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fig1 is a schematic elevational view of a first embodiment of a flat knitting machine having a transferring mechanism , fig2 is a side view of fig1 and fig3 is an enlarged cross - sectional side view of fig2 . referring to fig1 through fig3 reference numeral 1 designated the flat knitting machine . the knitting machine 1 comprises a flat front lower needle bed 4a and a flat rear lower needle bed 4b which are arranged facing each other to form an inversed v - shaped form in a side view , and each transferring mechanism 5 arranged above each needle bed 4a , 4b respectively . in each of the needle beds 4a , 4b , a number of knitting needles 3a , 3b , fig3 are arranged , respectively , so as to be movable in needle grooves 77 by carriage 2a , 2b . the rear needle bed 4b is movable in transverse direction by a driving means which comprises a motor 6 , a driving screw shaft 7 , a slider 8 , and the like ( see fig2 ). referring to fig4 knitting needle 3a or 3b arranged in the needle groove 77 of the needle bed 4a or 4b comprises a knitting needle body 11 at the end of which a hook 10 is formed , a jack 12 which is connected to the rear end portion of the knitting needle body 11 , a selecting jack 13 arranged at the rear portion of the jack 12 , and a selector 14 arranged on the selecting jack 13 . butts 15a and 15b are projected upwardly from the jack 12 , butt 16 is projected upwardly from the selector 14 . when butts 15a , 15b , 16 , and 17 move along a cam surface 76 of the carriages 2a , 2b , the jack 12 , the selecting jack 13 , and the selector 14 move in the needle groove 77 . an expanding member 18 for expanding a loop retained by the knitting 3a or 3b is arranged at a one side of the knitting needle body 11 . the expanding member 18 is formed by bending sheet metal into a boat like shape , in plan view and the end of the expanding member 18 is fixed to the one side of the knitting needle body 11 . referring to fig5 group of cams of the carriages 2a and 2b over the needle beds 4a and 4b comprises two cam units arranged side by side . the cam unit comprises a transferring raising cam 20 protruded and retracted by a solenoid or a motor ( not shown ), a substantially trapezoid transferring receiving cam 21 arranged under the transferring raising cam 20 , and can be protruded and retracted , needle raising cams 22 formed at the sides of the transferring receiving cams 21 , and a convex portion 23 at the side of the needle raising cams 22 . under the group of cams , a needle selecting actuator 24 which acts on butts 17 of the selector 14 of the knitting needles 3a and 3b is arranged . between the needle selecting actuator 24 and the group of cams , a pressor mechanism 25 which acts the butt 16 of the selecting jack 13 of the knitting needles 3a and 3b so that the knitting needles 3a and 3b are located at the position for knitting tucks or for transferring . a stitch transferring mechanism 5 , formed between the carriage 2a ( 2b ), comprises a supporting part 26 formed on an upper face of needle beds 4a ( 4b ), as shown in fig3 transferring jack beds 27a ( 27b ) supported by the supporting part 26 , transferring jack 29a ( 29b ) movably contained by jack groove 72 of transferring jack beds 27a ( 27b ), a needle selecting mechanism 30 to select the transferring jack 29a ( 29b ) and a stitch transferring cam 31 to operate the transferring jack 29a / 29b forward and backward . the transferring jack beds 27a ( 27b ) and the needle beds 4a ( 4b ) are relatively operated in position , as a operating bracket 71 , connecting the respective ends of the both transferring jack beds 27a ( 27b ), moved in a transverse direction by a driving means 69 , constituted by a motor 66 , a driving screw spindle 67 , a slider 68 , etc . ( see fig1 ). the above described supporting part 26 is formed , as follows . plate grooves 80 are engraved , in parallel , with equal intervals , on an upper face of needle beds 4a / 4b . needle grooves 77 , for containing knitting needles 3a or 3b , are formed between the needle plates 81 , the lower part of which is inserted in the plate grooves 80 to stand vertically . knitting needles 3a or 3b , contained in the needle groove 77 , are suppressed from the upper side , to prevent the knitting needles from coming out , by a knitting needle supporting plate 83 mounted to fit on all of the needle plates 81 . the supporting part is formed mounting on specific needle plates 81 at mouth side part from knitting needle suppressing plate 83 . a fitting member 84 , shaped in a inverted l , is fixed , with a bolt 85 , to an end face of the supporting part 26 , as shown in fig6 - 8 . the supporting part is formed with a protruding object 86 , shaped in an inverted dovetail for fitting , positioned at upper part of the fitting member 84 and a groove 87 , shaped in a dovetail which fits the aforementioned protruding object 86 positioned at the lower part of the transferring jack beds 27a ( 27b ). the protruding object 86 and the groove 87 are movably fitted . where the supporting part 26 is placed off the knitting needle suppressing plate 83 , fitted to cover all the needle plate 81 long as described above , the knitting needle 3a ( 3b ) can be replaced only by removing the knitting needle suppressing plate 83 or pulling out the knitting needle suppressing plate 83 up until the needle , to be replaced when some knitting needles 3a ( 3b ) should be replaced in the needle beds 4a ( 4b ). further , a recess 88 , for mounting and removing the dovetail protruding object 86 , is cut on the dovetail groove 87 at a position beyond the usual moving range , and the recess 88 is formed at such a position as the dovetail protruding object 86 meets the recess when the transferring jack bed 27a ( 27b ) is shifted , in a transverse direction , beyond a usual moving range to knit a texture . accordingly , the transferring jack bed 27a ( 27b ) can be easily removed upward when the dovetail protruding object 86 meets the recess 88 . additionally where the supporting part 26 is formed with a dovetail protruding object 86 and a dovetail groove 87 , as in this embodiment , even when the dovetail protruding object 86 and the dovetail groove 87 fitting the object 86 become loose due to wearing , it can be easily avoided by unfastening the bolt 85 to lower the fitting member 84 and adjusting the relative position between the dovetail protruding object 86 and the dovetail groove 87 . in this embodiment , a dovetail protruding object 86 , shaped in an inverted trapezoid , is formed on an upper face of the fitting member 84 and a dovetail groove 87 is formed on a lower face of the transferring jack bed 27a ( 27b ). a dovetail groove 87 may be formed on an upper face of the fitting member 84 and a dovetail protruding object 86 may be formed on a lower face of the transferring jack bed 27a ( 27b ), as shown in fig9 and also the fitting member 84 can be omitted , as shown in fig1 . in the flat knitting machine having the above structure , by the needle beds 4a , 4b and the transferring mechanism 5 , a stitch engaged with the knitting needle 3a on the front needle bed 4a can be transferred to the knitting needle 3b on the rear needle bed 4b or to a transferring jack 29a or 29b ( referred to hereinafter ) on the transferring jack bed 27a or 27b of the transferring mechanism 5 . also a stitch engaged with the knitting needle 3b on the rear needle bed 4b can be transferred to the knitting needle 3a on the front needle bed 4a or to the transferring jack 29a or 29b on the transferring jack bed 27a or 27b of the transferring mechanism 5 . in the transferring jack beds 27a and 27b , jack grooves 72 in which the transferring jack 29a and 29b are movably positioned are formed . the transferring jack beds 27a and 27b are suppressed from the upper side to prevent the transferring jack beds from coming out by a suppressing plate 78 . referring to fig1 through fig1 , a hook shaped stitch engaging portion 32 is formed at the front end of the transferring jack 29a ( 29b ), a needle selected member 33 is formed at the rear end of the transferring jack 29a ( 29b ), and a curved portion 79 is formed at the jack body 34 side of the stitch engaging portion 32 . two strip members 36 , as shown in fig1 and 12 , made from spring steel are extended from the opposite side portion of the jack body 34 . the tip end portions of the strip members 36 are curved so that the tip of the strip member 36 contacted each other . the tip end portions of the strip members 36 are formed into hook shape to form a stitch engaging portion 32 . one or both strip members 36 is curved near the opposite end portion of the strip member 36 to form a spring portion 37 . the needle selected member 33 comprises a plate 38 with a length h , and a return butt 41 with which a return cam 42 ( referred to hereinafter ) acts . at the plat 38 , a groove , with a width h , is formed and forms a needle selected butt 40 . the position of the needle selected butt 40 in fig1 is different from needle selected butt 40 &# 39 ; in fig1 , that is , the needle selected butts 40 in fig1 and the needle selected butt 40 in fig1 have different phases . according to this difference , the position of the return butt 41 in fig1 is also different from the return butt 41 &# 39 ; in fig1 . transferring jack groups are formed from a plurality of transferring jacks 29a ( 29b ) having the same needle selected members 33 transferring jack groups of different selected members 33 , 33 &# 39 ; are arranged , alternatively , every 1 inch . in the above embodiment , the transferring jack 29 is made by mounting a spring steel 36 on the both sides of the jack body 34 and forming a stitch engaging portion 32 , at the distal end of the spring steel 36 , protruding from the jack body 34 . the stitch engaging portion 32 and the jack body 34 can be integrally formed as fig1 . referring to fig3 the transferring cam 31 for acting the needle selected butt 40 , 40 &# 39 ; of the needle selected member 33 , 33 &# 39 ; as the case maybe and the return cam 42 for acting the return butt 41 , 41 &# 39 ; are arranged at the space between the carriage 2a ( 2b ) on the needle bed 4a ( 4b ) and a yarn guide arranged over an aperture between the needle beds 4a and 4b . referring to fig1 , the transferring cam 31 has a cam plate 44 . a cam groove 43 with a width h is formed on the lower surface 44a of the cam plate 44 and the cam plate 44 protruded from the side portion of the carriage 2a ( 2b ) so that the lower surface 44a of the cam plate 44 is slidable on the upper surface of the transferring jack bed 27a ( 27b ). the return cam 42 for acting the return butt 47 , 41 &# 39 ; is fixed to a bracket 55 which is fixed to the side portion of the carriage 2a ( 2b ). further , an operation opening 46 is cut at a central part of the cam groove 43 of the above described cam plate 44 to expose the operating part of the actuator 45 of the needle selecting means 30 for operating a needle selecting butt 40 . referring to fig3 needle selecting means 30 comprises a solenoid 49 , a swinging lever 50 , supporting axis 51 , and a needle selecting cam plate . the solenoid 49 is fixed to casing 48 which is fixed to the carriage 2a ( 2b ). the solenoid 49 is connected to the one each of the swinging lever 50 and the other end thereof is fixed to the supporting axis 51 . the needle selecting cam plate 47 which passes through the operation hole 46 and operates as the operating portion of the actuator 45 is also fixed to the supporting axis 51 . different needle selecting means 30 are arranged in transferring jack bed 27a or 27b , respectively , corresponding to the transferring jacks 29a ( 29b ) ( see fig1 and fig1 ). referring to fig1 , at the low end portion of the cam plate 47 , convex portions 74 are formed at the opposite ends of the lower end portion and a recess portion 75 is formed between the convex portions 74 . return cam 42 , for acting the return butt 41 of the transferring jack 29a ( 29b ), is arranged at the position facing to the recess portion 75 . the operation of the flat knitting machine will be explained as follows : when the carriage 2a ( 2b ) moves reciprocally on the needle bed 2a ( 2b ), because each butt 15a , 15b , or 16 of the knitting needle 3a or 3b is operated by the cam surface 76 of the carriage 2a or 2b , the knitting needle 3a or 3b is moved reciprocally in the needle groove 77 and , thus , knitted goods are knitted by feeding yarn from a yarn feeder 61 . with usual knitting , the solenoid 49 of the needle selecting means 30 of the transferring mechanism 5 maintains the swinging lever 47 in a standing position and therefore the needle selected butt 40 which is in a waiting position is pushed downwardly not to by operated by the cam groove 43 of the cam plate 44 even though the carriage 2a ( 2b ) moves . the needle selected butt 40 which is pushed downwardly in a unoperated position is returned to the waiting position again by the return cam 42 . accordingly , when the carriage 2a ( 2b ) passes the edge portion of the knitting goods , because the needle selecting means 30 of the transferring mechanism 5 exists outside of the transferring jack 29a ( 29b ) to be selected and the needle selected butts 40 of the transferring jacks 29a ( 29b ) do not prevent the carriage 2a ( 2b ) from moving even through the carriage 2a ( 2b ) is moved in an adverse direction . the case in which stitch is reduced is explained as follows . for convenience , the case in which the stitch 52 engaged to the front knitting needle 3a is transferred to the adjoining front knitting needle 3a is explained referring to fig1 through fig2 . fig1 and fig2 a through fig2 d designate the group of cams of the carriage 2a for moving the knitting needles 3a on the front needle bed 4a , and the cam groove 43 on the cam plate 44 for operating the transferring jacks 29b in the rear transferring jack bed 27b . when the carriage 2a is moved on the needle bed 4a from right to left , the butts 15a and 15b of the jack 12 of the knitting needle 3 and the butt 16 of the selecting jack 13 of the knitting needle 3 pass in the group of cams of the carriage 2 from left to right as shown symbols a , b , c , and d in fig1 . when the front knitting needle 3a reaches the position a in fig1 , the butt 15a of the jack 12 is gradually pushed upwardly by the transferring raising cam 20 and thus the front knitting needle 3a is raised gradually . therefore , as shown in fig2 a , the stitch 52 opens the latch 55 and the stitch 52 is also opened by a opening member 18 . when the front knitting needle 3a reaches the position b in fig1 , as shown in fig2 b , the front knitting needle 3a is projecting forward mostly and the needle selected butt 40 of the transferring jack 29b is pushed outwardly by the cam groove 43 of the cam plate 44 so to push the transferring jack 29b forward . the stitch engaging portion 32 is guided through the stitch 52 opened by the opening member 18 and then , the stitch engaging portion 32 receives the stitch 52 . when the front knitting needle 3a reaches the position c in fig1 , as shown in fig2 c , the front knitting needle 3a is retracted gradually because the butt 15a of the jack 12 is gradually pushed downwardly , and the needle selected butt 40 of the transferring jack 29b is pushed outwardly by the cam groove 43 of the cam plate 44 so that the stitch 52 does not interfere with the latch 55 when the front knitting needle 3a retracts . when the front knitting needle 3a reaches the position d in fig1 , the butt 15b of the jack 12 passes the convex cam 23 . as shown in fig2 d , the stitch 52 engaged with the front knitting needle 3a has been transferred from needle 3a to the stitch engaging portion 32 of the transferred from jack 29b . when the group of cams of the carriage 2a passes the portion where the knitted goods is knitted , the transferring jack 29b keeps the stitch 52 at the stitch engaging portion 32 . subsequently , the transferring jack bed 27b is moved transversely by predetermined pitches ( for example one pitch ) by the motor 66 via the driving screw shaft 67 , the slider 68 , and the move control bracket 71 . at this time , because the curved portion 29 , formed at the jack body 34 side of the stitch engaging portion 32 , is positioned above the protruded member , like the sinker arranged at the aperture between the needle beds 4a and 4b , the transferring jack bed 27b can be moved transverse direction without interfering with the sinker or the knitting needles 3a and 3b . subsequently , when the carriage 2a ( 2b ) is moved in an adverse direction along the needle bed 4a ( 4b ), the butts 15a and 15b of the jack 12 of the front knitting needle 3a and the butt 16 of the selecting jack 13 of the knitting needle 3 pass in the group of cams of the carriage 2 from right to left as shown by symbols e , f , g , and h in fig2 . when the front knitting needle 3a , which receives the stitch 52 , reaches from the position e to the position f in fig2 , as shown in fig2 a and fig2 b , the butt 15b of the jack 21 is operated by the transferring raising cam 20 . the front knitting needle 3a is pushed outwardly , the hook 10 of the front knitting needle 3a is introduced into the needle selected member 32 , and the stitch 52 is engaged with hook 10 . when the front knitting needle 3a reaches the position g in fig2 , the front knitting needle 3a is gradually retracted by the transferring raising cam 20 , and the transferring jack 29b begins to retract because the needle selected butt 40 of the transferring jack 29b is operated by the cam groove 43 of the cam plate 44 . therefore , as shown in fig2 c , the stitch 52 engaged with the stitch engaging portion 32 transferred to the hook 10 of the front knitting needle 3a . subsequently , when the front knitting needle reaches the position h in fig2 , as shown in fig2 d , the transferring jack 29b is retracted further because the needle selected butt 40 of the transferring jack 29b is pushed inwardly by the cam groove 43 of the cam plate 44 , the front knitting needle 3a received the stitch 52 is also retracted . as a result , the transfer of the stitch is completed . when a knitting needles 3a ( 3b ) should be replaced , due to wearing , breakage or whatever reasons , the knitting needle can be easily removed upwardly by pulling out the needle suppressing plate 83 fitted covering all the needle plate 81 long up until the knitting needle to be replaced and opening the space above the knitting needle in question . the needle can be easily inserted from the upside . note , in the embodiments , though only the rear needle bed is movable transversely , the front needle bed may be movable transverse direction or both the rear and the front needle beds may be movable transverse . also , only the transferring jack bed may be movable and only either the rear or the front transferring jack be may be provided . in the above embodiment , a transferring jack is made by mounting an elastic plate member at the both side of the jack body and forming a stitch engaging portion at a distal end of the elastic plate member extruded from the jack body . the stitch engaging portion and the jack body can be integrally formed , as shown in fig1 . although not shown in the drawing , the dovetail protruding object , shaped in an inverted trapezoid of the supporting part , and the dovetail groove to be fitted the protruding object in the embodiment can be shaped in a circle or a quadrilateral . further , the needle bed , or the transferring jack bed disposed above , can be firmly supported by the supporting part . | 3 |
the invention described here comprises an improved process for releasing a substituted or unsubstituted organic acid , preferably a carboxylic acid ( i ), sulphonic acid ( ii ) or phosphonic acid ( iii ), more preferably an alpha - hydroxycarboxylic acid ( ia ) or a beta - hydroxycarboxylic acid ( ib ), from the ammonium salt ( iv , v or vi ) thereof by releasing and removing ammonia and simultaneously extracting the acid released from the aqueous phase with an amine extractant ( scheme 3 ). this process corresponds to a reactive extraction . the reactive extraction of an organic acid from the aqueous ammonium salt solution thereof can be improved significantly by the use of a stripping medium or entraining gas , for example nitrogen , air , steam or inert gases , for example argon . the ammonia released is removed from the aqueous solution by the continuous gas stream and can be fed back into a production process . the free acid can be obtained from the extractant by a process such as distillation , rectification , crystallization , re - extraction , chromatography , adsorption , or by a membrane process . extraction is understood to mean a separation process in which the enrichment or recovery of substances from mixtures is achieved with the aid of selective solvents or extractants . as in all thermal separation processes , the separation in the extraction is based on the different distribution of mixture components between two or more coexisting phases , which normally arise through the limited miscibility of the individual components with one another ( miscibility gap ). the mass transfer over the phase interface proceeds through diffusion until a stable end state — the thermodynamic equilibrium — has been established . after equilibrium has been attained , the phases must be separable mechanically . since these again consist of a plurality of components , further separation processes ( for example distillation , crystallization or extraction ) for workup are generally connected downstream . in the reactive extraction , at least one reaction is superimposed on the extraction . this influences the thermodynamic equilibria and thus improves the mass transfer between the phases . it has now been found that the reactive extraction of organic acids such as carboxylic acids , sulphonic acids and phosphonic acids and especially of alpha - and beta - hydroxycarboxylic acids from the aqueous ammonium salt solutions thereof can be improved by the use of a stripping medium or entraining gas , for example nitrogen , air , steam or inert gases , for example argon . the ammonia released is removed from the aqueous solution by the continuous gas stream . this shifts the equilibrium of the reaction significantly to the right ( scheme 4 , using the example of carboxylic acids ). the free acid formed is extracted immediately from the aqueous solution . this does not cause any significant lowering of the ph of the aqueous solution ; the release of further ammonia is not hindered . it has been found that the temperature has a great influence on the extraction rate . the higher the temperature of the aqueous ammonium salt solution , the more rapidly the reactive extraction proceeds . although reactive extraction is based on the use of amines as extractants , it may be advantageous to use further co - extractants in the process according to the invention , in order , for example , to influence the viscosity of the amine used . usable coextractants are all water - immiscible or only sparingly water - miscible organic solvents such as alcohols , ethers , ketones or hydrocarbons , or mixtures thereof . examples are straight - chain or branched aliphatic ketones having 5 to 18 carbon atoms , cyclic , optionally heterocyclic , ketones having 6 to 18 carbon atoms , straight - chain or branched aliphatic alcohols having 4 to 18 carbon atoms , cyclic , optionally heterocyclic , alcohols having 5 to 18 carbon atoms , straight - chain or branched aliphatic alkanes having 5 to 16 carbon atoms , cycloalkanes having 5 to 14 carbon atoms , straight - chain or branched ethers having 4 to 14 carbon atoms , aromatics substituted by halogen atoms or hydroxyl groups , straight - chain or branched alkanes which are substituted by halogen atoms and have 1 to 18 carbon atoms , cycloalkanes which are substituted by halogen atoms and have 5 to 14 carbon atoms . coextractants added with preference are selected from the group of isobutyl methyl ketone , isopropyl methyl ketone , ethyl methyl ketone , butyl methyl ketone , ethyl propyl ketone , methyl pentyl ketone , ethyl butyl ketone , dipropyl ketone , hexyl methyl ketone , ethyl pentyl ketone , heptyl methyl ketone , dibutyl ketone , 2 - undecanone , 2 - dodecanone , cyclohexanone , cyclopentanone , 1 - butanol , 2 - butanol , 1 - pentanol , 1 - hexanol , 2 - hexanol , 3 - hexanol , 1 - heptanol , 2 - heptanol , 3 - heptanol , 1 - octanol , 2 - octanol , 3 - octanol , 4 - octanol , 1 - nonanol , 2 - nonanol , 3 - nonanol , 5 - nonanol , 1 - decanol , 2 - decanol , 1 - undecanol , 2 - undecanol , 1 - dodecanol , 2 - dodecanol , cyclopentanol , cyclohexanol , kerosene , petroleum benzine , pentane , hexane , heptane , octane , nonane , decane , undecane , dodecane , cyclopentane , cyclohexane , cycloheptane , methyl tert - butyl ether , petroleum ether , dibutyl ether , diisopropyl ether , dipropyl ether , diethyl ether , ethyl tert - butyl ether , dipentyl ether , benzene , toluene , o - xylene , m - xylene , p - xylene , chlorobenzene , dichloromethane , chloroform and tetrachloromethane . preference is given to adding , to the amine used as the extractant , coextractants in amounts of less than 80 % by weight , preferably of less than 60 % by weight and more preferably of less than 50 % by weight , based on the total amount of the extractant . in the case that the boiling point of the organic extractant is less than the boiling point of the acid to be extracted , the process according to the invention can be performed in a specially developed perforator ( fig1 ). the specific perforator is equipped with a distributor inserted into the extraction vessel . the distributor is rotated by means of a magnetic coupling . the extractant supplied to this distributor from the condenser above through a tube is thrown by centrifugal force out of small holes of a distributor ring as fine droplets into the liquid to be extracted . this achieves fine distribution and intimate mixing of the extractant with the material for extraction . this ensures optimal mass transfer . as a result of the co - rotation of the liquid to be extracted , the finely distributed extractant laden with the substance extracted reaches the deposition zone of the perforator only after a prolonged residence time in the material for extraction and runs back into the distillation flask , from which the solvent is recycled into the extraction circuit by re - evaporation . in the case that the boiling point of the organic extractant is greater than the boiling point of the acid to be extracted , the process according to the invention can be performed in an apparatus as shown in ( fig2 ). a two - neck flask is initially charged with an aqueous solution of the salt together with the high boiling extractant . the temperature within the column can be adjusted as desired using an oil bath and is always set to a temperature below the boiling temperature of the mixture . the biphasic system is mixed by means of a magnetic stirrer in order to achieve a maximum interface between the aqueous phase and the extraction phase . the free acid accumulates in the extraction phase . a frit is used to introduce nitrogen into the stirred phases , which strips the ammonia out of the system . the salt is thus separated into the free acid and the corresponding base . atop the flask is a column with random packing , atop which is in turn a condenser . as a result of the partial pressure of the water , the latter is stripped continuously out of the two - neck flask in small amounts and condensed in the condenser . owing to the dissolution capacity of ammonia in water , the condensed water is separated from the ammonia in the column before it drips back into the two - neck flask . for a mass balance of the ammonia , a wash bottle is connected downstream of the condenser , in which the ammonia which has been stripped out is dissolved . in order to separate the free acid from the extractant on completion of extraction , various processes are employable : for example , the extractant laden with the free acid can be cooled in a phase separator . the free organic acid separates out as a more highly concentrated aqueous phase with the water dissolved in the extractant and can be removed thus . after distillative removal of the water , the free acid is present in pure form . the extractant can be fed directly back into the extraction circuit . distillative removal of the extractant is also possible . the extractant laden with the free acid is heated to boiling and distilled off at standard pressure or reduced pressure in a distillation apparatus of customary design . this distillate , which contains water in the case of an azeotrope - forming solvent or else is anhydrous , can be fed directly back into the extraction circuit . the free acid remains in the distillation bottoms . a further means of removing the free acid from the laden extractant is re - extraction with water . to this end , the extractant laden with the free acid is re - extracted from the organic solvent with water in a countercurrent extraction in an extraction apparatus ( e . g . fig2 ). according to the degree of extraction , a one - stage or multistage extraction is necessary . the organic extractant which is now unladen again can be fed directly back into the extraction circuit . the aqueous solution of the free acid can be concentrated to the desired concentration by distillative removal of the water . according to the type of acid used , the removal from the organic extractant can also be effected by crystallization , adsorption , membrane processes , chromatography , rectification , or the like . process description for isolation of the free acid from the salts thereof . fig3 describes one configuration of the process according to the invention , in which the free acid is extracted from the salts thereof with suitable amines as extractants : in a column , the aqueous phase laden with the salts of the acid is contacted with the organic extractant . the column here may be configured either as a bubble column or as a filled or stirred column . the salt is dissociated within the column . the acid is extracted into the phase of the organic extractant and the depleted aqueous phase leaves the column at the bottom . the ammonia which forms as the corresponding base is stripped out of the column by a carrier gas which is introduced at the bottom of the column . for regeneration , this ammonia - laden carrier gas stream can be passed over a sorbent on which the base is sorbed . the depleted carrier gas stream can thus be fed back to the process . a desorption regenerates both the base and the sorbent , and they are used alternately for sorption and desorption . connected to the desorption is a scrubber in which the ammonia is recovered as an aqueous solution and can be provided again to the fermentation as the base . it is thus possible to achieve a closed circuit for the ammonia . the laden organic extractant from the column is regenerated in a rectification after a phase separation . the free acid is thus separated thermally from the organic extractant and obtained as the product . the organic extractant can , after separation of the organic extractant from the free acid , be sent back to the process . analogously , the nh 3 removed from the aqueous solution can be sent back to the process . in addition , the processes of the present invention can be performed in batchwise mode , known to those skilled in the art , or in continuous mode . fig1 shows the schematic setup of an example of a perforator for use in the process according to the invention for reactive extraction . fig2 shows the schematic setup of the extraction apparatus used . fig3 shows the schematic setup of an industrial inventive reactive extraction . reactive extraction of 2 - hydroxyisobutyric acid from a 10 % by weight ammonium 2 - hydroxyisobutyrate solution with diisotridecylamine the example described hereinafter was performed in the apparatus shown in fig2 . a three - neck flask was initially charged with 85 . 07 g of a 10 % by weight ammonium 2 - hydroxyisobutyrate solution and 85 . 04 g of diisotridecylamine . the two phases were mixed vigorously with a magnetic stirrer . the 3 - neck flask was heated to 95 ° c . at ambient pressure in an oil bath . a glass frit for nitrogen stripping was inserted into one of the lateral orifices of the flask , and a gas flow of 20 l / h was established . a thermometer to measure the internal temperature was inserted into the second lateral orifice . a column with random packing ( approx . 0 . 7 m ) was inserted into the remaining orifice of the 3 - neck flask . at the upper end of the column was mounted a jacketed coil condenser . connected thereto was a wash bottle filled with 107 . 66 g of dilute sulphuric acid ( 1 mol / l ), in which the ammonia which had been stripped out was absorbed for mass balancing . after 20 h , the experiment was interrupted for mass balancing , and stopped after a further 20 h . within this time , the ammonium salt was dissociated into the free acid and ammonia . the free acid was extracted into the organic phase , and the ammonia was stripped out of the system by the nitrogen . after this total of 40 hours , a conversion of the ammonium 2 - hydroxyisobutyrate of approx . 80 % was achieved . the yield of alkylammonium 2 - hydroxyisobutyrate was likewise approx . 80 %. reactive extraction of 2 - hydroxyisobutyric acid from a 10 % by weight ammonium 2 - hydroxyisobutyrate solution with trihexylamine the example described below was performed in the apparatus shown in fig2 . a three - neck flask was initially charged with 99 . 53 g of a 10 % by weight ammonium 2 - hydroxyisobutyrate solution and 55 . 07 g of trihexylamine . the two phases were mixed vigorously with a magnetic stirrer . the 3 - neck flask was heated to 95 ° c . at ambient pressure in an oil bath . a glass frit for nitrogen stripping with a gas flow of approx . 20 l / h and a thermometer to measure the internal temperature were inserted into the lateral orifices of the flask . a column with random packing ( approx . 0 . 7 m ) was inserted into the remaining orifice of the 3 - neck flask . at the upper end of the column was mounted a jacketed coil condenser . connected thereto was a wash bottle filled with 99 . 79 g of dilute sulphuric acid ( 1 mol / l ), in which the ammonia which had been stripped out was absorbed for mass balancing . after 20 h in each case , the experiment was interrupted for mass balancing , and stopped after 60 h . within this time , the ammonium salt was dissociated into the free acid and ammonia . a conversion of approx . 32 % was achieved , and the yield of alkylammonium 2 - hydroxyisobutyrate was approx . 25 %. reactive extraction of 2 - hydroxyisobutyric acid from a 10 % by weight ammonium 2 - hydroxyisobutyrate solution with trioctylamine ( toa ) the example described below was carried out in the apparatus described in fig2 . a three - neck flask was initially charged with 200 . 53 g of a 10 % by weight ammonium 2 - hydroxyisobutyrate solution and 200 . 12 g of toa . the two phases were mixed vigorously with a magnetic stirrer . the 3 - neck flask was heated to 95 ° c . at ambient pressure in an oil bath . a glass frit for nitrogen stripping with a gas flow of 20 l / h and a thermometer to measure the internal temperature were inserted into the lateral orifices of the flask . a column with random packing ( approx . 0 . 7 m ) was inserted into the remaining orifice of the 3 - neck flask . at the upper end of the column was mounted a jacketed coil condenser . connected to this was a wash bottle filled with 60 . 04 g of dilute sulphuric acid ( 1 mol / l ), in which the ammonia which had been stripped out was absorbed for mass balancing . the experiment time was approx . 42 h . within this time , the ammonium salt was dissociated into the free acid and ammonia . a conversion of approx . 33 % was achieved , and the yield of alkylammonium 2 - hydroxyisobutyrate was approx . 26 %. in a three - neck flask , 106 g of trioctylamine ( toa ) were mixed with 20 g of 2 - hydroxyisobutyric acid ( 2 - hiba ) and separated thermally in a batch distillation . the bottoms were heated by a heating mantle and the bottom temperature was measured continuously . to reduce the partial pressure , a nitrogen flow of approx . 10 l / h was passed into the bottom flask of the apparatus . a trace - heated column filled with random packings was secured to the flask . connected thereto was a liebig condenser which condensed the distillate which was in turn collected in a round - bottom flask . a vacuum pump was used to establish a system pressure of 50 mbar . the distillation was conducted without reflux of the distillate . after approx . 100 min , a distillate temperature of approx . 140 ° c . and a bottom temperature of approx . 195 ° c . were established . after a further 40 min , the temperature in the distillate fell . after a total of 150 min , the bottoms reached a temperature of approx . 270 ° c . and the experiment was stopped . 104 . 3 g of toa in the bottoms and 15 . 1 g of 2 - hydroxyisobutyric acid in the distillate were found by weighing . an analysis of the bottoms showed a full conversion of 2 - hydroxyisobutyric acid . toa was detected in the distillate only in traces . the yield of free acid was approx . 60 %. in a three - neck flask , 81 g of diisotridecylamine ( ditd ) were mixed with 20 g of 2 - hydroxyisobutyric acid ( 2 - hiba ), and separated thermally in a batch distillation . the bottoms were heated by a heating mantle and the bottom temperature was measured continuously . to reduce the partial pressure , a nitrogen flow of approx . 10 l / h was passed into the bottom flask of the apparatus . a trace - heated column filled with random packings was secured to the flask . connected thereto was a liebig condenser which condensed the distillate which was in turn collected in a round - bottom flask . a vacuum pump was used to establish a system pressure of 50 mbar . the distillation was conducted without reflux of the distillate . after approx . 130 min , a distillate temperature of approx . 120 ° c . and a bottom temperature of approx . 230 ° c . were established . after a further 45 min , the temperature in the distillate fell . after a total of 190 min , the bottoms reached a temperature of approx . 270 ° c . and the experiment was stopped . 71 . 7 g of ditd in the bottoms and 18 . 08 g of 2 - hiba in the distillate were found by weighing . an analysis of the bottoms showed a full conversion of 2 - hiba and the formation of small amounts of secondary amides ( 2 mol %) and amounts of primary amides ( 5 mol %). ditd could be detected in the distillate only in traces . the yield of free acid was approx . 72 %. reactive extraction of 3 - hydroxyisobutyric acid from a 10 % by weight ammonium 3 - hydroxyisobutyrate solution with ditridecylamine the example described hereinafter was conducted in the apparatus shown in fig2 . a three - neck flask was initially charged with 103 . 0 g of a 10 % by weight ammonium 3 - hydroxyisobutyrate solution and 76 . 4 g of ditridecylamine . both phases were mixed vigorously with a magnetic stirrer . the 3 - neck flask was heated in an oil bath to 95 ° c . at ambient pressure . in one of the lateral orifices of the flask , a glass frit was inserted for nitrogen stripping , and a gas flow of 20 l / h was established . a thermometer for measuring the internal temperature was inserted into the second lateral orifice . a column with random packing ( approx . 0 . 7 m ) was inserted into the remaining orifice of the 3 - neck flask . at the upper end of the column , a jacketed coil condenser was mounted . connected thereto was a wash bottle filled with 202 . 2 g of dilute sulphuric acid ( 1 mol / l ), in which the ammonia which had been stripped out was absorbed for mass balancing . after 69 h , the experiment was ended for mass balancing . within this time , the ammonium salt was split into the free acid and ammonia . the free acid was extracted into the organic phase , and the ammonia was stripped out of the system by the nitrogen . a conversion of the ammonium 3 - hydroxyisobutyrate of approx . 54 % was attained . the yield of alkylammonium 3 - hydroxyisobutyrate was approx . 42 %. reactive extraction of lactic acid from a 10 % by weight ammonium lactate solution with ditridecylamine the example described hereinafter was conducted in the apparatus shown in fig2 . a three - neck flask was initially charged with 99 . 0 g of a 10 % by weight ammonium lactate solution and 75 . 1 g of ditridecylamine . both phases were mixed vigorously with a magnetic stirrer . the 3 - neck flask was heated in an oil bath to 95 ° c . at ambient pressure . in one of the lateral orifices of the flask , a glass frit was inserted for nitrogen stripping , and a gas flow of 20 l / h was established . a thermometer for measuring the internal temperature was inserted into the second lateral orifice . a column with random packing ( approx . 0 . 7 m ) was inserted into the remaining orifice of the 3 - neck flask . at the upper end of the column , a jacketed coil condenser was mounted . connected thereto was a wash bottle filled with 186 . 4 g of dilute sulphuric acid ( 1 mol / l ), in which the ammonia which had been stripped out was absorbed for mass balancing . after 60 h , the experiment was ended for mass balancing . within this time , the ammonium salt was split into the free acid and ammonia . the free acid was extracted into the organic phase , and the ammonia was stripped out of the system by the nitrogen . a conversion of the ammonium lactate of approx . 59 % was attained . the yield of alkylammonium lactate was likewise approx . 59 %. reactive extraction of succinic acid from a 10 % by weight ammonium succinate solution with ditridecylamine the example described hereinafter was conducted in the apparatus shown in fig2 . a three - neck flask was initially charged with 102 . 9 g of a 10 % by weight ammonium succinate solution and 75 . 0 g of ditridecylamine . both phases were mixed vigorously with a magnetic stirrer . the 3 - neck flask was heated in an oil bath to 95 ° c . at ambient pressure . in one of the lateral orifices of the flask , a glass frit was inserted for nitrogen stripping , and a gas flow of 20 l / h was established . a thermometer for measuring the internal temperature was inserted into the second lateral orifice . a column with random packing ( approx . 0 . 7 m ) was inserted into the remaining orifice of the 3 - neck flask . at the upper end of the column , a jacketed coil condenser was mounted . connected thereto was a wash bottle filled with 212 . 2 g of dilute sulphuric acid ( 1 mol / l ), in which the ammonia which had been stripped out was absorbed for mass balancing . after 65 h , the experiment was ended for mass balancing . within this time , the ammonium salt was split into the free acid and ammonia . the free acid was extracted into the organic phase , and the ammonia was stripped out of the system by the nitrogen . a conversion of the ammonium succinate of approx . 48 % was attained . the yield of alkylammonium succinate was approx . 43 %. | 2 |
