data and functionality within the web server system 12 . in one embodiment , the certificate information database within the web server system 12 is based on the kdb database provided by kx systems , inc . k is the language inherent to kdb . accordingly , in such an embodiment , the programming language k is used to implement the computer program logic associated with the disclosed system executing on the web server system 12 . other database technologies , such as sybase , sequel server and oracle , as well as other programming languages may be used alternatively . in the illustrative embodiment of fig1 , the computer program logic code communicates with the cgi and the web server program within the web server system 12 , and the computer program logic code further communicates via inter - process communication to the kdb data . the kdb rdbms software provides the standard security mechanisms of sql / 92 , and more . the input from html forms uses encoded values to reassure the cgi code that the user has logged on properly . as illustrated in fig1 , the parties typically involved with insurance certificates access the components of the web server system 12 through the client systems 10 . in particular , producers , insureds , certificate holders and insurers use the client systems 10 to access the web server system 12 over the world wide web 11 . the disclosed system allows three types of parties to issue what are referred to as “ outgoing ” certificates with various levels of security . in addition , the present system includes a separate respective process , implemented within the computer program logic executing on the web server system 12 , for each of the parties permitted to issue an outgoing certificate . a fourth process is provided by the disclosed system for “ incoming ” certificates . these four processes operate as follows : 1 . producer process ( outgoing certificates ): the disclosed system enables producers to add or change information on - line related to a certificate in the certificate information database through a producer process . the producer process also allows the producer to issue certificates on - line . 2 . insured process ( outgoing certificates ): the disclosed system includes an insured process through which an insured can issue his or her own certificates on - line . the disclosed system includes security features which prevent the insured from issuing a certificate outside the scope of the applicable security policy . 3 . certificate holder process ( outgoing certificates ): the certificate holder process of the disclosed system enables a certificate holder to issue their own certificates on - line and immediately . the disclosed system provides a higher level of security in connection with the certificate holder process , preventing the certificate holder from accessing unauthorized information and from adding unauthorized conditions to the certificate . 4 . incoming certificates process : the incoming certificates process of the disclosed system enables producers to verify previously established insurance requirements and for a certificate to be immediately issued . if the relevant coverage does not meet the requirements the deficiency is noted and reported . 5 . reports can be generated and downloaded for the certificate holder , insured , producer and insurer ( s ). each of the respective parties are only allowed information associated with the party . these reports can be used for many purposes including generation of the obligatory cancellation notifications and for claim adjustment . each one of the above described processes is accessible to the appropriate party through the web site as accessed using one of the client systems 10 . fig2 illustrates steps performed with regard to the producer process . at step 30 , a producer registers or signs in to the disclosed system through the web site provided by the web server system 12 shown in fig1 . signing in by a producer at step 30 may include entering a producer id and associated password for security and verification purposes . at step 32 , the producer selects from a number of option which are presented in a display screen . the producer may , at step 32 , select an option from a display screen which enables the producer to set - up information related to an insured party . other options that may be presented to a producer include revising an insured party , revising the registration information of the producer , reprinting a certificate , and / or creating an attachment . as a result of selecting the option for setting - up an insured party at step 32 , at step 34 the producer enters identification information related to the insured party being set up . other information which may be entered at step 34 includes information relating to removal of the words “ endeavor to ” from the cancellation clause of certificates associated with the insured party , and / or inclusion of attachments with the insured &# 39 ; s certificates . at step 36 , the producer selects the level of security to be associated with the insured party &# 39 ; s certificates in general . the levels of security that may be selected at step 36 include : unsecured and open to the general public : this security level is appropriate for an insured party with a large volume of certificates and certificates which are routine and do not convey any or only limited rights to the certificate holder . password required to enter the system : this security level requires either the producer or the insured to provide the appropriate password to the certificate holder . a field is presented to the producer at step 36 for entry of the password into the system . approval required : this security level does not require a password , but the certificate holder will not receive the certificate until it is approved by either a first or second contact , as established by the producer . after a certificate holder enters the certificate information , the system sends electronic mail to the contacts for approval of the certificate . password and approval required : this security level requires both a password to access the system , and approval of any requested certificates . further at step 36 , the producer may enter a password for accessing the system that the insured and the producer or broker are to provide to anyone who wishes to use the system to request a certificate associated with the insured . the producer may further enter a password at step 36 that is to be used only by the producer to produce unique certificates , as well as a password to be used by the insured to obtain reports regarding certificate activity relating to the insured . at step 38 , the producer enters contact and approver information associated with the insured . the information entered by the producer at step 38 may include electronic mail addresses of any approvers , so that the disclosed system may seek approval for any requested certificates through electronic mail . contacts provided at step 38 will also be displayed on the screen while a certificate holder uses the disclosed system , so that the certificate holder can contact them if they have any questions . contacts entered at step 38 may also be designated for inclusion in any printed certificate regarding the insured . the producer enters insurance policy information regarding the insured at step 40 . further at step 40 , the producer is presented with a preferred wording for general liability additional insureds , which may be overridden by the producer . for example , the default preferred wording provided by the system may be as follows : “ abc corporation ( the certificate holder ) is added as an additional insured for general liability , but only with respect to operations performed on their behalf and due to the negligence of xyz corporation ( the insured ).” if the producer desires a different default wording , such wording may be entered at step 40 . further at step 40 , the producer may make selections which allow the certificate holder to perform certain additions to certificates , and to indicate whether approval should be sought when such are additions are present in a given certificate . for example , at step 40 the producer may indicate whether certificate holders may be added as additional insured , and whether approval must be obtained before issuing a certificate in which a certificate holder has been added as an additional insured . similarly , at step 40 , the producer may indicate that lessors may be added as additional insured , and whether approval must be sought for certificates in which a lessor has been added as an additional insured . in addition , the producer may indicate that vendors may be added as additional insured , and whether approval must be sought for certificates in which a vendor has been added as an additional insured . at step 42 , the producer selects any attachments which are to be associated with the insured , and at step 44 the producer enters insurance company information relating to the insured . the producer is further enabled to enter remarks at step 42 which are to be included in each certificate issued for the insured , unless they are overridden by the certificate requester who has special privileges to issue certificates entitled “ special certificate ”. at step 44 , the producer selects the