fig2 is a block diagram showing a multi - level gray scale display driving apparatus of an stn lcd according to the present invention . here , the multi - level gray scale display driving apparatus of an stn lcd comprises a column signal calculator 10 , a row function generator 20 , a standard voltage selection signal generator 30 , a column signal generator 40 and a row signal generator 50 to drive the multi - level gray scale of a liquid crystal panel 60 . column signal generator 40 comprises a column standard voltage generator 42 , a column analog multiplexer 44 , a column voltage divider 46 and an eight - level lcd driver 48 . row signal generator 50 comprises a row standard voltage generator 52 , a row analog multiplexer 54 , a row voltage divider 56 and a three - level lcd driver 58 . in an active addressing method for simultaneously driving l lines ( rows ), supposing that a row function is f i ( t ) and a column function is g j ( t ), an absolute value f of the voltage of row function f i ( t ) is expressed as following equation ( 1 ) and a maximum value g of column function g j ( t ) is expressed as following equation ( 2 ): ## equ1 ## where v th is a threshold voltage of liquid crystal and n is total number of row lines . on the other hand , suppose that the row functions for displaying an eight - gray scale and driving an l line at the same time are indicated as f 1i ( t ), f 2i ( t ) and f 3i ( t ), and the column functions are indicated as g 1j ( t ), g 2j ( t ) and g 3j ( t ), where i is 1 , 2 , 3 , . . . , l and j is 1 , 2 , 3 , . . . , m in an n × m pixel matrix . here , the row function is an orthogonal function for driving l line at the same time . suppose that the absolute values of voltages of row functions f 1i ( t ), f 2i ( t ) and f 3i ( t ) are f 1 , f 2 and f 3 , respectively , the maximum values of voltages of column functions g 1j ( t ), g 2j ( t ) and g 3j ( t ) are g 1 , g 2 and g 3 , and the display information data for displaying the gray scale are i 1ij , i 2ij and i 3ij . display data i 1ij , i 2ij and i 3ij for displaying the gray scale have a value of either + 1 or - 1 . also , if a ratio of voltages of row functions f 1 ( t ), f 2i ( t ) and f 3i ( t ) is 1 :√ 2 : 2 , column functions g 1j ( t ), g 2j /( t ) and g 3j ( t ) are expressed as the following equations . ## equ2 ## suppose that the voltage applied when a voluntary pixel p ij of n × m pixels is &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; is v onrms and the voltage applied when a voluntary pixel p ij is &# 34 ; off &# 34 ; is v offrms , the values of v onrms and v offrms are obtained by the following equations ( 6 ) and ( 7 ), which satisfy a maximum selection ratio . ## equ3 ## here , if v offrms is set as threshold voltage v th of liquid crystal , f 1 , f 2 and f 3 are obtained from the following equation ( 8 ) and g 1 , g 2 and g 3 can be obtained from equation ( 2 ) above . ## equ4 ## according to the conventional method , when the lcd is driven as the above - described method , the number of row voltage levels is seven and a multi - level driving ic having eight levels can be generally used . however , since the number of column voltage levels is twenty - four , an analog driving ic has to be used . meanwhile , according to the present invention , a plurality of standard voltages a , b , c , d , a &# 39 ;, b &# 39 ;, c &# 39 ; and d &# 39 ; are generated from standard voltage generators 42 and 52 , and are input to analog multiplexers 44 and 54 . analog multiplexers 44 and 54 select one of the standard voltages input according to the standard voltage selection signal , and outputs a plurality of voltage levels via voltage dividers 46 and 56 . the plurality of voltage levels output via voltage dividers 46 and 56 are obtained as row and column voltages using multi - level driving ics 48 and 58 . that is , after three standard voltages are generated , analog multiplexer 44 selects a specific standard voltage and outputs the selected voltage to voltage divider 46 . then , voltage divider 46 generates the column voltage of total 24 levels ( 3 × 8 = 24 ) when each voltage of eight levels with response to the selected standard voltage is generated . also , after three standard voltages are generated , analog multiplexer 54 selects a specific standard voltage and outputs the selected voltage to voltage divider 56 . then , voltage divider 56 generates the row voltage having a total of seven levels ( 3 × 2 + 1 = 7 ) when each voltage of three levels with response to the selected standard voltage is generated . in fig2 the display data is input to a column signal calculator 10 via a terminal 1 and a row function generator 20 generates a row function based on a walsh function installed in the rom , to be output to three - level driver 58 and column signal calculator 10 . column signal calculator 10 generates column data from the display data and row function , to be output to an eight - level lcd driver 48 . row standard voltage generator 52 generates three fixed standard voltages a &# 39 ; ( f 1 ), b &# 39 ; ( f 2 ) and c &# 39 ; ( f 3 ) calculated by equation ( 8 ), to be output to row analog multiplexer 54 . row analog multiplexer 54 receives a selection signal from a standard voltage selection signal generator 30 , selects one of the three row standard voltages and outputs the selected voltage to row voltage divider 56 . row voltage divider 56 divides the selected standard voltage and outputs three voltage levels to three - level lcd driver 58 . here , since v 1 &# 39 ; of the three voltage levels is fixed as a standard electric potential , row voltage levels which can be generated by three standard voltages are seven ( 3 × 2 + 1 ). three - level lcd driver 58 drives the row electrode of lcd 60 according to the row function . column standard voltage generator 42 generates fixed standard voltages a ( g 1 ), b ( g 2 ) and c ( g 3 ) calculated by equation ( 2 ) and outputs the generated voltages to a column analog multiplexer 44 . column analog multiplexer 44 receives a selection signal from standard voltage selection signal generator 30 , selects one of three column standard voltages and outputs the selected voltage to column voltage divider 46 . column voltage divider 46 divides the selected column standard voltage into eight voltage levels and outputs the divided voltage levels to eight - level lcd driver 48 . eight - level lcd driver 48 drives the column electrode of lcd 60 according to the column data . standard voltage selection signal generator 30 receives and counts a latch clock , to generate the standard voltage selection signal for selecting row and column standard voltages . thus , the row voltage and the column voltage can have levels of seven and twenty - four , respectively , so as to display eight gray scales . on the other hand , we suppose that the row functions are expressed as f 1i ( t ), f 2i ( t ), f 3i ( t ) and f 4i ( t ) and the column functions are expressed as g 1j ( t ), g 2j ( t ), g 3j ( t ) and g 4j ( t ), so as to display sixteen gray scales . the absolute values of voltage of row functions f 1i ( t ), f 2i ( t ), f 3i ( t ) and f 4i ( t ) are expressed as f 1 , f 2 , f 3 and f 4 , and the maximum values of voltages of column functions g 1j ( t ), g 2j ( t ), g 3j ( t ) and g 4j ( t ) are expressed as g 1 , g 2 , g 3 and g 4 . also , the display information data for displaying the gray scale are expressed as i 1ij , i 2ij , i 3ij and i 4ij . these display data values i 1ij , i 2ij , i 3ij and i 4ij having gray scale information each have one value either + 1 or - 1 . also , if a ratio of voltages of f 1i ( t ), f 2i ( t ), f 3i ( t ) and f 4i ( t ) is set as 1 :√ 2 : 2 : 2 √ 2 , g 1j ( t ), g 2j ( t ) and g 3j ( t ) are expressed as equations ( 3 ) to ( 5 ) and g 4j ( t ) is expressed as the following equation ( 9 ). ## equ5 ## therefore , according to fig2 when row standard voltage generator 52 generates four standard voltages a &# 39 ; ( f 1 ), b &# 39 ; ( f 2 ), c &# 39 ; ( f 3 ) and d &# 39 ; ( f 4 ) and divides these standard voltages , nine levels of row voltage are obtained . also , when column standard voltage generator 42 generates four standard voltages a ( g 1 ), b ( g 2 ), c ( g 3 s ) and d ( g 4 ) and divides these standard voltages into eight levels , the column voltage of thirty - two levels can be obtained . as described above , in the method for obtaining the row voltage , the ratio of row voltages from first row voltage f 1 , second row voltage f 2 , third row voltage f 3 , fourth row voltage f 4 , . . . , to nth row voltage f n has to be within 30 % of 1 :√ 2 : 2 : 2 √ 2 : . . . :√ 2 n - 1 . fig3 a - 3c are schematic diagrams showing examples of a row waveform for obtaining eight gray scales . here , row functions f 1i ( t ), f 2 ( t ) and f 3i ( t ) are continuously applied . fig4 a - 4c are schematic diagrams showing other examples of a row waveform . in fig4 a - 4c , first , f i ( t ) of row functions f 1i ( t ), f 2i ( t ) and f 3i ( t ) is applied from the first row electrode in sequence . then , after f 1i ( t ) returns to the first row electrode , f 2i ( t ) is applied to whole row electrode in sequence . thereafter , f 3i ( t ) is applied to whole row electrode from the first row electrode in sequence . as described above , the multi - level driving ic is simply used , not the analog driving ic having a plurality of voltage levels , so as to display eight or sixteen gray scales , thereby reducing cost , without flicker and an rc filtering phenomenon compared with a frame modulation method or pulse amplitude modulation method . | 6 |
in the description which follows , like parts are indicated throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals , respectively . the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain parts have been exaggerated to better illustrate details of the present invention . referring now to fig1 a single release , multiple axis coupling assembly is indicated generally by reference number 10 . as illustrated in fig1 the single release , multiple axis coupling assembly 10 is shown functionally interposed between an operating table 12 and an ankle and lower leg retaining assembly 14 . the coupling assembly is fastened to a support shaft 16 , whereby the support shaft is telescopically extendable from a tubular section 18 . the support shaft 16 extends as a sleeve within the tubular section 18 , and is fastened at a desired height by clamp 20 . the tubular section 18 is connected to a secondary clamp 22 which is connected by an offset arm 23 to a horizontally movable clamp assembly 24 . it will be appreciated that the lower leg retaining assembly 14 is attached below the patient support pad 26 so that the patient &# 39 ; s leg is held in an open position accessible to the physician . the ankle and lower leg assembly 14 is securely held in an upright position offset from the patient &# 39 ; s upper exposed hip area . the entire ankle and lower leg assembly 14 can be raised or lowered by a corresponding extension or retraction on the support shaft 16 within the tubular section 18 . once the ankle and lower leg are elevated at a proper position , further &# 34 ; fine tuning &# 34 ; adjustments of the patient &# 39 ; s ankle and lower leg are made by the single release , multiple axis coupling assembly 10 . adjustable within the coupling assembly 10 is a support rod 28 . the support rod 28 , ankle retainer 30 , and leg retainer 32 comprise the ankle and lower leg retaining assembly 14 . the ankle retainer 30 is a v - shaped member securely attached to one end of the support rod 28 . the leg retainer 32 is a u - shaped member attached to the opposite end of the support rod 28 . the ankle and leg retainer members 30 , 32 firmly support the patient &# 39 ; s lower leg and ankle , whereby the patient &# 39 ; s hip is maintained in a relaxed but stable position conducive for surgery . the single release , multiple axis coupling assembly 10 as shown in fig2 , and 4 has three axes of rotation a , b and c . a single counterclockwise movement of the handle 34 will retract a threaded actuator shaft 36 from a piston 38 . the actuator shaft , when retracted , will simultaneously release the support rod 28 , piston 38 , and coupling assembly housing 44 , from their secured ( engaged ) positions . the released support rod 28 is now free to move within bore 40 of piston 38 , as is piston 38 free to rotate within a first coupling or housing chamber 42 of the housing 44 , and finally , the housing 44 is now free to move vertically on and horizontally about the vertical support shaft 16 . rotational movement of the piston 38 , as well as rotational and lateral movement of the support rod 28 and housing 44 , make possible a wide variety of lower leg adjustment positions . once a desired position is reached , a clockwise movement of the handle 34 and attached actuator shaft 36 will securely engage all members of the coupling assembly 10 . the multiple positioning movements of a triple axis coupling assembly 10 is made possible by lateral movements of the piston 38 and its piston head portion or tandem piston 46 . piston 38 is cylindrical having an end portion with a threaded passage or bore 58 ( to accommodate the threaded actuator shaft 36 ) and a second coupling chamber or pocket 48 at opposite ends of the cylindrical piston 38 , respectively . piston 46 is also of cylindrical shape having a flange 50 at one end of the cylinder . the flange 50 is completely recessed within the pocket 48 of piston 38 and is secured to piston 38 by an end cap 52 . the end cap 52 has an inside diameter larger than the diameter of the piston 46 , but smaller than the diameter of flange 50 . therefore , when the end cap 52 is secured to the end of piston 38 , the recessed flange 50 and connected piston 46 cannot be laterally separated from piston 38 . the end cap 52 and accompanying piston 46 are slideably received within a counterbore 42a formed in housing 44 , and a gap remains between the end cap 52 and housing shoulder 42b , whereby piston 38 is rotatable about its own axis a when disengaged . . as shown in fig3 piston 46 and part of piston 38 are completely recessed within the housing chamber 42 . piston 46 is aligned whereby the support shaft 16 is placed within a bore 56 passing through piston 46 and the housing bore 54 . the housing bore 54 and piston bore 56 are of slightly larger diameter than the support shaft , so that when disengaged , the housing 44 and piston 46 are independently movable relative to the support shaft 16 . the bore 40 passing completely through piston 38 accommodates the support rod 28 . the support rod 28 is placed within the slightly larger piston bore 40 , and the piston 38 is movable relative to support rod 28 when disengaged . as illustrated in fig2 and 3 , the threaded actuator shaft 36 is placed within the threaded bore 58 extending axially through the end portion of piston 38 to the side of support rod 28 disposed in piston bore 40 . a clockwise movement of the handle 34 will extend the actuator shaft 36 against the support rod 28 . extension of the actuator shaft will compress the support rod 28 against the annular end face 60 of the housing 44 . the tandem piston 46 is subsequently drawn through the housing chamber 42 to compress the support shaft 16 along the tandem piston shaft interface 62 and the housing interface 64 . thus , clockwise rotation of the actuator shaft will simultaneously &# 34 ; freeze &# 34 ; all movable members of the coupling assembly , with the support rod 28 being compressed by the actuator shaft 36 at point 66 , and by the housing face 60 along interface 68 . referring now to fig5 a single release , multiple axis coupling assembly 10a has only two axes of rotation a , b . the housing 70 is rigidly coupled onto the support rod 28 by a set screw 72 . rod 28 extends through the housing bore 74 and is seized by set screw 72 . support shaft 16 is received within an enlarged piston bore 40 . by preventing support rod movement within the housing bore , the third axis of rotation is eliminated . referring now to fig5 and 7 , a movable piston 76 is cylindrical in shape having a flange 78 of larger diameter at one end of the cylinder . the flange 78 is recessed within a housing pocket 80 and retained within the pocket by an end cap 52 . the pocket 80 is deeper than the flange , thereby permitting axial movement of the piston 76 from the locked position of fig6 to the released position . when locked , support rod 16 is compressed at interface points 82 , 84 and flange 78 is compressed against the end cap 52 at interface 86 . in the disengaged or released position , the piston 76 is rotatable within the housing pocket 80 about axis a , and is rotatable around support shaft 16 about axis b . the single release , double axis coupling assembly 10 is similar to that of the single release , triple axis coupling assembly as described above . the support shaft 16 is placed within a piston bore 40 . the cylindrical piston 76 has a flange 78 of slightly larger diameter located at one end of the piston . the flanged portion or end is placed within a housing pocket 80 and confined therein by an end cap 52 . in a disengaged position , the piston 76 is rotatable within the housing pocket 80 . a threaded actuator shaft 36 is received in a threaded passage 58 which extends from the non - flanged end of the cylindrical piston to the piston bore 40 . rotational movement of the handle 34 will extend the threaded actuator shaft 36 against the support shaft 16 placed within the piston bore 40 . in response to the clockwise turning movement of the actuator shaft 36 , the piston 76 is drawn outward in relation to the housing chamber 70 . sufficient clockwise tensioning of the handle 34 will compress the support shaft 16 against the outside annular face along the dotted line 82 which appears on the end cap 52 of fig7 . simultaneously , piston flange 78 is compressed against end cap 52 at 86 . counterclockwise rotation of the handle and subsequent inward movement of the piston 76 will permit rotational and lateral movement of the piston 76 about the support shaft 16 , and further permit rotational movement of the piston 76 within the housing pocket 80 . although the invention has been described with reference to a specific embodiment , the foregoing description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense . various modifications to the disclosed embodiment as well as alternative applications of the invention will be suggested to persons skilled in the art by the foregoing specification and illustrations . it is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications , applications or embodiments as fall within the true scope of the invention . | 0 |
a scheme of a microflow splitter device 1 is shown in fig1 . it consists of a microsplitter 2 and a micromixer 3 which are connected by a microbore tubing 4 and preferably mounted in a protective box . advantageously , the microbore tubing 4 is a fused silica tubing typically 10 - 25 μm in radius , and having a length of 2 - 10 cm . the microsplitter 2 consists of a t - fitting with a port 5 which preferably is connected to a hplc tubing 6 for the hplc flow and a port 7 for the flow running through a tubing 8 to a fraction collector 9 . the micromixer 3 consists as well of a t - fitting with a port 10 for a tubing 11 for a make - up flow and a second port 12 for a tubing 13 connected to a detector 14 , e . g . a mass spectrometer . the connections can be made with any type of fitting that withstands high pressures and provides sufficient chemical stability , e . g . poly ether ether ketone ( peek ) or stainless steel . the hplc flow coming from the hplc enters the microsplitter 2 and is split by the t - fitting into a flow f 1 towards the fraction collector 9 and a microflow f 2 towards the micromixer 3 . the split ratio achieved by the microflow splitter device according to the invention is in the range of 1000 : 1 to 10000 : 1 . a split ratio of 5000 : 1 can be achieved with water as a solvent . the split ratio is achieved by using different tubing lengths and diameters making use of the hagen - poiseuille relationship : where f is the flow rate through the tubing , δp is the pressure difference along the tubing , r is the radius of the tubing , l is the length of the tubing , and η is the viscosity of the fluid passing through the tubing . where flow f 1 is the flow rate through the tubing 8 and flow f 2 is the flow rate through tubing 4 . f 1 and f 2 can be calculated by the same equation ( 1 ) mentioned above . experimentally , the split ratio was determined by setting up a flow apparatus as depicted in fig2 . the microflow splitter 1 is placed as a connection between two closed circuits of flow 15 , 16 : the hplc flow ( 25 ml / min ) and the make - up flow ( 0 . 1 - 1 . 0 ml / min ). the flows are started simultaneously and allowed to run at a constant flow rate and solvent composition ( water or acetonitrile ) for 24 - 96 hrs . the split in the flow causes the volume in a graduated cylinder 17 to increase as a function of the split ratio and the time the experiment is run . the flow rate of the microflow is determined by measuring the change in volume in the cylinder 17 and dividing this by the time the experiment is run ( flow = volume / time ). the split ratio is determined as the flow rate of the hplc flow divided by the flow rate of the microflow . this can be measured this way because the small change in the hplc flow is negligible ( i . e . & lt ;& lt ; 1 %). the experiment verifies the split ratio determined theoretically using the hagen - poiseuille equation in a range of ± 10 %. critical to the efficiency of the microsplitter device according to the invention is the proper use of the diameters for the microbore tubing 4 as well as for the tube 8 leading to the fraction collector 9 . the microbore tubing 4 consists of a fused silica microbore tubing having a radius of 10 - 25 μm , preferably 15 μm and a length of 2 - 10 cm , preferably 5 cm . the tube 8 to the fraction collector 9 should consist of a wide bore tube and has typically a diameter of 40 - 80 ths . ( 1 th .={ fraction ( 1 / 1000 )} inch ), preferably 60 ths . the hplc tubing 6 consists typically of peek or stainless steel and has a diameter of 10 - 30 ths , and a length of 5 - 50 cm , preferably 10 - 30 cm . a filter frit 18 is arranged between the port 7 and the entrance of the wide bore tubing 8 in order to ensure laminar flow . in the event that this frit 18 is absent , turbular flow could result causing sample broadening and re - mixing of the samples . use of smaller diameters and / or longer lengths of the tubing 8 could result in severe sample broadening due to wall effects . further , a back pressure regulator 19 is installed at the end of the wide bore tubing 8 to avoid erratic fluctuations of the flow and to obtain a controlled split ratio , since the flows f 1 and f 2 are dependent on the pressure difference δp . useful back pressures range from 20 - 100 psi , preferably 20 - 50 psi . the hplc flow is typically 10 - 50 ml / min . with a split ratio of 5000 : 1 , a microflow of 2 - 10 μl / min is obtained . to guarantee the transport of the microflow to the detector a make - up flow of 0 . 1 - 1 . 5 ml / min is provided . the microflow f 2 is mixed with the make - up flow in the micromixer 3 and then transferred to the detector 14 . in order to delay the arrival of the flow f 1 to the fraction collector , the time required to pass through tube 8 must be greater than that of tube 13 . preferably the length of the tubing 8 is about 90 - 150 cm and a delay time of about 1 - 7 seconds is achieved . this makes it possible to delay the sample from arriving at the fraction collector prior to detection by the mass spectrometer or other detectors . the effects of a microflow splitter device on the peak width of a sample are demonstrated in fig3 and fig4 . the graphs in fig3 and fig4 are all on the same scale . the same sample flow conditions were used for all experiments in orders directly compare the peak widths of the reference sample . in fig3 ( a ) the peak width of a reference sample without any splitter is shown . using a commercially available splitter device on a hplc system results in a peak broadening which is demonstrated in fig3 ( b ). as the collection of the samples takes place in a collection window which is determined by the mass spectrometer the samples denoted in gray in fig3 ( b ) are not collected by the sample collector and therefore are lost . the vertical lines denote the width of a sample that would be collected if the sample were detected by an ms detector . the effect of the microflow splitter according to the invention is demonstrated in fig4 ( b ). in comparison to the commercially available splitter , a sharper peak is achieved leading to less loss of sample . the “ gray ” area is smaller and the peak width ( measured at half height ) is very close to the peak width of the reference sample without a microflow splitter . further , since for a split ratio of 1000 : 1 to 10 , 000 : 1 only a small amount of the sample is used for the detection signal , a higher resolution of the detection signal is achieved . this , together with the suppression of the broadening of the sample due to wall effects , results in a recovery rate of 85 - 90 % of the sample delivered by the hplc in comparison to a recovery rate of 45 - 55 % achieved by commercially available flow splitters . | 8 |
referring now to the figures generally wherein like numbered features shown therein refer to like elements throughout unless otherwise noted . the present disclosure relates to an electrical switch assembly , and more particularly to a switch assembly and method of using the same . in particular , the switch assembly provides a digital input / output that communicates with a remote control module for activating the operation of a designated device . conventional power - take - off ( pto ) switches used in outdoor power equipment , such as lawn garden tractors enable the operation of the blades for cutting grass or weeds . traditionally , for lawn garden tractors , activation of the pto involves changing the state of a high current electrical load in a high current switch that powers an electric clutch on and off . an example of a high current plunger switch is further described in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 528 , 007 entitled plunger switch and method of manufacture , which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety by reference . in conventional high current switches , the load typically carries between three ( 3 ) and six ( 6 ) amps . referring now to fig1 is a switch assembly 10 constructed in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure . the switch assembly of the subject disclosure employs the novel and advantageous use of low current digital signals in the range of 10 - 60 ma to communicate to a remote device that performs the switching . the switch assembly 10 of the present disclosure is not switching high current , but instead employs a method of detecting switch position in the switch assembly , which is conducive to low current applications . the switch assembly 10 while described as being used in the operation of a lawn tractor , could also be used in other forms of power equipment without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure . suitable examples of power equipment include , but is not limited to lawn tractors , push mowers , all terrain vehicles , marine vehicles , golf carts , and the like . the switch assembly 10 comprises a housing 12 , activation knob 14 , switch arrangement 16 ( see fig4 ), actuation assembly 18 ( see fig3 , 4 ), communication link 20 , and control module 42 . the knob 14 is actuated by the operator from a first or up position seen in fig2 to a second or down position seen in fig3 . the up and down movement of the knob 14 is facilitated by the actuation assembly 18 internal to the housing 12 . the actuation assembly 18 comprises a series of springs 22 biasing a support 24 coupled to a vane 26 , which in one embodiment includes a line of sight 28 . the line of sight 28 allows for the passage of light in one or more positions of the knob 14 , while using an infra - red transmitters / receivers 30 . in the illustrated example embodiment , the vane 26 is made from plastic and / or opaque material and the line of sight 28 is an aperture and / or made of translucent material . in the illustrated example embodiment results in the springs 22 provide a biasing of the vane 26 in an upward direction , ( see arrow u in fig2 ). it should be appreciated that the springs could be equally constructed to bias the movement of the vane 26 downward , opposite the direction of arrow u without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure . in an alternative example embodiment , the springs 22 could move the transmitters / receivers 30 while the vane 26 remains stationary . in an alternative example embodiments used for detecting the switch / knob 14 and more specifically the vane &# 39 ; s position , the vane 26 is metal or magnetic such that the relative position of the knob 14 can be detected by various types of sensors r that include hall effect methods / sensors , capacitive sensors , inductive sensors , variable resistance elements , such as a potentiometer , mechanical contacts , and the like , collectively 31 , as best seen in fig5 b . the sensors or switches r ( fig5 a , 31 ( fig5 b ), 32 ( fig2 and 3 ) provide the position signal 37 to the pcb 34 . internal to the housing 12 and part of the switch arrangement 16 is a printed circuit board ( pcb ) 34 that provides for switch assembly 10 and discrete knob 14 position detection and forms a digital output 35 based on the relative positions of the vane 26 and aperture 28 . the pcb 34 also provides some additional opportunities for features such as user indicators 36 , illustrating to the operator the relative position of the knob and activation of devices 70 such as the pto . in one example embodiment , the user indicator 36 is a light or led located at the top of the knob 14 . in an alternative example embodiment , the user indicator 36 is an audible device or combination of multiple illumination and audible devices . in the illustrated example embodiment , the pcb 34 includes a power supply 55 , such as battery power and ground 57 , and input / output terminals e . g . 33 , 35 , 36 , and 38 . the power supply 55 powers all features and functions of the switch arrangement 16 . the digital input / output 35 is provided on the third i / o terminal of the communication link 20 . the communication link 20 in the illustrated example embodiment is a pin connection for a wiring harness . an input 33 provides a position signal 37 from internal switch s configuration that is coupled to , and in communication with pcb 34 . fig5 illustrates an infra - red switch s configuration comprising emitters 50 and collectors 52 ( collectively sensors r ) that provide either a high or low position signals depending on the discrete location of the vane 26 / switch as is moves in the directions of arrow a when the knob 14 is actuated by the operators . the high or low signal results in the position signal 37 that is transmitted via output 35 to a control module 42 . stated another way , when the switch knob 14 moves in up or down direction , one or more ir channels ( tx - rx ) becomes blocked or unblocked depending on the aperture 28 , the intended function , and the position of the knob , thus affecting the value of the position signal 37 . the pcb 34 provides the digital output signal 35 that indicates the relative position of the knob 14 / switch assembly 10 , which communicates its value to a control module 42 . the digital output 35 occurs either wirelessly via antenna 38 or through a direct line 40 to a corresponding input on the control module 42 . in the illustrated example embodiment , the control module 42 includes firmware , software , or some form of computer readable media capable of providing instructions for operation to one or more devices 70 , such as a pto , based on the output signal 35 . it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such switch assembly 10 could be used in any number of safety applications and types of switches without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure . the control module 42 once receiving the digital output signal 35 communicates an enablement or disablement signal 43 to a device or safety function 70 on the lawn equipment that includes a higher power requirement of 3 to 6 amps , for example turning on or off a power - take - off ( pto ) or engine . for example , the signal 43 based on the switch 14 position may disengage a pto or turn on the engine depending on the software programming of the pcb 34 and various combinations that exist . in the illustrated example embodiment of fig2 - 5 , a switch assembly 10 is shown . the switch assembly 10 includes a three - pin integral connector 20 ; a circuit board 34 that supports a microcontroller m that provides the digital output signal 35 based on the position signal 37 generated by the switch s . the microcontroller m is in communication with the switch s . in the illustrated example embodiment of fig5 , switch s includes an infrared transmitter / receiver pair 50 / 52 that detects switch 10 / knob 14 position , and provides an output for an led 36 and position signal 37 . the two springs 22 bias the switch vane into the down or second position . in an alternative example embodiment illustrated in fig5 a , the multiple sensors r are used that include infrared transmitter / receiver pairs 50 / 52 a and 50 / 52 b . the sensors r transmit the location of the switch 14 based on the location of the vane 26 and / or aperture 28 and the passage of light therethrough , as would be appreciated when looking at various positions a and b of the vane an aperture . as the switch 14 is further depressed , it moves from position a to b , thus blocking the signal at b ( shown ) until the aperture 28 is centered about sensors 50 b , 52 b . the microcontroller m includes firmware , software , or some form of computer readable media capable of reading the position signal 37 and providing the digital output 35 based thereon . while in an alternative example embodiment , the micro controller is replaced with an application specific analog circuit or discrete circuitry . the switch assembly 10 includes a contact - less switch that provides a digital output signal for the operation of a device 70 ( or the non - operation of a device as safety function / operation , e . g . turning on a blade , pto , or engine ) through a remote control module 42 . based on its intended function , the switch assembly may include one or multiple ir channels ( tx - rx ), a single channel being illustrated in fig5 . the infrared channel ( s ) are controlled by the onboard microcontroller m to detect blocked or unblocked channel and determine the position of the knob 14 . in one example embodiment , the switch assembly 10 reports the status and position of the switch 10 / knob 14 via a serial communication link . in another alternative example embodiment , the switch assembly 10 is used in a master slave configuration to interface the control module 42 . advantageously , in the illustrated example embodiment , there is no exposure of external light to the infra - red switch / channels tx / rx or printed circuit board 34 , since both are contained within the switch assembly housing 12 . as used herein , terms of orientation and / or direction such as upward , downward , forward , rearward , upper , lower , inward , outward , inwardly , outwardly , horizontal , horizontally , vertical , vertically , distal , proximal , axially , radially , etc ., are provided for convenience purposes and relate generally to the orientation shown in the figures and / or discussed in the detailed description . such orientation / direction terms are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure , this application and the invention or inventions described therein , or the claims appended hereto . what have been described above are examples of the present invention . it is , of course , not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the present invention , but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the present invention are possible . accordingly , the present invention is intended to embrace all such alterations , modifications , and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims . | 7 |
the present invention is a self - tuning method described with respect to integrated circuit high frequency continuous - time filters . in the following description , numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough description of the present invention . it will be apparent , however , to one skilled in the art , that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details . in other instances , well known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention . in integrated continuous - time filters , process variations cause variations in circuit elements such as capacitors . these variations cause the poles of continuous - time filters to deviate from their desired locations resulting in undesired frequency response characteristics , e . g . misplacement of the cutoff frequency . in order to obtain accurate filter performance , low tolerance component values must be obtained . unfortunately , this is not possible in integrated circuit design where the absolute value of the resistors , capacitors , and g m stages may vary from 10 - 30 % or more depending on the process . this problem can be solved by automatic tuning circuits which effectively reduce component variances to allow accurate placement of the poles and zeroes in the transfer function . automatic tuning methods of the prior art rely on a duplication or oscillator scheme . these prior art methods require large area and power overhead for duplicate filters or oscillators and are often inaccurate and unreliable due to device mismatching and parasitic effects . the duplication schemes have the added disadvantage that they never tune the filter directly , but rely on matching of components between master and slave portions of the integrated circuit . in order to tune an integrated ct filter , it is desirable to measure and correct for the tuning errors of the filter itself , as opposed to the master - slave approach which relies upon the device matchings of the master filter stage for accuracy . the present invention , uses a signal - free environment tuning approach . the present invention eliminates the need for wafer probe trim of programmable ct filters while using minimal power and area beyond that required for the filter circuit itself . further , the present invention tunes the filter circuit directly , achieving more accurate and reliable results than the prior art methods . one of the benefits of the present invention is improved accuracy through the elimination of errors caused by device mismatches of the master and slave sections , as well as possible noise and crosstalk effects . in the preferred embodiment of the present invention , a calibration reference signal injected at the filter input is qualitatively measured at the actual filter output with respect to the component of interest , which in the preferred embodiment is phase . an example of one currently available fully integrated ct filter is given in fig1 . fig1 illustrates a block diagram of a 7th - order low - pass circuit . as is typical in integrated filters of this type , complex poles are realized using either opamps or operational transconductance amplifiers ( ota &# 39 ; s ) with resistive / capacitive ( rc ) networks . in fig1 an input vin is provided to a 7th - order continuous - time filter block 100 . 7th - order continuous - time filter block 100 comprises amplifiers ai 101 and ao 111 , several second order filter sections , a first - order gain stage 109 and a fc bias generator . the input vin is coupled to node 117 , which is coupled to amplifier ai 101 . amplifier ai 101 provides an output to the filter sections through node 119 . in the filter sections , three biquadratic filters 103 , 105 , and 107 and first - order gain stage 109 are cascaded to implement the filter transfer function . biquad1 103 is coupled to node 121 , which is coupled to biquad2 105 . the output of biquad2 105 is taken at node 123 , which is coupled to biquad3 107 . the output of biquad3 107 is coupled to node 125 , which is coupled to first - order section 109 . since the biquadratic filters are comprised of integrators made up of capacitors and transconductance amplifiers in feedback , the frequency parameters are set by the rc products , or equivalently , by the g m / c ratios of the transconductance amplifiers in a first approximation . the g m / c ratio of the ota &# 39 ; s can be tuned with a control voltage so that the cutoff frequency ( fc ) of the filter can be varied with a simple digital - to - analog converter ( dac ) 115 as shown in fig1 . at the output stage , the output of the first order gain stage of the filter sections is coupled to node 127 , which is coupled to amplifier ao 111 . the output of the amplifier ao 111 is coupled to v out through node 129 . the filter sections of biquadratic 103 , 105 , 107 and the first order gain stage 109 are coupled to node 131 , which is coupled to fc bias generator 113 . fc bias generator 113 is coupled to node 133 , which is coupled to fc dac 115 . fc dac 115 is also coupled to a data bus . to calibrate the cutoff frequency ( fc ) of the filter of the type in fig1 the self - tuning control circuit of the present invention compares the phase of the actual filter output with the phase of the input , and applies the appropriate correction signal until a 180 ° phase difference is realized . since the group delay , and hence the phase shift , of a filter are predictable and closely related to its fc , all cutoff frequencies can be correlated to the - 180 ° phase point of a reference signal injected at the filter input . this relationship can be seen by evaluating the transfer function of the filter in question at the - 180 ° phase point . for the example of a linear - phase 0 . 05 ° equiripple implementation of the 7th - order ct filter shown in fig1 the normalized transfer function can be written as ## equ1 ## where s = ω / ω c . in addition , from basic trigonometry we find that the phase angle of the transfer function can be calculated to be equal to ## equ2 ## solving the above equation when s = ω / ω c = 1 , we see that at the cutoff frequency of the filter ( ω c ) the ∠ f ( s )=- 181 . 61 °. similarly , when we set equation ( 2 ) to be equal to - 180 . 00 ° and solve for ω , we find that ω = 0 . 9911ω c . thus , it is seen that for a linear - phase filter of this type , the deviation of the cutoff frequency with respect to the - 180 ° phase point is only - 0 . 