insurance companies associated with the insured , and at step 46 , the producer enters in contact information describing parties that are to be provided with information regarding certificates issued to the insured . such certificate information may be provided in response to individual certificates being issued , or periodically , as selected by the producer at step 46 . fig3 is a flow chart illustrating steps performed in connected with requesting a certificate of insurance using the disclosed system . at step 60 , a certificate requester , such as a certificate holder , indicates the insured party for whom a certificate is to be requested . in addition , the requester further enters any password associated with the indicated insured at step 60 . the disclosed system verifies that any password entered at step 60 is correct , and only allows access to information regarding the indicated insured in the event that the requester has provided any necessary password . at step 62 , the requester enters their name and address information as it is to appear on the requested certificate . the requester then selects the type of insurance to be certified by the certificate at step 64 , as well as the relevant policy conditions at step 66 . a project description is then provided by the requester at step 68 . the requester enters delivery instructions at step 70 , which may indicate that the requested certificate is to be printed by the requester , or that the certificate is to be saved to a file , or that the certificate is to be send electronically either to the email address of the requester , or another email address . the requester indicates that the information for the certificate is complete and that the certificate should be created at step 72 . if there is no approval associated with the requested certificate , then the disclosed system immediately creates the certificate . otherwise , at step 74 , the appropriate approval is sought . for example , the disclosed system may send an electronic copy , or a link to an electronic copy , of the requested certificate to one or more approvers that were provided by the producer that entered information regarding the insured . the approvers may then inspect information on the certificate , and follow a predetermined approval procedure . such an approval procedure may consist of simply sending an electronic reply to the approval request message . in a further illustrative embodiment , the approval request message includes either a copy of or link to a modifiable or editable version of the requested certificate . in such an embodiment , the approver may make any predetermined and necessary changes to the certificate prior to approving it . at step 74 , the disclosed system receives the requested approval , and issues the requested certificate at step 76 . many firms must keep track of the certificates that they ask for and receive . the disclosed system enables an insured party to allow a party that needs proof of insurance , such as a certificate holder , to obtain a certificate directly from the web site on the web server system 12 of fig1 . this feature enables the certificate holder to register their needs and then have the insured &# 39 ; s producer verify the registration . once verified , the certificate is issued . this process adds the incoming certificate to the same database as outgoing certificates which eliminates the need for the insured and producer to issue the typical outgoing certificate and yet reports can be generated by all four parties combining incoming and outgoing issued certificates . the process through which this verification occurs is referred to as the incoming certificate process , the steps of which are illustrated in fig4 . as seen in fig4 , the first step 90 of the incoming certificate process is for a certificate holder to register their insurance needs . the certificate holder enters its name , address , email , etc ., as well as a job description user id and password . the job description user id is then employed to distinguish one project from another . next , at step 94 , the certificate holder registers their insurance requirements , for example by filling out an electronic form . for example , the incoming certificate holder fills in fields at step 94 which indicate whether general liability and / or auto insurance are required , what liability limits are required , whether other types of insurance are required , any additional text that must be included on the certificate , and whether or not “ endeavor to ” language is to be included on the certificate . the information provided in steps 90 - 94 are then used by the disclosed system to generate a template for the insured &# 39 ; s producer to verify . the certificate holder instructs the insured to advise their producer to access the site , and to provide the identify of the certificate holder and associated password to the producer as well . this step is illustrated by step 96 in fig4 . when the producer subsequently accesses the disclosed system at step 100 , the disclosed system asks the producer to verify that the producer has previously registered by entering the producer &# 39 ; s user id and password . if not registered , the producer is required to do so . once producer registration is verified or a new producer registration is made , the producer enters the identity of the previously registered certificate holder together with the associated password . the producer is then asked if they have previously set - up the insured by selecting the insured from an insured look - up of previously set - up insureds associated to that producer . if an existing insured is selected by the producer , the computer program logic code of the disclosed system will produce a display with the following : producer name and address . insured name and address . coverage details entered by the certificate holder in red . companies , company letters , policy number , effective date and expiration date but only for gl , al , wc and ex if there is match between the certificate holder &# 39 ; s template and the insured information already entered in the system . certificate holder name and address . if there is no match of an insured , the producer enters insurance policy information at step 102 and insurance companies at step 104 . a distribution screen is presented at step 106 , into which the producer may select and / or enter indications of who will receive a certificate . at step 108 , the certificate holder is automatically issued the certificate . it is sent as an email attachment . the email indicates whether the producer has revised the coverage details . if the producer has revised the coverage details , the email lists the details that have been revised . the insured &# 39 ; s and producer &# 39 ; s name , address , contact , telephone and email information are included in the email . fig5 through 14 are user screens provided by the producer process to enable a producer to enter or change information regarding an insured . fig5 shows an illustrative user screen 148 through which a producer may sign in by providing a user id associated with the producer in a field 150 and a password associated with the producer in a field 152 . the user screen 148 further is shown including a button 154 through which a producer may create a new account . fig6 shows an illustrative user screen 160 including a number of selectable options for a producer that has previously signed onto the system . in particular , a set - up insured button 162 is shown . the set - up process for an insured is further illustrated by the user screen 170 of fig7 , which enables a producer to enter information regarding an insured into the disclosed system . the user screen 170 further provides a check box 174 which enables the producer to indicate that the words “ endeavor to ” may be removed from the cancellation clause of certificates issued for the insured , and a check box 176 which enables the producer to indicate that attachments may be included with such certificates . fig8 illustrates a user screen 180 in which a producer may indicate the level of security to be associated with an insured . as shown in fig8 , the producer may select a first check box 182 indicating that certificates for the insured are to be unsecured and open to the general public , a second check box 184 indicating that a password is required to access certificates for the insured , a third check box 186 indicating that approval is required for certificates for the insured , or a fourth check box 188 indicating that both password protection and approval are to be required . a field 190 is provided for entry of a password to be used by someone that is requesting a certificate for the insured . a field 192 is provided to receive a password to be used by the producer to produce unique certificates , and a field 194 is provided to receive a password that is to be used by the insured to obtain reports regarding certificate activity related to the insured . fig9 shows an illustrative user screen 210 for receiving contact information from a producer regarding an insured party . the user screen 210 enables a producer to enter information regarding a first contact 212 and a second contact 214 . such contact information may be displayed on the screen when a certificate holder