89 %. for other filter configurations similar results can be obtained , producing frequency deviations which may range over several percent . however , the amount of deviation is not important , since a user can effectively null any frequency offsets by altering the f c dac value as required by the application . examples of first and second - order g m - c transconductance stages are shown in fig2 a and 2b , where fully differential ota &# 39 ; s and capacitors are connected in low - pass configurations , tunable with a control voltage v g . fig2 a illustrates a first order g m - c transconductance stage where differential inputs vin + and vin - are coupled to nodes 208 and 210 respectively . nodes 208 and 210 are coupled to positive and negative input ports of a transconductance amplifier 201 respectively . the positive output port of the transconductance amplifier 201 is coupled to node 212 , which is coupled to capacitor c1 , the positive input port of buffer 203 , and the negative output port of transconductance amplifier 205 . the negative output port of the transconductance amplifier 201 is coupled to node 214 , which is coupled to capacitor c2 , the negative input port of buffer 203 , and the positive output port of transconductance amplifier 205 . capacitors c1 and c2 are coupled to a stable reference node 200 , in this particular implementation a ground . the positive and negative output ports of buffer 203 are coupled to nodes 216 and 218 respectively . nodes 216 and 218 are coupled to the positive and negative input ports , respectively , of transconductance amplifier 205 . nodes 216 and 218 are also coupled to the lowpass output ports ( vout + and vout -) of the first - order filter . control voltage v g is fed to the transconductance amplifiers 201 and 205 through node 220 for tuning purposes . fig2 b illustrates a second - order g m - c transconductance stage . differential inputs vin + and vin - are coupled to nodes 219 and 221 respectively . nodes 219 and 221 are coupled to a transconductance amplifier 207 . the positive output port of the transconductance amplifier 207 is taken at node 223 , which is coupled to capacitor c3 , the positive input port of buffer 209 , and the negative output port of a transconductance amplifier 217 . the negative output port of the transconductance amplifier 207 is taken at node 225 , which is coupled to capacitor c4 , the negative input port of buffer 209 , and the positive output port of the transconductance amplifier 217 . the positive and negative output ports of buffer 209 are coupled to nodes 227 and 229 respectively . nodes 227 and 229 are coupled to the positive and negative input ports , respectively , of transconductance amplifier 211 . the positive output port of a transconductance amplifier 211 is coupled node 231 , which is coupled to capacitor c5 , the positive input port of buffer 213 , and the negative output port of a transconductance amplifier 215 . the negative output port of the transconductance amplifier 211 is coupled node 233 , which is coupled to capacitor c6 , the negative input port of buffer 213 , and the positive output port of the transconductance amplifier 215 . capacitors c3 - c6 are coupled to a stable reference node 200 , for example a ground . the positive output port of buffer 213 is coupled to node 235 , which is coupled to the positive input ports of the transconductance amplifiers 215 and 217 . the negative output port of buffer 213 is coupled to node 237 , which is coupled to the negative input ports of transconductance amplifiers 215 and 217 . control voltage v g is fed to the transconductance amplifiers 207 , 211 , 215 , and 217 through node 243 for tuning purposes . nodes 235 and 237 are coupled to the lowpass output ports ( vout + and vout - respectively ) of the second - order filter . in the low - pass circuit of fig2 b , buffers 209 and 213 represent unity - gain buffers used for level shifting and biasing purposes . capacitors c3 - c6 all have a capacitance value of c in this example . transconductance amplifiers 207 , 211 , 215 , and 217 are voltage - in current - out amplifiers with gain g m . the capacitors can be considered as current - in voltage - out devices with impedance of 1 / sc . fig4 illustrates a block diagram of a self - tuning control system wherein the present invention is applied to a 7th - order ct integrated filter , similar to the filter of fig1 . to create a reference frequency signal for injection at the filter input , the self - tuning control circuit utilizes a clock signal f ref , from which a triangle wave is generated at the desired tuning frequency and outputted at tclk . f ref is also used to clock all the internal sequential timing circuits of the system in fig4 and can be derived from any stable frequency source available to a user . the filter input stage a i in fig4 has been reconfigured so that the tclk reference signal can be multiplexed at the time of calibration with the normal filter input v in . also node 119 is coupled to fin input of self - tuning control circuit 401 as well as to biquad1 103 . node 127 is coupled to f out input of self - tuning control circuit 401 as well as to ao 111 . f c dac 115 is now coupled to node 139 , which is coupled to proportional trim dac 403 . proportional trim dac 403 is coupled to bus 143 and to node 141 , which is coupled to fc bias generator 113 . in fig4 self - tuning control circuit block 401 takes f ref as input at node 145 and outputs tclk to 7th - order ct integrated filter block 100 through node 137 . self - tuning control block 401 is coupled to a control bus and to proportional trim dac 403 through bus 143 . to determine the phase relationship of the filter output with respect to the reference signal , the self - tuning control circuit monitors node 127 of filter 100 at f out and node 119 of the filter at f in . once a self - tuning cycle has been initiated through the ftr control bus , the self - tuning control circuit increments or decrements the digital value of the ft bus as required to produce a 180 ° phase shift between f out and f in . the filter trim is accomplished by connecting the ft bus to proportional trim dac 403 that is placed between f c dac 115 and f c bias generator 113 of filter 100 . the filter phase , and hence the cutoff frequency , is effectively trimmed by proportional trim dac 403 which scales the f c dac 115 current in proportion to its magnitude by the equation i out = f t · i in , where i in is the f c dac current and f t is the proportional trim factor . for most applications 1 . 30 ≧ f t ≧ 0 . 70 provides sufficient range to compensate for typical process variations , with the value f t = 1 . 0 set by the midpoint value of the ft bus , i . e ., 64 for a 7 - bit bus width . the ftr bus is also used to signal the completion of the self - tuning cycle to a user , as well as an end - of - range ( eor ) detection for an internal up / down counter . describing the operation of the invention in more detail , a comprehensive block diagram of the preferred embodiment is shown in fig5 . the filter input and output , denoted by f in and f out , respectively , are coupled to nodes 523 and 525 respectively . nodes 523 and 525 are coupled to inputs of 180 ° phase latch 501 which compares f in and f out signals to determine whether the phase of f out is greater or less than - 180 ° with respect to f in . if a greater - than condition is detected , 180 ° phase latch 501 asserts a logic ` 1 ` at the gt180 output which is coupled to node 527 . node 527 is coupled to a decision - directed latch 503 and clock inhibit block 511 . phase latch 501 must be able to accurately detect and latch the - 180 ° phase point regardless of signal offsets and logic delay parasitics . one suitable phase latch is described in applicant &# 39 ; s copending patent application filed feb . 22 , 1995 , assigned to assignee of the present application and entitled &# 34 ; precision ( nπ )/ 2 latching phase detector ,&# 34 ; incorporated herein by reference . fig9 shows a block diagram of the preferred embodiment of the precision latching phase detector 10 as an example of 180 ° phase latch . in the embodiment shown in fig9 variable n is equal to 2 . accordingly , phase detector 10 detects whether the phase difference between a reference signal and an input signal is greater or less than 180 degrees . both the reference signal and the input signal to phase detector 10 are differential signals . a reference signal ( vref ) is converted to differential form ( i . e ., vref + and vref -) in a manner well known in the art . likewise , an input signal ( vin ) is converted to differential form ( i . e ., vin + and vin -) in a manner well known in the art . for example , fin 523 and fout 525 can be converted to differential signals and fed to phase detector 10 . the circuit necessary for these conversions is not shown to preserve simplicity . differential reference signals vref + ( 22 ) and vref - ( 24 ) are amplified by differential amplifier 62 . differential amplifier 62 provides signals with magnitudes large enough to ensure adequate input levels for reference signal differentiator 64 ( also referred to as the &# 34 ; reference differentiator &# 34 ;). the gain of differential amplifier 62 can be adjusted by a user as desired . reference signal differentiator 64 typically includes a high pass filter . the proper setting of the corner frequency of the high pass filter results in elimination of dc or low frequency offset component of the reference signal . reference signal differentiator 64 also converts analog reference signals vref + and vref - to digital output signals d2 ( 65 ) and d2b ( 67 ), respectively . in a similar manner , differential input signals vin + ( 26 ) and vin - ( 28 ) are amplified by differential amplifier 66 . differential amplifier 66 provides signals with magnitudes large enough to ensure adequate input levels for input signal differentiator 68 ( also referred to as the &# 34 ; input differentiator &# 34 ;). the gain of differential amplifier 66 can be adjusted as desired . as with reference signal differentiator 64 , input signal differentiator 68 includes a high pass filter . the proper setting of the corner frequency of the high pass filter eliminates dc or low frequency offset component of the input signal . input signal differentiator 68 also converts analog input signals vin + and vin - to digital output signals c2 ( 71 ) and c2b ( 73 ), respectively . the output of phase detector 10 is output 80 of output latch 70 . output 80 indicates whether the phase difference between vref + and vin + ( or between vref - and vin -) is greater or less than 180 degrees . output latch 70 is a &# 34 ; race - free &# 34 ; latch and , as such , output latch 70 eliminates race and metastable conditions that result in phase shifts . fig1 is an example of detailed implementation of differential amplifiers 62 and 66 , and differentiators 64 and 68 in ecl ( emitter coupled logic ). output latch 70 is still shown in block diagram ( the detailed implementation of output latch 70 is shown in fig1 ). referring to fig1 , reference signals vref + ( 22 ) and vref - ( 24 ) are provided to differential amplifier 62 . as shown , differential amplifier 62 comprises transistors q28 through q34 and resistors r20 through r24 . transistors q34 through q32 , and resistors r22 through r24 provide a differential ecl amplifier as is well known in the art . transistors q28 through q31 and resistors r21 and r20 provide a low impedance emitter follower output , also well known in the art . a bias voltage vbn ( 75 ) is provided to bias transistors q33 , q31 , and q29 as shown in fig1 . the differential output of differential amplifier 62 is coupled to reference signal differentiator 64 as shown in fig1 . reference signal differentiator 64 comprises transistors q18 through q27 , and resistors r19 through r13 . transistor q24 and resistor r15 determine the gain of the differentiator at output d2b ( 67 ), while transistor q26 and resistor r18 determine the gain of differentiator at output d2 ( 65 ). transistor q21 provides a low impedance emitter follower output . the output of transistor q21 undergoes a diode voltage drop through transistor q22 . this diode drop properly sets the voltage level of output d2b ( 67 ) before being fed to output latch 70 . with respect to output d2 ( 65 ), transistor q18 provides a low impedance emitter follower output . the output of transistor q18 undergoes a diode drop in voltage through transistor q19 . this diode drop properly sets the voltage level of output d2 ( 65 ) before being fed to output latch 70 . differentiator 64 behaves as a high - pass filter with a &# 34 ; corner frequency &# 34 ; below which the gain of differentiator 64 ( either at output d2b or d2 ) drops to a very low value . the &# 34 ; rc &# 34 ; circuit comprising r17 , c3 , and c4 determines this corner frequency of reference signal differentiator 64 . transistors q27 , q25 , q23 , and q20 , and resistors r19 , r16 , r14 , and r13 provide the proper bias condition for reference signal differentiator 64 . bias voltage vbn ( 75 ) provides the proper bias for transistors q27 , q25 , q23 , and q20 as shown in fig1 . input signals vin + ( 26 ) and vin - ( 28 ) are provided to differential amplifier 66 . as shown , differential amplifier 66 comprises transistors q11 through q17 and resistors r8 through r12 . transistors q15 through q17 , and resistors r20 through r12 provide a differential ecl amplifier as is well known in the art . transistors q11 through q14 and resistors r8 and r9 provide a low impedance emitter follower output , also well known in the art . bias voltage vbn ( 75 ) is used to bias transistors q16 , q14 , and q12 for proper operation . the differential output of differential amplifier 66 is coupled to input signal differentiator 68 as shown in fig1 . reference signal differentiator 68 comprises transistors q1 through q10 , and resistors r1 through r7 . transistor q7 and resistor r3 determine the gain of the differentiator at output c2 ( 71 ), while transistor q9 and resistor r6 determine the gain of differentiator at output c2b ( 73 ). transistor q4 provides a low impedance emitter follower output . the output of transistor q4 undergoes a diode voltage drop through transistor q5 . this diode drop properly sets the voltage level of output c2 ( 71 ) before being fed to output latch 70 . with respect to output c2b ( 73 ), transistor q1 provides a low impedance emitter follower output . the output of transistor q1 undergoes a diode drop in voltage through transistor q2 . this diode drop properly sets the voltage level of output c2b ( 73 ) before being fed to output latch 70 . differentiator 68 behaves as a high - pass filter with a &# 34 ; corner frequency &# 34 ; below which the gain of differentiator 68 ( either at output c2b or c2 ) drops to a very low value . the &# 34 ; rc &# 34 ; circuit comprising r5 , c1 , and c2 determines this corner frequency of reference signal differentiator 68 . transistors q10 , q8 , q6 , and q3 , and resistors r7 , r4 , r2 , and r1 provide the proper bias condition for reference signal differentiator 68 . bias voltage vbn ( 75 ) provides the proper bias for transistors q10 , q8 , q6 , and q3 as shown in fig1 . from basic circuit theory it can be shown that the transfer function for the reference signal path is : substituting for a v ( s ) and a diff ( s ), equation ( 3 ) can now be expressed as : since transconductance g m . sbsb . q24 of transistor q24 is very large , 2 / g m . sbsb . q24 is negligible as compared with r17 . accordingly , from the transfer function shown in equation ( 6 ), we can see that the &# 34 ; corner frequency &# 34 ; of reference signal differentiator 64 can be approximated as : in like manner , the transfer function for the input signal path is equal to : since transconductance g m . sbsb . q7 of transistor q7 is very large , 2 / g m . sbsb . q7 is negligible as compared with r5 . accordingly , from the transfer function shown in equation ( 8 ), we can see that the &# 34 ; corner frequency &# 34 ; of input signal differentiator 68 can be approximated as : the transfer functions for both the reference signal path ( i . e ., f ref ( s )) and the input signal path ( i . e ., f in ( s )) are transfer functions for a &# 34 ; high - pass &# 34 ; filter . accordingly , the &# 34 ; corner frequency &# 34 ; ( f a = 1 / 2r 17 c a ) of reference signal differentiator 64 is a frequency below which the gain of differentiator 64 is very small . thus , signals with frequencies below f a = 1 / 2r 17 c a are suppressed , and only signals above the comer frequency f a = 1 / 2r 17 c a pass through reference signal differentiator 64 . likewise , the corner frequency ( f b = 1 / 2r 5 c b ) of input signal differentiator 68 is a frequency below which the gain of differentiator 68 is very small . thus , signals with frequencies below f b = 1 / 2r 5 c b are suppressed , and only signals above the corner frequency f b = 1 / 2r 5 c b pass through input signal differentiator 68 . in the case of a 180 degree phase detector ( shown in fig1 ), the high - pass corner frequency of both differentiator 64 and differentiator 68 is set below the reference and input signal frequencies . this is done so that the frequencies of interest pass through the differentiators &# 39 ; high pass filters . however , the high pass corner frequency is set high enough such that dc and low frequency offsets present in reference signal ( vref + or vref -) or input signal ( vin + or vin -) are suppressed . thus , signals d2 , d2b , c2 and c2b provided to output latch 70 do not contain a dc or low frequency offset component . accordingly , the phase relationship between the reference signal ( vref + or vref -) and input signal ( vin + or vin -) is accurately measured . the corner frequencies ( f a = 1 / 2πr 17 c a and f b = 1 / 2r 5 c b ) are adjusted to desired values by simply adjusting the values of capacitors c a ( i . e ., c3 + c4 ) and c b ( i . e ., c1 + c2 ). output latch 70 is shown in detail in fig1 . signals d2b ( 67 ) and d2 ( 65 ) are provided to d flipflop 85 , while signals c2b ( 73 ) and c2 ( 71 ) are provided to d flipflop 87 as shown . the flipflops as embodied in fig1 have differential clock and reset inputs . differential flipflops are preferred due to good noise immunity . however , those skilled in the art recognize that single input flipflops can be used instead of the differential flipflops . reset signals r3 ( 81 ) and r3b ( 83 ) are also coupled to both d flipflop 85 and d flipflop 87 . output 89 ( q1b ) of d flipflop 85 is coupled to nor gate 93 . similarly , output 91 ( q2b ) of d flipflop 87 is coupled to nor gate 95 . d flipflop 85 and d flipflop 87 are configured such that the d inputs are connected to logic &# 34 ; one .&# 34 ; accordingly , the output of the flipflops will change dependent upon the state of the reset inputs r3 and r3b when the c2 input transitions from low to high and c2b from high to low . for example , output q1b ( 89 ) of d flipflop 85 is set low when d2 transitions from low to high and reset ( r3 ) is low . nor gate 93 and nor gate 95 are cross - coupled as shown in fig1 . output 97 ( set ) of nor gate 93 is coupled to and gate 92 , while output 99 ( reset ) of nor gate 95 is coupled to and gate 96 . a second input to and gate 92 is r3b ( 83 ), while a second input to and gate 96 is also r3b ( 83 ). the output of and gate 92 is coupled to nor gate 94 , while the output of and gate 96 is connected to nor gate 98 . nor gate 94 and nor gate 98 are cross - coupled as shown . either output 90 ( o3b ) of nor gate 94 or output 80 ( o3 ) of nor gate 98 can be used as output of latch 70 . output of latch 70 ( either o3 or o3b ) is also output of phase detector 10 . in operation , a positive transition of reference signal d2 will set d flipflop 85 , whose state will remain unchanged until the reset signal r3 is asserted high . likewise , a positive transition of input signal c2 will set d flipflop 87 which will remain in that state until the reset signal r3 is asserted high . in one implementation of this embodiment , reset signal r3 is asserted high 90 degrees after a positive transition of the reference signal d2 ( or d2b ). now referring back to fig5 decision - directed latch 503 also receives start signal from sequencing logic 509 and supplies a caldone signal to sequencing logic block 509 . based upon the information at gt180 , decision - directed latch 503 provides an appropriate up / dn signal 531 to up / down counter 505 so that up / down counter 505 can be clocked in the direction necessary to eliminate the phase error . the proper control of the tuning direction is achieved with decision - directed latch 503 and sequencing logic block 509 as shown in fig5 . decision - directed latch 503 also performs the basic function of latching the state of the gt180 signal at the beginning of the self - tuning cycle and detecting a polarity reversal of gt 180 , indicating that the - 180 ° phase point has been reached . the reference frequency clock signal f ref is fed to divider block 519 through node 549 and divided by divider block 519 to obtain the desired reference frequency for tuning , and converted to an analog waveform by triangle wave generator ( twg ) 521 which provides an output tclk through node 565 . twg 521 is used to produce an analog signal which contains low harmonic content . however , a digital - to - sine conversion or any other suitable low - harmonic wave generator can be used instead of the twg as the designer deems appropriate . the output of block 519 is taken at node 563 , which is coupled to blocks 501 , 513 and 521 . the f ref signal is also used to clock the sequential logic circuits of the invention after an additional divide - by - 2 stage 513 . the output of block 513 is taken at node 551 , which is coupled to blocks 509 and 515 . f ref signal after stage 513 drives a modulo - 8 johnson counter 515 used to generate the update frequency of the invention , and provides a synchronization clock required by sequencing logic block 509 . the exact modulus of the frequency dividers can be altered to accommodate different design requirements to provide the desired frequency of operation based upon the available frequency source . in the example of fig5 for an f ref frequency of 32 mhz the filter self - tuning frequency will be equal to 8 mhz , with updates to the ft bus occurring every 2μs . the update rate of the invention should be selected by a user to allow sufficient time for the filter to respond to the modified dac current . the output of block 515 is coupled to node 553 , which is coupled to three - phase clock generator / ntz decoder 517 . three - phase clock generator / ntz decoder 517 provides clk2 signal through node 557 to up / down counter 505 and clk3 signal through node 559 to latch 507 . node 557 is also coupled to decision - directed latch 503 . three - phase clock generator / ntz decoder 517 also provides signal clk1 through node 555 and signal ntz through node 561 to clock inhibit block 511 . sequencing logic block 509 provides calen signal through node 541 to up / down counter 505 and three - phase clock generator / ntz decoder 517 . sequencing logic block 509 also provides start signal to decision - directed latch 503 through node 539 and calready signal to ftr bus through node 543 . sequencing logic block 509 receives calstart signal through node 545 which is coupled to ftr bus . up / down counter 505 supplies eor signal through node 535 to the ftr bus and data through bus 533 to latch 507 . latch 507 is coupled to the ft bus through bus 537 . a flow diagram of latch 503 is shown in fig6 where its operation is detailed for an illustrative self - tuning cycle . referring to fig6 when latch 503 is first enabled in block 601 , latch 503 tests the state of the gt180 signal in block 603 . then , the state of the gt180 signal is transferred to the output upon the assertion of the start pulse in blocks 605 and 607 . latch 503 remains in this condition until the polarity of gt180 reverses in blocks 609 or 611 . when latch 503 is clocked by the clk1 pulse , it changes state in blocks 613 or 615 . the first assertion of clk2 following this sequence then asserts the caldone signal to a logic ` 1 ` in block 617 to terminate the self - tuning cycle . sequencing logic block 509 of fig5 synchronizes the start pulse with the internal reference - based clk signal after the receipt of the calstart pulse to begin a self - tuning cycle . the rising edge of the start pulse then initiates the self - tuning cycle and is coincident with the first clk1 rising edge . once the self - tuning cycle has been initiated , the three - phase clock generator 517 is enabled to produce the three clock signals clk1 , clk2 and clk3 required by this embodiment . the state of gt180 is latched on the rising edge of clk1 . the up / down counter 505 is docked on the rising edge of clk2 , and the contents of the 7 - bit latch 507 is transferred onto the ft bus on the rising edge of clk3 . the preferred embodiment of fig5 also provides clock inhibit block 511 to prevent the premature termination of a self - tuning cycle due to the false transitioning of the gt180 signal caused by noise . clock inhibit block 511 provides clk1 signal to decision - directed latch 503 through node 547 . clock inhibit block 511 effectively inhibits the clk1 signal during a no - transition - zone ( ntz ) time period generated by the three - phase clock generator / ntz decoder 517 . in the embodiment of fig5 the ntz is the period of time two clk cycles in length just prior to the rising edge of clk1 , wherein no transitions of gt180 are allowed to change the state of the latch . the prevention of premature self - tuning cycle termination can also be done by using pulse discrimination or filtering technique to ensure the stable detection of the point so that the self - tuning cycle can be successfully terminated . the self - tuning cycle is initiated when the sequencing logic block 509 receives a calstart pulse from the ftr bus . the calstart pulse can be asynchronous in nature , and should be a minimum of two clk periods in width in this embodiment . this relationship can be seen in the timing diagram of fig7 where the first falling edge of clk after receipt of the calstart pulse asserts calen to enable three - phase clock generator 517 and up / down counter 505 . referring now to fig7 the relationship of the above - mentioned signals can be seen during a shortened self - tuning cycle used only as an example . once calstart pulse has been received , start signal is generated , which starts a self - tuning cycle . the state of gt180 is latched by the rising edge of clk1 , asserting up / dn to a logic ` 1 ` indicating a count ` up ` condition . each and every rising edge of clk2 then increments up / down counter 505 , with the resulting counter value transferred to the ft bus by latch 507 at the rising edge of clk3 . this sequence continues until up / dn signal is deasserted causing the assertion of caldone signal at the following clk2 rising edge . the completion of the self - tuning cycle is then indicated on the ft bus by a calready signal of a logic ` 1 ` as shown . if a false transition of gt180 should occur in the no - transition - zone as illustrated by the dashed line of fig7 the clk1 signal will be inhibited as shown causing decision - directed latch 503 to remain in the same state until the next clock cycle . the self - tuning cycle is then properly terminated on the third clock cycle as shown in fig7 . fig8 illustrates the schematic diagram of the invention as one possible implementation in a bicmos process containing both cml ( current - mode logic ) and cmos ( complementary metal oxide silicon ) logic structures . the differential filter connections are denoted as finp / finn and foutp / foutn , and are coupled to nodes 871 , 873 and 875 , 877 respectively , which are coupled to inputs of - 180 ° phase latch 803 named phcomp . input vrgh is coupled to node 869 , which is coupled to block 801 and twg 807 . the output of block 801 is taken at node 885 , which is coupled to phase latch 803 and twg 807 . phase latch 803 produces an output signal gt180 at node 887 . node 887 is coupled to ex - or gate 851 and to flipflops 809 and 811 . decision - directed latch 503 is comprised of flipflops 809 and 811 , along with gates 813 , 815 and 819 . decision - directed latch 503 outputs up and down signals , through nodes 949 and 951 respectively , to up / down counter 865 . modulo - 8 johnson counter 515 is made up of flipflops 835 , 837 , 839 , and 841 . counter 515 provides divided clock signals to ntz block 517 . three - phase clock generator / ntz decoder block 517 is comprised of gates 843 , 845 , 847 , and 849 and provides clk1 signal to d flip - flop 809 , clk2 signal to decision - directed latch 503 and up / down counter 865 , and clk3 signal to clock inhibit block 511 and latch 867 . clock inhibit block 511 is comprised of flipflops 855 and 857 , along with gates 851 and 859 . up / down counter 865 and latch 867 are denoted as udcntr and daclatch , respectively . refdiv circuit block 805 contains cml divide - by - 4 block and divide - by - 2 counter for division of the reference clock fref / frefb . inputs fref and frefb are coupled to nodes 881 and 883 respectively , which are coupled to refdiv 805 . block 805 provides outputs to twg 807 through nodes 893 and 895 , to gate 831 through node 901 , and to phase latch 803 through nodes 889 and 891 . gate 831 provides an output to inverter 833 through node 903 , which is also coupled to d flipflop 825 . inverter 833 provides an output to node 905 , which is coupled to d flipflops 827 , 835 , 837 , 839 , and 841 . d flipflop 835 provides an output to node 927 which is coupled to and gate 849 and d flipflop 837 . d flipflop 835 also provides an output to node 929 , which is coupled to nand gate 845 . d flipflop 837 provides an output to node 931 , which is coupled to and gate 847 and d flipflop 839 . d flipflop 837 also provides an output to node 933 , which is coupled to and gate 849 . d flipflop 839 provides an output to node 935 , which is coupled to and gate 843 and d flipflop 841 . d flipflop 839 also provides an output to node 937 , which is coupled to and gates 845 and 847 . d flipflop 841 provides an output to node 939 . d flipflop 841 also provides an output to node 941 , which is coupled to and gate 843 and d flipflop 835 . and gate 843 outputs clk3 signal to node 943 , which is coupled to or gate 859 and dac latch 867 . and gate 849 provides clk1 signal to d flipflop 809 through node 947 . and gate 847 provides clk2 signal to nand gate 813 , nand gate 815 , and up / down counter 865 through node 953 . and gate 845 outputs to node 955 , which is coupled to d flipflop 855 . or gate 859 outputs to node 957 , which is coupled to d flipflop 857 . ftr bus provides calstart signal to d flipflop 823 through node 907 . d flipflop 823 provides an output to node 909 , which is coupled to d flipflop 825 and nand gate 821 . d flipflop 825 provides an output to node 911 , which is coupled to d flipflop 827 and nand gate 821 . nand gate 821 outputs start signal to node 917 , which is coupled to d flipflop 811 and inverter 853 . inverter 853 outputs start * signal to node 919 , which is coupled to d flipflop 861 . d flipflop 827 provides an output to node 913 , which is coupled to or gate 829 . input en is coupled to node 879 , which is coupled to inverter 817 and nand gate 819 . inverter 817 outputs en * signal to node 963 , which is coupled to d flipflop 809 , d flipflop 811 , or gate 829 , and d flipflops 825 and 827 . d flipflop 809 provides an output to node 949 , which is coupled to nand gate 815 and up / down counter 865 . d flipflop 809 also provides an output to node 951 , which is coupled to up / down counter 865 and nand gate 813 . d flipflop 811 provides an output to node 959 , which is coupled to nand gate 813 and ex - or gate 851 . d flipflop 811 also provides an output to node 961 , which is coupled nand gate 815 . nand 813 outputs to node 965 , which is coupled to nand gate 819 . nand gate 815 outputs to node 967 , which is coupled to nand gate 819 . nand gate 819 outputs to node 969 , which is coupled to d flipflop 861 . d flipflop 861 provides an output to node 923 , which is coupled to inverter 863 and up / down counter 865 . inverter 863 provides calready signal to ftr bus through node 925 . d flipflop 861 also provides an output to node 921 , which is coupled to or gate 859 and d flipflops 835 , 837 , 839 and 841 . ex - or gate 851 provides an output to d flipflop 855 through node 971 . d flipflop 857 provides inhb signal to node 945 , which is coupled to and gate 849 . up / down counter 865 provides a 7 - bit digital value to daclatch 867 , which latches the value and provides a digital value onto the ft bus . up / down counter 865 also provides eor signal to ftr bus through node 927 . it is understood that this invention can be practiced in connection with filter apparatus other than integrated continuous time filters . for example , in any filter capable of processing signal , a reference signal can be injected and the filter response to the injected reference signal can be monitored . it would be possible to apply the present invention to non - integrated continuous filters in some instance or to digital filters in other instances . thus a self - tuning method for integrated continuous filters has been described . | 6 |
fig1 shows an epicyclic gear , more specifically a planetary gear having sun wheel shaft 10 , sun wheel 11 , planet wheels 12 ( only one shown ), inner toothed rings 13 and a planet wheel holder 14 . each planet wheel 12 rotates on a spindle 15 attached to the holder 14 by means of a set bolt 16 arranged centrally in the spindle . because of its central positioning the bolt 16 transmits no tangential force , but only axial , attachment force . the tangential force acting on the spindle 15 is taken up by guides 17 arranged in the holder 14 . guides 17 are recesses shaped to receive a correspondingly shaped boss extending from spindle 15 to lock spindle 15 in a fixed orientation relative to holder 14 . spindle 15 varies in cross section from its end near holder 14 to its outer end so that the shape of bearing surface 18 changes with distance from holder 14 . the section is not entirely circular right next to holder 14 as shown at section a in fig2 and gradually tapers outward to become circular as shown at section b in fig2 . the cross section axes shown at a and b are preferably tangential to the bolt circle of bolts 16 ; however , due to rotational forces and possible assymmetry in the gear train , these axes may deviate somewhat from their preferred orientation . the gradually changing cross section of spindle 15 provides compensation for the deformation which would occur if the cross section of spindle 15 were a right circular cylinder extending from unilateral holder 14 . deformation of a right circular cylindrical spindle would result in an unacceptable unbalance of the associated planet wheel and , as a result of the deformation , poor utilization of the bearing surface between the spindle and the planet wheel . for example , if spindle 15 were a right circular cylinder along its entire bearing surface , as indicated by the broken lines in section a , it would be bent by a tangential force f acting parallel to axes a and b on the spindle , so that bearing surface 18 between spindle 15 and the planet wheel 12 would deform approximately as shown by curve a , where the line d indicates the center line of the unloaded spindle . if , on the other hand , the shape of bearing surface 18 of spindle 15 is varied in accordance with the invention , preferably by a linear transition from section a to section b as shown by curve b , the deformation caused by tangential forces is compensated . when surface 18 has an unloaded contact surface having the shape of curve b , the surface will deform under loading to a curve which closely parallels line d and hence the axis of the gear train itself . alternatively , a curve according to c can be formed on bearing surface 18 by applying a tangential force f to prestress the work piece during machining of the bearing surface , for example , so that the bearing is better utilized . curve c would thus be inverse of curve a . the cross section of spindle 15 at section a preferably comprises two circular segments each having a radius of curvature equal to that of the circular cross section at section b . these segments intersect at two diametrically opposed points each spaced from line d a distance slightly less than the radius of the circular cross section at section b , the points also lying in a plane passing through the line d perpendicular to axes a and b . the bearing surface then tapers to the circular shape shown at section b . this taper changes the cross section of the spindle with distance from the holder so that under tangential loading , the side of the spindle supporting the planet wheel will deform and yet have a bearing surface which is essentially cylindrical parallel to the unloaded line d where the spindle bears on the surface . so , depending on the direction of rotation of holder 14 , planet wheel 12 rides on one or the other of the two circular segments at section a . thus , the planet wheels run parallel to line d , which minimizes binding or clamping among the various planet wheels , shaft pins , sun wheels and inner toothed gear ring . of course , other cross sections could be used at section a without departing from the scope of the invention , so long as the bearing surface between the spindle and the planet wheel deforms to be essentially circular and approximately parallel to the line d , as taught by this invention . in fig2 the difference 2δr between the dimensions d 1 and d 2 of the spindle in the two sections a and b has been greatly exaggerated in order to illustrate the principle of the invention . a realistic value for δr is about 1 / 10 mm when d 2 is 200 - 500 mm . as shown in fig1 the spindle is further provided with an internal recess 19 having a decreasing diameter towards the part of the spindle which is secured to the holder 14 , since the bending stress and thus the deformation will be greater in this part of the spindle . the recess 19 has the effect of decreasing the mass of the spindle with distance from the holder 14 . | 8 |
the device 10 for storing and dispensing wine as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises a barrel 20 containing a bladder 50 and supported on a trestle 11 . the oak wine barrel 20 of traditional style is adapted to be supported upon an adjustable trestle 11 so that the height of the barrel can vary from 300 mm to 1000 mm . in the preferred embodiment the illustrated wine barrel 20 has a capacity of 225 l . as shown in fig1 to 5 , the wine barrel 20 has a conventional casing of circular cross section reinforced by spaced steel hoops 21 . the barrel is closed at one end 22 but the forward end including a chime hoop 23 , a wooden rim 24 and end face 25 is designed to be hinged from the remainder of the barrel to provide access to the interior . as shown in fig3 , a suitable hinge 26 and latching mechanism ( not shown ) is provided which may be concealed so that the removability of the front face 25 is not obvious . alternatively the front face of the barrel is designed to slide off the main body of the barrel . the barrel 20 has a horizontal internal floor 29 shown in fig3 . the front face 25 of the barrel has an aperture 28 positioned adjacent the periphery and this aperture supports a cylindrical sleeve 60 and female metal coupling known as a cam lock 30 . as shown in fig6 the stainless steel cylindrical sleeve 60 is externally threaded at one end 61 to terminate in an unthreaded shank 62 at the other extends amongst the aperture 28 and is held against the inner wall of the front face 25 of the barrel by a lock nut 64 . the unthreaded end 60 of the sleeve is arranged to be a sliding fit within the projecting fitting 52 of the bladder 50 . a worm drive clamp 65 or other clamping mechanism is then positioned around the fitting 52 of the bladder to clamp the projection onto the end of the sleeve 60 . the cam lock 30 has an internally threaded end that is arranged to be a screw fit on the end 61 of the sleeve 60 to firmly clamp the cam lock against the front face of the barrel against the lock nut 64 . in this manner the bladder 50 is firmly and positively secured to the aperture 28 in the front face 25 of the barrel 20 . the bladder is positioned on the interior of the barrel on the internal floor 29 and is designed to accommodate 200 l of wine . the cam lock 30 coupling can be a snap fit coupling that allows axial rotation of the components thereby allowing the cam lock to rotate relative to the bladder to ensure that the bladder is not twisted on filling . the interior of the barrel supports the flexible bladder 50 that is made of metal foil , plastics or rubber , the bladder 50 has a single opening 51 sealed to a plastics fitting 52 with a ribbed exterior 53 . the bladder 50 with the projecting plastics fitting 52 is a commercially available product and is thus not described in further detail . the supporting trestle 11 for the wine barrel has a pair of spaced arcuate bearing surfaces 12 and 13 , each of which supports spaced roller bearings 15 that take the load of the barrel . the roller bearings 15 allow the barrel 20 to rotate about its longitudinal axis on the trestle whilst still taking the load of the barrel . with a large and comparatively heavy barrel 20 there is a need for bearing support to facilitate rotatability . however it is understood that with a smaller and lighter barrel it will be possible to simply lift the barrel and effect the rotation . as shown in fig2 the barrel 20 is supported at two axially spaced locations . fig9 shows the rear support for the barrel 20 . a pair of blocks 90 , 91 with arcuate bearing surfaces 92 , 93 are hinged to on base block 95 via a hinge 96 . springs 97 , 98 are located beneath each block 90 , 91 to urge the block upwardly . the blocks 90 , 91 engage the underside of the barrel 20 via bearings 15 . when the barrel is full the weight of the wine causes the blocks 90 , 91 to compress the springs 97 , 98 . as the barrel empties the springs urge the blocks 90 , 91 upwards to cause the barrel to tilt forward thereby ensuring that all the contents escape the front aperture 28 . to fill the barrel with wine the front face 25 of the barrel 20 is removed and attached to the bag bladder 50 which is positioned within the interior of the barrel 20 . the front face 25 is repositioned on the end of the barrel 20 and the barrel 20 is turned so that the female coupling 30 is in the highest position shown in fig4 . as shown in fig8 , a male coupling 80 of a feed line from a source of wine with a shut - off valve 81 and handle 82 is then sealingly inserted against the female socket 30 of the cam lock and wine is pumped or gravity fed from the external source via a clear hose 83 directly into the barrel 20 until the bladder 50 contains the correct quantity of 200 l of wine . the male coupling and shut off valve 80 , 81 is then removed from the female cam lock 30 and replaced by a tap assembly 70 shown in fig7 that has a male projection 72 that is snap fitted into the female cam lock 30 . the assembly 70 has a main body containing a tap valve ( not shown ) controlled by a tap handle 71 . an outlet aperture 74 is positioned at the end of a downwardly projecting outlet 73 . an adaptor 75 is threadedly located in the outlet aperture 74 . the adaptor 75 can be replaced by an end coupling 79 which is positioned on the end of a narrow tube 76 which is coupled to a vacuum pump 77 . thus , once the bladder 50 is full of wine the vacuum pump 77 can be operated to remove via the tube 76 whatever air there is between the top of the wine and the interior of the bladder . the tube 76 is of transparent plastics so that it provides a visual indication of passage of wine confirming that all the air has been removed . when the air has been removed the tap is turned off . it is understood that it is possible to couple the same line 76 to a source of co 2 and a small amount of co 2 can be injected into the bladder if it is deemed necessary by turning the tap on , injecting the co 2 and then turning the tap off . the barrel is then turned through 180 ° so that the cam lock 30 and top assembly 70 are at the base of the barrel as shown in fig1 and 5 . the tap 71 can then be turned on to allow the wine to escape from the barrel via the aperture 74 due to gravity . since there is no air in the bladder as the wine is consumed the bladder collapses until the bladder becomes empty . preferably , at this stage the front cover is removed , the bladder is removed from the coupling and a replacement bladder is positioned on the coupling . the operation is then repeated , the barrel is refilled , the air removed and co 2 is inserted as desired . it is however possible to simply refill the bladder . this system provides a very effective way of storing wine without the likelihood of oxidisation . the wine can be dispensed periodically without the danger of ingress off air and the whole assembly is located in an aesthetically pleasing barrel and is gravity fed to not require ancillary equipment such as pumps or pressurised dispensing lines . the storage and dispensing system described above can be supplied as a kit which would include the barrel , some bladders , a tap assembly and an adjustable trestle . the kit could also include a wheeled trolley which carries the electric pump and vacuum pump . the trolley can support a large container of wine so that the trolley can be wheeled to the barrel to facilitate refilling of the barrel using the pump and vacuum pump . although in the preferred embodiment the storage device is housed within a oak barrel it is understood that many other types of containers can be used . it is important however that the container has a single inlet / outlet aperture near one edge of the container and that the container can be inverted for filling purposes . it is further understood that the size and capacity of the container can vary from a very small quantity such as 10 l up to a large storage facility of say 1000 l . | 1 |