is using the disclosed system with regard to certificates of the insured . such contacts may further be used during any necessary approval process for certificates associated with the insured . a number of check boxes 216 are further provided which enable the producer to indicate whether or not the contact information should be printed on certificates of the insured , and if so , where . fig1 is an illustrative user screen 220 which enables a producer to set - up insurance policy information for an insured . a general liability information section 222 includes check boxes and text entry fields related to the type of insurance and limitations of coverage to be associated with the insured . a text entry box 224 is further provided to enable the producer to enter override language to be used as a substitute for the general liability additional insured default language used on the certificates . a pair of check boxes 226 enables the producer to indicate whether certificate holders may be added as additional insured on the certificates , and whether approval is required for such certificates . a pair of check boxes 228 is provided to enable the producer to indicate whether lessors may be added as additional insured , and whether approval is required for such certificates . finally , a pair of check boxes is provided to enable the producer to indicate whether vendors may be added as additional insured , and whether approval is required for such certificates . in fig1 , an illustrative user screen 232 for obtaining insurance policy information from a producer regarding an insured when the producer is setting up information regarding the insured . the user screen 232 is shown including an automobile coverage section 234 , a worker &# 39 ; s compensation section 236 , and an excess or umbrella section 238 . three check boxes 237 enable the producer to indicate whether certificate holders may be added as additional insured and loss payee on the certificates , and whether approval is required for such certificates . fig1 shows an illustrative user screen 250 which includes a text field 252 for entry by the producer of a line of insurance to be associated with an insured when the producer sets up information regarding the insured . another text box 254 enables the producer to enter further information regarding the line of insurance listed in the text field 252 . four check boxes 253 enable the producer to indicate whether certificate holders may be added as additional insured , loss payee and mortgagee on the certificates , and whether approval is required for such certificates . the information provided regarding such an additional line of insurance through the user screen 250 may then be automatically included within certificates issued for the insured . a remarks box 256 is further shown in fig1 . text inserted by the producer within remarks box 256 will appear on every certificate issued for the insured , except in the case where the certificate holder requests a special certificate . the illustrative user screen 270 shown in fig1 is used to receive insurance company information regarding an insured from a producer , for example , when the producer is setting up information regarding the insured . a list of insurers may be entered by the producer into the text fields 272 for this purpose , together with indication of the type of insurance that they provide in one or more of the check boxes 274 . fig1 includes an illustrative user screen 290 used to obtain notification information from a producer , regarding an insured . a number of text boxes 292 are used to enter contact name and email addresses for a number of insurance companies associated with the insured . the check boxes 294 further enable the producer to indicate a specific type of notification for each party , such as individual or immediate notification , monthly reports , quarterly reports , or none . fig1 - 18 are user screens provided by the certificate holder process in order to obtain information from a certificate holder that is requesting a certificate . fig1 shows an illustrative user screen 300 for obtaining the identity of the insured in a text box 302 , as well as any necessary password in the text box 304 . fig1 is a user screen 310 for obtaining information regarding the certificate holder during the process of requesting a certificate . the user screen 310 is shown including text boxes 312 for receiving company information regarding the certificate holder , and a text box 314 for obtaining the email address of the certificate holder . fig1 is a representative screen 318 for the certificate holder to provide instructions on the type of insurance , conditions to the types of insurance selected , the term of the relationship , the cancellation condition and a description of the activity . in particular , screen 318 includes a number of check boxes 320 through which the certificate holder may select the types of insurance to be printed on the certificate . the only check boxes that appear are selected by the producer in the insured set - up to prevent issuance of a certificate with an erroneous type of insurance . a term of relationship section 322 enables the certificate holder to specify the duration of the relationship with the insured . a pull down menu 324 , containing information established by the producer in the insured set - up process , provides a list of insurance options relating to general liability additional insured and vendors . for example , the pull down menu 324 may allow the certificate holder to select one of the following options to be associated with the requested certificate : the pull down menu 326 , containing information established by the producer in the insured set - up process , provides a list of insurance options relating to automobile leasing and financing . for example , the pull down menu 326 may allow the certificate holder to select one of the following options to be associated with the requested certificate : the pull down menu 328 , containing information established by the producer in the insured set - up process , provides a list of insurance options relating to other additional insured , loss payee and mortgagee . for example , the pull down menu 328 may allow the certificate holder to select one of the following options to be associated with the requested certificate : a text entry box 329 is provided for entry of text to be included within the remarks section of the requested certificate . the disclosed system allows the requesting certificate holder to enter text free form into this box , and then checks the text that was entered based on the selections made from pull down menus 324 , 326 and 328 , as well as the contents of the certificate information database . certain key words are not permitted to be entered by the certificate holder to prevent issuance of an unauthorized or erroneous certificate . the computer program logic of the disclosed system further ensures that a nearly perfect sentence results from any modifications made to the free form text entered into the text entry box 329 . in this way the disclosed system ensures that the sentence entered into the remarks box on the actual certificate reflects the selections from the pull down menus 324 , 326 and 328 , as well as the data associations within the certificate information database to prevent the issuance of an unauthorized or erroneous certificate . a user screen 330 shown in fig1 includes a section 332 which enables the certificate holder to indicate how the created certificate should be issued or delivered , a preview button 334 which enables the certificate holder to preview the requested certificate without creating it , and an explanation text box for the producer to enter in reasons why the previewed certificate is not acceptable to the certificate holder . fig1 - 21 illustrate the logic in the computer program of the disclosed system for processing the text entered into the remarks text entry box 329 shown in shown in fig1 . this logic prevents issuance of an unauthorized or erroneous certificate . in the tables shown in fig1 - 21 , the following rules apply : ch = certificate holder in = insured w = wording d = description from the text entry box 329 ot = other name w = either the standard wording or override wording on the general liability insured form ot = the name of the other type of insurance other text strings contained within [ ] are literal text strings that are to be inserted in the resulting sentence . in the case where the certificate holder enters a period at the end of the text in text entry box 329 , it is ignored to prevent two periods being generated at the end of the sentence in the remarks box of the certificate . the table 350 in fig1 describes actions taken in response to the selection by the certificate holder of one of the items listed in pull down menu 324 of fig1 . the rows 356 of the table 350 correspond to the items within the pull down menu 324 . the columns 352 and 354 indicate whether the text entry box 329 was left blank ( column 352 ), or became non - blank ( column 354 ) as a result of the certificate holder entering text . accordingly , the appropriate action defined by the table 350 is described by the table entry found at the intersection of the applicable row with the applicable column . for example , in the case where the certificate holder has selected lessor &# 39 ; s additional insured from the pull down menu 324 , and has left the text entry box 329 blank , the appropriate entry in the table 350 is the entry 357 , which indicates that the program code of the disclosed system will construct a complete sentence based on the following logic : [ ch ] [ is added as additional insured for general liability but only with respect to premise leased to ] [ in ] [.] the table 370 in fig2 describes actions taken in response to the selection by the certificate holder of one of the items listed in pull down menu 326 of fig1 . the rows 376 of the table 370 correspond to the items within the pull down menu 326 . the columns 372 and 374 indicate whether the text entry box 329 was left blank ( column 372 ), or became non - blank ( column 374 ) as a result of the certificate holder entering text . accordingly , the appropriate action defined by the table 370 is described by the table entry found at the intersection of the applicable row with the applicable column . for example , in the case where the certificate holder has selected loss payee from the pull down menu 326 , and has left the text entry box 329 blank , the appropriate entry in the table 350 is the entry 377 , which indicates that the program code of the disclosed system will construct a complete sentence based on the following logic : [ ch ] [ is added as loss payee for vehicles leased to ] [ in ] [.] the table 390 in fig2 describes actions taken in response to the selection by the certificate holder of one of the items listed in pull down menu 328 of fig1 . the rows 396 of the table 390 correspond to the items within the pull down menu 328 . the columns 392 and 394 indicate whether the text entry box 329 was left blank ( column 392 ), or became non - blank ( column 394 ) as a result of the certificate holder entering text . accordingly , the appropriate action defined by the table 390 is described by the table entry found at the intersection of the applicable row with the applicable column . for example , in the case where the certificate holder has selected mortgagee from the pull down menu 328 , and has left the text entry box 329 blank , the appropriate entry in the table 390 is the entry 397 , which indicates that the program code of the disclosed system will construct a complete sentence based on the following logic : those skilled in the art should readily appreciate that the programs defining the functions of the computer program logic code of the disclosed web server system can be implemented in and delivered to a specific embodiment of the disclosed system in many forms ; including , but not limited to : ( a ) information permanently stored on non - writable storage media ( e . g . read only memory devices within a computer such as rom or cd - rom disks readable by a computer i / o attachment ); ( b ) information alterably stored on writable storage media ( e . g . floppy disks and hard drives ); or ( c ) information conveyed to a computer through communication media for example using baseband signaling or broadband signaling techniques , including carrier wave signaling techniques , such as over computer or telephone networks via a modem . in addition , while the functionality of the bridge input / out modules and / or switching fabric may be embodied in computer software , these functions may alternatively be embodied in part or in whole using hardware components such as application specific integrated circuits or other hardware , or some combination of hardware components and software . while the invention is described through the above exemplary embodiments , it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that modification to and variation of the illustrated embodiments may be made without departing from the inventive concepts herein disclosed . accordingly , the invention should not be viewed as limited except by the scope and spirit of the appended claims .	6
fig5 shows a circuit diagram of a directional coupler according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprising a pair of coupled transmission lines 55 , the pair of transmission lines 55 being located in close proximity to each other so that they are electromagnetically coupled to each other . the pair of coupled transmission lines 55 comprises a first transmission line 55 a and a second transmission line 55 b where the first transmission line 55 a comprises a first end , to which a first rf port 51 is connected , and a second end , to which a second rf port 52 is connected , and where the second transmission line 55 b comprises a first end , to which a third rf port 53 is connected , and a second end , to which a fourth rf port 54 is connected . an input electrical signal that is fed to first rf port 51 will produce a direct electrical signal at second rf port 52 , and a coupled rf signal at third rf port 53 . under ideal operating conditions , the same input signal will produce no signal ( or a negligibly small signal ) at fourth rf port 54 . the pair of coupled transmission lines can be characterized by an even mode impedance and odd mode impedance of the coupled transmission lines , where the values of the even mode impedance and the odd mode impedance are determined by the physical dimensions of the pair of coupled transmission lines 55 and the electrical properties of the materials between and surrounding the pair of coupled transmission lines 55 . the material of the pair coupled transmission lines also has an effect on the impedances but this effect is small provided that the pair of coupled transmission lines are fabricated from a material that is a good electrical conductor at the frequency of operation of the directional coupler . preferably , the dimensions of the pair of coupled transmission lines and properties of the materials between and surrounding them are selected to enable easy fabrication and miniaturization of the directional coupler . the directional coupler of fig5 of the present invention further includes a two terminal impedance matching and impedance transforming attenuator 56 with one terminal thereof connected to third rf port 53 and with another terminal thereof forming a fifth rf port 57 . impedance matching and impedance transforming attenuator 56 provides a level of attenuation and , moreover , transforms the reference impedance value z 0 ( typically 50 ohms ) to a transformed impedance value z p3 given by equation 3 . preferably the product of the even mode impedance and odd mode impedance of the pair coupled transmission lines 55 of the present invention has a value that is less than the square of the standard reference impedance for rf devices — ie less than 2500ω 2 — so that the transformed impedance value z p3 is less than 50 ohms , and preferably less than 45 ohms , or 10 % less than the reference impedance , so enabling a commensurate increase in the width of one or both of the transmission lines 55 a , 55 b . the directional coupler of the present invention has 4 input / output ports as follows : first rf port 51 , which can be labeled as the input port of the directional coupler ; second rf port 52 , which can be labeled as the direct port of the directional coupler ; fifth rf port 57 , which can be labeled as the coupled port of the directional coupler ; and fourth rf port 54 which can be labeled as the isolated port of the directional coupler . in fig5 , the impedance matching and impedance transforming attenuator 56 comprises a pi network , however , as will be described later , it could equally comprise a t network . preferably the impedance matching and impedance transforming attenuator 56 comprises three resistors , a first shunt resistor r 51 connected to input / output port 57 of the directional coupler , a second shunt resistor r 52 connected to third rf port 53 and a series resistor r 53 with one terminal connected to third rf port 53 and another terminal connected to input / output port 57 of the directional coupler . the respective values of resistors r 51 , r 52 , and r 53 are given by equations 4a , 4b , 4c and 4d below , where att is the attenuation of impedance matching and impedance transforming attenuator 56 . the arrangement of the pair of coupled transmission lines 55 , with impedance matching and impedance transforming attenuator 56 in the present invention is such that the directional coupler is matched to the reference impedance z 0 at all input / output ports 51 , 52 , 57 and 54 , while , at the same time , the designer has the option to choose a low value for the product of the even mode impedance z 0e and the odd mode impedance z 0o of the pair of coupled transmission lines 55 so as to facilitate easy fabrication and miniaturization . specifically , the arrangement of the pair of coupled transmission lines 55 , with impedance matching and impedance transforming attenuator 56 in the present invention is such that the designer has the option to select a pair of coupled transmission lines 55 , where the constituent lines 55 a and 55 b are wider than would be required in order that the criteria of equation 1 be met . the use of wider lines reduces the product of the even mode impedance and the odd mode impedance of the pair of coupled transmission lines 55 , however the designer can correct for this effect by