the present invention relates to split system air conditioning systems , particularly to condenser 10 of such a system shown in fig1 . however , condenser 10 may also be the outdoor portion of a heat pump system . condenser 10 includes tangential , cross - flow blower 12 and heat exchanger coils 14 located in air handling portion 16 . cross - flow blower 12 is positioned near upper outlet grid 18 and is disposed to draw outdoor air through lower inlet grid 20 and heat exchanger coils 14 then emit the air through outlet grid 18 . heat exchanger coils 14 are positioned near inlet 20 and substantially prevent air from entering air handling portion 16 without the air first passing through heat exchanger coils 14 . although not essential , condenser 10 may also include side portions 22 and 24 which may contain other elements of the split system air conditioning unit . in the exemplary embodiment , side portion 22 includes motor 26 which rotatably drives blower 12 and side portion 24 includes compressor unit 28 which supplies refrigerant fluid to heat exchanger coils 14 . side portions 22 and 24 are preferably separated from air handling portion 16 by walls ( not shown ) so that residual heat from the interior of side portions 22 and 24 does not effect coils 14 . also , the wall supporting motor 26 may also include a hole adjacent to motor 26 for cooling motor 26 , as described by copending application ser . no . 07 / 561 , 890 , entitled &# 34 ; method and apparatus for cooling motors of cross flow blowers &# 34 ;, filed on aug . 2 , 1990 , assigned to the assignee of the present invention , the disclosure of which is explicitly incorporated by reference . as shown in fig2 condenser 10 may be vertically mounted on wall 30 so that inlet 20 faces downward and outlet 18 faces upward . cut - off 32 is positioned in air handling portion 16 to facilitate the movement of air from inlet 20 upwardly through heat exchanger 14 to blower 12 which expels air along outlet path 68 . 2 through outlet 18 . with this arrangement , air which runs through boundary layer 65 . 2 is closer in temperature to the desired indoor temperature and is drawn through inlet 20 . for example , in the winter , air in boundary layer 65 . 2 , located near the building at ground level , is generally warmer than the rest of the outdoor air , so that warmer air is induced along inlet path 64 . 2 through heat exchanger 14 . similarly , in the summer , boundary layer 65 . 2 is generally cooler than the rest of the outdoor air , so that cooler air is induced along inlet path 64 . 2 through heat exchanger 14 . the efficiency of the air conditioning unit is improved when the outdoor air passing through heat exchanger 14 is closer to the desired indoor temperature . condenser 10 may be conventionally mounted on wall 30 , and fluid conduits 25 . 2 connect heat exchanger 14 with indoor portion 27 . 2 ( which may include another heat exchanger , an indoor blower , electric strip heat , etc .) of the split system air conditioning unit . wall 30 may include aperture 34 which allows easy access to air handling portion 16 or side portions 22 and 24 for repair or replacement of any of the components disposed inside . with this arrangement , condenser 10 may be mounted on the wall of a house and not occupy any additional area around the house . another advantage of this mounting location is that the compressor controls are located in the outdoor unit and still may be easily accessed in the winter , where conventional three piece heat pumps require a separate cabinet to be located inside the house , typically in the basement . further , motor 26 may run blower 12 at high speeds and produce less noise than a conventional motor running slower for an axial fan , so that no additional noise is noticeable on the indoor side of wall 30 . in accordance with the present invention , condenser 36 includes dual cross - flow blowers as shown in fig3 and 4 . condenser 36 includes tangential , cross - flow blowers 38 and 40 adjacent to scroll portion 39 and arranged with respective heat exchanger coils 42 and 44 located in air handling portion 46 . upper cross - flow blower 38 is positioned near upper inlet grid 48 and is disposed to draw outdoor air through upper inlet grid 48 and heat exchanger coils 42 then emit the air through outlet grid 50 . scroll portion 39 has a spiral shape on its upper half adjacent to blower 38 , to guide air flow through the upper portion of air handling portion 46 . heat exchanger coils 42 are positioned near upper inlet 48 and substantially prevent air from entering the upper portion of air handling portion 46 without the air first passing through heat exchanger coils 42 . lower cross - flow blower 40 is positioned near lower inlet grid 52 and is disposed to draw outdoor air through lower inlet grid 52 and heat exchanger coils 44 then emit the air through outlet grid 50 . scroll portion 39 also has a spiral shape on its lower half adjacent to blower 40 , to guide air flow through the lower portion of air handling portion 46 . heat exchanger coils 44 are positioned near lower inlet 52 and substantially prevent air from entering the lower portion of air handling portion 46 without the air first passing through heat exchanger coils 44 . although not essential , condenser 36 may also include side portions 54 and 56 which may contain other elements of the split system air conditioning unit . in the exemplary embodiment , side portion 54 includes motors 58 and 60 which rotatably drive blower 38 and 40 , respectively . in addition , side portion 56 includes compressor unit 62 which supplies refrigerant fluid to heat exchanger coils 42 and 44 . side portions 54 and 56 are preferably separated from air handling portion 46 by walls ( not shown ) so that residual heat from the interior of side portions 54 and 56 does not effect coils 42 and 44 . in accordance with the present invention , motors 58 and 60 are arranged to rotate blowers 38 and 40 in opposite directions . thus , upper cross - flow blower 38 rotates counter - clockwise and lower cross - flow blower 40 rotates clockwise to induce air flow into air handling portion 46 along inlet paths 64 . 41 and 64 . 42 which run through boundary layers 65 . 41 and 65 . 42 . cut - offs 66 are positioned in air handling portion 46 in relation to blowers 38 and 40 to direct the expelled air perpendicularly through outlet 50 . cross - flow blowers generally cause air flow having a radial velocity which may be problematic for air conditioning units because the radial velocity of the air flow may cause feedback through the heat exchanger , thus detracting from the efficiency of the heat exchanger . however , with the arrangement of condenser 36 , the air flows from blowers 38 and 40 combine and this combination of air flows cancels out the radial component of the air flow velocity . as a result , a remarkably straight flow of air occurs along outlet path 68 . 4 which does not tend to feed back into inlets 48 or 52 . the counter - clockwise radial component of the velocity from blower 38 combines with the clockwise radial component of the air flow from blower 40 and produces a generally straight air flow . after removing the radial velocity components , the resulting air flow is not only straight , but has a significant increase in tangential velocity . this cancellation of radial velocity components of air flows from cross - flow blowers to produce a generally linear air flow is know as the coanda effect . other embodiments of the present invention are depicted in fig5 - 8 . in fig5 condenser unit 70 is mounted on overhang or jetty 72 of house 74 . condenser 70 includes housing 76 , heat exchanger coils 78 , and cross - flow blower 80 . heat exchanger coils 78 are disposed in inlet portion 82 of housing 76 so that cross - flow blower 80 induces air to move along inlet path 64 . 5 from boundary layer 65 . 5 , through heat exchanger 78 , to blower 80 . blower 80 is positioned adjacent to partition 84 and cut - off 86 of housing 76 so that as blower 80 rotates in a clockwise direction . the air coming out of heat exchanger 78 is drawn between partition 84 and cut - off 86 into blower 80 and expelled through outlet 88 which is defined between cut - off 86 and overhang 72 . in addition to air in boundary layer 65 , which is adjacent to the building , generally having a temperature closer to the desired indoor ambient , air which is spaced above the ground and away from other objects tends to have a temperature which is also closer to the ambient . in the summer , for example , air located close to the ground tends to receive heat reflected from the surface , particularly surfaces consisting of rock , gravel , or concrete . in the winter , the colder air settles to the surface so that slightly warmer air remains spaced well above the surface . in either case , air in upper layer 67 tends to be closer to the desired indoor ambient , and thereby increases efficiency much like boundary layer 65 . the condenser units shown in fig6 - 8 utilize air in upper layer 67 to improve their efficiency . in fig6 condenser unit 90 is positioned on the peak or ridge 92 of house 74 and has heat exchanger coils 94 and 96 facing air in upper layers 67 . 61 and 67 . 62 . cross - flow blowers 98 and 100 are located in condenser housing 102 and are positioned adjacent to cut - offs 104 and 106 of housing 102 . blowers 98 and 100 are disposed to rotate in opposite directions so that blower 98 induces air to flow from upper layer 67 . 61 , through heat exchanger 94 , then expels the air through outlet 108 ; and blower 100 induces air to flow from upper layer 67 . 62 , through heat exchanger 96 , then expels the air through outlet 110 . other variations on the configuration of fig6 include having the blowers draw attic air through the heat exchanger coils for a heat pump during winter , or having the blowers induce air movement in the attic during the summer to reduce the air conditioning load on the rest of the house . a wall mounted unit having two tangential blowers rotating in the same direction is shown in fig7 . condenser unit 112 includes generally triangular housing 114 having a mounting side 116 attached to house 74 . housing 114 also has an upwardly facing inlet side 118 with heat exchanger coils 120 disposed across inlet side 118 . cross - flow blowers 122 and 124 are located adjacent to outlet side 126 of housing 114 and are disposed proximate to scroll portions 128 and 130 of housing 114 , respectively . blowers 122 and 124 rotate in the same direction so that air is induced to flow from upper layer 67 . 7 through heat exchanger 120 , then to blower 122 or 124 where the air is guided along scroll portions 128 and 130 , respectively , and expelled through outlet side 126 . with the arrangement of condenser 112 , the air flows from blowers 122 and 124 combine and cancel out a significant portion of the radial component of the air flow velocity to produce a generally straight air flow . as a result , a generally straight flow of air occurs along outlet path 68 . 7 and does not tend to feed back into inlet side 118 . after combining the radial velocity components , the resulting air flow is not only generally straight , but has a significant increase in tangential velocity . another configuration for mounting on a rooftop is shown in fig8 . condenser unit 132 is mounted on peak 92 and includes heat exchanger 134 , cross - flow blowers 136 and 138 , and scroll portions 140 , 142 , and 144 . blowers 136 and 138 are disposed to rotate in the same direction , with blower 136 positioned between scroll portions 140 and 142 and blower 138 positioned between scroll portions 142 and 144 . when rotating , blowers 136 and 138 induce air from upper layer 67 . 8 through heat exchanger 134 and expel the air between scroll portions 140 , 142 , and 144 to produce a generally straight air flow . as a result , a generally straight flow of air occurs along outlet path 68 . 8 which does not tend to feed back into heat exchanger 134 . after combining the radial velocity components , the resulting air flow is not only generally straight , but has a significant increase in tangential velocity . another aspect of the present invention , namely belt idler drive 146 , is shown in fig9 . belt idler 146 provides a mechanism which rotates two fans in opposite directions using a single motor 160 . replacing motors 58 and 60 of condenser unit 36 ( fig2 and 3 ), a suitably configured motor 160 ( similar to motors 58 and 60 , but with more power ) may be attached to idler pulley 148 to drive blower pulleys 150 and 152 by means of belt 154 . belt 154 has interior engaging surface 156 which engages the periphery of idler pulley 148 and blower pulley 152 so that pulleys 148 and 152 rotate in the same direction . also , belt 154 has exterior engaging surface 158 which engages the periphery of blower pulley 150 so it turns in an opposite direction to pulleys 148 and 152 . to facilitate the engagement of the peripheries of the pulleys with belt 154 , idler pulley 148 has a larger diameter and its axis is slightly offset from a plane defined by the axes of blower pulleys 150 and 152 . with this arrangement , a sufficient amount of the peripheries of the pulleys are engaged to maintain the rotatable coupling of belt 154 . belt idler 146 may be disposed in side portion 54 or 56 to drive cross - flow blowers 38 and 40 of condenser 36 , for example . an alternative embodiment of the wall mounted single cross - flow blower unit is shown as condenser unit 162 in fig1 and 11 . generally rectangular housing 164 defines air handling portion 166 which has an air inlet 168 and an air outlet 170 . cross - flow blower 172 is disposed in the interior of air handling portion 166 and adjacent to cut - off portion 174 to induce air through inlet 168 and expel the air through outlet 170 . heat exchanger coils 176 are disposed in air inlet 168 and louvers 178 are disposed above cut - off portion 174 in air outlet 170 . louvers 178 are structured and arranged so that air flowing out of outlet 170 is guided away from inlet 168 and does not tend to recirculate through heat exchanger coils 176 . in addition to air handling portion 166 , housing 164 also includes compartment 180 which contains compressor 182 and motor 184 . housing 164 is adapted to be mounted on the wall of a building similar to the connection of condenser unit 10 of fig2 . one advantage of the arrangement of condenser 162 involves lessening the materials needed to manufacture housing 164 because vertically disposed heat exchanger coils 176 form one of the sides of the unit . as an exemplary embodiment , condenser unit 36 ( of fig3 and 4 ) includes two 1 / 4 horsepower motors or alternatively one 1 / 2 horsepower motor with the belt idler drive , a housing preferably constructed from sheet metal or molded plastic , two rectangular heat exchanger coils having a length of about 48 inches , a width of about 14 inches , and a depth of about 1 . 7 inches , and two five ( 5 ) inch tangential blowers . condenser 36 is designed to be paired with a three ( 3 ) ton indoor unit . while this invention has been described as having a preferred design , the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure . for example , although the invention is sometimes described as a condenser for an air conditioning unit , the present invention also includes a similar unit used as the outdoor portion of a heat pump . this application is therefore intended to cover any variations , uses , or adaptations of the invention using its general principles . further , this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims . | 8 |
the present invention is made in the context of a motor control system seen in fig1 . a pump 10 is coupled to the output shaft of an electric motor 11 through a gear mechanism 12 . the motor 11 is a three - phase brushless dc motor which is commutated through an inverter 13 according to switching signals received from a microcomputer 14 . the motor 11 is provided with a position sensor 15 , which in this embodiment is provided by hall devices , but could also be provided by an encoder or a resolver . the position sensor 15 provides motor position feedback signals to the microcomputer 14 . in addition , the pump 10 has a pressure sensor 16 which provides a pressure feedback signal to an a - to - d conversion section 17 of the microcomputer 14 . a current sensing device 18 is installed in the inverter 13 and provides a current feedback signal to the a - to - d conversion section 17 of the microcomputer 14 . also shown in fig1 is an input device 20 for commanding a level of average pressure for the pump . the microcomputer 14 operates under the control of a program stored in a memory 19 , which may be on - board the microcomputer 14 . external memory could also be used for this purpose . the microcomputer 14 is programmed to operate a current loop , a speed / position loop , and in the case of this pump control system , a pressure loop as well . the present invention was made to assist motors in meeting thermal specifications , so that the motors would not exhibit undue heating when running at the pump &# 39 ; s maximum load point . fig2 shows the ac line current of a ⅔ gpm ( gallon per minute ) pump when operating at the maximum load under constant speed control . the top waveform demonstrates the “ charging ” peaks of electrical current which are typical of a rectifier - capacitor input power stage . each current spike occurs during a half cycle of the 60 hz . ac line frequency . it can be seen that some of the current spikes reach amplitudes in excess of fifty ( 50 ) amps , while at other points there is negligible current being drawn . as might be expected , the high current peaks correspond to the high torque load points within the pump cycle . there , the pump piston is at its highest speed , mid - stroke position and is pressurizing , or pumping up , the output pressure . the very low current points correspond to points where the piston is reversing direction and or when no work is being performed . the net result is a significantly higher rms current value than would have been measured if all the current peaks were at lower constant amplitudes . in this example , the rms currents shown in the oscillograph measure 14 . 96 amps , which is only slightly less than the maximum specified current of 15 amps . the bottom waveform in the oscillograph is an analog representation of the velocity loop &# 39 ; s constant speed command signal . an object of the present invention is to accomplish “ load - leveling ” without adding a mechanical inertial device such as a flywheel . in a test to identify sources of losses in the motor , the speed control was disabled and the motor speed limited by varying the ac line voltage . the ac line current seen in a ¾ gpm pump running without speed control and speed limited by bus voltage is shown in fig3 . it was observed ( fig3 ) that under these conditions that the motor speed varied considerably with the torque load and the ac line current peaks were more constant . it can be seen that although there is approximately a 3 : 1 difference in the highest and lowest peaks , there is no point in the cycle when the current goes to zero . another object of the invention was to provide the speed variation with torque that was observed in this test , while still maintaining motor speed control . the effectiveness of the present invention is dependent upon the ability of the system to determine the position of the pump piston within its cycle . as a further consideration , if the motor drives the pump through gearing , it is necessary to know the exact correlation between motor rotation and pump movement . therefore , there could be several embodiments of the invention depending upon the feedback mechanism utilized and depending upon whether the pump is driven through a gear mechanism or not . in the preferred embodiment illustrated herein , the signal from a pressure transducer 16 is monitored by the microcomputer 14 . since the output of the pressure transducer varies in a cyclical manner as the pump runs , the position of the pump piston can be determined by the microcomputer 14 from this signal . the described system also has a multi - stage gear train 12 between the motor and piston . fig4 is a graph representing the analog output signal from the pressure transducer of a ¾ gpm pump while operating at a constant average pressure of 1000 psi . it can be seen from the chart that there are two “ pressurizing ” peaks for one pump cycle . in this example , the pump cycle has a period of approx . 0 . 65 seconds . it can also be seen that one of the peaks is higher than the other . therefore , in order to keep track of the pump position , it is necessary for the microcomputer to track the pressure signal over a pump cycle and to determine where in the cycle the peak pressure occurs . by digitizing the analog transducer signal with an a / d converter 17 , the microcomputer 14 is able to monitor the signal amplitude . a test that must be met before determining the peak pressure point within the cycle is that the beginning and ending pressure readings in a complete cycle should agree within 5 counts , or approx . 16 millivolts . this test insures that the average pressure within the cycle is varying minimally and that the maximum pressure point found is at a consistent location within the cycle . if the pump cycle meets this test , then the maximum pressure point found within this cycle becomes the “ 0 position ” for applying the first speed command , which has the least offset from the base speed command . if the pump is just beginning operation after the application of power , then “ load - leveling ” will not start until a qualifying cycle has occurred and the “ 0 position ” has been located . if the “ 0 position ” has been located in a prior operational cycle after the application of power , but the current cycle fails to meet the 5 count qualification , then the present cycle &# 39 ; s pressure data is ignored and the “ 0 position ” from the previous qualifying cycle is used . the two arrows in fig4 point out the maximum pressure and therefore the “ 0 position ” within a pump cycle . after the “ 0 position ” has been determined , the microcomputer can start controlling the motor speed in such a way as to minimize rms current and “ level the load ”. when “ load - leveling ” is in operation , a speed profile is followed that , in effect , slows the motor during the high torque portions of the pump cycle , and accelerates the motor during low torque portions of the pump cycle . the speed profile that was adopted approximates the motor speed behavior observed in the test illustrated in fig3 . fig5 represents the table of stored values for a profile used for the ⅔ gpm pump . this profile represents a speed “ offset ” in counts that is added to the motor &# 39 ; s base speed command to cause the motor to speed up and slow down during a pump cycle . a lookup table of values is stored in the memory 19 associated with the microcomputer 14 . since there are two essentially identical “ high - low ” pressure patterns within one pump cycle , it is only necessary to store values for one half of a pump cycle in the lookup table in the microcomputer &# 39 ; s memory 19 . therefore the pattern is repeated twice for 360 degrees of pump motion . each lookup value in the table is used for approx . 4 degrees of a 360 - degree pump movement . the pump &# 39 ; s “ 0 position ”, discussed previously , corresponds approximately to the 0 degrees position on the chart . in actual application though , it is generally necessary to “ phase advance ” the profile slightly to account for any lag or bandwidth limitations of the microcomputer &# 39 ; s speed loop . a further refinement of the invention is to scale the “ speed offset ” through a multiplier variable that varies based upon the base speed command . for instance , if the motor base speed command is 5000 rpm , the multiplier variable might be a value of 8 . the lookup table value would be multiplied by the variable to give a “ peak ” of the “ base + offset ” speed command in excess of 6000 rpm . the multiplier could then be scaled down with decreasing speed to a minimum of 0 at a base motor speed command of 1000 rpm . therefore , at a base speed command of 1000 rpm or below , there would be no offset applied . fig6 shows the ac line current in response to a “ base + offset ” speed command of a ⅔ gpm pump operating with the “ load - leveling ” method of the present invention . when compared to the unit operated without “ load - leveling ” in fig2 , it can be seen that the ac line current peaks are more constant and therefore the rms current value is reduced . a calculation of the rms current shows a decrease of approx . 2 amps in rms current , from 14 . 96 amps to 12 . 9 amps when the “ load - leveling ” method is applied under the same load conditions . the lower waveform in fig5 shows a speed command typical of a unit with the “ load - leveling ” profile added . fig7 is a flow diagram of the “ load - leveling ” program routines of the present invention . in the described embodiment , the “ load - leveling ” program routines are included within the motor control program stored in memory 19 as described in relation to fig1 . a main program loop begins with start block 40 in which the blocks represent one or more program instructions which are executed by the microcomputer 14 . upon startup , program instructions are executed , as represented by process block 41 to initialize program variables to inputs and outputs on the microcomputer 14 . then , as represented by process block 42 , several key variables , including motor position ( position ), position offset ( offset ) and load - leveling offset ( lloffset ) are initialized to “ 0 ”. a pressure reading is made , as represented by i / o block 43 . each pressure reading corresponds to a motor position . a variable called “ maxpressure ” and a variable called “ firstpressure ” are set to the first pressure reading as represented by process block 44 . then , a corresponding motor position is read as represented by i / o block 45 . next , a check is made , as shown by decision block 46 , to see if the motor has moved to a next position , and if the answer is “ yes ,” as represented by the “ yes ” branch from block 46 , then the motor position ( position ) is incremented as represented by process block 47 . if the result is “ no ”, the routine loops back to monitor the variable position until a new position is detected . at each new motor position , a check is made , as represented by decision block 48 , to see if it is the last motor position in a pump cycle , such as by checking whether the number of 800 motor positions in a pump cycle has been saved . assuming a pump cycle has not been completed , as represented by the “ no ” result from decision block 48 , another pressure reading is input , as represented by i / o block 49 . a comparison is then made , as represented by decision block 50 to see if the current pressure is greater than the maximum pressure detected thus far . if so , as represented by the “ yes ” result from decision block 50 , then the maxpressure is set to the current pressure and the offset position is set to the current motor position , as represented by process block 51 and the routine loops back to read the next motor position at block 45 . if the result is “ no ” in block 50 , the maxpressure remains at its previous value , and the routine loops back to read the next motor position at block 45 . in this way , the routine cycles through 800 motor positions to find a maximum pressure reading at a given motor position . at the end of pump cycle , as represented by the “ yes ” result from decision block 48 , a check is made to see if the beginning and ending pressure readings in a complete cycle are within 5 counts , or approx . 16 millivolts . this test insures that the average pressure within the cycle is varying minimally and that the maximum pressure point found is at a consistent location within the cycle . this is checked in blocks 52 and 53 , and if the result is “ yes ”, a flag is set to allow the running of the “ load - leveling ” routine , as represented by process block 54 . in addition , the offset position ( corresponding to maximum pressure ) is loaded into the lloffset variable . this value will be used to synchronize the load leveling routine to start at the maximum pressure position where the offset speed command will be the lowest . if the test in block 52 results in a negative result , the position offset variable is set to zero , and the data is collected for another pump cycle , as represented by the “ no ” result from decision block 52 and process block 54 . a speed control routine operates as a timed interrupt routine . periodically , this routine is run , as represented by start block 60 . first , a base speed command is retrieved as represented by process block 61 . next , a check is made of the load - leveling flag , as represented by process block 62 . if this flag is not set , an offset — command is set to zero , and the routine will not be effective to alter the base motor speed . if the flag has been set , as described above , then lloffset position is loaded into a 0 — position storage location in memory as represented by process block 63 . this is used as an index to the first position in a speed command lookup table in memory 19 as represented by process block 64 . the speed command value becomes the speed offset — command . as represented by process block 65 , the offset — command is added to the base — command ( base speed command ) to arrive at a final speed command , labeled as “ speed — command ”. as part of this process block 65 , the offset — command may be multiplied by a factor from “ 1 ” to “ 8 ”, based on the base — command . a new current command is then calculated based on speed feedback ( speed ) and the “ speed — command ” developed from the load leveling speed control routine , as represented by process block 66 . the routine then ends and a return is made to the routine that was interrupted at the beginning of this routine , as represented by return block 67 . this has been a description of the preferred embodiments of the invention . the present invention is intended to encompass additional embodiments including modifications to the details described above which would nevertheless come within the scope of the following claims . | 5 |
the invention will be described hereinafter in the context of an open - magnet magnetic resonance imaging ( mri ) system , and it will be understood that the gradient coil assemblies in such systems are usually planar in shape . a cross section through a typical planar gradient coil set is shown in fig5 . as discussed earlier , the gradient coils are formed as a so called primary coil set 51 , which includes one x - direction gradient coil set , one y - direction gradient coil set and one z - direction gradient coil set . the stray fields of this primary gradient coil set will interact with the conducting surfaces in the pole face or the cryostat . to limit these fields , a so called secondary gradient coil set 52 may be included for some or all of the x -, y -, or z - directions , which includes at least a secondary coil set for the gradient coil with the most perturbing primary gradient coil , preferably , to limit relative movement and to facilitate assembly , the primary and secondary gradient oil sets 51 , 52 impregnated and encapsulated within a resin encapsulant 53 . some space 54 is required between the primary and secondary gradient coils to make the shielded gradient coils work at acceptable power levels because , unless sufficient space is provided , the coils start to compete with each other for power , at the expense of a high dissipation . this space is typically filled with a region of solid encapsulant during the coil impregnation process . in a preferred embodiment of the present invention , provision is made for a channel for the insertion of shimming devices in the space 54 between the primary and the secondary gradient coils . it is preferred that the receiving passages for the shim devices are formed within the structure of the magnet assembly . the receiving channels have a cross - sectional diameter which is slightly larger than the diameter of shim devices to be inserted therein , described below . in an example embodiment , illustrated in fig6 a and 6b , receiving channels 61 for shim devices may be formed within the encapsulant 53 filling the space 54 . as shown in fig6 a , such receiving channels 61 may be arranged in serpentine form , repeated in segments around the area of the gradient coils . many alternative configurations of receiving channels are of course possible , such as spiral configurations , straight radial configurations or arrangements of straight or curved , parallel receiving channels . as shown in fig6 b , the receiving channels may conveniently be formed by encapsulating the primary and secondary gradient coils separately , in suitably shaped moulds . the separate encapsulated coils may then be bonded together to define the receiving channels . alternatively , suitably shaped pieces of a sacrificial fugitive material such as paraffin wax may be included within the space 54 when the coils are impregnated and encapsulated . when encapsulation is complete , the resultant structure is heated above the melting point of the fugitive material , which escapes to leave receiving channels of the desired configuration . for receiving channels of an appropriate configuration , it may be possible to create them within a solid block of encapsulant by machining processes . in some circumstances , however , for example where it is not possible to create a channel with sufficient precision , the shim devices may be pre - loaded into an elongate , tubular envelope of non - ferromagnetic material , and the entire assembly pushed into place in the magnet system . as regards the nature of the shim devices themselves , a first , and preferred , embodiment , provides shim devices 20 in the form of ferromagnetic spheres , such as a ball bearing 21 coated with an insulator 22 as shown in fig7 , which shows an insulated shim device in the form of a ball with the insulation 22 shown partially removed for illustrative purposes . according to an aspect of the present invention , the shims such as 20 are inserted in one or more elongate , tubular , receiving channels , preferably situated between the primary and secondary coil sets , as described above . the tubular receiving channels have a cross - sectional diameter which is slightly larger than the diameter of the insulated shim devices such as 20 . the entrance of the receiving channel has a diameter equal or larger than the general cross - sectional diameter of the channel . the other end of the channel can be ‘ blind ’ ( i . e . totally closed ) or it can be provided with an opening to ambient atmosphere ; the opening of course having a diameter less than that of the shim devices such as 20 . the channel may also be a through - channel , open to receive shim devices at both ends . such an arrangement would be particularly suitable for receiving channels formed as parallel straight channels . the entrance of the shim - receiving channel can be through the rose rings and / or at 90 degrees from the main body of the shim - receiving channel . this allows the channel entrance to be placed in the face of the gradient coil at a position where there is no conductor . one or more receiving channel can have one or more bends , causing it to meander in one or more planes , depending upon the overall configuration of the mri magnet system . moreover , any given shim volume can incorporate one or more shim - receiving channels . fig1 illustrates a possible arrangement of a receiving channel 61 in an embodiment of the present invention . the advantage of such an arrangement if that the shims provided by the present invention may be arranged in a plane between the two gradient coils , within the rose ring , without needing to mechanically remove any pieces of equipment . the shim devices are simply driven , as required , into the channels to come to rest at the respective required position . a shim device presentation unit is schematically illustrated at 65 , in the process of introducing shim devices 20 into receiving channel 61 . the shim devices such as 20 can exhibit a range of different ferromagnetic characteristics ( e . g . strength ), depending inter alia on the diameter and / or material of the inner ferromagnetic ball 21 . the diameter of the ferromagnetic ball can be zero , in which case the shim device constitutes a pure insulator , providing no shimming effect in itself but enabling the correct positioning of other shim devices within the receiving channels . it will be appreciated from the foregoing that the shimming procedure consists of : 1 ) a field mapping step ; 2 ) a process in which the required distribution of shim material is calculated ; and 3 ) the insertion of the shim material in a predetermined distribution determined by the first two steps . in some cases , the steps 1 ), 2 ) and 3 ) above need to be repeated once or more in order to iteratively approach a homogeneity correction setup that meets all requirements . in a preferred embodiment , the shim devices may be inserted into the receiving channels by forcing ball - like shim devices such as 20 into a receiving channel serially , and in the predetermined sequence , by means of compressed air or some other suitable fluid under pressure . in such an arrangement , ball - like devices 20 are serially presented , in a pre - selected sequence consistent with the required distribution of material calculated in step 2 ) of the above - outlined procedure , at the entrance of the channel , and the nozzle of a compressed air supply is utilized to blow the devices 20 into the channel . each ball - like device 20 will move until it reaches the end of the channel , or until it hits the previous shim device inserted . this , and the confines of the shim - receiving channel , accurately defines the position of the shim layout . in another embodiment , the loading process can be accelerated by arranging an array of ball - like shim devices such as 20 in the correct , predetermined sequence , in a holding tube . one opening of this holding tube is placed at the entrance of the shim - receiving channel , and compressed air ( or other fluid ) or mechanical pressure is applied to the other end of the holding tube such that the entire sequence of ball - like shim devices 20 is transferred from the holding tube into the shim - receiving channel . in another embodiment , the loading of shim devices into a shim - receiving channel is carried out by means of an apparatus having a number of hoppers , each filled with ball - like shim devices having a respective common ferroelectric characteristic , a computer controlled switch and a compressed air supply . when activated , the apparatus releases ball - like shim devices of appropriate ferroelectric characteristics in the right order into the shim - receiving channel . the order of loading is calculated by the computer , based on the results of the field map . this has the important advantage that no manual handling of shims is required , thus avoiding a common source of error in current shim - loading procedures which is generic to both open - and closed - magnet magnetic resonance imaging ( mri ) systems . subject to health and safety provisions , any other compressed gas can , of course , be used instead of compressed air to propel the shim devices into shim - receiving channels . alternatively , certain liquids may be used , provided that a suitable liquid flow circuit can be established , for example by coupling the end of the shim - receiving channel farthest from the insertion point to a liquid reservoir at lower pressure . in another embodiment , shim devices such as that shown in fig8 at 23 can consist of or include a cylindrical ferromagnetic shimming core 24 , surrounded by cylindrical insulation 25 . if the cross section of the tubular , shim - receiving channel is circular , with an inner diameter slightly bigger than the outside diameter of the cylindrical shim 23 , such a shim can only inserted in a relatively straight channel , without significant bends . the shim - receiving channel can be given a rectangular cross section , in which case a 90 degree bend is possible . the shims could be presented axially , one circular end first , into a receiving channel of circular cross - section . alternatively , the shims could be presented radially , to roll along a receiving channel of rectangular cross section . the shims can alternatively , or in addition , have a prismatic shape as shown at 26 in fig9 . it will be appreciated that the shape of the ferromagnetic shimming core need not correspond to the shape of the overall shim device . thus a ball - like core may be encapsulated within a cylindrical shell , for example , or vice - versa . moreover , in shim devices exhibiting a range of ferroelectric characteristics , there may be at least one device which comprises only a ferromagnetic core , i . e . with no encapsulant shell . amongst the advantages exhibited by the invention are the capability for insertion of shim material where access is limited ; and compatibility with a fully automatic shimming procedure . the invention further allows the use of space 54 between primary 51 and secondary 52 planar gradient coils , thus enabling shims to be positioned closer to the fov than is the case with the present art . the invention additionally allows shimming in channels which can be curved in a non planar way . although modifications and changes may be suggested by those skilled in the art , it is the intention of the inventors to embody within the patent warranted hereon all changes and modifications as reasonably and properly come within the scope of their contribution to the art . | 6 |
in a first aspect of the invention , a topical sunless tanning composition is provided , the topical sunless tanning composition comprising : ( a ) 0 . 01 - 10 , preferably 0 . 1 - 5 % w / w a polyphenol selected from the group consisting of (+)- catechin , (−)- catechin , (+)- epicatechin , (−)- epicatechin , epigallocatechin gallate , (−)- epigallocatechin , (−)- catechin gallate , (−)- epicatechin gallate , or mixtures thereof ; ( b ) a peroxidase or laccase ( c ) 0 . 0001 - 3 preferably 0 . 001 - 1 , most preferably 0 . 01 - 1 % w / w hydrogen peroxide or a hydrogen peroxide generator when peroxidase is present ; and ( e ) a dermatologically acceptable vehicle . the polyphenol is preferably selected from the group consisting of (+)- catechin or (−)- epicatechin and (−)- epigallocatechin gallate . the peroxidase is preferably a non - animal haem peroxidase from class ii ( fungi ) or class iii ( plants and algae ). the peroxidase is preferably obtained from the group consisting of arabidopsis thaliana , horse radish , barley , peanut soy bean , tobacco , and turnip ( plants ), chlorophyta spirogyra ( green algae ), arthromyces ramosus and corprinus cinereus ( fungi ), most preferably the peroxidase is horse radish peroxidase or soy bean peroxidase . the laccase is preferably selected from the group consisting of cyanobacteria of the genuses leptolyngbya , oscillatoria and phormidium ; bacteria of the genuses bacillus , escherichia , pseudomonas , shigella , sinorhizobium , stenotrophomonas , streptomyces , and thermus ; fungi of the genuses agaricus , agrocybe , albatrellus , athelia , botryotinia , cantharellus , ceriporiopsis , cerrena , chaetomium , cladosporium , clitocybe , coniothyrium , coprinopsis , coriolisimus , coriolopsis , cortinarius , cryptococcus , cyathus , daedalea , emericella , fomes , fomitella , fusarium , ganoderma , hypocrea , inocybe , lactarius , lentinula , lepiota , lepista , leptonia , loweporus , lyophyllum , magnaporthe , marasmius , melanocarpus , myceliophthora , myriogonium , myrothecium , neurospora , panus , paraconiothyrium , parasola , peltigera , penicillium , peniophora , perenniporia , phellinus , phlebia , phoma , pleurotus , podospora , polyporus , pycnoporus , ramaria , rhizoctonia , rigidoporus , russula , scytalidium , solorina , steccherinum , trametes , tricholoma , trichophyton , volvariella ; plants of the genuses acer , mangifera , pistacia , pleiogynium , populus , prunus , rhus , schinus and toxicodendron ; and mixtures thereof . the hydrogen peroxide generator typically comprises a hydrogen peroxide generating oxidase , a substrate and oxygen . the hydrogen peroxide generating oxidase is preferably selected from the group consisting of ( s )- 2 - hydroxy acid oxidase , d - galactose oxidase , glucose oxidase , coniferyl alcohol oxidase , glycolate oxidase , hexose oxidase , oxalate oxidase , amino acid oxidase and l - galactonolactone oxidase and the respective substrate is selected from the group consisting of ( s )- 2 - hydroxy acid , d - galactose , glucose , coniferyl alcohol , a - hydroxy acids , d - glucose , oxalic acid , amino acid and l - galactono - 1 , 4 - lactone . thus the hydrogen peroxide generator is preferably selected from the group consisting of ( s )- 2 - hydroxy acid with ( s )- 2 - hydroxy acid oxidase , d - galactose with d - galactose oxidase , glucose with glucose oxidase , coniferyl alcohol with coniferyl alcohol oxidase , α - hydroxy acids with glycolate oxidase , d - glucose with hexose oxidase , oxalic acid with oxalate oxidase , and l - galactono - 1 , 4 - lactone with l - galactonolactone oxidase , amino acid oxidase with amino acids , all in the presence of oxygen . in one embodiment , the topical sunless tanning composition further comprises 0 . 01 - 25 , preferably 0 . 1 - 15 , most preferably 0 . 1 - 10 % w / w 1 , 3 - dihydroxyacetone dimer and / or d - erythrulose . in one embodiment , the topical sunless tanning composition further comprises 0 . 01 - 10 , preferably 0 . 1 - 5 % w / w an amino acid , preferably an amino acid excluding a thiol group . preferably the amino acid is selected from the group consisting of glycine , l - lysine , l - arginine , l - cysteine and mixtures thereof , more preferably selected from the group consisting of glycine , l - lysine , l - arginine and mixtures thereof . in another embodiment , the topical sunless tanning composition further comprises 0 . 01 to 15 , preferably 0 . 1 to 10 , most preferably 0 . 5 to 7 . 5 % w / w an inorganic sunscreen and / or organic sunscreen . sunscreens include those materials commonly employed to block ultraviolet light . illustrative organic compounds are the derivatives of p - aminobenzoic acid ( paba ), cinnamate and salicylate . for example , avobenzophenone ( parsol 1789 ®), octyl methoxycinnamate and 2 - hydroxy - 4 - methoxy benzophenone ( also known as oxybenzone ) can be used . octyl methoxycinnamate and 2 - hydroxy - 4 - methoxy benzophenone are commercially available under the trade marks , parsol mcx and benzophenone - 3 , respectively . ecamsule , a benzylidene camphor derivative , sold under the trade mark mexoryl sx , and drometrizole trisiloxane , a benzotriazole sold under the trade mark mexoryl xl , may also be used . still other examples include octocrylene , phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid ( also known as ensulizole ), ethylhexyl salicylate , diethylhexyl naphthylate , bimotrizinole ( trade marked as tinosorb s ) and bisoctrizole ( tinosorb m ). inorganic sunscreens include oxides like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which reflect or scatter the sun &# 39 ; s rays . the exact amount of sunscreen employed in the topical sunless tanning composition can vary depending upon the degree of protection desired from the sun &# 39 ; s uv radiation . the dermatologically acceptable carrier may be aqueous - based , anhydrous or an emulsion whereby a water - in - oil or oil - in - water emulsion is generally preferred . if the use of water is desired , water typically makes up the balance of the topical sunless tanning composition , and preferably makes up from 5 to 98 %, and most preferably from 40 to 80 % by weight of the topical sunless tanning composition , including all ranges subsumed therein . in addition to water , organic solvents may be optionally included . illustrative and non - limiting examples of the types of organic solvents suitable for use in the present invention include alkanols like ethyl and isopropyl alcohol , mixtures thereof or the like . other suitable organic solvents include ester oils like isopropyl myristate , cetyl myristate , 2 - octyldodecyl myristate , avocado oil , almond oil , olive oil , neopentylglycol dicaprate , mixtures thereof or the like . typically , such ester oils assist in emulsification , and an effective amount is often used to yield a stable , and most preferably , water - in - oil emulsion . emollients may also be used , if desired . alcohols like 1 - hexadecanol ( i . e . cetyl alcohol ) are often desired as are the emollients generally classified as silicone oils and synthetic esters . silicone oils suitable for use include cyclic or linear polydimethylsiloxanes containing from 3 to 9 , preferably from 4 to 5 , silicon atoms . non - volatile silicone oils useful as an emollient material in the inventive composition described herein include polyalkyl siloxanes , polyalkylaryl siloxanes and polyether siloxane copolymers . the essentially non - volatile polyalkyl siloxanes useful herein include , for example , polydimethylsiloxanes . silicone elastomers may also be used . ( 1 ) alkenyl or alkyl esters of fatty acids having 10 to 20 carbon atoms . examples thereof include isoarachidyl neopentanoate , isononyl isonanonoate , oleyl myristate , oleyl stearate , and oleyl oleate . ( 2 ) ether - esters such as fatty acid esters of ethoxylated fatty alcohols . ( 3 ) polyhydric alcohol esters . ethylene glycol mono and di - fatty acid esters , diethylene glycol mono - and di - fatty acid esters , polyethylene glycol ( 200 - 6000 ) mono - and di - fatty acid esters , propylene glycol mono - and di - fatty acid esters , polypropylene glycol 2000 monooleate , polypropylene glycol 2000 monostearate , ethoxylated propylene glycol monostearate , glyceryl mono - and di - fatty acid esters , polyglycerol poly - fatty esters , ethoxylated glyceryl mono - stearate , 1 , 3 - butylene glycol monostearate , 1 , 3 - butylene glycol distearate , polyoxyethylene polyol fatty acid ester , sorbitan fatty acid esters , and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters are satisfactory polyhydric alcohol esters . ( 4 ) wax esters such as beeswax , spermaceti , stearyl stearate and arachidyl behenate . ( 5 ) sterols esters , of which cholesterol fatty acid esters are examples . emollients , when used , typically make up from 0 . 1 to 50 % by weight of the topical sunless tanning composition , including all ranges subsumed therein . fatty acids having from 10 to 30 carbon atoms may also be included as acceptable carriers within the topical sunless tanning composition of the present invention . illustrative examples of such fatty acids include pelargonic , lauric , myristic , palmitic , stearic , isostearic , oleic , linoleic , arachidic , behenic or erucic acid , and mixtures thereof . compounds that are believed to enhance skin penetration , like dimethyl sulfoxide , fatty acids and ethanol may also be used as an optional carrier . humectants of the polyhydric alcohol type may also be employed in the topical sunless tanning compositions . the humectant often aids in increasing the effectiveness of the emollient , reduces scaling at the skin surface , stimulates removal of built - up scale and improves skin feel . typical polyhydric alcohols include glycerol , polyalkylene glycols and more preferably alkylene polyols and their derivatives , including propylene glycol , dipropylene glycol , polypropylene glycol , polyethylene glycol and derivatives thereof , sorbitol , hydroxypropyl sorbitol , hexylene glycol , 1 , 3 - butylene glycol , 1 , 2 , 6 - hexanetriol , ethoxylated glycerol , propoxylated glycerol and mixtures thereof . for best results the humectant is preferably propylene glycol or sodium hyaluronate . other humectants which may be used include hydroxyethyl urea . the amount of humectant may range anywhere from 0 . 2 to 25 %, and preferably , from 0 . 5 to 15 % by weight of the topical sunless tanning composition , including all ranges subsumed therein . thickeners may also be utilized as part of the dermatologically acceptable carrier in the topical sunless tanning compositions . typical thickeners include cross - linked acrylates ( e . g . carbopol 982 ), hydrophobically - modified acrylates ( e . g . carbopol 1382 ), cellulosic derivatives and natural gums . among useful cellulosic derivatives are sodium carboxymethylcellulose , hydroxypropyl methylcellulose , hydroxypropyl cellulose , hydroxyethyl cellulose , ethyl cellulose and hydroxymethyl cellulose . natural gums suitable for the present invention include guar , xanthan , sclerotium , carrageenan , pectin and combinations of these gums . amounts of the thickener may range from 0 . 0 to 5 , usually from 0 . 001 to 1 , optimally from 0 . 01 to 0 . 5 % by weight of the topical sunless tanning composition , including all ranges subsumed therein . collectively the water , solvents , silicones , esters oils , emollients , fatty acids , humectants and / or thickeners will constitute the dermatologically acceptable carrier in amounts from 1 to 99 . 9 , preferably from 80 to 99 % by weight of the topical sunless tanning composition . surfactants may also be present in the topical sunless tanning composition of the invention . total concentration of the surfactant will range from about 0 to about 40 , and preferably from about 0 to about 20 , optimally from about 0 to about 5 % by weight of the topical skin lightening composition . the surfactant may be selected from the group consisting of anionic , nonionic , cationic and amphoteric actives . particularly preferred nonionic surfactants are those with a c10 - c20 fatty alcohol or acid hydrophobe condensed with from 2 to 100 moles of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide per mole of hydrophobe ; mono - and di - fatty acid esters of ethylene glycol ; fatty acid monoglyceride ; sorbitan , mono - and di - c8 - c20 fatty acids ; block copolymers ( ethylene oxide / propylene oxide ); and polyoxyethylene sorbitan as well as combinations thereof . alkyl polyglycosides and saccharide fatty amides ( e . g . methyl gluconamides ) are also suitable nonionic surfactants . preferred anionic surfactants include soap , alkyl ether sulfate and sulfonates , alkyl sulfates and sulfonates , alkylbenzene sulfonates , alkyl and dialkyl sulfosuccinates , c8 - c20 acyl isethionates , acyl glutamates , c8 - c20 alkyl ether phosphates and combinations thereof . fragrances may be used in the topical sunless tanning composition . illustrative non - limiting examples of the types of fragrances that may be used include those comprising terpenes and terpene derivatives like those described in bauer , k ., et al ., common fragrance and flavor materials , vch publishers ( 1990 ). illustrative yet non - limiting examples of the types of fragrances that may be used in this invention include myrcene , dihydromyrenol , citral , tagetone , cis - geranic acid , citronellic acid , mixtures thereof or the like . preferably , the amount of fragrance employed in the topical skin lightening composition is in the range from 0 . 0 to 10 , more preferably 0 . 00001 to 5 , most preferably 0 . 0001 to 2 % by weight of the topical sunless tanning composition , including all ranges subsumed therein . various types of optional additional active ingredients may be used in the topical sunless tanning compositions . actives are defined as skin benefit agents other than emollients and other than ingredients that merely improve the physical characteristics of the composition . although not limited to this category , general examples include extender pigments such as talcs and silicas , as well as alpha - hydroxy acids , beta - hydroxy acids and zinc salts . beta - hydroxy acids include salicylic acid , for example . zinc oxide and zinc pyrithione are examples of zinc salts useful in the topical skin lightening composition . many compositions , especially those containing water , should be protected against the growth of potentially harmful microorganisms . anti - microbial compounds , such as triclosan , and preservatives are , therefore , typically necessary . suitable preservatives include alkyl esters of p - hydroxybenzoic acid , hydantoin derivatives , propionate salts , and a variety of quaternary ammonium compounds . particularly preferred preservatives are methyl paraben , propyl paraben , phenoxyethanol and benzyl alcohol . preservatives will usually be employed in amounts ranging from 0 . 1 to 2 % by weight of the topical sunless tanning composition . still other optional ingredients that may be used with the topical sunless tanning composition include dioic acids ( e . g . malonic acid and sebacic acid ), antioxidants like vitamin e , retinoids , including retinoic acid , retinal , retinol and retinyl esters such as retinyl propionate and retinyl palmitate , conjugated linoleic acid , petroselinic acid and mixtures thereof , as well as any other conventional ingredients well known for wrinkle - reducing ( such as hyaluronic acid , ubiquinone , jasmonic acid derivatives , collagen , peptides and proxylane ), anti - acne effects and reducing the impact of sebum . when making the topical sunless tanning composition , the desired ingredients are mixed in no particular order and usually at temperatures from 70 to 80 ° c . and under atmospheric pressure . the packaging for the topical sunless tanning composition can be a bottle , roll - ball applicator , propellant driven aerosol device , squeeze container . for a topical sunless tanning composition comprising laccase , the composition will need to be in packaged under an oxygen free atmosphere . for a topical sunless tanning composition comprising peroxidase , the composition will need to separate the peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide components , or where an oxidoreductase based hydrogen peroxide generator is used , package the topical sunless tanning composition in an oxygen free environment . in a second aspect of the invention , a method of sunless tanning the skin is provided , the method of sunless tanning the skin comprising the step of applying to the skin the topical sunless tanning composition of the first aspect of the invention . a comparison of the colour development on artificial skin following treatment with (+)- catechin , or (+)- catechin and horseradish peroxidase horseradish peroxidase type vi , sigma , uk ( 274 u / mg ( 1 unit ( u )= 1 mg purpurogallin in 20 seconds at 20 degrees centigrade at ph 6 ) using a pencil , circles of 2 . 5 cm diameter were marked out on sheets of vitro - skin . the vitro - skin was then hydrated overnight by placing in a humidifying chamber at room temperature at 50 % rh . the next morning the colour of the area within each circle was measured by recording cie 1976 l * a * b * ( cielab ) values using verivide digieye v2 . 6 software . l *, a * and b * values describe a colour . the l * value ( lightness ) ranges from 0 , which represents black , to 100 , which represents white . the a * value relates to the redness / greeness , with + a * denoting red and − a * denoting green . the b * value relates to yellowness / blueness , with + b * denoting yellow and − b * denoting blue . 1 . (+)- catechin : 800 μl sodium citrate buffer ( 100 mm ph 5 . 5 ; final concentration 80 mm ), 100 μl milliq water and 100 μl catechin ( 10 mg / ml stock in dmso ; final concentration 1 mg / ml ) were combined in a plastic bijou pot and mixed gently . 2 . (+)- catechin / hrp : 700 μl sodium citrate buffer ( 100 mm ph 5 . 5 ), 100 μl 3 % hydrogen peroxide ( final concentration 0 . 3 %), 100 μl catechin ( 10 mg / ml stock in dmso ; final concentration 1 mg / ml ) and 100 μl horseradish peroxidase ( 100 units / ml in citrate buffer ph 5 . 5 ) were combined in a plastic bijou pot and mixed gently . the final concentration of sodium citrate buffer was 80 mm . 30 μl of each sample were then applied to the vitro - skin circles and rubbed in for 10 seconds using a gloved fingertip . each sample was tested in triplicate . the vitro - skin was then incubated at 35 ° c . and 50 % rh . cie 1976 l * a * b * measurements for each sample area were then recorded at various time - points up to 5 days . the magnitude of colour change ( δe ) was calculated using the following equation : δ e =√{ square root over (( l * s − l * b ) 2 +( a * s − a * b ) 2 +( b * s − b * b ) 2 )} where b = blank ( unstained ) and s = stained . statistical analyses were performed using student &# 39 ; s t test . the results are set forth in table la from which it is apparent that the colour change of (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase treated vitro - skin was significantly greater than the colour change of (+)- catechin treated vitro - skin at all time points ( p =& lt ; 0 . 0001 ). table 1b shows the cie 1976 l * a * b * ( cielab ) values at the 98 hour time - point from which it is clear that a noticeable browner colour was achieved after treatment with (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase compared to treatment with (+)- catechin alone . these results demonstrate that , on artificial skin , a significantly greater colour development is obtained after treatment with (+)- catechin and horseradish peroxidase , compared to the colour development obtained after treatment with (+)- catechin alone . a comparison of the colour development on artificial skin following treatment with (+)- catechin , or (+)- catechin and laccase 1 . catechin : 800 μl sodium citrate buffer ( 100 mm ph 5 . 5 ; final concentration 80 mm ), 100 μl milliq water and 100 μl catechin ( 10 mg / ml stock in dmso ; final concentration 1 mg / ml ) were combined in a plastic bijou pot and mixed gently . 2 . catechin / laccase : 700 μl sodium citrate buffer ( 100 mm ph 5 . 5 ), 100 μl milliq water , 100 μl catechin ( 10 mg / ml stock in dmso ; final concentration 1 mg / ml ) and 100 μl laccase ( 100 units / ml in citrate buffer ph 5 . 5 ) were combined in a plastic bijou pot and mixed gently . the final concentration of sodium citrate buffer was 80 mm . 30 μl of each appropriate sample were then applied to the vitro - skin circles and rubbed in for 10 seconds using a gloved fingertip . each sample was tested in triplicate . the vitro - skin was then incubated at 35 ° c . and 50 % rh . cie 1976 l * a * b * measurements for each sample area were recorded at various time - points up to 5 days and δe was calculated . statistical analyses were performed using student &# 39 ; s t test . the results are set forth in table 2a from which it is apparent that the colour change of (+)- catechin / laccase treated vitro - skin was significantly greater than the colour change of (+)- catechin treated vitro - skin at all time points ( p ≧ 0 . 0002 ). table 2b shows the cie 1976 l * a * b * ( cielab ) values at the 98 hour time - point from which it is clear that a noticeable browner colour was achieved after treatment with (+)- catechin / laccase compared to treatment with (+)- catechin alone . these results demonstrate that , on artificial skin , a significantly greater colour development is obtained after treatment with (+)- catechin and laccase , compared to the colour development obtained after treatment with (+)- catechin alone . a comparison of the colour development on artificial skin following treatment with (−)- epicatchin , or (−)- epicatechin and horseradish peroxidase 1 . (−)- epicatechin : 800 μl sodium citrate buffer ( 100 mm ph 5 . 5 ; final concentration 80 mm ), 100 μl milliq water and 100 μl (−)- epicatechin ( 10 mg / ml stock in dmso ; final concentration 1 mg / ml ) were combined in a plastic bijou pot and mixed gently . 2 . (−)- epicatechin / horseradish peroxidase : 700 μl sodium citrate buffer ( 100 mm ph 5 . 5 ), 100 μl 3 % hydrogen peroxide ( final concentration 0 . 3 %), 100 μl (−)- epicatechin ( 10 mg / ml stock in dmso ; final concentration 1 mg / ml ) and 100 μl horseradish peroxidase ( 100 units / ml in citrate buffer ph 5 . 5 ) were combined in a plastic bijou pot and mixed gently . the final concentration of sodium citrate buffer was 80 mm . 30 μl of each appropriate sample were then applied to the vitro - skin circles and rubbed in for 10 seconds using a gloved fingertip . each sample was tested in triplicate . the vitro - skin was then incubated at 35 ° c . and 50 % rh . cie 1976 l * a * b * measurements for each sample area were recorded at various time - points up to 6 days and δe was calculated . statistical analyses were performed using student &# 39 ; s t test . the results are set forth in table 3a from which it is apparent that the colour change of (−)- epicatechin / horseradish peroxidase treated vitro - skin was significantly greater than the colour change of (−)- epicatechin treated vitro - skin at all time points ( p & lt ; 0 . 0001 ). table 3b shows the cie 1976 l * a * b * ( cielab ) values at the 122 hour time - point from which it is clear that a noticeable browner colour was achieved after treatment with (−)- epicatechin / horseradish peroxidase compared to treatment with (−)- epicatechin alone . these results demonstrate that , on artificial skin , a significantly greater colour development is obtained after treatment with (−)- epicatechin and horseradish peroxidase , compared to the colour development obtained after treatment with (−)- epicatechin alone . a comparison of the colour development on artificial skin following treatment with green tea extract ( sunphenon ), or green tea extract ( sunphenon ) and horseradish peroxidase sunphenon 90 lb , obtained from the leaf of traceable green tea ( camellia sinensis ), is a series of highly purified polyphenols rich in natural green tea catechins . sunphenon 90 lb contains 80 % minimum total polyphenols , 80 % minimum catechins , 40 % minimum (−)- epigallocatechin gallate . 1 . sunphenon 90 lb : 800 μl sodium citrate buffer ( 100 mm ph 5 . 5 ; final concentration 80 mm ), 100 μl milliq water and 100 μl sunphenon 90 lb ( 100 mg / ml stock in dmso ; final concentration 10 mg / ml ) were combined in a plastic bijou pot and mixed gently . 2 . sunphenon 90 lb / horseradish peroxidase : 700 μl sodium citrate buffer ( 100 mm ph 5 . 5 ), 100 μl 3 % hydrogen peroxide ( final concentration 0 . 3 %), 100 μl sunphenon 90 lb ( 100 mg / ml stock in dmso ; final concentration 10 mg / ml ) and 100 μl horseradish peroxidase ( 100 units / ml in citrate buffer ph 5 . 5 ) were combined in a plastic bijou pot and mixed gently . the final concentration of sodium citrate buffer was 80 mm . 30 μl of each appropriate sample were then applied to the vitro - skin circles and rubbed in for 10 seconds using a gloved fingertip . each sample was tested in triplicate . the vitro - skin was then incubated at 35 ° c . and 50 % rh . cie 1976 l * a * b * measurements for each sample area were recorded at various time - points up to 4 days and δe was calculated . statistical analyses were performed using student &# 39 ; s t test . the results are set forth in table 4a from which it is apparent that the colour change of sunphenon 90 lb / horseradish peroxidase treated vitro - skin was significantly greater than the colour change of sunphenon 90 lb treated vitro - skin at all time points ( p & lt ; 0 . 0001 ). δe values for vitro - skin treated with sunphenon 90 lb green tea table 4b shows the cie 1976 l * a * b * ( cielab ) values at the 96 hour time - point from which it is clear that a noticeable browner colour was achieved after treatment with sunphenon 90 lb / horseradish peroxidase compared to treatment with sunphenon 90 lb alone . these results demonstrate that , on artificial skin , a significantly greater colour development is obtained after treatment with sunphenon 90 lb green tea extract and horseradish peroxidase , compared to the colour development obtained after treatment with sunphenon 90 lb green tea extract alone . colour development on artificial skin following repeated application of (+)- catechin and horseradish peroxidase a (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase sample was prepared as follows : 400 μl sodium citrate buffer ( 100 mm , ph 5 . 5 ), 200 μl 3 % hydrogen peroxide , 200 μl (+)- catechin ( 10 mg / ml stock in dmso ) and 200 μl horseradish peroxidase ( 100 units / ml in citrate buffer , ph 5 . 5 ) were combined in a plastic bijou pot and mixed gently . 1 ml sodium citrate buffer ( 100 mm , ph 5 . 5 ) was then added to the combined mixture and the sample was mixed gently again . final concentrations were as follows : sodium citrate buffer 80 mm ; hydrogen peroxide 0 . 3 %; (+)- catechin 1 mg / ml . 30 μl of the (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase sample were then applied to 6 vitro - skin circles and rubbed in for 10 seconds using a gloved fingertip . the vitro - skin was then incubated at 35 ° c . and 50 % rh . at 24 hours , 48 hours , 72 hours , 98 hours and 121 hours after initial application , the (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase sample was reapplied to 3 vitro - skin circles . the sample was not re - applied to the other 3 vitro - skin circles . the cie 1976 l * a * b * measurements for each sample area were recorded at 24 hours , 48 hours , 72 hours , 98 hours , 121 hours and 148 hours after the initial application ( before re - applying sample ) and δe was calculated . statistical analyses were performed using student &# 39 ; s t test . the results are set forth in table 5a from which it is apparent that repeated application of (+)- catechin and horseradish peroxidase on vitro - skin produces a significantly greater colour change ( p & lt ; 0 . 0001 ). peroxidase . the effect of repeated application is shown at 24 hours , table 5b shows the cie 1976 l * a * b * ( cielab ) values at 24 , 72 and 148 hour time - points from which it is clear that a noticeable browner colour was achieved after repeated treatment with (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase . these results demonstrate that , on artificial skin , a significantly greater colour development is obtained after repeated application of (+)- catechin and horseradish peroxidase , compared to the colour development obtained after a single application of (+)- catechin and horseradish peroxidase . colour development on artificial skin following treatment with (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase in combination with dha and selected amino acids a (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase stock solution was prepared as follows : 400 μl sodium citrate buffer ( 100 mm , ph 5 . 5 ), 200 μl 3 % hydrogen peroxide , 200 μl catechin ( 10 mg / ml stock in dmso ) and 200 μl hrp ( 100 units / ml in citrate buffer , ph 5 . 5 ) were combined in a plastic bijou pot and mixed gently . to prepare the dha / amino acid stock solutions 5 wt % dha and 5 wt % amino acid were dissolved in glycerol / citrate buffer , ph 5 . 6 ( 0 . 15 glycerol / 0 . 85 citrate buffer ). the dha / amino acids samples were then prepared by mixing 1 ml of the dha / amino acid stock solution with 1 ml glycerol / citrate buffer ( 0 . 15 / 0 . 85 ). final concentrations were as follows : 2 . 5 wt % dha ; and 2 . 5 wt % amino acid . the dha / amino acid /(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase samples were prepared by mixing 1 ml of the dha / amino acid stock solution with 1 ml of the (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase stock solution . final concentrations were as follows : 2 . 5 wt % dha ; 2 . 5 wt % amino acid ; 0 . 3 % hydrogen peroxide ; and 1 mg / ml (+)- catechin . 30 μl of each appropriate sample were then applied to the vitro - skin circles and rubbed in for 10 seconds using a gloved fingertip . each sample was tested in triplicate . the vitro - skin was then incubated at 35 ° c . and 50 % rh . cie 1976 l * a * b * measurements for each sample area were recorded 1 hour after sample application and δe was calculated . statistical analyses were performed using student &# 39 ; s t test . the results in table 6a show that the colour change of dha / amino acid /(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase treated vitro - skin was significantly greater than the colour change of dha / amino acid treated vitro - skin 1 hour after treatment for amino acids glycine , lysine , arginine and cysteine . tables 6b to 6e show the corresponding cie 1976 l * a * b * ( cielab ) values for untreated vitro - skin and vitro - skin treated with dha / amino acid +/−(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase for each of the amino acids glycine , lysine , arginine and cysteine respectively , from which it is clear that a noticeable browner colour was achieved after treatment with dha / amino acid /(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase . for 1 hour . standard deviations at 95 % confidence limits are provided . for 1 hour . standard deviations at 95 % confidence limits are provided . for 1 hour . standard deviations at 95 % confidence limits are provided . for 1 hour . standard deviations at 95 % confidence limits are provided . these results demonstrate that , for the amino acids glycine , lysine , arginine and cysteine , a significantly greater colour development is obtained on artificial skin one hour after treatment with 1 , 3 - dihydroxyacetone dimer / amino acid /(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase , compared to the colour development obtained on artificial skin one hour after treatment with 1 , 3 - dihydroxyacetone dimer / amino acid . a comparison of colour development on artificial skin following treatment by dha / arginine or dha / cysteine compared to treatment by dha / arginine /(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase or dha / cysteine /(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase a (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase stock solution , dha / arginine stock solution and a dha / cysteine stock solution were prepared as described in example 6 . the dha / amino acid samples were then prepared by mixing 1 ml of the dha / amino acid stock solution with 1 ml glycerol / citrate buffer ( 0 . 15 / 0 . 85 ). final concentrations were as follows : 2 . 5 wt % dha ; and 2 . 5 wt % amino acid . the dha / amino acid /(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase samples were prepared by mixing 1 ml of the dha / amino acid stock solution with 1 ml of the catechin / horseradish peroxidase stock solution . final concentrations were as follows : 2 . 5 wt % dha ; 2 . 5 wt % amino acid ; 0 . 3 % hydrogen peroxide ; and 1 mg / ml (+)- catechin . 30 μl of each appropriate sample were then applied to the vitro - skin circles and rubbed in for 10 seconds using a gloved fingertip . each sample was tested in triplicate . the vitro - skin was then incubated at 35 ° c . and 50 % rh . cie 1976 l * a * b * measurements for each sample area were recorded at various time - points up to 5 days and δe was calculated . statistical analyses were performed using student &# 39 ; s t test . the results in tables 7a and 7b show that the colour changes of dha / arginine /(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase or dha / cysteine /(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase treated vitro - skin were significantly greater than the colour change of dha / arginine or dha / cysteine treated vitro - skin at all time points ( p =& lt ; 0 . 05 ). tables 7c and 7d show the corresponding cie 1976 l * a * b * ( cielab ) values for untreated vitro - skin and vitro - skin treated with dha / amino acid +/−(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase for the amino acids arginine 71 hours after treatment and cysteine 120 hours after treatment respectively , from which it is clear that a noticeable browner colour was achieved after treatment with dha / amino acid /(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase . these results demonstrate that , for the amino acids arginine and cysteine , a significantly greater colour development is obtained on artificial skin up to 71 and 120 hours respectively after treatment with 1 , 3 - dihydroxyacetone ( dha )/ amino acid /(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase , compared to the colour development obtained on artificial skin after treatment with 1 , 3 - dihydroxyacetone ( dha )/ amino acid . a comparison of the colour development on bleached human hair following treatment with apigenin with and without horseradish peroxidase platine precision lightening powder ( 50 % persulphates , 24 . 1 % silicates and 2 . 6 % ammonium chloride ) ( l &# 39 ; oreal , france ) 2 ″ natural white hair switches were bleached twice using l &# 39 ; oreal platine precision lightening powder and excel cream peroxide according to the manufacturers &# 39 ; instructions ( 30 minutes each treatment ). 4200 μl britton - robinson buffer ( 62 . 5 mm ph 5 ; final concentration 50 mm ) prior to treatment , the colour ( l * a * b *) of each switch was recorded using a minolta cm - 2600d spectrophotometer . the reagents listed above were then combined in 15 ml falcon centrifuge tubes . bleached hair switches were placed into the tubes and squashed down , wetting the hair thoroughly ( one switch per tube ). the switch / reagents were then incubated at 32 ° c . for 15 minutes . 30 units horseradish peroxidase ( hrp vi , in britton - robinson buffer ph 5 , total volume 600 μl ) or 600 μl britton - robinson buffer ph 5 were then added as appropriate to the tubes . the hair switches were then incubated at 32 ° c . for another 15 minutes . after incubation the switches were washed by rinsing under running tap water for 1 minute . the hair was then shampoo washed by rubbing with shampoo for 30 seconds and subsequently rinsing under tap water for 60 seconds . the hair was then dried with a hairdryer and combed . the above method was repeated twice ( 3 treatments in total ). after each treatment the colour of each switch ( l * a * b *) was recorded and ae was calculated . untreated switches were washed 3 times with shampoo , rinsed and dried as described above . after addition of the horseradish peroxidase , the solution was observed to have an off - white colour . the δe values for each switch after three treatments are shown in table 8 . a δe value of 5 or above was considered to colour hair . accordingly , treatment with apigenin with or without horseradish peroxidase did not colour hair . treatment of double bleached natural white hair with apigenin with or without horseradish peroxidase did not colour hair . therefore it can be expected that , particularly as the solution after addition of horseradish peroxidase was observed to be white , apigenin with or without horseradish peroxidase will not colour skin , which is a structurally related organ to hair . a comparison of the colour development on unbleached and bleached human hair following treatment with chlorogenic acid with and without horseradish peroxidase horseradish peroxidase , 53 u / mg ( 1 unit = 1 mg purpurogallin in 20 s at 20 ° c . and ph 6 ) ( hrp i , sigma , uk ) if required , natural white hair switches were bleached twice using l &# 39 ; oreal platine precision lightening powder and excel cream peroxide according to the manufacturers &# 39 ; instructions ( 30 minutes each treatment ). prior to treatment , the colour ( l * a * b *) of each switch was recorded using a minolta cm - 2600d spectrophotometer . 700 μl britton - robinson buffer ( 62 . 5 mm ph 6 , final concentration 50 mm ), 100 μl 3 % h 2 o 2 ( horseradish peroxidase treated switches ) or 100 μl milliq water ( non horseradish peroxidase treated switches ), and 100 μl chlorogenic acid ( 100 mg / ml stock in dmso ) were combined in plastic bijou pots . 2 ″ unbleached and bleached natural white switches were then placed into the pots and squashed down ( one switch per pot ), wetting the hair thoroughly . the switch / reagents were then incubated at 37 ° c . for 5 minutes . 100 μl horseradish peroxidase ( hrp i , 1 mg / ml in br buffer , ph6 ) ( horseradish peroxidase treated switches ) or 100 μl britton - robinson buffer ( non horseradish peroxidase treated switches ) were then added and rubbed into the switch . each hair switch was then placed back into the pot and incubated at 37 ° c . for 5 minutes . after 5 minutes incubation the switch was washed by swirling in a beaker of milliq water for approx . 2 minutes . the hair was dried with a hairdryer and combed through . the above method was repeated twice ( 3 treatments in total ). after each treatment the colour of each switch ( l * a * b *) was recorded and δe was calculated . after addition of horseradish peroxidase the solution was observed to have a brown colour . the δe values for each switch after three treatments are shown in table 9 . a δe value of 5 or above was considered to colour hair . treatment with chlorogenic acid with or without horseradish peroxidase did not colour hair , whether bleached or unbleached . treatment of unbleached or double bleached natural white hair with chlorogenic acid with or without horseradish peroxidase did not colour hair . therefore it can be expected that chlorogenic acid with or without horseradish peroxidase will not colour skin , which is a structurally related organ to hair . a comparison of the colour development on unbleached and bleached human hair following treatment with (+)- catechin with or without horseradish peroxidase if required , natural white hair switches were bleached twice using l &# 39 ; oreal platine precision lightening powder and excel cream peroxide according to the manufacturers &# 39 ; instructions ( 30 minutes each treatment ). prior to treatment , the colour ( l * a * b *) of each switch was recorded using a minolta cm - 2600d spectrophotometer . 700 μl britton - robinson buffer ( 62 . 5 mm ph 6 , final concentration 50 mm ), 100 μl 3 % h 2 o 2 ( horseradish peroxidase treated switches ) or 100 μl milliq water ( non horseradish peroxidase treated switches ), and 100 μl (+)- catechin ( 100 mg / ml stock in dmso ) were combined in plastic bijou pots . 2 ″ unbleached and bleached natural white switches were then placed into the pots and squashed down ( one switch per pot ), wetting the hair thoroughly . the switch / reagents were then incubated at 37 ° c . for 5 minutes . 100 μl horseradish peroxidase ( hrp i , 1 mg / ml in br buffer , ph6 ) ( horseradish peroxidase treated switches ) or 100 μl britton - robinson buffer ( non horseradish peroxidase treated switches ) were then added and rubbed into the switch . each hair switch was then placed back into the pot and incubated at 37 ° c . for 5 minutes . after 5 minutes incubation the switch was washed by swirling in a beaker of milliq water for approx . 2 minutes . the hair was dried with a hairdryer and combed through . the above method was repeated twice ( 3 treatments in total ). after each treatment the colour of each switch ( l * a * b *) was recorded and δe was calculated . after addition of horseradish peroxidase the solution was observed to have an orange brown colour . the δe values for each switch after one , two and three treatments are shown in table 10 . a δe value of 5 or above is considered to colour hair . treatment with (+)- catechin without horseradish peroxidase did not colour hair , bleached or unbleached . treatment with (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase coloured both bleached and unbleached hair . treatment of unbleached or double bleached natural white hair with (+)- catechin without horseradish peroxidase did not colour hair . however treatment of unbleached or double bleached natural white hair with (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase coloured hair . this conclusion replicates the results observed on skin in example 1 . colour development on bleached human hair following treatment with (−)- epicatechin and horseradish peroxidase , or (−)- epigallocatechin gallate and horseradish peroxidase 2 ″ natural white hair switches were bleached twice using l &# 39 ; oreal platine precision lightening powder and excel cream peroxide according to the manufacturers &# 39 ; instructions ( 30 minutes each treatment ). 4200 μl britton - robinson buffer ( 62 . 5 mm ph 5 ; final concentration 50 mm ) 600 μl (−)- epicatechin or (−)- epigallocatechin gallate , 10 mg / ml stock in dmso prior to treatment , the colour ( l * a * b *) of the switches was recorded using a minolta cm - 2600d spectrophotometer . the reagents listed above were then combined in 15 ml falcon centrifuge tubes . bleached hair switches were placed into the tubes and squashed down , wetting the hair thoroughly ( one switch per tube ). the switch / reagents were then incubated at 32 ° c . for 15 minutes . 30 units horseradish peroxidase ( hrp vi , in britton - robinson buffer ph 5 , total volume 600 μl ) were then added to each tube . the hair switches were then incubated at 32 ° c . for another 15 minutes . after incubation the switches were washed by rinsing under running tap water for 1 minute . the hair was then shampoo washed by rubbing with shampoo for 30 seconds and subsequently rinsing under tap water for 60 seconds . the hair was then dried with a hairdryer and combed . the above method was repeated twice ( 3 treatments in total ). after each treatment the colour of each switch ( l * a * b *) was recorded and ae was calculated . the δe values for each hair switch after one , two and three treatments are shown in table 11 . a δe value of 5 or above is considered to colour hair . treatment of double bleached hair with (−)- epicatechin / horseradish peroxidase coloured hair . treatment with (−)- epigallocatechin gallate / horseradish peroxidase coloured hair . treatment of double bleached natural white hair with (−)- epicatechin / horseradish peroxidase coloured hair . treatment of double bleached natural white hair with (−)- epigallocatechin gallate / horseradish peroxidase also coloured hair . these conclusions support the results seen for sunless tanning of artificial skin for (−)- epicatechin and (−)- epigallocatechin gallate observed in examples 3 and 4 respectively . | 0 |