a suitable choice of the impedance z p3 , and corresponding suitable values of resistors r 51 , r 52 and r 53 in order that the criteria of equation 3 be met . the use of wider transmission lines 55 a and 55 b for the directional coupler of the present invention has a number of benefits for mass production : wider lines are easier to fabricate , which may enable the process or result in a lower cost process ; wider lines are less affected by variations in mass production process ; wider lines are less affected by misalignment of layers for broadside coupled lines . moreover , wider lines offer higher coupling , which can be of benefit to the designer when trying to produce a lineup of directional couplers offering a range of coupling ratios . fig6 a shows a 3 dimensional drawing of a pair of broadside coupled transmission lines 62 comprising first transmission line 62 a and second transmission line 62 b , where first and second transmission lines 62 a and 62 b are fabricated in an insulating substrate 60 . substrate 60 may , for example , be constructed of several insulating layers which are stacked and which are formed into a block as part of the production process . electromagnetic coupling between the pair of coupled transmission lines 62 takes place primarily between the adjacent faces of the first and second transmission lines 62 a and 62 b . metal ground planes 64 and 66 are typically ( but not necessarily ) fabricated above and below the pair of coupled transmission lines or a single ground plane may be provided above 64 or below 66 the pair of coupled transmission lines 62 . the distance h 1 from the pair of coupled transmission lines 62 to the nearest ground plane and the widths w of the coupled transmission lines are critical parameters in determining the even mode impedance of the pair of coupled transmission lines . the gap g between the adjacent faces of the pair of coupled transmission lines 62 and the widths w of the coupled transmission lines are critical parameters in determining the coupling between the lines and the odd mode impedance of the pair of coupled transmission lines . the coupled transmission lines 55 of the embodiment of the present invention depicted in fig5 may , for example , be formed as a pair of broadside coupled transmission lines , such as is shown in fig6 a . for a directional coupler comprising a pair of broad side coupled transmission lines as depicted in fig6 a , it is often preferable for the designer to use a pair of coupled transmission lines 62 , where the first transmission line 62 a is wider than the second transmission line 62 b ( or vice versa ). this design choice reduces the effects of misalignment error in the mass production of the directional coupler , but also has the effect of lowering the product of the even - mode impedance and the odd mode impedance of the pair of coupled transmission lines . nonetheless , according to present invention , the effect of the lowered impedance product can be corrected by a suitable choice of the impedance matching and impedance transforming attenuator so that the product of the even mode impedance z 0e and odd mode impedance z 0o of the coupled transmission lines , the value of the reference impedance z 0 , and the value of the transformed impedance z p3 , are in agreement with equation 3 . fig6 b shows a 3 dimensional drawing of a pair of edge coupled transmission lines 63 comprising first metal transmission line 63 a and second metal transmission line 63 b , where first and second transmission lines 63 a and 63 b are fabricated in an insulating substrate 61 . the electromagnetic coupling between the pair of transmission lines takes place primarily between the two adjacent edges of the pair of coupled transmission lines . metal ground planes 65 and 67 may be fabricated above and / or below the pair of coupled transmission lines 63 . the distance h 2 from the pair of coupled transmission lines 63 to the nearest ground plane and the widths w of the coupled transmission lines are critical parameters in determining the even mode impedance of the pair of coupled transmission lines . the spacing s between the first and second transmission lines 63 a and 63 b is a critical parameter in determining the coupling between the lines , and similarly the odd mode impedance of the coupled transmission lines . the pair of coupled transmission lines 55 of the embodiment of the present invention depicted in fig5 may , for example , be formed as a pair of edge coupled transmission lines , such as is shown in fig6 b . fig7 shows a circuit diagram of a directional coupler according to a second embodiment of the present invention comprising a pair of coupled transmission lines 75 , the pair of transmission lines 75 being located in close proximity to each other so that they are electromagnetically coupled to each other . the pair of coupled transmission lines 75 comprises a first transmission line 75 a and a second transmission line 75 b where the first transmission line 75 a comprises a first end , to which a first rf port 71 is connected , and a second end , to which a second rf port 72 is connected , and where the second transmission line 75 b comprises a first end , to which a third rf port 73 is connected , and a second end , to which a fourth rf port 74 is connected . an input electrical signal that is fed to first rf port 71 will produce a direct electrical signal at second rf port 72 , and a coupled rf signal at third rf port 73 ; under ideal operating conditions , the same input signal will produce no signal ( or a negligibly small signal ) at fourth rf port 74 . as for the first embodiment depicted in fig5 , the pair of coupled transmission lines can be characterized by an even mode impedance and odd mode impedance of the coupled transmission lines , where the values of the even mode impedance and the odd mode impedance are determined by the physical dimensions of the pair of coupled transmission lines 75 and the electrical properties of the materials between and surrounding the pair of coupled transmission lines 75 . preferably , these dimensions and properties are selected to enable easy fabrication and miniaturization of the directional coupler . the directional coupler of fig7 of the present invention further includes a pair of two terminal impedance matching and impedance transforming attenuators 76 , 78 with one terminal of impedance transformation attenuator 76 connected to third rf port 73 and with another terminal thereof forming a fifth rf port 77 ; similarly , one terminal of impedance transformation attenuator 78 is connected to fourth rf port 74 and another terminal thereof forms a sixth rf port 79 of the directional coupler . impedance matching and impedance transforming attenuator 76 provides a level of attenuation and , moreover , transforms the reference impedance value z 0 ( typically 50 ohms ) to a transformed impedance value z p3 given by equation 3 . similarly , impedance transforming attenuator 78 provides a level of attenuation and , moreover , transforms the reference impedance value z 0 ( typically 50 ohms ) to a transformed impedance value z p4 . preferably , z p4 is equal to z p3 . preferably the product of the even mode impedance and odd mode impedance of the pair coupled transmission lines 75 of the present invention has a value that is less than the square of the standard reference impedance for rf devices — ie less than 2500ω 2 — so that the transformed impedance value z p3 is less than 50 ohms , and preferably less than 45 ohms , or 10 % less than the reference impedance , so enabling a commensurate increase in the width of one or both of the transmission lines 75 a , 75 b . the directional coupler of fig7 has 4 input / output ports as follows : first rf port 71 , which can be labeled as the input port of the directional coupler ; second rf port 72 , which can be labeled as the direct port of the directional coupler ; fifth rf port 77 , which can be labeled as the coupled port of the directional coupler ; and sixth rf port 79 which can be labeled as the isolated port of the directional coupler . in fig7 , the impedance matching and impedance transforming attenuators 76 and 78 comprise respective pi networks , however , as will be described later , they could equally comprise a t network . preferably impedance matching and impedance transforming attenuator 76 comprises three resistors , a first shunt resistor r 71 connected to input / output port 77 of the directional coupler , a second shunt resistor r 72 connected to third rf port 73 and a series resistor r 73 with one terminal connected to third rf port 73 and another terminal connected to input / output port 77 of the directional coupler . the respective values of resistors r 71 , r 72 , and r 73 are given by equations 4a , 4b , 4c and 4d above . a similar arrangement describes impedance matching and impedance transforming attenuator 78 . fig1 shows a comparison of four performance plots of a manufactured directional coupler according to fig7 where the widths of the pair of coupled transmission lines 75 were selected to suit the tolerances of the manufacturing process and with increased widths compared with a directional coupler designed to satisfy the criteria of equation 1 . two alternative versions of this directional coupler were produced : one with a conventional impedance matching attenuator connected at third rf port 73 , thus providing an impedance of 50ω at third rf port 73 and a second with an impedance matching and impedance transforming attenuator 76 connected at third rf port 73 which transforms an impedance of 50ω at fifth rf port 77 providing a transformed impedance z p3 of 40ω at third rf port 73 . it can be seen that the isolation and directivity of the second directional coupler ( i . e . when z p3 .= 40ω ) are both improved when compared with the first . fig8 shows a circuit diagram of a directional coupler according to a third embodiment of the present invention comprising a pair of coupled transmission lines 85 , the pair of transmission lines 85 being located in close proximity to each other so that they are electromagnetically coupled to each other . the pair of coupled transmission lines 85 comprises a first transmission line 85 a and a second transmission line 85 b where first transmission line 85 a comprises a first end , to which a first rf port 81 is connected , and a second end , to which a second rf port 82 is connected , and where second transmission line 85 b comprises a first end , to which a third rf port 83 is connected , and a second end , to which a fourth rf port 84 is connected . an input electrical signal that is fed to first rf port 81 will produce a direct electrical signal at second rf port 82 , and a coupled rf signal at third rf port 83 ; under ideal operating conditions , the same input signal will produce no signal ( or a negligibly small signal ) at fourth rf port 84 . the pair of coupled transmission lines can be characterized by an even mode impedance and odd mode impedance of the coupled transmission lines , where the values of the even mode impedance and the odd mode impedance are determined by the physical dimensions of the pair of coupled transmission lines 85 and the electrical properties of the materials surrounding and between coupled transmission lines 95 . preferably , these dimensions and properties are selected to enable easy fabrication and miniaturization of the directional coupler . the directional coupler of fig8 of the present invention further includes a two terminal impedance matching and impedance transforming attenuator 86 with one terminal thereof connected to third rf port 83 and with another terminal thereof forming a fifth rf port 87 of the directional coupler . impedance matching and impedance transforming attenuator 86 provides a level of attenuation and , moreover , transforms the reference impedance value z 0 ( typically 50 ohms ) to a transformed impedance value z p3 given by equation 3 . preferably the product of the even mode impedance and odd mode impedance of the pair coupled transmission lines 85 of the present invention has a value that is less than the square of the standard reference impedance for rf devices — ie less than 2500ω 2 — so that the transformed impedance value z p3 is less than 50 ohms , and preferably less than 45 ohms , or 10 % less than the reference impedance , so enabling a commensurate increase in the width of one or both of the transmission lines 85 a , 85 b . the directional coupler of fig8 of the present invention has 4 input / output ports as follows : first rf port 81 , which can be labeled as the input port of the directional coupler ; second rf port 82 , which can be labeled as the direct port of the directional coupler ; fifth rf port 87 , which can be labeled as the coupled port of the directional coupler ; and fourth rf port 84 which can be labeled as the isolated port of the directional coupler . impedance matching and impedance transforming attenuator 86 of fig8 comprises a t network in this case comprising three resistors , a first series resistor r 81 with a first terminal thereof connected to input / output port 87 of the directional coupler , a second series resistor r 82 with a first terminal thereof connected to third rf port 83 where the second terminals of said first and second series resistors r 81 and r 82 are connected together at a common node n . impedance matching and impedance transforming attenuator 86 further comprising a shunt resistor r 83 which is connected to common node n . the values of first series resistor r 81 , second series resistor r 82 and shunt resistor r 83 are given by equations 5a - 5d , and preferably the value of z p3 is less than that of z 0 . fig9 shows a cross section of thin - film structure which is , for example , suitable for a physical implementation of the embodiments of the directional couplers of the present invention described herein . the structure comprises a thin - film chip 90 with a first surface including multiple thin layers fabricated thereon where thin - film chip 90 is mounted on a carrier pcb 99 , comprising a substrate layer 97 sandwiched between two metal or electrically conductive layers 96 a , 96 b . in the exemplary drawing of fig9 , thin - film chip 90 is mounted so that the first surface of the chip faces carrier pcb 99 — i . e . faces downwards in fig9 . thin - film chip 90 comprises a base substrate 91 formed of an insulating material with high q at rf frequencies ( e . g . alumina or high q silicon ). thin layers are fabricated on the first surface of thin film chip 90 as follows : first insulation layer 92 a fabricated firstly on the first surface of thin - film chip 90 ; first metal layer 93 a fabricated secondly on the first surface of thin - film chip 90 ; resistive film layer 94 fabricated thirdly on the first surface of thin - film chip 90 ; second insulation layer 92 b fabricated fourthly on the first surface of thin - film chip 91 ; second metal layer 93 b fabricated fifthly on the first surface of thin - film chip 91 ; third insulation layer 92 c fabricated sixthly on the first surface of thin - film chip 90 . first insulation layer 92 a is provided as a barrier to protect base substrate 91 from the effects of the fabrication of the subsequent layers . during the fabrication process each of first metal layer 93 a , resistive film layer 94 , second insulation layer 92 b , second metal layer 93 b and third insulation layer 92 c are patterned to provide the required electrical properties of a directional coupler according to the present invention . electrically conducting pads 98 protrude from the top of thin - film chip 90 so as to provide electrical contact between carrier pcb 99 and thin - film chip 90 . electrically conducting pads 98 are fabricated so as to produce a specific gap between thin - film chip 90 and carrier pcb 99 after mounting and assembly . the metal layer 96 b of carrier pcb 99 which is furthest from thin - film chip 90 typically is connected to electrical ground , and hence provides a ground plane of thin - film chip 90 . a back - side metal layer 95 may optionally be fabricated on the other face of thin - film chip 90 . fig1 shows an example layout of a directional coupler according to the present invention and implemented using thin - film technology as described above . layer 01 of fig1 shows a suitable pattern for first metal layer 93 a superimposed with resistive film layer 94 , and layer 02 of fig1 shows a suitable pattern for second metal layer 93 b . as mentioned in the description of fig9 , patterned insulating layers would typically be formed above , below and between layer 01 and layer 02 , but these layers are not shown in fig1 . the layout shown in fig1 is based on the circuit diagram of a symmetrical directional coupler according to the present invention shown in fig7 herein . resistors r 71 , r 72 and r 73 are shown as r 1 , r 2 and r 3 respectively in fig1 , where r 1 , r 2 , and r 3 each are rectangles of resistive film left behind after the process of patterning layer 94 has been completed . similarly , resistors r 74 , r 75 and r 76 are shown as resistive film rectangles r 4 , r 5 and r 5 respectively in fig1 . the resistance of a rectangle of resistive film is easily calculated by counting the number of squares contained in the rectangle and by multiplying that number by a given constant for the resistive film ; thus , it can be seen that the patterned rectangles of resistive film r 1 r 2 and r 3 of fig1 each have different resistances as would be predicted by equation 3 and equations 4 above . the directional coupler layout of fig1 comprises coupled transmission lines t 1 and t 2 , corresponding to coupled transmission lines 75 of fig7 . coupled transmission lines t 1 and t 2 of fig1 are fabricated on separate layers , with an insulating layer between , and consequently the directional coupler of fig1 comprises a pair of broadside coupled transmission lines , as depicted in fig6 a above . input / output ports of the directional coupler of fig1 are labeled as follows : input port 101 , direct port 102 , coupled port 107 and isolated port 109 . it should be noted that by symmetry , the input / output ports of the directional coupler of fig1 might just as easily be labeled as input port 102 , direct port 101 , coupled port 109 and isolated port 107 . electrical connection between layer 01 and layer 02 of fig1 would typically be achieved by fabricating holes in the insulating layer separating layer 01 and layer 02 . for example , holes would be formed in the insulating layer to permit electrical connection between the pads shown in fig1 . the