the object of the present invention is to provide a flat gasket having an improved sealing effect , a high elastic resiliency , low manufacturing costs and a long operating life . this object is achieved according to the present invention with a flat gasket of the type defined in the preamble having the characterizing features of claim 1 . the subclaims are based on advantageous embodiments . according to the present invention , the combustion chamber passage orifice or the liquid passage or the outside contour is delimited in an adjacent edge area by a closed peripheral cavity of the gasket which is filled completely with a hydraulic medium . due to the clamping force of the cylinder head screws , the flat gasket is pressed between the cylinder head and the cylinder block , so that a constant hydrostatic pressure develops in the cavity . the flexible tubular enclosure surrounding the cavity then adapts to the unavoidable distortion that occurs when clamping . the sealing contact with the sealing surfaces of the cylinder block and the engine block is not lost even when the cylinder head and cylinder block execute both relative vertical and horizontal movements during operation of the machine due to the ignition pressure . the hydraulic medium enclosed in the cavity causes a more uniform compressive sealing load over the circumference of the opening which is to be sealed . the elastic yielding behavior of the tubular enclosure improves the sealing effect in the operating condition of the machine and increases the service life of the flat gasket . with regard to the manufacture and long - term stability of the gasket , it is advantageous for the metal sheet to be flanged back onto itself in the edge area , forming the cavity , and to join it to itself adjacent to the cavity . this connection may be a peripheral weld produced by electron beam welding , for example . this ring weld joins the edge of the metal sheet which has been bent over by 180 ° to the metal sheet itself and seals the cavity on the outside . the curve of the metal sheet turned toward the combustion chamber on the inside in the sealing gap is designed to be continuous . the peripheral bead - like thickened area forms an enclosure of a combustion chamber and simultaneously functions as a flame limiter and deformation limiter . suitable hydraulic media include all materials that contribute toward a more uniform compressive sealing load over the periphery of the opening to be sealed . this also includes materials such as a solder which becomes molten at the operating temperature or plastically and / or elastically deformable polymer materials . it is especially preferable here if the polymer material is formed by a thermoplastic , rubber or silicone . these materials have a low chemical reactivity . the mechanical properties of the metal sheet enclosing the cavity are not impaired by chemical reactions between the hydraulic medium and the metal of the metal sheet . it is preferable if the cavity is enclosed by at least one bead of the metal sheet and a second metal sheet bridging the bead , the two metal sheets being permanently joined together adjacent to the bead . in this construction , two laminated metal sheets are provided , one of which has a peripheral bead in the edge area of an orifice and the other bridges this bead . permanent connection of the two metal sheets adjacent to the bead prevents a horizontal ( as seen in the cross - sectional direction ) yielding movement of the base of the bead under compressive load . the distance between the legs at the base of the bead supporting the bead is thus essentially maintained , despite the compressive force in the sealing gap . the result of this is a high elastic resiliency of the bead . this resiliency guarantees that the contact between the flat gasket and the sealing surfaces of the engine block or the cylinder head producing the actual sealing effect will be maintained even with relatively large sealing gap movements . it is advantageous if the cavity is filled completely with a hydraulic fluid and the two metal sheets are joined in a fluid - tight manner . a high spring stiffness may be achieved , depending on the design of the bead . it is advantageous here if in the area of the bead the second metal sheet has a second bead which may have a design different from that of the first bead . due to the differently designed beads , the flat gasket may be adapted very satisfactorily to the different materials of the cylinder head and the cylinder block with regard to frictional behavior . in cross section , the bead profile may have various shapes such as a u shape or a triangular shape . the sealing contact area of the flat gasket with the sealing surfaces of the cylinder head and cylinder block may thus be designed so that these sealing surfaces are not damaged due to pitting even after a lengthy operating time . the metal sheets may be made of the same or different materials , such as spring steel sheet of different thicknesses . it is of course also conceivable for other materials to be used , such as plastics instead of sheet metal . in a known manner , the gasket may be coated with an elastomer layer in the sealing area . this elastomer film may be a rubber layer , for example , applied by spraying or casting it onto the main sealing surfaces of the metal sheets . due to the compressive forces in the sealing gap , this rubber layer is pressed into the surface roughness of the respective sealing surfaces , thus achieving a micro - sealing effect . it is preferable if a third metal sheet is arranged between the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet and this third metal sheet is included in the connection between the first and second metal sheets , the cavities on both sides of the third metal sheet being in hydraulic connection with one another . this hydraulic connection may be formed by a flow - through opening in the third metal sheet . this embodiment yields a flat gasket having a high rigidity which maintains sealing contact even with large relative movements of the cylinder head relative to the engine block . it is especially preferable here if the third metal sheet in the area of the first and second beads has a third bead having a differently shaped profile . depending on the design and embodiment of this third bead , the elastic resiliency of the flat gasket may be preselected within broad limits . the hydraulic connection between the cavities prevents bulging of the third metal sheet enclosed between the two outer metal sheets . the flat gasket may be adapted very satisfactorily to the different materials used for the cylinder head and the cylinder block due to the beads which are designed with different cross sections . a round cross section or a bead composed of multiple partial beads increases the specific compressive loads per unit area with the adjacent sealing surface . the enlarged surface contact area with the sealing surface of the cylinder head prevents any digging into the surface . this is especially advantageous when the cylinder head is made of a light metal alloy . to further illustrate the present invention , reference is made to the drawing in which figures schematically illustrate various embodiments according to the present invention . [ 0013 ] fig1 shows a partially sectional top view of the flat gasket according to the present invention . [ 0014 ] fig2 through 7 show details of sections through preferred embodiments of the flat gasket according to the present invention . the flat gasket according to the present invention is shown in a top view in a partially sectional diagram in fig1 . flat gasket 20 covers the sealing surfaces of an engine block or a cylinder head having cylinder bores 10 and liquid passage orifices 11 . each of these orifices 11 , 10 is enclosed by a peripheral cavity bordered by metal sheet in an edge area 9 . the outer contour of the flat gasket may also be provided with such a peripheral cavity . the decisive factor is always that the cavity is filled completely with a hydraulic medium , so that when there is a dynamic movement of the sealing gap , the medium is able to escape in the peripheral direction and may level out any differences in compressive forces . in fig1 the cavity is bordered by a metal sheet edge flanged back onto itself . when the cylinder head and the engine block are pressed together by cylinder head screws in assembly , different specific compressive loads per unit area act locally on the flat gasket . the static pressure is greatest in the immediate vicinity of bores 7 of the cylinder head screws . as explained above , this static pressure is superimposed by dynamic sealing gap movements . in operation of the combustion engine , there are relative vertical and horizontal movements of the cylinder head with respect to the cylinder block . the amplitude of these sealing gap movements is greater , the greater the distance of the site in question from a cylinder head screw . the cavity which is provided according to the present invention and is filled completely with a hydraulic medium then causes the contact forces between the flat gasket and the sealing surfaces of the engine block or the cylinder head to be equalized . [ 0016 ] fig2 shows a detail of a section through a preferred embodiment of the flat gasket according to the present invention . the edge of a metal sheet 1 surrounding an opening is flanged to form a closed cavity 2 . this cavity 2 is filled completely with a hydraulic medium 6 . all substances that cause the compressive sealing load to be more uniform are suitable for use as this hydraulic medium . during operation of the machine , this medium must circulate in the tubular enclosure so that the most uniform possible specific compressive load per unit area is maintained between the flat gasket and the respective sealing surface . the hydraulic medium may be a hydraulic fluid , for example . however , it is also conceivable to use a solder which becomes molten under operating conditions for the combustion gas [ chamber ] seal . however , polymer materials such as a thermoplastic , rubber or silicone may also be used . for a flat gasket , different substances may be used . as illustrated in the embodiment in fig2 the edge of the metal sheet flanged back is joined to the metal sheet itself by a permanent connection 14 . this connection 14 may be produced inexpensively by electron beam welding , for example , so it is fluid tight . the sealing area of the gasket is coated with an elastomer layer 13 . [ 0017 ] fig3 shows an especially preferred embodiment as a detail of a section of the flat gasket . in this embodiment , cavity 2 is formed by bead 3 of a metal sheet 1 covered by a second metal sheet 4 . both metal sheets 1 , 4 are permanently joined by a connection 14 on both sides of bead 3 . the metal sheets may be 0 . 05 mm to 0 . 5 mm thick . for micro - sealing , both metal sheets 1 , 4 are coated with an elastomer layer 13 . metal sheet 4 may be designed to be flat or , as shown in fig4 it may have a bead opposite bead 3 . the resiliency of the flat gasket may thus be adapted optimally . the sectional drawings in fig5 and 6 each show an especially preferred embodiment of the present invention . between two metal sheets 1 and 4 is situated a third metal sheet 8 . connection 14 connects three metal sheets 1 , 8 , 4 in a bonded manner on both sides of each bead . this forms two cavities 2 , 2 ′, each filled with a hydraulic medium . a passage orifice 16 in metal sheet 8 in between forms a hydraulic connection between cavities 2 , 2 ′ adjacent to metal sheet 8 . as shown in fig6 metal sheet 8 may also have a bead 15 in the area of adjacent cavities 2 , 2 ′, thus increasing the elastic resiliency of the flat gasket . the different cross - sectional shapes of beads 5 and 3 may be adapted very satisfactorily with regard to differences in frictional behavior of the respective materials of the cylinder head and the cylinder block . the contact area of the flat gasket with the planar sealing surfaces of these machine parts may thus be designed so that the sealing surfaces are not damaged even after a comparatively long period of operation . a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in fig7 . here again , cavity 2 bordering the opening is formed by the edge of metal sheet 1 which is flanged back onto itself . however the bent - back edge is not welded but instead is pressed between two beads of active layers 17 and 18 by the bias tension of the cylinder head screws . between layers 17 and 18 , an intermediate layer 19 is situated adjacent to the flanged - back edge . hydraulic medium 6 enclosed in the cavity may be a plastically deformable polymer material such as a thermoplastic , rubber or silicone . in fig7 layers 17 and 18 enclose cavity 2 like a sandwich . the flat gasket may of course also be designed so that only one active layer 17 or 18 is present . to compensate for surface defects such as porosity or shrink holes on the sealing surface of the cylinder block or engine block , the flat gasket according to the present invention may also include cover layers on the outside . | 5 |
referring to fig1 there is shown an x - ray tube having a shaft 2 carrying a rotary anode 1 . shaft 2 is supported by a bearing system comprising an axial magnetic bearing 3 and two radial sleeve bearings 4 and 5 . the sleeve bearing 4 consists of a bushing 6 which closely surrounds the shaft 2 . bushing 6 is fitted in a metal cup 7 having , extending away from the bearing 4 , a pin 8 to which the tube high voltage can be connected . the metal cup 7 is mechanically connected to a stainless steel portion of the tube envelope 10 by an insulator 9 made of densely sintered al 2 o 3 . the sleeve bearing 5 consists of a bushing 11 which also closely surrounds the shaft 2 . bushing 11 is similarly mechanically connected to another stainless steel portion of the tube envelope 10 by an insulator 12 made of densely sintered al 2 o 3 . both the shaft 2 and the bushings 6 and 11 are preferably made of one of the metals w or mo or of an alloy of w and mo . the shaft 2 is separated from the bushings 6 and 11 by a lubricating layer consisting of ga or of a ga alloy which melts at a temperature below 25 ° c . for example , the lubricating layer can be one of the two binary eutectic compositions 76 % ga - 24 % in and 92 % ga - 8 % sn , which melt at 16 . 5 ° c . and 20 . 0 ° c ., respectively . the specified percentages denote percentages by weight . the ternary eutectic composition 62 % ga - 25 % in - 13 % sn , which melts at 5 ° c ., is also suitable . the lubricating layer consisting of ga or of a ga alloy wets the shaft 2 and the bushings 6 and 11 . wetting is to be understood to mean that there is direct interaction between the metal atoms in the layer and the metal atoms of the shaft 2 and the bearing bushes 6 and 11 . this means that between the layer of ga or ga alloy and the shaft 2 and the bushings 6 and 11 . there is present neither an oxide layer of the metal of the shaft or of the bushing , nor an oxide layer of ga or of one of the components of the ga - alloy . such wetting may be obtained by , for example , heating the shaft 2 , the bushings 6 and 11 and the ga or the ga - alloy in a reducing atmosphere , for example in h 2 - gas , for some time at 800 ° c . any oxides present are then reduced . if thereafter the bearing portions and the ga or the ga - alloy are brought into contact with one another in the same atmosphere , possibly at a lower temperature , the desired wetting is produced . the wetting produced in this manner is so good that the shaft 2 and the bushings 6 and 11 , are completely separated from one another in the x - ray tube , both while at rest and while operating . &# 34 ; seizing - up &# 34 ; of the supporting faces is thus prevented . also , due to its high surface tension , the ga or the ga - alloy is not forced out of the bearing . in the region of the bushings 6 and 11 , the shaft 2 is provided with v - shaped pairs of helical grooves 13 , the helices being of opposite sense , which additionally cause the ga or the ga - alloy to be forced into the bearing in operation . this results in bearings with high dynamic stability . due to the fact that the vapor pressure of ga and ga - alloys is below 10 - 5 n / m 2 at 300 ° c ., no unexpected gas discharges will occur in the x - ray tube . since the shaft 2 and the bushings 6 and 11 consist of one of the metals w or mo or an alloy of w and mo , they are not attacked to any substantial extent by ga or a ga - alloy . since magnetic bearings in general and the axial magnetic bearing 3 in particular ( described in detail below ) operate without mechanical contact between stationary and rotary parts , the bearings 3 , 4 and 5 , and consequently the x - ray tube , will have a long life . consequently the rotary anode can be rotated continuously for a long period of time , for example a working day . it is then possible to switch the high voltage on and off as required without the need to wait for the anode to reach its operating speed . the high voltage is connected between the pin 8 and a cathode device 14 . electrons are then accelerated from the cathode device 14 and generate in the rotary anode 1 a beam of x - rays which can leave the tube through a window 15 in the tube wall . it should be noted that the shaft 2 and the bushings 6 and 11 may alternatively be produced from a metal which can be worked more easily than w or mo , for example steel . then , however , the bearings 4 and 5 cannot be lubricated with ga or ga - alloys , because metals other than w and mo are attacked to a substantial extent by ga . such attack would reduce the life of the bearings 4 and 5 . should the shaft 2 and the bushings 6 and 11 be made of steel , then lubrication is possible , for example , with an alloy having the composition 49 % bi - 18 % pb - 12 % sn - 21 % in . since , however , this alloy melts at 58 ° c ., the bearing may only rotate when its temperature is above 58 ° c . this means that when an x - ray tube having such a bearing is used , it must be preheated before rotating the rotary anode 1 . such preheating is not necessary for the combinations of materials in the first embodiment of the invention . the axial magnetic bearing 3 comprises a bearing stator 20 having a magnet yoke 22 which is in two portions . yoke 22 is magnetizable by means of a ring - shaped permanent magnet 21 outside the tube envelope . the magnet yoke portions which are inside the tube have pole faces 23 which extend coaxially with the shaft 2 and have axially - spaced circumferential grooves 24 . the pole faces 23 are radially separated by gaps from corresponding faces 25 , which similarly extend coaxially with the shaft 2 , on a cylindrical bearing rotor 26 connected to the shaft 2 . the faces 25 have a pattern of circumferential grooves 27 corresponding to the grooves 24 . corresponding radially - extending portions of the faces of the yoke and the faces of the rotor are aligned by the attractive forces generated by the permanent magnet 21 . as a result , the shaft 21 is axially supported . the magnet yoke 22 , of the bearing stator 20 , and the bearing rotor 26 form a closed magnetic circuit . a motor stator 28 and a motor rotor 29 , which is integral with the bearing rotor 26 , are arranged inside this closed circuit . during operation , the motor stator 28 , which is connected to an alternating current source 30 , generates a rotating magnetic field which drives the motor rotor 29 . stray fields produced in the motor stator 28 by the alternating current are shielded by the said closed magnetic circuit , so that electromagnetic interference with the electron beam inside the tube and with apparatus outside the tube is inhibited . fig2 and 3 are side elevational and axial cross - sectional views , respectively , of an x - ray tube comprising an electric motor which also serves as the axial magnetic bearing for the rotary anode . in these figures , corresponding components have the same reference numerals as in fig1 . the axial magnetic bearing 3 of fig2 and 3 comprises a motor stator 35 and a motor rotor 36 connected to the shaft 2 . the motor stator 35 comprises a magnet yoke 37 having a pole face 38 which extends coaxially with the shaft 2 and which has axially - spaced circumferential grooves 39 . the pole face 38 is radially separated from a corresponding face 40 on the cylindrical motor rotor 36 . the face 40 is also coaxial with the shaft 2 and has circumferential grooves 41 corresponding to the grooves 39 in the pole face 38 . the motor stator 37 comprises a number of apertures 42 which divide the pole face 38 into sections . field coils 43 are arranged in and around the apertures 42 and are connected to an alternating current source 44 . during operation , the alternating current through the field coils 43 generates in the magnet yoke 37 in the motor rotor 36 rotary magnetic fields which not only drive motor rotor 36 but which also accurately align corresponding radially - extending portions of the faces 38 and 40 , between the grooves 39 and 41 therein , so that the rotary anode 1 is axially supported . when the alternating current is cut off to the motor , this also cuts off the axial support of the anode . for this reason the x - ray tube is also provided with two ball bearings 45 , which support the shaft 2 in such a way that when the axial magnetic bearing 3 is not energized , the faces 38 and 40 of the motor stator 35 and the motor rotor 36 , respectively , are prevented from contacting each other . | 5 |
while disclosed embodiments can take many different forms , specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles thereof as well as the best mode of practicing same , and is not intended to limit the application or claims to the specific embodiment illustrated . in one aspect , embodiments hereof more than one baseline is established . for example a baseline for when the hvac unit is running at its maximum velocity and a second when the hvac unit is off , would allow the device to account for the large airflow changes and prevent false trouble conditions . the aspirating smoke detector could have an input from the hvac unit which would indicate when the system is running and the unit could determine which airflow baseline should be used for indicating a trouble condition if such a condition exists . example inputs could be ‘ airflow on ’, ‘ airflow off ’, input from an anemometer , etc . in yet another aspect , when initializing the device will establish two baselines , one when the hvac unit is on and one when it is off . during normal operation the device will sample the current airflow and compare it to the appropriate baseline value . the device selects the baseline to compare the current reading to by reading the input from the hvac unit or from an external flow monitoring sensor . if the flow varies by a percentage indicative of a trouble condition then the device will report an airflow trouble condition . fig1 illustrate respectively aspects of a system 10 in accordance herewith along with a method 100 . system 10 includes an ambient condition detector 12 , which could be an aspirating smoke detector . detector 12 includes a smoke chamber 14 , an aspirator 14 a , smoke inflow conduits 14 b , and smoke outflow conduits 14 c . detector 12 is coupled to control circuits 16 by an output signal line 14 d . as those of skill will understand , the signals on line 14 d are indicative of smoke detected in chamber 14 . the control circuits 16 can be implemented at least in part by one or more programmable processors 16 a which can execute instructions 16 b located at the detector 12 . a storage element 18 a is coupled to circuits 16 , and provides storage for at least two different baseline values . storage element 18 b is also coupled to circuits 16 and provides storage for at least one trouble limit value . the usefulness of these stored values is discussed subsequently . a flow monitor 22 can provide output signals , on a line 22 a indicative of sensed flow in a target area or region such as region r . line 22 b can couple an on / off signal for the hvac unit indicative of when it is energized and operating to provide heat , ventilation or cooling to the region r . system 10 can operate in a variety of modes . one operational mode is illustrated in fig2 as method 100 . initially detector 12 can be energized and reset as at 102 . a determination is made as to whether detector 12 is being put into service , or commissioned , as at 104 . if so , high air flow and low airflow baselines , indicative operating state of hvac unit , can be established as at 106 , 108 . such values can be stored as discussed above in baseline store 18 a . optionally , a trouble limit value can be stored in unit 18 b at this time . subsequently , when detector 12 is placed to service a region such as region r , a current airflow is sampled , as at 110 , via a flow monitor such as 22 . a determination is made , as at 112 , as to the state of the hvac unit . an electrical signal 22 b indicative of this state can be coupled to control circuits 16 . this signal provides information as to whether the hvac unit is energized , and on , or , not energized , and off . if the determination is that the hvac unit is on , another determination is made , as at 114 , as to whether a percentage change , the trouble limit value , from the high airflow baseline exceeds the trouble limit . if so , a trouble condition is indicated , as at 116 . an indicium of this state can then be transmitted via interface 20 a and medium 20 b to a displaced monitoring or security location . if the hvac unit is not on , as at 112 , a determination is made , as at 118 , as to whether the percent change , the same or a different trouble limit value , from the low airflow base line exceeds that trouble limit . if so the trouble condition is indicated , as at 116 . those of skill will understand that neither the specific details of the exemplary system 10 , nor details of method 100 are limitations hereof excepted as described herein . if desired multiple pairs of baseline , and multiple trouble limit values can be stored in units 18 a , b without departing from the spirit and scope hereof . from the foregoing , it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope hereof . it is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred . it is , of course , intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims . further , logic flows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order shown , or sequential order , to achieve desirable results . other steps may be provided , or steps may be eliminated , from the described flows , and other components may be add to , or removed from the described embodiments . | 6 |
as shown in fig1 - 4 , a container 10 is made up of a neck portion 12 and a body portion 24 . the neck 12 is provided with an open mouth 16 and an opposed opening into the body portion 24 . circumscribing the neck portion 12 is a helical thread 14 which is defined by a slot 26 which receives the thread of a closure or container cap ( not shown ). disposed within the thread 14 is a pair of recesses 20 a and 20 b which are spaced from each other a total of 180 °. the recesses 20 a and 20 b are in alignment with and formed by the fingers 32 a , 32 b , 32 c , and 32 d as shown in fig5 a . a latching lug 22 may also be provided for engagement with a mating latching lug on a closure ( not shown ). as shown in fig5 and 5 a , a mold 30 of the preferred embodiment is comprised of only two sections which are , in fact , halves . one half is identifiable as 30 a and the other as 30 b . molds 30 a and 30 b are horizontally movable by virtue of the fact that there are but two sections . when three or more sections are used , the mold sections move apart axially instead of horizontally . when the molds are in a closed position , as shown in fig5 they define a cavity ( not shown ) for the mold of the body portion 24 of the container 10 and grasp the neck portion 12 therein and form the helical threads 14 . helical thread 14 has a pitch in the range of 0 to 8 threads per inch . as shown in fig5 a , the recessed portions 20 a and 20 b in the helical thread 14 are formed by the fingers 32 a , 32 b , 32 c and 32 d of the mold halves 30 a and 30 b , respectively . the horizontal recess formed by recessed portions 20 a and 20 b comprise a first notch disposed on a first side of the slot and a second notch disposed on a second side of the slot with the first notch juxtaposed relative to the second notch so as to horizontally traverse the slot . in the preferred embodiment , a container 10 with a neck finish 12 of the present invention is formed by placing a parison of a selected moldable material , such as , for example polyethylene terephthalate ( pet ), or high density polyethylene ( hdpe ), within a cavity of the mold . the preferred embodiment also creates the mold cavity upon the bringing together of the mold halves 30 a and 30 b , as shown in fig5 . alternate embodiments using more than two mold sections create a mold cavity when their mold sections are brought together axially . a vertically molded core ( not shown ) of a molding device is inserted into the cavity thereby engaging with the parison . in a form of compression - molding , the parison is next formed into a preselected configuration defined by the spatial relationship of the core and the cavity in the mold 30 resulting in the formation of a container 10 . additionally , a blow - molding process can be used to create the container 10 . after the container 10 has been formed , the mold halves 30 a and 30 b are then horizontally separated as the mold halves 30 a and 30 b move horizontally away from the container . furthermore , at the initial separation of the mold halves , the fingers 32 a , 32 b , 32 c and 32 d form the recesses 20 a and 20 b in the helical thread 14 in order to allow clearance of the mold from the neck finish and avoid distortion of the helical thread 14 , even if the helical threads 14 are of a steep pitch , as the halves 30 a and 30 b separate . the foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness of understanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom for modifications will become obvious to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims . | 1 |
a radically curable compound of the present invention provides is represented by general formula ( 1 ) below . ( in the formula , r 1 and r 2 are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms , r 3 and r 4 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl group , m and n are each independently an integer of 1 to 4 , and x is an aromatic hydrocarbon group or an aromatic hydrocarbon group substituted by an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms .) in the general formula ( 1 ), r 1 and r 2 are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms . the alkyl groups give high heat resistance to a cured product . among the alkyl groups , a methyl group is preferred because it can impart high rigidity to a molecule by suppressing molecular motion , impart higher heat resistance to the cured product , impart an electron donating property to a phenolic benzene nucleus , and is industrially easily available . in addition , r 3 and r 4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a methyl group . when r 3 and r 4 are each independently a hydrogen atom , a high curing rate and high adhesion to a substrate can be achieved , while when r 3 and r 4 are each independently a methyl group , low curing contraction , high water resistance , and high hardness can be achieved . in the general formula ( 1 ), m and n are each independently preferably an integer of 1 to 3 . in view of the resultant cured product having excellent heat resistance , preferred examples of x in the general formula ( 1 ) include a benzene ring , a benzene ring substituted by an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms , a naphthalene ring , and a naphthalene ring substituted by an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms . examples of the radically curable compound having , as x in the general formula ( 1 ), a benzene ring or a benzene ring substituted by an alky group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms include the following compounds : ( in the formulae , r 1 , r 2 , and r 5 are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms , r 3 and r 4 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl group , m and n are each independently an integer of 1 to 4 , and p is an integer of 1 to 5 .) examples of the radically curable compound having , as x in the general formula ( 1 ), a naphthalene ring or a naphthalene ring substituted by an alky group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms include the following compounds : ( in the formulae , r 1 , r 2 , r 6 , and r 7 are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms , r 3 and r 4 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl group , m and n are each independently an integer of 1 to 4 , and a total of q and r is an integer of 1 to 7 .) examples of the radically polymerizable compound represented by the general formula ( 3 - 1 ) include compounds represented by general formula ( 3 - 1 - 1 ) and general formula ( 3 - 1 - 2 ) below . in addition , examples of the radically polymerizable compound represented by the general formula ( 3 - 2 ) include compounds represented by general formula ( 3 - 2 - 1 ) and general formula ( 3 - 2 - 2 ) below . ( in the formulae , r 1 and r 2 are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms , r 3 and r 4 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl group , and m and n are each independently an integer of 1 to 4 .) ( in the formulae , r 1 , r 2 , r 6 , and r 7 are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms , r 3 and r 4 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl group , m and n are each independently an integer of 1 to 4 , and a total of q and r is an integer of 1 to 7 .) among these radically curable compounds of the present invention , the radically curable compound having , as x in the general formula ( 1 ), a structure substituted by an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms is preferred because it has good solvent solubility . specifically , radically curable compounds represented by the general formula ( 2 - 2 ), the general formula ( 3 - 2 ), the general formula ( 3 - 2 - 1 ), and the general formula ( 3 - 2 - 2 ) are preferred . the radically curable compound of the present invention can be easily produced by the production method of the present invention in which , for example , a polycondensate ( a ) of alkyl - substituted phenol ( a1 ) and aromatic aldehyde ( a2 ) is reacted with ( meth ) acrylic acid halide ( b ). in the present invention , “( meth ) acrylic acid ” refers to one or both of “ acrylic acid ” and “ methacrylic acid ”. the alkyl - substituted phenol ( a1 ) is a compound having alkyl groups substituted for part or all of the hydrogen atoms bonded to a phenol aromatic ring . the alkyl groups are , for example , alkyl groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms , and particularly methyl groups are preferred . examples of the alkyl - substituted phenol ( a1 ) include monoalkylphenols such as o - cresol , m - cresol , p - cresol , o - ethylphenol , m - ethylphenol , p - ethylphenol , p - octylphenol , p - tert - butylphenol , o - cyclohexylphenol , m - cyclohexylphenol , p - cyclohexylphenol , and the like ; dialkylphenols such as 2 , 5 - xylenol , 3 , 5 - xylenol , 3 , 4 - xylenol , 2 , 4 - xylenol , 2 , 6 - xylenol , and the like ; trialkylphenols such as 2 , 3 , 5 - trimethylphenol , 2 , 3 , 6 - trimethylphenol , and the like . among these alkyl - substituted phenols , those having two alkyl groups as substituents of a phenol aromatic ring are preferred , and 2 , 5 - xylenol and 2 , 6 - xylenol are particularly preferred . these alkyl - substituted phenols ( a1 ) can be used alone or in combination of two or more . the aromatic aldehyde ( a2 ) is a compound having at least one aldehyde group in an aromatic ring . when an aromatic aldehyde having an aromatic ring substituted by an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms is used as the aromatic aldehyde ( a2 ), the radically curable compound having good solvent solubility , specifically the radically curable compounds represented by the general formula ( 2 - 2 ), the general formula ( 3 - 2 ), the general formula ( 3 - 2 - 1 ), and the general formula ( 3 - 2 - 2 ), can be produced . examples of the aromatic aldehyde ( a2 ) include benzaldehyde ; hydroxybenzaldehydes such as salicylaldehyde , m - hydroxybenzaldehyde , p - hydroxybenzaldehyde , and the like ; dihydroxybenzaldehydes such as 2 , 4 - dihydroxybenzaldehyde , 3 , 4 - dihydroxybenzaldehyde , and the like ; alkylbenzaldehydes such as p - tolualdehyde , cuminaldehyde , and the like ; alkoxybenzaldehydes such as anisaldehyde , 3 , 4 - dimethoxybenzaldehyde , and the like ; vanillic compounds such as vanillin , ortho - vanillin , iso - vanillin , ethyl vanillin , and the like ; phthalaldehydes such as terephthalaldehyde , isophthalaldehyde , and the like ; naphthoaldehydes such as 1 - naphthoaldehyde , 2 - naphthoaldehyde , and the like : and hydroxynaphthoaldehydes such as 2 - hydroxy - 1 - naphthoaldehyde , 6 - hydroxy - 2 - naphthoaldehyde , and the like . among these aromatic aldehydes , at least one aldehyde selected from the group consisting of benzaldehydes , hydroxybenzaldehydes , and naphthoaldehydes is preferred in view of industrially easy availability and excellent balance between heat resistance and alkali solubility . these aromatic aldehydes ( a2 ) can be used alone or in combination of two or more . examples of a halide of the ( meth ) acrylic acid halide ( b ) include fluorine , chlorine , bromine , iodine , and astatine . specific examples of the ( meth ) acrylic acid halide include ( meth ) acrylic acid chloride , ( meth ) acrylic acid bromide , ( meth ) acrylic acid iodide , and the like . among these ( meth ) acrylic acid halides , ( meth ) acrylic acid chloride is preferred because of high reactivity and easy availability . the method for producing the radically curable compound of the present invention is , for example , a method including three steps described below . a crude product containing the polycondensate ( a ) is produced in a reaction solution by polycondensation of the alkyl - substituted phenol ( a1 ) and the aromatic aldehyde ( a2 ) in the presence of an acid catalyst . the polycondensate ( a ) produced in the step 1 is isolated from the reaction solution . the polycondensate ( a ) isolated in the step 2 is reacted with the ( meth ) acrylic acid halide ( b ) in the presence of a base . examples of the acid catalyst used in the step 1 include acetic acid , oxalic acid , sulfuric acid , hydrochloric acid , phenolsulfonic acid , para - toluenesulfonic acid , zinc acetate , manganese acetate , and the like . these acid catalysts can be used alone or in combination of two or more . among these acid catalyst , sulfuric acid and para - toluenesulfonic acid are preferred in view of excellent activity . the acid catalyst may be added before the reaction or during the reaction . in the step 1 , if required , the polycondensate may be produced in the presence of a solvent . examples of the solvent include monoalcohols such as methanol , ethanol , propanol , and the like ; polyols such as ethylene glycol , 1 , 2 - propanediol , 1 , 3 - propanediol , 1 , 4 - butanediol , 1 , 5 - pentanediol , 1 , 6 - hexanediol , 1 , 7 - heptanediol , 1 , 8 - octanediol , 1 , 9 - nonanediol , trimethylene glycol , diethylene glycol , polyethylene glycol , glycerin , and the like ; glycol ethers such as 2 - ethoxyethanol , ethylene glycol monomethyl ether , ethylene glycol monoethyl ether , ethylene glycol monopropyl ether , ethylene glycol monobutyl ether , ethylene glycol monopentyl ether , ethylene glycol dimethyl ether , ethylene glycol ethylmethyl ether , ethylene glycol monophenyl ether , and the like ; cyclic ethers such as 1 , 3 - dioxane , 1 , 4 - dioxane , tetrahydrofuran , and the like ; glycol esters such as ethylene glycol acetate and the like ; and ketones such as acetone , methyl ethyl ketone , methyl isobutyl ketone , and the like . these solvents can be used alone or in combination of two or more . among these solvents , 2 - ethoxyethanol is preferred in view of excellent solubility of the resultant compound . in the step 1 , the reaction temperature of polycondensation of the alkyl - substituted phenol ( a1 ) and the aromatic aldehyde ( a2 ) is , for example , 60 to 140 ° c . also , the reaction time is , for example , 0 . 5 to 100 hours . in the step 1 , a feed ratio [( a1 )/( a2 )] of the alkyl - substituted phenol ( a1 ) to the aromatic aldehyde ( a2 ) is preferably in a range of 1 / 0 . 2 to 1 / 0 . 5 , more preferably in a range of 1 / 0 . 25 to 1 / 0 . 