directional coupler of the present invention might alternatively be formed as a multilayer chip component comprising a plurality of electrically insulating layers where the insulating layers are stacked on top of each other and where patterned metallic circuit layers , and patterned metallic ground layers are interspersed between the insulating layers . in this case , the pair of coupled transmission lines is formed within the multilayer chip component , and the at least one impedance matching and impedance transforming attenuator is formed externally to the multilayer chip component . fig1 shows a cross section view of a multilayer chip component 110 suitable for the fabrication of a directional coupler according to the present invention . multilayer chip component 110 comprises a plurality of electrically insulating layers 111 a , 111 b , 111 c , 111 d , 111 e , where the layers are stacked on top of each other . electrically insulating layers 111 a , 111 b , 111 c , 111 d , 111 e , are formed of a suitable insulating material , for example ceramic , or a composite material , where the material is suitable for a stacking and curing process , and where the material provides a high electrical q or a low loss factor at rf and microwave frequencies — for example from 500 mhz to 60 ghz . interspersed between insulating layers 111 a , 111 b , 111 c , 111 d , 111 e are patterned metallic circuit layers , 113 a 113 b , and patterned metallic ground layers 115 a , 115 b . the patterning of metallic circuit layers 113 a , 113 b and metallic ground layers 115 a , 115 b takes place during the fabrication process of multilayer chip component 110 . patterned metallic circuit layers 113 a and 113 b , form a pair of coupled transmission lines , either broadside coupled — as shown in fig6 a or edge coupled — as shown to fig6 b . patterned metallic ground layers 115 a , 115 b provide respective upper and lower ground planes for the pair of coupled transmission line . however , as noted herein , either or both of upper and lower ground planes 115 a , 115 b can be omitted from the chip structure , for example , in the case where there is a ground plane provided on by the carrier pcb on which multilayer chip component 110 is mounted . multilayer chip component 110 comprises metallic terminals 117 a , 117 b for electrical connection between multilayer chip component 110 and an external circuit ( not shown ). metallic terminals 117 a , 117 b are preferably located on a reverse face of multilayer chip component 110 . multilayer chip component 110 may also include metallic smt pads 119 a , 119 b for electrical connection between multilayer chip component and one or more smt components to be mounted on an obverse face of multilayer chip component 110 . electrical connection between smt pads 119 a , 119 b ( if present ), patterned metallic ground layers 115 a , 115 b , patterned metallic circuit layers 113 a , 113 b and metallic terminals 117 a and 117 b are provided by a plurality of electrically conducive through holes th , which penetrate insulating layers 111 a , 111 b , 111 c , 111 d , 111 e . through holes th are rendered electrically conductive during the fabrication of multilayer chip 110 by a process of filling each through hole th with electrically conducive paste , or by a process of electroplating the inner surface of each through hole th . the pair of coupled transmission lines of the directional coupler of the present inventions may be formed on a pair of adjacent metallic circuit layers 113 a , 113 b of multilayer chip component 110 as shown in fig1 , or they may be formed on a single metallic circuit layer , for example in the case where the pair of coupled transmission lines are of the edge - coupled type , as shown in fig6 b . alternatively , the pair of coupled transmission lines may be formed over several metallic circuit layers of multilayer chip component 110 ( not shown ). the impedance matching and impedance transforming attenuator of the directional coupler of present invention may be formed externally to chip component 110 , e . g . by a set of three smt resistors mounted adjacent to the coupled port of the directional coupler , with appropriate values given by equations 4a , 4b , 4c , 4d or 5a , 5b , 5c , 5d above . alternatively , the impedance matching and impedance transforming attenuator may be formed on the surface of chip component 110 , e . g . by mounting a set of three smt resistors on a surface of multilayer chip component and where electrical contact between the smt resistors and the other circuit elements ( pair of coupled transmission lines , patterned metallic ground layers 115 a , 115 b etc .) is made by means of smt pads 119 a , 119 b and through holes th . the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein .	7
the present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings , in which embodiments of the invention are shown . this invention may , however , be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein ; rather , these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete , and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art . like numbers refer to like elements throughout . it will be understood that when elements are referred to as being coupled to one another , this coupling may be direct or via one or more intervening elements . fig3 illustrates a sense amplifier in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention . referring to fig3 , a sense amplifier in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention comprises a bias circuit 30 including pmos transistors p 2 and p 3 and a buffer buf 1 , and an amplifier circuit 32 including a pmos transistor p 4 , nmos transistors n 4 and n 5 , an inverter inv and a buffer buf 2 . the pmos transistor p 2 has a source to which a power supply voltage vdd is applied , a drain connected to a data line , here shown as a common node com , and a gate connected to a node n 1 . it will be appreciated that the data line may be configured to be coupled to one or more memory cells using , for example , the cell select circuitry shown in fig1 . the pmos transistor p 3 has a drain connected to the node n 1 , a source to which a power supply voltage is applied , and a gate to which a bias control signal ben is applied . the buffer buf 1 has an input terminal connected to the common node com , an output terminal connected to the node n 1 and an enable terminal to which a bias control signal ben is applied . the pmos transistor p 4 has a source to which a power supply voltage vdd is applied , a gate connected to a ground voltage , and a drain connected to a node n 3 . the nmos transistor n 4 has a drain connected to the drain of the pmos transistor p 4 , a gate connected to a node n 2 and a source connected to the common node com . the inverter inv has an input terminal connected to the common node com , an output terminal connected to the node n 2 and an enable terminal to which a sense amplifier enable signal sen is applied . the nmos transistor n 5 has a drain connected to the node n 2 , a gate to which the sense amplifier enable signal sen is applied , and a source connected to a ground voltage . the buffer buf 2 has an input terminal connected to the node n 3 , an output terminal connected to a sense output signal sout generating terminal , and an enable terminal to which the sense amplifier enable signal sen is applied . fig4 illustrates a timing diagram illustrating exemplary operations of the circuit shown in fig3 . referring to fig4 , the pre - discharge control signal disch is maintained at a ground voltage level during the read operation and the bias control signal ben is a pulse signal that rises to a logic “ high ” level in response to a falling edge of the pre - discharge control signal disch and that falls to a logic “ low ” level after a predetermined time period . the sense amplifier enable signal sen is a pulse signal that falls to a logic “ low ” level in response to a falling edge of the bias control signal ben and rises to a rising edge of the pre - discharge control signal disch . a word line wl 1 selection signal is a pulse signal that rises to a logic “ high ” level in response to a falling edge of the bias control signal ben and that falls to a logic “ low ” level in response to a rising edge of the pre - discharge control signal disch . during the time period t 1 of the pre - discharge operation , if the pre - discharge control signal disch is at the power supply voltage , the nmos transistors n 2 shown in fig1 are turned on in response to the pre - discharge control signal disch and the bit lines bl 1 , bl 2 , . . . , blj go to a ground voltage . in response to the bias voltage control signal ben having a ground voltage , the buffer buf 1 is switched off and the pmos transistor p 3 is turned on , so that the node n 1 goes to the power supply voltage level , which turns off the pmos transistor p 2 . further , in response to the sense amplifier enable signal sen being at the power supply voltage , the inverter inv and the buffer buf 2 are disabled . at this time , the sense output signal sout is driven to a power supply voltage . further , because the pmos transistor p 4 and the nmos transistor n 4 are turned off , the node n 3 goes to the power supply voltage vdd . during the bias time period t 