45 , in terms of molar ratio because the unreacted alkyl - substituted phenol can be easily removed , and the reaction product with high purity can be produced in high yield . an example of the polycondensate ( a ) resulting from the polycondensation in the step 1 is a compound represented by general formula ( 4 ) below . ( in the formula , r 1 and r 2 are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms , r 3 and r 4 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl group , m and n are each independently an integer of 1 to 4 , and x is an aromatic hydrocarbon group or an aromatic hydrocarbon group substituted by an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms .) specific examples of the compound represented by the general formula ( 4 ) include compounds represented by general formula ( 4 - 1 ) and general formula ( 4 - 2 ) below . ( in the formula , r 1 and r 2 are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms , and m and n are each independently an integer of 1 to 4 .) examples of the compound represented by the general formula ( 4 - 2 ) include compounds represented by general formulae below . ( in the formulae , r 1 , r 2 , m , and n are the same as the above .) as described above , the radically curable compound having excellent solvent solubility can be produced by using , as the aromatic aldehyde ( a2 ), an aromatic aldehyde having an aromatic ring substituted by an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms . examples of the polycondensate produced by using the aromatic aldehyde having an aromatic ring substituted by an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms include compounds represented by general formulae below . ( in the formulae , r 1 , r 2 , and r 5 to r 7 are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 8 ′ carbon atoms , m and n are each independently an integer of 1 to 4 , p is an integer of 1 to 5 , and a total of q and r is an integer of 1 to 7 .) examples of the compound represented by the general formula ( 5 - 2 ) include compounds represented by general formulae below . ( in the formulae , r 1 , r 2 , r 5 to r 7 , m , n , p are the same as the above .) in the second step , the polycondensate ( a ) is isolated from the reaction solution . in this step , impurities such as unreacted compounds ( a1 ) and ( a2 ) are removed from the polycondensate ( a ) to increase crystallinity of the resultant radically curable compound of the present invention . as a result , the radically curable compound of the present invention can be easily closely packed . the radically curable compound of the present invention is cured as it is closely packed . consequently , molecular motion of the cured product is suppressed , and heat resistance of 2 times or more as high as usual , i . e ., a glass transition temperature of 400 ° c . or more , can be exhibited . a method for isolating the polycondensate ( a ) from the reaction solution in the step 2 is , for example , a method in which the reaction solution is poured into a poor solvent ( s1 ) which does not dissolve or slightly dissolves the reaction product to produce precipitates , which are then filtered off , the precipitates are dissolved in a solvent ( s2 ) which dissolves the reaction product and is miscible with the poor solvent ( s1 ) and again poured into the poor solvent ( s1 ), and the resultant precipitates are filtered off . examples of the poor solvent ( s1 ) used in this step include water , monoalcohols such as methanol , ethanol , propanol , and the like ; aliphatic hydrocarbons such as n - hexane , n - heptane , n - octane , cyclohexane , and the like ; and aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene , xylene , and the like . among these poor solvents ( s1 ), water and methanol are preferred because the acid catalyst can be simultaneously removed with high efficiency . on the other hand , examples of the solvent ( s2 ) include monoalcohols such as methanol , ethanol , propanol , and the like ; polyols such as ethylene glycol , 1 , 2 - propanediol , 1 , 3 - propanediol , 1 , 4 - butanediol , 1 , 5 - pentanediol , 1 , 6 - hexanediol , 1 , 7 - heptanediol , 1 , 8 - octanediol , 1 , 9 - nonanediol , trimethylene glycol , diethylene glycol , polyethylene glycol , glycerin , and the like ; glycol ethers such as 2 - ethoxyethanol , ethylene glycol monomethyl ether , ethylene glycol monoethyl ether , ethylene glycol monopropyl ether , ethylene glycol monobutyl ether , ethylene glycol monopentyl ether , ethylene glycol dimethyl ether , ethylene glycol ethylmethyl ether , ethylene glycol monophenyl ether , and the like ; cyclic ethers such as 1 , 3 - dioxane , 1 , 4 - dioxane , and the like ; glycol esters such as ethylene glycol acetate and the like ; and ketones such as acetone , methyl ethyl ketone , methyl isobutyl ketone , and the like . when water is used as the poor solvent ( s1 ), acetone is preferred as the solvent ( s2 ). only one type or combination of two or more types of each of the poor solvent ( s1 ) and the solvent ( s2 ) can be used . examples of the base used in the step 3 include alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide , potassium hydroxide , and the like ; alkali metal carbonates such as sodium carbonate , potassium carbonate , cesium carbonate , and the like ; tertiary amines such as triethylamine , trimethylamine , and the like ; pyridine ; and the like . among the bases , potassium carbonate and tertiary amines are preferred in view of the ease of removal from the reaction system after the reaction between the polycondensate ( a ) and the ( meth ) acrylic acid halide ( b ), and potassium carbonate and triethylamine are more preferred . if required , a solvent may be used in the step 3 . examples of the solvent include monoalcohols such as methanol , ethanol , propanol , and the like ; polyols such as ethylene glycol , 1 , 2 - propanediol , 1 , 3 - propanediol , 1 , 4 - butanediol , 1 , 5 - pentanediol , 1 , 6 - hexanediol , 1 , 7 - heptanediol , 1 , 8 - octanediol , 1 , 9 - nonanediol , trimethylene glycol , diethylene glycol , polyethylene glycol , glycerin , and the like ; glycol ethers such as 2 - ethoxyethanol , ethylene glycol monomethyl ether , ethylene glycol monoethyl ether , ethylene glycol monopropyl ether , ethylene glycol monobutyl ether , ethylene glycol monopentyl ether , ethylene glycol dimethyl ether , ethylene glycol ethylmethyl ether , ethylene glycol monophenyl ether , and the like ; cyclic ethers such as 1 , 3 - dioxane , 1 , 4 - dioxane , tetrahydrofuran , and the like ; glycol esters such as ethylene glycol acetate and the like ; and ketones such as acetone , methyl ethyl ketone , methyl isobutyl ketone , and the like . these solvents can be used alone or in combination of two or more . among these solvents , tetrahydrofuran , methyl ethyl ketone , methyl isobutyl ketone are preferred in view of excellent solubility of the resultant compound . in the step 3 , the reaction temperature of reaction of the polycondensate ( a ) and the ( meth ) acrylic acid halide ( b ) is , for example , 20 to 80 ° c . also , the reaction time is , for example , 1 to 30 hours . in the step 3 , a feed ratio of the polycondensate ( a ) to the ( meth ) acrylic acid halide ( b ) is preferably in a range of 1 / 1 to 1 / 3 , more preferably in a range of 1 / 1 to 1 / 2 . 5 , in terms of molar ratio [( a ′)/( b )] wherein a ′ represents the number of moles of phenolic hydroxyl groups possessed by the polycondensate ( a ) because the radically curable compound of the present invention can be produced with high purity in high yield . the radically curable compound of the present invention , preferably the radically curable compound of the present invention which is produced through the above - described steps 1 to 3 , can be cured by adding a polymerization initiator and applying active energy rays or heat to form a cured product . when the radically curable compound of the present invention is cured by radical polymerization under irradiation with active energy rays , an intramolecular cleavage - type photopolymerization initiator or hydrogen abstraction - type photopolymerization initiator is used as the polymerization initiator . examples of the intramolecular cleavage - type photopolymerization initiator include acetophenone - based compounds such as 1 - hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone , diethoxy acetophenone , 2 - hydroxy - 2 - methyl - 1 - phenylpropan - 1 - one , benzyl dimethyl ketal , 1 -( 4 - isopropylphenyl )- 2 - hydroxy - 2 - methylpropan - 1 - one , 4 -( 2 - hydroxyethoxy ) phenyl -( 2 - hydroxy - 2 - propyl ) ketone , 2 - methyl - 2 - morpholino ( 4 - thiomethylphenyl ) propan - 1 - one , 2 - benzyl - 2 - dimethylamino - 1 -( 4 - morpholinophenyl )- butanone , and the like ; benzoins such as benzoin , benzoin methyl ether , benzoin isopropyl ether , and the like ; acylphosphine oxide - based compounds such as 2 , 4 , 6 - trimethylbenzoin diphenylphosphine oxide , bis ( 2 , 4 , 6 - trimethylbenzoyl )- phenylphosphine oxide , and the like ; azo compounds such as 1 , 1 ′- azobisisobutyronitrile , 1 , 1 ′- azobiscyclohexanecarbonitrile , 2 - cyano - 2 - propylazoformamide , and the like ; benzyl ; methylphenyl glyoxyester ; and the like . examples of the hydrogen abstraction - type photopolymerization initiator include benzophenone - based compounds such as benzophenone , o - benzoyl benzoic acid methyl - 4 - phenylbenzophenone , 4 , 4 ′- dichlorobenzophenone , hydroxybenzophenone , 4 - benzoyl - 4 ′- methyl - diphenyl sulfide , acrylated benzophenone , 3 , 3 ′, 4 , 4 ′- tetra ( tert - butylperoxycarbonyl ) benzophenone , 3 , 3 ′- dimethyl - 4 - methoxybenzophenone , and the like ; thioxanthone - based compounds such as 2 - isopropylthioxanthone , 2 , 4 - dimethylthioxanthone , 2 , 4 - diethylthioxanthone , 2 , 4 - dichlorothioxanthone , and the like ; aminobenzophenone - based compounds such as michler &# 39 ; s ketone , 4 , 4 ′- diethyl aminobenzophenone , and the like ; 10 - butyl - 2 - chloroacridone , 2 - ethylanthraquinone ; 9 , 10 - phenanthrenequinone ; camphor quinone ; and the like . among the photopolymerization initiators , the acetophenone - based compounds such as 1 - hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone , 2 - hydroxy - 2 - methyl - 1 - phenylpropan - 1 - one , 1 -( 4 - isopropylphenyl )- 2 - hydroxy - 2 - methylpropan - 1 - one , 4 -( 2 - hydroxyethoxy ) phenyl -( 2 - hydroxy - 2 - propyl ) ketone , 2 - methyl - 2 - morpholino ( 4 - thiomethylphenyl ) propan - 1 - one , 2 - benzyl - 2 - dimethylamino - 1 -( 4 - morpholinophenyl )- butanone , and the like , and benzophenone are preferred , and 1 - hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone is particularly preferred . these photopolymerization initiators can be used alone or in combination of two or more . the amount of the photopolymerization initiator used is preferably 0 . 01 to 20 parts by mass , more preferably 0 . 1 to 15 % by mass , and still more preferably 0 . 5 to 10 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the radically curable compound of the present invention . when electron beams described below are used as active energy rays , the photopolymerization initiator is not required . examples of the active energy rays used for curing the radically curable compound of the present invention include ultraviolet rays and ionizing irradiations such as electron beams , α - rays , β - rays , γ - rays , and the like . examples of an energy source or curing apparatus which generates the active energy rays include a sterilization lamp , an ultraviolet lamp ( black light ), a carbon arc , a xenon lamp , a high - pressure mercury lamp for copying , a medium - or high - pressure mercury lamp , an ultrahigh - pressure mercury lamp , an electrodeless lamp , a metal halide lamp , an arf excimer laser -, ultraviolet led , ultraviolet light from a light source such as natural light or the like , electron beams from a scanning - or curtain - type electron beam accelerator , and the like . when the radically curable compound of the present invention is cured by heat radical polymerization , a heat radical polymerization initiator is used . examples of the heat radical polymerization initiator include organic peroxides such as benzoyl peroxide , di - tert - butyl peroxide , dicumyl peroxide , 3 , 3 , 5 - trimethylhexanoyl peroxide , di - 2 - ethylhexyl peroxydicarbonate , methyl ethyl ketone peroxide , tert - butyl peroxyphthalate , tert - butyl peroxybenzoate , di - tert - butyl peroxyacetate , tert - butyl peroxyisobutylate , tert - butyl peroxy - 2 - hexanoate , tert - butyl peroxy - 3 , 3 , 5 - trimethylhexanoate , and the like ; and azo compounds such as 1 , 1 ′- azobisisobutyronitrile , 1 , 1 ′- azobiscyclohexanecarbonitrile , 2 - cyano - 2 - propylazoformamide , and the like . among these heat radical polymerization initiators , benzoyl peroxide and 1 , 1 ′- azobisisobutyronitrile are preferred . in addition , these heat radical polymerization initiators can be used alone or in combination of two or more . the amount of the heat radical polymerization initiator used is preferably 0 . 01 to 20 parts by mass , more preferably 0 . 1 to 15 % by mass , and still more preferably 0 . 5 to 10 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the radically curable compound of the present invention . the present invention is described in further detail below by giving examples . methods for measuring an ir spectrum , a nmr spectrum , and a ms spectrum used for indentifying a compound are as described below . measurement was performed by a kbr pellet method using “ ft / ir - 500 ” manufactured by jasco corporation . structural analysis was performed by analyzing a dmso - d 6 solution of a sample using “ jnm - la300 ” manufactured by jeol ltd . measurement was performed by using “ axima - tof 2 ” manufactured by shimadzu corporation . in a 100 ml two - neck flask with a condenser and a thermometer , 3 . 66 g ( 30 mmol ) of 2 , 5 - xylenol and 1 . 06 g ( 10 mmol ) of benzaldehyde were placed and dissolved in 10 ml of 2 - ethoxyethanol . after 1 ml of sulfuric acid was added under cooling in an ice bath , the resultant solution was heated and stirred at 100 ° c . for 2 hours to induce reaction . after the reaction , the resultant solution was reprecipitated with water to produce a crude product containing a polycondensate of 2 , 5 - xylenol and benzaldehyde . the crude product was redissolved in acetone and further reprecipitated with water , and then the resultant product was filtered off and dried under vacuum to produce 3 . 08 g of light brown crystals of polycondensate ( a - 1 ). as a result of identification of the polycondensate ( a - 1 ) by measurement of an ir spectrum , a nmr spectrum , and a ms spectrum , the polycondensate ( a - 1 ) was confirmed to be a compound represented by formula ( 3 ) below . in a 100 ml two - neck flask with a condenser and a thermometer , 1 . 66 g ( 5 mmol ) of the polycondensate ( a - 1 ) produced in synthesis example 1 , 4 . 10 g ( 30 mmol ) of potassium carbonate , and 10 ml of tetrahydrofuran were placed , and stirring was started . then , 1 . 80 g ( 20 mmol ) of acrylic acid chloride was added dropwise over 30 minutes under cooling in an ice bath , and then the resultant mixture was heated and stirred at 70 ° c . for 12 hours to induce reaction . after the reaction , the resultant solution was filtered to separate a solid content , and a filtrate was mixed with 30 ml of chloroform and washed 3 times with 50 ml of water . an organic layer as a lower layer was isolated and dried with sodium sulfate , and then the solvent was distilled off under reduced pressure to yield 1 . 38 ° g of white needle - like crystals of radically curable compound ( 1 ). as a result of identification of the radically curable compound ( 1 ) by measurement of an ir spectrum , a nmr spectrum , and a ms spectrum , the compound ( 1 ) was confirmed to be a compound represented by formula ( 4 ) below . fig1 is a chart of the ir spectrum , fig2 is a chart of the 1 h - nmr spectrum , and fig3 is a chart of the 13 c - nmr spectrum . peak values in each of the 1 h - nmr spectrum , the 13 c - nmr spectrum , and the tof - ms spectrum are as described below . 2 . 0 - 2 . 1 ( 12h ; ar — ch 3 ), 5 . 4 - 5 . 6 ( 1h ; ar — ch ), 5 . 9 - 6 . 1 ( 4h ; c — ch 2 ), 6 . 2 - 6 . 3 ( 2h ; co — ch — c ), 6 . 5 - 7 . 3 ( 9h ; ar ) 16 . 0 , 19 . 2 , 49 . 4 , 123 . 4 , 126 . 3 , 126 . 9 , 127 . 9 , 128 . 3 , 129 . 8 , 131 . 7 , 132 . 3 , 135 . 4 , 142 . 3 , 143 . 0 , 164 . 4 a reaction was performed at 95 ° c . between 188 parts by mass of bisphenol a ( bpa )- type liquid epoxy resin (“ epiclon850 ” manufactured by dic corporation , epoxy equivalent 188 g / eq .) and 72 % by mass of acrylic acid ( ratio of number of epoxy groups : total number of carboxyl groups = 1 : 1 ) to yield 253 parts by mass of bpa - type epoxy acrylate as a transparent viscous liquid . a reaction was performed at 95 ° c . between 195 parts by mass of tetramethylbiphenyl - type liquid epoxy resin (“ jer yx - 4000h ” manufactured by mitsubishi chemical corporation , epoxy equivalent 195 g / eq .) and 72 parts by mass of acrylic acid ( ratio of number of epoxy groups : total number of carboxyl groups = 1 : 1 ) to yield 264 parts by mass of tetramethylbiphenyl - type epoxy acrylate as a transparent viscous liquid . a reaction was performed at 100 ° c . between 214 parts by mass of o - cresol novolac - type epoxy resin (“ epiclon n - 695 ” manufactured by dic corporation , epoxy equivalent 214 g / eq .) and 72 parts by mass of acrylic acid ( ratio of number of epoxy groups : total number of carboxyl groups = 1 : 1 ) to yield 273 parts by mass of cresol novolac - type epoxy acrylate as a yellow solid . cured products were prepared as described in examples 2 and 3 and comparative examples 1 to 6 using the acrylates produced in example 1 and comparative synthesis examples 1 to 3 . according to methods described below , the glass transition temperature of each of the cured products was measured , and heat resistance of each cured product was evaluated . the results are shown in table 1 . in a schlenk tube , 0 . 50 g of the radically curable compound ( 1 ) produced in example 1 , 0 . 05 g of a photopolymerization initiator (“ irgacure 184 ” manufactured by basf japan ltd . ; 1 - hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone ), and 0 . 5 g of tetrahydrofuran were placed and freeze - dried in a nitrogen atmosphere . the reactor was sealed and irradiated with light for 3 hours using a high - pressure mercury lamp provided with a 340 nm band - pass filter to cause photocuring . the resultant content was reprecipitated with methanol , and the resultant precipitates were filtered off and dried under vacuum to yield 0 . 35 g of a cured product of the radically curable compound ( 1 ). in a schlenk tube , 0 . 50 g of the radically curable compound ( 1 ) produced in example 1 , 0 . 01 g of a thermal polymerization initiator ( azobisisobutyronitrile ( manufactured by wako pure chemical co ., ltd . ; abbreviated as “ aibn ” hereinafter ), and 0 . 5 g of dichloroethane were placed and freeze - dried in a nitrogen atmosphere . the reactor was sealed and heated at 70 ° c . for 12 hours to cause heat - curing . the resultant content was reprecipitated with methanol , and the resultant precipitates were filtered off and dried under vacuum to yield 0 . 21 g of a cured product of the radically curable compound ( 1 ). except that the bpa - type epoxy acrylate produced in comparative synthesis example 1 was used in place of the radically curable compound ( 1 ) used in example 2 , the same operation as in example 2 was carried out to produce 0 . 23 g of a cured product of the bpa - type epoxy acrylate . except that the bpa - type epoxy acrylate produced in comparative synthesis example 1 was used in place of the radically curable compound ( 1 ) used in example 3 , the same operation as in example 3 was carried out to produce 0 . 13 g of a cured product of the bpa - type epoxy acrylate . except that the tetramethylbiphenyl - type epoxy acrylate produced in comparative synthesis example 2 was used in place of the radically curable compound ( 1 ) used in example 2 , the same operation as in example 2 was carried out to produce 0 . 35 g of a cured product of the tetramethylbiphenyl - type epoxy acrylate . except that the tetramethylbiphenyl - type epoxy acrylate produced in comparative synthesis example 2 was used in place of the radically curable compound ( 1 ) used in example 3 , the same operation as in example 3 was carried out to produce 0 . 33 g of a cured product of the tetramethylbiphenyl - type epoxy acrylate . except that the cresol novolac - type epoxy acrylate produced in comparative synthesis example 3 was used in place of the radically curable compound ( 1 ) used in example 2 , the same operation as in example 2 was carried out to produce 0 . 37 g of a cured product of the cresol novolac - type epoxy acrylate . except that the cresol novolac - type epoxy acrylate produced in comparative synthesis example 3 was used in place of the radically curable compound ( 1 ) used in example 3 , the same operation as in example 3 was carried out to produce 0 . 42 g of a cured product of the cresol novolac - type epoxy acrylate . a glass transition temperature ( abbreviated as “ tg ” hereinafter ) was measured using a differential scanning calorimeter “ differential scanning calorimeter ( dsc ) □ 100 ” manufactured by ta instruments inc .) in a nitrogen atmosphere under the conditions of a temperature range of 25 to 450 ° c . and a heating rate of 10 ° c ./ min . the heat resistance was evaluated by the temperature tg obtained by the measurement according to criteria below . b : tg of 250 ° c . or more and less than 300 ° c . c : tg of 200 ° c . or more and less than 250 ° c . the raw materials before curing , tg value , and the results of heat resistance evaluation of each of the cured products produced in examples 2 and 3 and comparative examples 1 to 6 are summarized in table 1 . in examples 2 and 3 , tg of “& gt ; 400 ” represents that a glass transition point is not shown at a temperature higher than 400 ° c . and thermal decomposition takes place . the results shown in table 1 reveal that the cured products ( examples 2 and 3 ) of the radically curable compound produced in example 1 do not show a glass transition point at a temperature higher than 400 c and cause thermal decomposition , and thus have very good heat resistance . on the other hand , the cured products of epoxy acrylates of comparative examples 1 to 6 , which have been considered to have high heat resistance , have a tg of 158 ° c . to 229 ° c . and thus have heat resistance inferior to the cured products of the radically curable compound of the present invention . | 2 |
phosphorus sorbing materials can be used in an isolated structure for treating phosphorus rich runoff prior to reaching surface bodies of water . examples of phosphorus removal efforts include construction of a phosphorus removal structure in a surface water drainage ditch . such a structure contains an iron rich by - product that possesses a high phosphorus sorption capacity . testing with such a structure revealed that , in a single rainfall event that lasted nearly 18 h , the structure removed 99 % of the dissolved phosphorus that entered it . one disadvantage of the iron rich by - product was that it had low hydraulic conductivity . therefore the amount of water that can be treated with such a device can be limited depending on the material used . for example , a sieved steel slag can handle extremely high flow rates . if a material of low hydraulic conductivity is utilized , then a larger surface area and shallow depth is necessary in order to achieve the desired flow rate . the methods presented in the present disclosure are able to account for this and other factors . a by - product from the steel industry that has potential for use in phosphorus removal structures is steel slag . both ca and fe rich waste products can be utilized to treat wastewater streams . in addition , it has been found that a mixture of “ basic ” and “ melter ” slag backfilled around subsurface drainage pipes and overlaid by phosphorus rich topsoils can significantly reduce dissolved phosphorus concentrations in drainage waters . in another study , a melter slag was utilized as a filter material at a wastewater treatment plant for 11 years . it was found that 77 % of total phosphorus was removed during the first 5 years of operation . the phosphorus removal structures of the present disclosure , in one embodiment , are designed to force flowing water through sorption materials such as industrial byproducts . clean water is allowed to exit the structure , which is designed to prevent the sorption material from being lost . reference is now made to fig1 , which is aside cutaway diagram of an exemplary p removal system according to the present disclosure . in fig1 the system 100 comprises a cell 106 placed at the outlet of a spillway 102 ( or other landscape ). water ( containing phosphorous contamination ) flows into the cell 106 , which contains a quantity of an industrial by product 108 that absorbs phosphorous ( e . g ., slag ). an outlet 110 is provides that allows the water 104 to escape the cell 106 , but which retains the byproduct 108 . the cell 106 will be placed such that the water generally flows through the cell toward the outlet 110 as shown by arrow a . referring now to fig2 , a cell 106 is shown in perspective . the cell 106 may be made from a metal , a polymer , or some other resilient material that will prevent water from escaping except via the outlet 110 . supports and other auxiliary structures may be utilized as needed . the outlet 110 may be provided with a screen or other water permeable covering to retain the byproduct 108 , but allow water to escape . it is understood that the flow rate and retention time of water entering the cell 106 may be controlled by adjustment of the dimensions of the cell , the dimensions of the opening , and by the physical characteristics of the by - product 108 . in implementing a p removal system 100 , it is useful to be able to predict the amount of phosphorous that can be removed over a given time , the expected useful lifetime of the system 100 , and other information . thus a design model is disclosed herein that incorporates such information that may be useful in designing and implementing a p removal system . the design model of the present disclosure is useful for designing phosphorus removal structures . some uses for the model include estimating the amount , or mass , of a by - product ( i . e ., filtration materials ) of interest necessary for removing a targeted load of a dissolved phosphorus , and estimate how much phosphorus a given structure will remove . in one embodiment , input to the model comprises : basic laboratory characterization of the material of interest : ph , buffer capacity , total al , ca , and fe , ammonium oxalate extractable al and fe , water soluble ca , bulk density , hydraulic conductivity , and mean particle size ; desired retention time for the potential structure ; and average dissolved p concentrations in runoff at the site of interest . the amount of phosphorus that can be removed by a phosphorus removal structure ( e . g ., 100 of fig1 ) is a function of : ( i ) chemical properties of the sorption materials being used ; ( ii ) flow rate / retention time of water passing through the structure ( iii ) mass of sorption materials used ; ( iv ) and phosphorus concentrations in the water to be treated . the system of the present disclosure is useful for removing dissolved phosphorus from surface runoff or drainage water by sorption ( e . g ., precipitation or ligand exchange , of phosphorus onto sorption materials ). non - limiting examples of sorption materials include acid mine drainage residuals , flue gas desulfurization gypsum , steel slag , and drinking water treatment residuals . these are all considered industrial by - products in most respect and would often be considered a waste product . when the p removal system is no longer functional ( e . g ., the by - product 108 has adsorbed all the p that is can ) the by - product 108 can be removed and replaced with fresh material . however , it is also possible to recharge the material in situ to extend the lifespan of the system 100 . in one embodiment , steel slag is used as a sorption material and may be recharged by application of a highly sorptive mineral product to the saturated steel slag . this may also be more cost effective that removing and replacing the byproduct 108 . in one experiment , a large scale flow - through unit was constructed to treat water in a small pond , i . e ., approximately 405 m 2 , located at the at the oklahoma state university turfgrass research farm . the pond receives subsurface drainage from research turfgrass plots and typically displays dissolved phosphorus concentrations of approximately 0 . 5 mg l − 1 . the pond was a “ closed ” system with no spillway . a flow - through unit was housed in a small plastic building and comprised a 0 . 5 horse power electric well pump that delivered pond water into the top of a 960 l stock tank that contained 454 kg of sieved slag . the average particle size of the slag was 7 mm in diameter . the hydraulic conductivity was 0 . 68 cm / sec , the bulk density was 1 . 8 g / cm 3 , and the porosity was 38 %. a drainage outlet at the bottom of the tank was connected to a 1 . 27 cm diameter hose which allowed treated water to return back to the pond . the water pump was wired to a float switch that prevented overflow of the tank . the pump was also wired to a timer to control flow events . water was applied to the slag material for 20 h day − 1 allowing a 4 h rest period to prevent the pump from overheating . treated and pre - treated water , i . e . outflow and inflow , was sampled at 0 , 10 , and 19 . 5 hours after initiation of a daily flow - through event . for the normal steel slag material , this occurred for 22 continuous days . after the normal slag was “ spent ” ( e . g ., when inflow equaled outflow phosphorus concentration ), the normal slag material was washed in the tank with clean tap water to remove sediment . after washing , a treatment process was initiated in situ for slag “ rejuvenation ”. rejuvenation included precipitating amorphous al hydroxide minerals on the surface of the alkaline slag material . a drain plug was affixed in the drain line of the tank . approximately 134 l of a 0 . 17 m aluminum sulfate solution ( al 2 [ so 4 ] 3 . 12h 2 o ) was poured into the tank , submersing all slag . slag was “ soaked ” in the aluminum sulfate solution for 48 h before the drain plug was removed and all drainage water was collected and disposed of . the post - soaked or “ treated slag ” was allowed to air dry for one week . approximately 1 kg of the treated slag was removed from the tank for future laboratory characterization and experimentation . pond flow - through experimentation was then conducted in the same manner as the normal slag previously tested . discrete phosphorus sorption (%) under flow - through conditions was averaged among replications and described as a function of phosphorus added to the materials ( mg kg − 1 ) using an exponential model ( fig2 ). the relationship between discrete phosphorus sorption and phosphorus added for every rt ( retention time ), and p combination was found to be statistically significant at p & lt ; 0 . 05 based on use of the sas ( sas institute , 2003 , sas user &# 39 ; s guide : statistics , sas inst . cary , n . c .) “ proc reg ” command of an analysis program that conducted a regression analysis between discrete p removed and padded ( it is understood that other linear regression techniques may be suitable ). two multiple linear regression ( mlr ) models were then constructed to predict the slope and intercept of this “ design curve ” ( fig2 ) as a function of phosphorus concentration and rt . because the slope and intercepts were not normally distributed , these parameters were log transformed before producing the multiple linear regression model . the multiple linear regression model was produced using the sas “ proc reg ” command with rt and p concentration as the independent variables . all four multiple linear regression models ( two for each material ) were significant at p & lt ; 0 . 01 . the formula for discrete p removal (%) under flow - through conditions is described as a function of p added ( x in equation 1 , below ) to the materials ( mg p added kg - 1 psm ) using an exponential model : where b is the y intercept and m is the slope coefficient for this relationship . one can determine how much cumulative phosphorus is removed by integration of the exponential equation : in this case , “ cumulative p removed ” is the total amount of phosphorus that has been sorbed by the material up to point x , wherein p added to the material is in mg kg − 1 . this is expressed as a percentage of x . variables m and b are the slope and intercept , respectively , for the exponential relationship between x ( p added ) and discrete p removal (%). the point at which the design curve approaches zero percent discrete p removal represents the maximum amount of p that can be added ( in units of mg p kg − 1 ) to the material at p saturation . in other words , this is the point at which the p concentration inflow = p concentration outflow . the amount of p added to reach this point of p saturation is described by the following function : this value of maximum p added can then be inserted as variable “ x ” into equation 2 along with the m and b values for that particular rt and p concentration of interest . the resulting cumulative p removed represents the maximum overall p removal under those conditions . total concentrations of ca , mg , fe , and al ( table 1 ) were similar to those reported for eaf slag in previous studies , ( see , e . g ., drizo , a . y . comeau , c . forget , and r . p . chapuis , 2002 , “ phosphorus saturation potential : a parameter for estimating the longevity of constructed wetland systems ,” eng . sci . tech . 36 : 4642 - 4648 ; and proctor , d . m ., k . a . fehling , e . c . shay , j . l . wittenborn , j . j . green , c . avent , r . d . bagham , m . connolly , b . lee , t . o . shepker , and m . s . zak , 2000 , “ physical and chemical characteristics of blast furnace , basic oxygen furnace , and electric arc furnace steel industry slag ,” environ , sci . technol . 34 : 1576 - 1582 ) which are hereby incorporated by reference . the slag was dominated with ca and fe and the ph for the normal slag was relatively high , i . e ., 10 . 9 ; see table 1 . normal slag possessed some alkalinity but this was small compared to the finer sized fractions typically reported . for example , when expressed as calcium carbonate equivalent ( cce ), normal slag contained only 0 . 07 % compared to 18 to 80 % reported for the fine fractions . the elevated ph and ca concentrations are typical considering the presence of portlandite ( ca [ oh ] 2 ), calcite ( caco 3 ), and calcium silicate ( ca 2 sio 4 ) identified by x - ray diffraction ( table 1 ). after the normal slag was saturated with phosphorus from use in the pond filter and subsequent treatment with aluminum sulfate solution , some chemical properties were altered . the treated slag appeared visibly different from normal slag in that the former contained a white precipitant powder around the individual slag pieces . the most obvious chemical changes included a decrease in ph and alkalinity and increase in total s , al , water soluble ca and s ( see , table 1 ). acidification treatment with aluminum sulfate clearly decreased ph and added al and s . dissolution of the ca hydroxide , i . e ., portlandite , and calcite minerals via acidification not only increased the water solubility of ca but also resulted in the formation of gypsum ( caso 4 ) with the added s from aluminum sulfate . water soluble al decreased with treatment due to the decrease in ph ; al becomes soluble at alkaline and acid ph but is precipitated as al hydroxide minerals at near neutral ph . the increase in total al from aluminum sulfate treatment is likely in the form of an amorphous al hydroxide since no al minerals were detected by x - ray diffraction . previous studies indicate that , for the ca contained in slag materials to effectively precipitate phosphorus from solution , the ca must be soluble and the solution ph buffered above 7 . although the normal slag has less soluble ca compared to the treated slag , the alkalinity and ph of normal slag is higher than treated slag , potentially making the soluble ca more effective at precipitating phosphorus from solution . previous studies have demonstrated that the acid neutralizing capacity of crystalline and amorphous slags are well related to the phosphorus saturation capacity . the soluble ca found in treated slag is likely in the form of gypsum , which has been shown to be a somewhat effective phosphorus sorbent . in addition , the amorphous al hydroxides formed in the treated slag would be an effective phosphorus sorbent via ligand exchange of phosphorus onto terminal hydroxide groups . this mechanism would also occur on any fe oxide / hydroxide minerals present in either material . the normal slag displayed a higher k value ( langmuir binding strength coefficient ) than treated slag ( 2 . 43 l mg − 1 vs . 0 . 007 l mg − 1 ; standard error = 1 . 81 and 0 . 167 for normal and treated slag , respectively ). a larger k value is often considered to indicate greater affinity for phosphorus compared to lesser values . on the other hand , s max ( maximum sorption capacity of the soil ) was less for normal slag compared to treated slag ( 686 vs . 6517 mg kg − 1 ; standard error = 107 and 1318 for normal and treated slag , respectively ). the higher k value for normal slag may be due to the greater “ potency ” of the dissolved ca in normal slag to precipitate phosphorus since this material possessed a higher ph and alkalinity compared to the treated slag . however , at higher concentrations of added phosphorus combined with greater soluble ca concentrations of treated slag , the treated slag may sorb more phosphorus than normal slag as suggested by the higher s max of treated slag . results of the large scale pond flow - through experiment utilizing normal and treated slag are shown in fig4 . flow rate was 8 . 5 lmin − 1 and pond water was pumped into materials for 20 h per day ( 10 , 200 l per day ). details on experiment parameters and results are shown in table 2 . similar to results from laboratory flow - through experiments , the decrease in discrete phosphorus removal with phosphorus addition between materials is similar but the initial phosphorus removal ( i . e . y intercept ) was greater for normal than treated slag . pond phosphorus conditions were similar for each experiment ( see , table 2 ). the ph of pond water during this experiment was 7 . 2 to 8 . 0 , which was in the typical range for this particular pond prior to initiation of pumping . actual phosphorus ( p ) removal was 59 and 54 mg p kg − 1 overall ( i . e . cumulative ) for normal and treated slag , respectively . although the rt and p concentrations were slightly out of the range of flow - through model development conditions ( i . e . rt & gt ; 8 min and p & lt ; 0 . 5 mg l − i ; table 2 ), the predictions were reasonable ( fig4 and table 2 ). in another experiment , twelve different industrial by - products common in the u . s . were characterized and tested for p sorption . these materials include fly ash , steel slag , acid mine drainage residuals ( amdrs ), drinking water treatment residuals ( wtrs ), and flue gas desulfurization ( fgd ) gypsum . all acid mine drainage residuals ( amdrs ) were collected from pennsylvania . the amdr1 and amdr3 were both formed naturally from acid mine drainage water flowing out of an old well where iron became oxidized and precipitated after coming to the surface . acid mine drainage water that produced amdr3 was in contact with alkaline bedrock ( hedin , bob , hedin environmental , personal communication , 2011 ). acid mine drainage residuals 2 and 4 were collected from engineered facilities designed to remove acidity and precipitate fe from acid mine drainage water . these engineered facilities utilized calcium carbonate during the acid mine drainage treatment process . both fly - ash samples were a product of a fluidized bed combustion process at a coal fired power plant . fly - ash1 and fly - ash2 were from power plants located in muskogee , okla . and red rock , okla ., respectively . the fgd gypsum was obtained from u . s . gypsum ( baltimore , md .) and produced by a coal fired power generation plant , where lime or calcium oxide was used to “ scrub ” the sulfur in the flue gas , resulting in the formation of relatively pure gypsum ( caso 4 ). drinking water treatment residuals were collected from three different drinking water treatment plants . the al - wtr1 and al - wtr2 materials were collected from the ab - jewell and mohawk treatment facilities , respectively , located in tulsa , okla . aluminum sulfate was used as the flocculating agent at both facilities . the ca - wtr material is from the stillwater treatment facility located in stillwater , okla . calcium hydroxide was used at this facility . slag fines were the & lt ; 5 mm size fraction of electric arc furnace ( eaf ) steel slag collected from a steel production facility located in ft . smith , ark . ( tube city , ims ). excell minerals was a soil amendment intended to supply si to growing plants ( harsco minerals , mechanicsburg , pa .). all analyses were conducted in triplicate ( except xrd ) on air - dry samples sieved to 5 mm . material ph was measured with a ph meter using a solid : di ( de - ionized ) water ratio of 1 : 5 . electrical conductivity ( ec ) was also measured with a meter ( accument ab30 ) in the same solution . materials were ground prior to analysis of total elements by epa 3051 digestion method ( nitric and hydrochloric acid ; u . s . environmental protection agency , 1997 ). digestion solutions were analyzed for ca , mg , fe , and al by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy ( icp - aes ). samples were also extracted with di water at a 1 : 10 solid : solution ratio in 50 ml centrifuge tubes for 1 h ( low speed reciprocating shaker ) followed by filtration with a 0 . 45 μm filter and analysis for ca and mg by icp - aes . amorphous al and fe ( oxalate al and fe ) was determined by a 1 : 40 material : solution extraction ratio in a 50 ml centrifuge tube using 0 . 2m acid ammonium oxalate ( ph 3 ) and a 2 h reaction time ( low speed reciprocating shaker ) in the dark ( mckeague and day , 1966 ). extracted solutions were analyzed for al and fe by icp - aes . a batch β isotherm was conducted in order to compare the p sorption capacity of each material . briefly , 2 g of psm was reacted ( 16 h , low speed reciprocating shaker ) with a 30 ml solution containing 0 , 0 . 03 , 0 . 3 , 0 . 81 , 1 . 61 , 3 . 23 , 6 . 45 , 12 . 90 , 25 . 81 , 51 . 61 , and 103 . 23 mm p l - 1 made from potassium phosphate . the matrix solution consisted of 5 . 6 , 132 , 110 , 10 , and 17 mg l - 1 of mg , ca , s , na , and k , respectively , using chloride and sulfate salts , followed by adjustment to ph 7 . note that ionic strength only slightly varied due to differences in p concentrations only . this matrix was chosen as it was found to be representative of agricultural runoff measured in a previous study , located on the eastern shore of maryland , u . s . ( penn et al ., 2007 ). samples were then centrifuged at 2000 rpm for 15 min , followed by filtration with 0 . 