2 in the read operation , the bias control signal bias is driven to the power supply voltage and the pre - discharge control signal disch transitions to a ground voltage level . accordingly , the pmos transistor p 3 is turned off , and the buffer buf 1 buffers the signal of the common node com , which is at the ground voltage , and drives the node n 1 to the ground voltage . then , the pmos transistor p 2 is turned on , and the voltage level of the common node com increases . when a voltage level of the common node com is higher than a threshold voltage vdd / 2 of the buffer buf 1 , the buffer buf 1 drives the node n 1 to the power supply voltage . as a result , the pmos transistor p 2 is turned off . in such a way described above , the common node com is biased to about a voltage vdd / 2 . at this time , the buffer buf 2 is disabled in response to the sense amplifier enable signal sen being at the power supply voltage and the sense output signal sout maintains the power supply voltage level which is set during the time period t 1 . the node n 3 is maintained at the power supply voltage level because the pmos transistor p 3 is turned on and the nmos transistor n 4 is turned off . during a sensing time period t 3 in the read operation , a flash memory cell mc connected between the word line wl 1 and the bit line bl 1 is selected in response to the word line wl and the column selection signal . at this time , if the selected flash memory cell mc stores a data “ 0 ”, the nmos transistor n 2 and the flash memory cell mc shown in fig1 are turned on and a current flows from the common node com through the flash memory cell mc . accordingly , a voltage level of the common node is lowered . in response to the bias control signal ben and the sense amplifier enable signal sen having the ground voltage , the pmos transistor p 3 is turned on , the nmos transistor n 5 is turned off , the buffer buf 1 is disabled , and the inverter inv and the buffer buf 2 are enabled . as the pmos transistor p 3 is turned on , the node n 1 approaches the ground voltage . as a result , the pmos transistor p 2 is turned on and a current is supplied to the common node com . however , because a current continuously flows from the common node com through the flash memory cell mc , a voltage level of the common node com is gradually lowered . the inverter inv drives the node n 2 to the ground voltage if the voltage level of the common node com is lowered to about vdd / 2 , a threshold voltage of the inverter inv . then , the nmos transistor n 4 is turned on and a current flows from the node n 3 to the common node com . accordingly , a voltage level of the node n 3 decreases . at this time , because a transconductance of the pmos transistor p 4 is small and a transconductance of the nmos transistor n 4 is great , the voltage level of the node n 3 is gradually lowered . the buffer buf 2 drives to sense output signal sout to the ground voltage when voltage level of the node n 2 reaches to about vdd / 2 , a threshold voltage of the buffer buf 2 . in the timing diagram of fig4 , voltages of the common node com , the node n 3 and the sense output signal sout for a memory cell storing a logic “ 0 ” are depicted with solid lines . if the selected flash memory cell stores a data “ 1 ”, because the flash memory cell mc is turned off , a current does not flow from the common node through the flash memory cell mc . accordingly , the voltage level of the common node com does not change , and the inverter inv drives the node n 2 to the ground voltage and the nmos transistor n 4 is turned off . the node n 3 is maintained at the power supply level and the buffer buf 2 drives the sense output signal sout to the power supply voltage . in the timing diagram of fig4 , voltage changes of the common node com , the node n 3 and the sense output signal sout in the case that the flash memory cell mc stores data “ 1 ” are depicted with dashed lines . the minimum operating voltage for operation of the sense amplifier shown in fig3 can be determined as follows . during the read operation , the minimum voltage of the data line is about 0 . 4v , a threshold voltage of the nmos transistor n 4 is at least about 0 . 4v , and the threshold voltage variation caused by the body effect is at least about 0 . 2v . the total sum of the voltages is about 1 . 0v . accordingly , the sense amplifier shown in fig3 can operate at about a 1 . 0v power supply voltage . however , process parameter changes and temperature changes may be considered . accordingly , it may be desirable that the minimum power supply voltage for operation of the sense amplifier be lower than 1 . 0v . fig5 illustrates a sense amplifier in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention . referring to fig5 , the sense amplifier comprises a bias circuit 30 including pmos transistors p 2 and p 3 and a buffer buf 1 , and an amplifier circuit 34 including pmos transistors p 5 and p 6 and a buffer buf 3 . the bias circuit 30 shown in fig5 is the same as the bias circuit 30 of the sense amplifier shown in fig3 . accordingly , further discussion of the bias circuit 30 is omitted . the amplifier circuit 34 comprises a pmos transistor p 5 having a source to which a power supply voltage is applied and a gate to which a ground voltage is applied . the amplifier circuit 34 further includes a pmos transistor p 6 with a source connected to a drain of the pmos transistor p 5 , a gate connected to a sense amplifier enable signal sen generating terminal and a drain connected to the common node com . a buffer buf 3 has an input terminal connected to the common node com , an output terminal connected to a sense output signal sout generating terminal and an enable terminal to which a sense enable signal sen is applied . fig6 illustrates a timing diagram of exemplary operations of the circuit shown in fig5 . in fig6 , a bias control signal ben , a sense amplifier enable signal sen and word line wl selection signals are generated in the same way as shown in fig4 . the bias circuit 30 in fig5 operates in the same way as the bias circuit shown in fig3 . during a time period t 1 of the pre - discharge operation , the common node com is driven to a ground voltage by action of the bias circuit 30 . when the sense amplifier enable signal sen is driven to the power supply voltage , the pmos transistor p 6 is turned off and the buffer buf 3 is disabled . accordingly , the sense output signal sout is maintained at the power supply voltage level ( as initially set ). during a bias time period t 2 in the read operation , the common node com is driven to a power supply voltage level by the bias circuit 30 . during a sensing time period t 3 in the read operation , if the flash memory cell mc stores a data “ 0 ” ( solid lines ) and the flash memory cell mc is turned on , current flows through the common node com to the flash memory cell mc , so that voltage level of the common node com is lowered . when the sense amplifier enable signal sen is driven to the ground voltage level , the pmos transistor p 6 is turned on and the buffer buf 3 is enabled . accordingly , if the voltage level of the common node reaches to vdd / 2 , a threshold voltage of the buffer buf 3 , the buffer buf 3 drives the sense output signal sout to the ground voltage level . however , if the flash memory cell mc stores a data “ 1 ” and the flash memory cell mc is turned off ( dashed lines ), a current does not flow from the common node com to the flash memory cell mc . accordingly , the voltage level of the common node is not lowered and the buffer buf 3 drives the sense output signal sout to the power supply voltage . a leakage current which flows through the flash memory cells connected to a selected bit line from the common node is compensated , as the pmos transistors p 5 and p 6 are designed to have very small size and the pmos transistor p 6 is turned on during the time period t 3 . for a sense amplifier operating in such a way as described above with reference to fig5 and fig6 , the minimum operating power supply voltage for operation of the sense amplifier will be about 0 . 4v , which is a minimum voltage of the data line during the read operation . voltage drops do not occur across the pmos transistors p 5 and p 6 . the sense amplifier shown in fig5 may operate stably at a low power supply voltage of 1 . 0v because the minimum operating voltage thereof is 0 . 4v , even if process parameter variations that occur during fabrication are considered . the above - described embodiments of the present invention relate a semiconductor memory device with flash memory cells and sense amplifiers , but it will be appreciated that the present invention may also be applied to a semiconductor memory device with read only memory cells and sense amplifiers . in the drawings and specification , there have been disclosed typical embodiments of the invention and , although specific terms are employed , they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation , the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims . although the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments , it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that modifications of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention .	6

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