45 μm millipore membranes , and subsequently analyzed for p using icp - aes . langmuir parameters k and smax ( p sorption maximum ) were estimated by a plot of solution equilibrated p concentration / p sorbed ( dependent variable ) against the solution equilibrated p concentration ( independent variable ). the slope and y intercept of this linear plot is 1 / smax and 1 / smax * k , respectively ( essington , 2004 ). each material was also analyzed for crystalline minerals by x - ray diffraction ( xrd ) on a philips ( now panalytical ; almelo , netherlands ) powder x - ray diffractometer . the ability of materials to maintain ph above 6 . 0 was determined by automatic titration ( titrilab 865 ; radiometer analytical , villeurbanne cedex , france ) on a stir plate with an hcl solution ( concentration dependent on material ) to ph 6 . 0 on 2 g material suspended in 10 ml of di water . this parameter will be referred to as “ buffer index ” ( bi ) for the remainder of the paper . blanks and known “ check ” samples were included for all analyses , except for xrd . in order to test the effect of retention time ( rt ) and p concentration on p sorption in a flow - through setting , flow - through cells ( high density polyethylene ) were constructed as described in desutter et al . ( 2006 ). a diagram of the setup is found in penn and mcgrath ( 2011 ). phosphorus sorption materials were mixed with acid washed , lab - grade sand ( pure si sand , 14808 - 60 - 7 ; acros organics , morris plains , n . j .) in order to achieve a total pore volume of 1 . 26 cm 3 ( 5 g of sand + psm ; 40 % porosity ) and then placed in a flow - through cell . the proportion of psm to sand varied depending on how p sorptive the material was . less psm mass was used for highly sorptive materials . the mass of psm material used in a flow through cell varied from 0 . 1 to 1 g . a suitable amount that would not result in 100 or 0 % p removal for the duration of the entire experiment was typically determined by trial and error . the purpose of this was to allow a more complete picture of p breakthrough ( i . e . p sorption curve ). a 0 . 45 μm filter was placed beneath the materials and the bottom of the cell was connected to a single channel peristaltic pump ( vwr variable rate “ low flow ” and “ ultra low flow ”, 61161 - 354 and 54856 - 070 ) using plastic tubing . the desired rt ( rt [ min ]= pore volume [ ml ]/ flow rate [ ml min − 1 ]) was achieved by varying the pump flow rate which pulled solution through the cell . flow rates required to achieve the desired rts of 0 . 5 , 3 , 6 , 8 , and 10 min were 2 . 5 , 0 . 42 , 0 . 21 , 0 . 16 , and 0 . 13 ml min − 1 , respectively . essentially , the rt is the amount of time required for the solution to pass through the cell . these rts represent a reasonable amount of time for runoff water to pass through a p removal structure ; while an excessive rt may be effective at p sorption , it will reduce the total amount of runoff that can be treated under high flow conditions for a given mass of material ( penn et al ., 2010 ). a constant head mariotte bottle apparatus was used to maintain a constant volume of p solution on the materials . materials were subjected to flow for 5 h in which the “ outflow ” from the cells was sampled at 0 , 30 , 60 , 90 , 120 , 150 , 180 , 210 , 240 , 270 , and 300 min . solutions were analyzed for p by the murphy - riley molybdate blue method ( murphy and riley , 1962 ). discrete p sorption onto materials was calculated at each sampling time as a percentage decrease in outflow relative to inflow p concentration ( i . e . source bottle ). five different p concentrations were tested ; 0 . 5 , 1 , 5 , 10 , and 15 mg l − 1 using solutions made from potassium phosphate . these p concentrations correspond with the range measured in studies of runoff from high p soils (& gt ; 300 mg kg − 1 mehlich 3 - p ) or soils to which manure or chemical fertilizer p have been recently applied to the surface ( vadas et al ., 2007 ; edwards and daniel , 1993 ). the same matrix solution from the batch p isotherm experiment was used in flow - through experiments . all flow - through rt * p concentration combinations were duplicated for each material resulting in a total of 600 experimental units . discrete p removal (%) under flow - through conditions was described as a function of p added ( x in equation 1 ) to the materials ( mg p added kg − 1 psm ) using the previously described exponential model : where b is the y intercept and m is the slope coefficient for this relationship . an example discrete p removal curve is shown in fig5 a with p addition units in g kg − 1 for greater clarity . note that since this is an exponential decay equation , m is always negative . the relationship between discrete p removal and p added for every rt and p concentration combination ( i . e . all 600 curves ) was found to be statistically significant at p & lt ; 0 . 05 based on use of the sas ( sas , 2003 ) “ proc reg ” command . for each material tested , two multiple linear regression ( mlr ) models were then constructed to predict the slope and intercept of each p removal curve ( example in fig5 a ) as a function of p concentration and rt (“ p ” and rt ″ in equations 4a and 4b ). because the slopes ( m in equations 1 and 4a ) were not normally distributed , this parameter was log ( base 10 ) transformed ( log − slope ) before producing the mlr model . y intercepts ( b in equations 1 and 4b ) were also log ( base 10 ) transformed . the mlr model was produced for each material using the sas “ proc reg ” command with rt and p concentration as the independent variables and the slope or intercept as the dependent variables . the results of the mlr models are two equations for predicting the shape ( i . e . slope and intercept ) of the design curve ( equation 1 ) for each material , which takes the general form : where α and β are the design curve slope prediction coefficients for rt and p concentration respectively , χ is the intercept of the slope prediction equation , δ and ε are the design curve intercept prediction coefficients for rt and p concentration respectively , and μ is the intercept of the design curve intercept prediction equation . the p removal curve with predicted parameters is referred to as the “ design curve ”: where discrete p removal is in units of %, b is the value of b predicted with eq . [ 4a ], and m is the value of m predicted with eq . [ 4b ]. after a design curve equation is produced ( equation 3 ), integration of it will yield a prediction of cumulative p removal (%) at any given level of p added ( x ): the point at which discrete p removal approaches zero ( 1 %; i . e . “ spent ”) as described by the design curve will occur when the p inflow concentration = p outflow concentration and is calculated using the following equation : insertion of the maximum amount of p added determined from equation 7 into the x value for equation 6 will result in the total amount of p predicted to be removed by the material under the conditions ( rt and inflow p concentration ) employed for the design curve utilized . using percent cumulative p removed and maximum p added from equations 6 and 7 , one can simply estimate the amount of p sorbed ( mg kg − 1 ) at the point in which the material is spent . in order to assess the impact of by - product properties on p removal in a flow - through condition , the sas “ stepwise ” procedure was utilized . essentially , the design curve coefficients used to estimate m and b ( shown in equations 4a and 4b ) were predicted as a function of material properties . in discussion of the by - products characterization , it is useful to generally categorize materials as mostly resulting in either ca / mg ( precipitation ) or al / fe ( ligand exchange and precipitation ) p sorption mechanisms ( penn et al ., 2011b ). however , there is clearly some overlap in these two groups of mechanisms . briefly , the ideal ca / mg sorption materials will be buffered at a high ph , and contain a large amount of total ca and mg that is highly soluble . conversely , the ideal al / fe sorption materials will not have a high ph and contain large amounts of amorphous al and fe ( penn et al ., 2011b ). consider that the hydroxide ion becomes a strong competitor with p as ph increases . as expected , the amdr materials were among the highest in total fe and amorphous fe ( i . e . oxalate extractable fe ). two of the four amdr materials also contained the iron hydroxide mineral goethite , contained appreciable al , and were acidic ( amdr1 ) or poorly buffered above ph 6 ( amdr 3 ; table 3 ). as a result , retention by amdrs 1 and 3 is likely dominated by al / fe . two of the amdr materials were also elevated in total ca and ph ( amdr 2 and 4 ); xrd analysis showed that these two amdrs contained ca minerals , gypsum and calcite ( table 3 ). some amdrs have been shown to sorb appreciable amounts of p by both al / fe and ca / mg mechanisms ( penn et al ., 2011b ). the amdr properties are a result of both the source of acid mine drainage and the type of treatment process used to neutralize the acidity and precipitate dissolved al and fe ( hedin , et al ., 1994 ). other studies have also shown the ability of amdrs to sorb p ( fenton et al ., 2009 ; sibrell et al ., 2009 ; dobbie et al ., 2009 ; heal et al ., 2005 ). note that the langmuir derived smax and k values from the batch isotherms greatly varied between amdrs ( table 3 ). the ca rich and highly ph buffered amdr4 showed the highest smax yet the lowest k value among all psms fly - ash and slag materials contained appreciable total ca and an elevated ph that was relatively well buffered compared to some other materials ( table 3 ). however , slag also possessed one of the largest total fe concentrations . an important mineral in regard to p precipitation with ca was identified in the slag material . portlandite is a ca hydroxide mineral that is more soluble and alkaline compared to the ca carbonate mineral calcite . as expected , the fgd gypsum was dominated by ca that was highly soluble . however , this material was poorly buffered compared to the other ca dominated materials such as fly - ash , slag fines , and excell minerals ( table 3 ). any fe , al , and mg are considered impurities due to the flue gas scrubbing process . fly ash samples and slag displayed similar langmuir smax values from the batch isotherm , but were lower compared to fgd gypsum . the greater smax of fgd gypsum may have been a result of the higher soluble ca concentrations ( table 3 ). characteristics of the wtrs are a function of both the source of water being treated and the type of treatment process ( ippolito et al ., 2011 ). in our study the ca - wtr was produced from use of ca hydroxide at the drinking water treatment plant , while al - wtrs were produced from using aluminum sulfate as a flocculating agent . as expected , the ca - wtr was dominated with ca and possessed an elevated ph and bi while the al - wtrs were dominated with al and had a near neutral ph with a lower bi . note that the al - wtrs were among the highest in oxalate al , which is likely why their k values were of the top five largest . excell minerals was dominated with ca , yet contained large amounts of mg , al , and fe . x - ray diffraction identified tri - calcium magnesium orthosilicate ( a highly soluble ca mineral ), however , due to its elevated ph and the largest bi it is likely that this material would primarily remove p by the ca / mg mechanism . langmuir smax and k values from the batch isotherm were similar between excell minerals and the slag . this is not surprising since the total ca , water soluble ca , and ph was also similar . examples of experimentally determined p removal flow - through curves are shown in fig1 a . as previously mentioned , the shape of this curve will dictate the degree of p removal and longevity of a psm used in a p removal structure . all p removal curves were statistically significant at p & lt ; 0 . 05 with an r 2 & gt ; 0 . 75 . the purpose of the model is to predict the shape of the p flow - through curves using rt and p concentrations ; this predicted curve is referred to as the “ design curve ”. by estimating slope ( m ) and y intercept ( b ) parameters of the discrete p removal relationship ( equations 4a and 4b ), one can predict the design curve ( fig5 b ; equation 5 ) and then determine how much cumulative p is removed after p loading the material by integration of the exponential equation for the design curve ( fig5 c ; equation 6 ). the point at which the design curve approaches zero percent discrete p removal ( e . g . 1 %) represents the maximum amount of p that can be added to the material ( in units of mg p kg − 1 ) before p saturation ( equation 7 ). this is the point at which the p concentration inflow = p concentration outflow and the material is no longer effective at removing p . this is a direct result of the shape of the design curve . essentially , a p removal structure exhibiting a design curve with a large y intercept and shallow ( i . e . less steep ) slope will be able to remove more p from solution for a greater period of time compared to that with a smaller y intercept or steep slope . design curves for the psms used in this study can be predicted by inserting the coefficients listed in tables 4 and 5 into equations 4a and 4b for a given rt and p concentration . the model building exercise for predicting the shape of the design curve showed that rt and inflow p concentration were statistically significant variables for some materials for estimating the slope ( m ; table 4 ). retention time had a significant impact on design curve slope for only 6 of the 12 materials , while 9 materials displayed a significant influence of p concentration on slope . the overall mlr model for design curve slope was significant for all but 3 materials ( amdr2 , fly - ash2 , and ca - wtr ) at the p & lt ; 0 . 05 level ; however , ca - wtr was significant at the p & lt ; 0 . 1 level . among the significant rt coefficients for slope ( α ), only one material displayed a statistically significant negative value ( fgd gypsum , table 4 ). thus , for fgd gypsum rt has a negative influence on predicted slope coefficient m , so the final slope (− m ) becomes less negative with increased rt , which corresponds with more p sorption . fgd gypsum may require a longer rt for p removal compared to the other ca rich materials due to the fact that it is poorly buffered ( bi = 0 . 032 ; table 3 ). in regard to predicting the design curve y intercept ( b ), rt and inflow p concentration were statistically significant variables for some materials for estimating the y intercept ( b ; table 5 ). rt had a significant impact for 6 materials and p concentration was significant for 6 materials as indicated by coefficients β and ε ( table 5 ). an overall mlr model was significant in estimating design curve y intercept for eight materials . materials with more positive rt coefficients for design curve y intercept indicate that increasing rt will increase the design curve y intercept more than materials with lower rt coefficients . therefore , increasing rt will improve initial p removal . similarly , the less negative p concentration coefficients ( ε ) indicate that increasing inflow p concentrations will not decrease the design curve y intercept as much as for materials possessing more negative coefficients ( ε ; table 5 ). in general , increasing inflow p concentrations will decrease the y intercept of the design curve . as previously mentioned , the coefficients listed in tables 4 and 5 can be used to predict a design curve ( equation 5 ) for the 12 materials . a user can apply this approach to flow - through data produced using psms of interest , allowing one to extrapolate p removal for any given rt and p inflow concentration combination . this is particularly useful since the rt and p concentrations will vary among structures / sites . the design curve can then be used for sizing a p removal structure , or predicting how much p it will remove and how long it will last before p saturation . by inserting the coefficients for al - wtr1 listed in tables 4 and 5 into equations 4a and 4b , an example design curve equation is produced as shown in fig5 b . integration of the resulting design curve ( equation 5 ) via equation 6 produced the cumulative p removal curve in fig5 c . further , use of equation 7 indicates that the maximum amount of p that can be added to one kg of al - wtr1 at the point of being “ spent ”, under conditions of rt = 0 . 5 min and inflow p concentration = 5 mg l − 1 is 66 g . with this mass of p input ( 66 g p kg − 1 ), the material would , according to equation 6 retain 10 . 7 %, or 7 . 1 g p kg − 1 al - wtr1 . note that although fig5 expresses p addition in units of g kg − 1 for greater clarity , the x value ( p added ) in equations 1 , 5 , and 6 are in units of mg kg − 1 . experiment 2 : effect of material properties on design curve model coefficients the purpose of the “ stepwise ” procedure was not necessarily to utilize the results for predicting design curves from material properties , but for assessment of the impact of material properties on p removal under flow - through conditions . the “ stepwise ” mlr program indicated which material properties were the most important in regard to estimating the design curve model coefficients . for predicting design curve slope using rt ( α ), the ws ca and oxalate extractable fe concentrations were the most significant variables ( table 6 ). the negative coefficient for ws ca in table 6 indicates that increasing ws ca decreases the impact of rt on the slope . this is due to the fact that a high amount of ca in solution will promote p removal via precipitation ; the more ca in solution , the less that pool is exhausted by p during precipitation which will prevent the slope of the design curve from decreasing dramatically with changes in rt . the opposite was found for oxalate extractable fe ; high concentrations results in the potential for rt to have a greater impact on design curve slope ( an increase in oxalate fe will make the slope more steep ). surprisingly , total mg and ws mg had a significant impact on how inflow p concentrations affect design curve slope ( β ; table 6 ). this may simply be a result of a co - correlation with ca due to the fact that total mg was significantly correlated ( p & lt ; 0 . 05 ) with total ca . also , mg behaves similarly to ca in regard to precipitation of p since both occur under alkaline conditions ( lindsay , 1979 ). use of the intercept parameter for the model that predicts design curve slope ( χ ) is a good way to generally compare design curve slope between materials without confounding with the effects of inflow p concentration or rt . in other words , materials with a larger ( or less negative ) slope model intercept coefficient will generally have a steeper negative slope compared to materials with a smaller ( more negative ) model intercept coefficient . for example , based on the slope model intercept coefficient shown in table 4 , fgd gypsum (− 1 . 1482 ) will generally have the steepest design curve slope . based on the stepwise analysis , materials with greater amounts of oxalate al and fe will generally possess smaller log − slope values , or in other words , a less steep slope . many studies have shown that oxalate extractable al and fe are representative of the amorphous al / fe oxyhydroxide pool that strongly sorbs p ( cucarella and renman , 2009 ; leader et al ., 2008 ). in regard to the design curve y intercept , oxalate fe was found to have a significant impact on how rt affects the design curve y intercept ( δ ; table 6 ). as expected , increasing rt will increase the design curve y intercept more for materials with higher amounts of oxalate fe compared to those with less . in other words , oxalate fe - rich materials will maintain a higher design curve y intercept ( or decrease less ) as rt decreases . similarly , an increasing material ws ca content will allow inflow p concentration to have a greater impact on the design curve y intercept by making the coefficient less negative ( c ; table 6 ). therefore , materials rich in ws ca will not decrease the design curve y intercept as much when inflow p concentrations increase compared to materials with lower ws ca . in a general comparison of the model intercept coefficients for predicting design curve y intercepts between materials ( μ ; table 6 ), the stepwise model showed that materials with higher bi will possess greater design curve y intercepts compared to less buffered materials . as previously discussed , a well buffered material is necessary for a ca phosphate precipitation mechanism to be most effective , since precipitation of a ca phosphate will produce acidity in solution ( lindsay , 1979 ). for example , a material like fgd gypsum may possess high amounts of ws ca , but much of this ca will not be able to effectively precipitate with p unless the ph is well buffered above 6 . interestingly , the stepwise procedure also showed that materials rich in ws mg generally possessed lower design - curve y intercepts . as suggested by previous studies ( cao and harris , 2007 ) this might be due to mg preventing the precipitation of ca phosphates . fig6 displays the amount of p sorbed by all 12 by - products at different equilibrium ( i . e . inflow ) p concentrations and rts . these values were determined by inserting the coefficients from tables 4 and 5 into equations 4a and 4b at different p concentrations ( 0 . 5 , 1 , 5 , 10 , and 15 mg p l − 1 ) and rts ( 0 . 5 , 1 , 5 , and 10 min ). predicted coefficients b and m were then inserted into equation 7 for maximum p added at the point of being “ spent ”, and this value was then inserted into equation 4 ( x ) along with b and m for estimation of maximum p sorbed under the given conditions . in general , fig6 suggests that amdr2 , slag , and excell minerals will sorb the most p under flow - through conditions at equilibrium , while fgd gypsum will sorb the least p . langmuir smax values from the batch isotherms ( table 3 ) were poorly correlated to the maximum p sorbed under flow - through conditions at a 10 min rt and 15 mg p l − 1 inflow solution ( r 2 = 0 . 03 ). this was expected since flow - through conditions add a much smaller concentration of p , allow for a constant replenishment of reactants ( i . e . solution p ), removal of reaction products , and a shorter retention time compared to a batch isotherm ( penn and mcgrath , 2011 ). in general , the langmuir smax value determined from the batch isotherm was 44 to 99 % greater than the flow - through estimated p removal values . in the batch experiment a maximum of 3200 mg l − 1 was used , and the contact time was 16 h , versus max . 15 mg l − 1 and 0 . 5 to 10 min contact time for a total of 5 h for the flow - through experiment . one exception was the slag material which sorbed more p via flow - through conditions compared to batch . examination of rt coefficients and p values in tables 4 and 5 and visual observation of fig6 suggested that for most materials there was not much difference in p removal between rts , except for amdr1 , fgd gypsum , ca - wtr , and excell minerals . for all other by - products , this lack of appreciable difference between extreme rts could be interpreted as relatively fast p sorption kinetics . it is expected that for materials in which precipitation is the dominant p sorption mechanism , an increase in rt would appreciably increase p sorption as evident for amdr1 and fgd gypsum . note that amdr1 was dominated with al and fe and possessed a ph ( 3 . 2 ) suitable for fe and al to be soluble ( table 3 ); in fact , this material contained the highest concentration of water extractable fe ( 75 mg kg - 1 ; data not shown ). therefore one would expect some precipitation of fe and al phosphates rather than only ligand exchange onto al and fe oxides / hydroxides . similarly , the fgd gypsum will dominantly remove p by precipitation with ca since this material was dominated with soluble ca ( table 3 ). interestingly , ca - wtr and excell minerals showed greater p removal at the lower rt compared to a 10 min rt ( fig6 ). this could be interpreted as very fast p sorption kinetics ; so fast that the lower flow rate of p addition to the material ( i . e . lesser amounts of p added to the psm mass per unit time ) was limiting p sorption more than the speed of the reaction . this could be a result of similarities among those by - products in regards to elevated total ca , water soluble ca , ph , and bi ( table 3 ), all of which will promote greater ca phosphate precipitation and perhaps faster kinetics . by the same logic , fgd gypsum displayed the opposite behavior ( i . e . slower p sorption kinetics at shorter rt ) due to the fact that although it contained appreciable total ca and water soluble ca , the ph was not sufficiently large or buffered enough for fast ca phosphate precipitation and therefore a greater rt was necessary to increase p removal . another explanation for greater p removal at the lower rt ( i . e . faster flow rate ) for these by - products is that the slower removal of reaction products was limiting further ca phosphate precipitation ( penn and mcgrath , 2011 ). in regard to the impact of p inflow concentration , fig6 and tables 4 and 5 shows that some by - products such as slag , fgd gypsum , al - wtr2 , and excell minerals were most responsive to increases in p concentrations . for example , at a rt of 10 min , slag , fgd gypsum , al - wtr2 , and excell minerals increased p removal 95 , 82 , 63 , and 61 %, respectively , as p inflow concentration increased from 1 to 15 mg p l − 1 . such an increase in relative p removal with solution inflow p concentrations suggests that these materials dominantly removed p via precipitation processes . an unusual result was the decrease in maximum p removed by ca - wtr with increasing p concentration ( fig6 ). the reason for this behavior is not known . it is unlikely due to desorption of native p on the material since the water soluble p of ca - wtr was only 0 . 029 mg kg − 1 ( data not shown ). based on the raw data from laboratory flow - through experiments , this decrease in p removal with increased inflow p concentration is real and not a flaw in the ca - wtr model . similar to fig6 , fig7 displays the amount of p added to the by - products at equilibrium , or in other words , the amount of p that could be added until the material becomes “ spent ” and no longer removes p . these values were estimated from the design curve equations for each material under the given conditions and applied to equation 7 . note that this maximum amount of p added shown in fig7 and determined from equation 7 was used to calculate the maximum p sorbed , shown in fig6 . for many of the by - products , the lower rt often resulted in the addition of a greater p load to achieve equilibrium under flow - through conditions ( fig7 ). this is due to the fact that more of added p solution is able to move through the material without being sorbed at the short rt ( i . e . higher flow rate ) compared to the longer rt . in other words , the shorter rt is often less efficient at p removal compared to a longer rt . the importance of the maximum p removal values shown in fig7 is that they provide an estimate of longevity for each by - product . for example , if a p removal structure was constructed to achieve a hydraulic rt of 10 min with amdr4 , and received a p inflow concentration of 5 mg l − 1 , it could receive a total of 25 g p kg − 1 until it is no longer effective . this information could then be used to size a structure for a particular watershed if an estimate of annual dissolved p loads was available . as was shown for large sized steel slag in a previous study ( penn and mcgrath , 2011 ), rt and inflow p concentration can have a significant impact on p sorption onto most by - products under flow - through conditions . this information is especially important in context of using the by - products as p sorbents in landscape p removal structures to remove p from flowing runoff or drainage water . variation in rt within the range of that tested in this study ( 0 . 5 to 10 min ) did not have an appreciable impact on cumulative p sorption on most by - products except for three of twelve ; this factor was most important for materials that likely remove p via precipitation reactions . specifically , materials in which precipitation is likely to be the main p removal mechanism ( i . e . large ws ca and well buffered ) will be more sensitive to rt and p concentration ( increase in rt and p will increase p removal ) compared to materials more likely to remove p via ligand exchange reactions ( i . e . high oxalate al and fe ). overall , by - products that are elevated in oxalate al or fe , ws ca , and bi will serve as the best p sorbents in p removal structures , and screening for these properties will allow comparison between materials for this potential use . the flow - through approach described in this paper for predicting design curves at specific rt and inflow p combinations will aid a user in prediction of how much p can be removed , and how long a specific material will last until p saturation if the p loading rate for a specific site is known . it will be appreciated that the afore - described methods may be used to construct a design model for a p removing system . this model may be used in the design of a p removing system to predict the percentage of phosphorous that can be removed per a given flow rate / retention time , the total amount of phosphorous the system can remove , and thus the lifetime of the system , and other information . however , the model must be experimentally re - evaluated and re - determined for each byproduct ( p adsorbing material ) that is used . a potentially more useful , general model is also contemplated wherein the factors of the relevant equations may be determined based upon properties that may be measured a priori . discrete p removal (%) under flow - through conditions is described as a function of p added ( x in equation 1 ) to the materials ( mg p added kg - 1 psm ) using the exponential model : where b is the y intercept and m is the slope coefficient for this relationship . an example discrete p removal curve was shown in fig5 a with p addition units in g kg - 1 for greater clarity . note that since this is an exponential decay equation , m is always negative . ultimately , the goal of this model is to predict the “ b ” value and “ m ” value for a specific p sorbing material . if those two parameters are known and then applied to equation 1 , then one can re - create the “ design curve ” shown in fig5 . however , the “ b ” and “ m ” parameters which are specific to a certain material , are a function of the inflow p concentration and retention time (“ p ” and rt ″ in equations 4a and 4b ). because the slopes ( m in equations 1 and 4a ) were not normally distributed , this parameter was log ( base 10 ) transformed ( log − slope ) before producing the multiple linear regression ( mlr ) model . y intercepts ( b in equations 1 and 4b ) were also log ( base 10 ) transformed . the results of the mlr models are two equations for predicting the shape ( i . e . slope and intercept ) of the design curve ( equation 1 ) for each material , which takes the general form : where α and β are the design curve slope prediction coefficients for rt and p concentration respectively , χ is the intercept of the slope prediction equation , δ and ε are the design curve intercept prediction coefficients for rt and p concentration respectively , and μ is the intercept of the design curve intercept prediction equation . the p removal curve with predicted parameters is referred to as the “ design curve ” ( fig5 ). after a design curve equation is produced ( equation 1 ), integration of it will yield a prediction of cumulative p removal (%) at any given level of p added ( x ): an example of an integrated design curve is shown in fig6 . the point at which discrete p removal approaches zero ( 1 %; i . e . “ spent ”) as described by the design curve in equation 1 and fig5 will occur when the p inflow concentration = p outflow concentration and is calculated using the following equation : insertion of the maximum amount of p added determined from equation 7 into the x value for equation 6 will result in the total amount of p predicted to be removed by the material under the conditions ( rt and inflow p concentration ) employed for the design curve utilized . using percent cumulative p removed and maximum p added from equations 6 and 7 , one can simply estimate the amount of p sorbed ( mg kg − 1 ) at the point in which the material is spent . at this point , we can summarize the model as equation 4a and 4b , which predict the “ b ” and “ m ” parameters for equation 1 , which provides all the information needed for either designing a p removal structure or predicting how long it will last through use of equations 6 and 7 . the heart of this model , as described in following paragraphs , is a prediction of the parameters α , β , χ , δ , ε , and μ shown in equations 4a and 4b . these parameters are predicted as a function of material specific properties . this is what makes the model “ universal ”, so that any p sorbing material can be characterized for the properties described below , and then applied to the model so that a design curve can be produced . once the design curve is produced , a p removal structure can be designed as well as longevity and performance predicted . materials must be characterized for ph , total ca , al , and fe ( mg / kg ), mean particle size (“ ps ”; mm ), buffer index (“ bi ”; acid equivalents / kg required to decrease ph to 6 . 0 ), and ammonium oxalate extractable fe and al ( fe ox , al ox ; mg / kg ). the first algorithm is to place a material into one of the following categories : ca based material or fe / al material . if a material meets two of the three criteria , then it is categorized as a ca based material : if the material does not meet 2 of the 3 criteria , then it is categorized as a fe / al based material . at this point there are two different models ; one for ca based materials and another for fe / al based materials . the following relations describe the ca model : referring now to fig8 , a flowchart 800 illustrates the decision flow for one embodiment . the three classification decisions ( e . g ., total ca exceeds total al + fe ; ph & gt ; 8 ; and bi & gt ; 0 . 2 ) are determined at step 802 . at step 804 if two or more of these classifications are true , the model is calculated as an fe / al based model at step 806 . if two or more of the classifications are not true , the model is calculated as a ca model at step 808 . for either model , these parameters can then be inserted into equations 2a and 2b to obtain the b and m values for creating a design curve . for example , a steel slag material categorized as a ca based material had the following properties : the model then produces each of the parameters , α , β , χ , δ , ε , and μ , and then those parameters of inserted into equations 4a and 4b along with a p concentration inflow value (“ p ”) of 0 . 74 and a retention time ( rt ) of 8 . 9 minutes . these are the conditions for a field scale structure constructed at stillwater country club . then , the resulting b and m values are inserted into equation 1 and plot as the design curve in fig9 . again , note that this design curve equation is specific to the rt and p conditions input into equations 4a and 4b , and also specific to the material properties measured and input into equations 8 to 12 . we can then insert the b and m parameters into equation 7 and obtain the maximum amount of p that can be added to the structure until it is spent ( i . e . discrete removal = 1 % or inflow p concentration ˜ outflow p concentration ) to obtain a maximum value of 129 mg p / kg slag . this value is used to predict the longevity of a particular structure , or it can be used to determine how much material is needed . for example , a structure in stillwater , okla . contains 3 tons ( 2721 kg ) of this particular steel slag , and the p input to it is 20 . 5 mg p / kg / month . based on our maximum p value obtained from equation 7 , this structure will remove p for 6 . 3 months . the total amount of p removed during that time can be estimated by inserting 129 mg / kg into equation 6 along with the determined b and m values ; this yields 28 . 3 mg p removed / kg slag , or in other words , a cumulative removal of 22 % all p input over 6 . 3 months . this prediction was very close to the actual measured performance of the structure ( 25 mg p removed / kg slag and 25 % cumulative removal ). continuing with the same example , integration of the design curve equation produces fig1 . using the information in fig1 and assuming use of the same steel slag material , we determine the necessary size of a structure based on a target cumulative p removal . for example assume that our target cumulative p removal after 1 year of service is 50 %. knowing that our p loading at our particular site is 167 g p / month , one can calculate that the necessary slag needed to remove 50 % of 1 yr p delivery is 22 , 266 kg of steel slag , or 24 . 5 tons . please note that this calculation is assuming that the structure is designed to possess a rt of 8 . 9 minutes . this model was produced by conducting hundreds of flow - through experiments in the laboratory using various p inflow concentrations and rts . treated water was sampled every 30 minutes . 16 different p sorbing materials were tested and characterized . essentially , a the model was constructed to relate the flow - through experiment performance to material properties . it is understood that the calculation methods described herein may be programmed to be performed on a general - purpose computer . some portable devices and smart phones may be capable of carrying out the calculation as well . in one embodiment the computer will be a workstation . with reference to fig1 , the workstation may comprise an enclosure 1102 containing various internal components . a processor 1104 may be connected by a data bus 1106 ( or a plurality of data buses ) to an electronic memory that stores instructions for execution by the processor 1104 . a mass storage device 1110 may also be attached for storing instructions and data in a non - volatile format . the workstation may have an input device 1112 such as a mouse and / or keyboard . an output device 1114 such as a monitor and / or printer may be attached . in some cases , the computer 1100 will have an ethernet connection 1116 and or a wireless card 1118 for accessing a network 1112 such as a local area network or the internet . moreover , software packages exist that can be easily configured to calculate the required coefficients . design models and curves may be plotted visually ( see , e . g ., fig6 - 7 ) if so desired . hence , devices capable of realizing the methods and systems of the present disclosure may be produced by one having ordinary skill in the art . thus , the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein . while presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure , numerous changes and modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art . such changes and modifications are encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the claims . | 1 |
a description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be given . fig1 shows an exploded top view of a keyboard embodying the present invention . the keyboard is comprised of a right housing 1 , a left housing 2 , a right hinge plate 3 , a center hinge 4 , hinge pins 5 , right key assembly 6 , left key assembly 7 , key membrane cable 8 , pcb membrane cable 9 , pcb 10 , pcb housing 11 , pda membrane cable 12 , pda connector 13 , pda connector holder 14 , screws 15 , pda support 16 , pda support wire 17 , and locking latch 18 . right hinge plate 3 is positioned in right housing 1 and right key assembly 6 is positioned above right hinge plate 3 in right housing 1 . screws 15 , which are inserted from the bottom of right housing 1 , pass through elongated openings 20 in hinge plate 3 and into right key assembly 6 . left key assembly 7 is inserted into left housing 2 and affixed thereto through the use of screws 15 . center hinge 4 is connected to right hinge plate 3 and left housing 2 through the use of four hinge pins 5 . locking latch 18 is affixed to the outer side of left housing 2 through the use of two pins 25 . pda support 16 is slidably inserted into left housing 2 and pda support wire 17 is rotatably mounted into pda support 16 . key membrane cable 8 , which transmits electrical signals from the keyswitches 19 , is connected to the left key assembly 7 and the right key assembly 6 . pcb membrane cable 9 , which transmits electrical signals from the keyswitches 19 to the pcb 10 , is connected to left key assembly 7 . pcb 10 is affixed to left housing 2 and it is held in place by pcb housing 11 through the use of screws 15 . pda membrane cable 12 is connected to left key assembly 7 and to pda connector 13 , which is mounted inside of pda connector holder 14 . pda connector holder 14 is rotatably mounted in pcb housing 11 . a pda or other portable microprocessor based equipment can be connected to the keyboard through the use of pda connector 13 . when a pda is connected to the keyboard , pda support 16 should be positioned in its extended position as shown in fig5 and pda support wire 17 should be rotated to its upright position as shown in fig1 . pda support wire 17 provides support for the connected pda and pda support 16 maintains pda support wire 17 in its upright position against the weight of the pda . when a pda is not connected to the keyboard , pda support wire 17 should be rotated to its lowered position and pda support 16 should be positioned in its inserted position as shown in fig3 . fig2 is a top view of the keyboard in its closed condition and fig2 a is a side view of the keyboard in its closed condition . the keyboard is closed by folding right housing 1 over left housing 2 or vice versa . center hinge 4 rotates about left housing 2 and right housing 1 rotates about center hinge 4 . accordingly , in the closed condition , center hinge 4 is perpendicular to both left housing 2 and right housing 1 . locking latch 18 latches onto right housing 1 to securely fasten the two halves of the keyboard together . fig3 shows a top view of the keyboard in its open non - interlocked position and fig3 a shows a side view of the keyboard in its open non - interlocked position . the keyboard is opened by unfolding right housing 1 from left housing 2 . center hinge 4 rotates about left housing 2 and right housing 1 rotates about center hinge 4 . accordingly , in the opened non - interlocked condition , center hinge 4 is in the same plane as and in between left housing 2 and right housing 1 . additionally , the left edge of right hinge plate 3 , which is connected to center hinge 4 , is coextensive to the left edge of slidable extender portion 21 of right housing 1 . the right edge of right hinge plate 3 is inset from the right edge of right housing 1 by a distance at least equal to the length of slidable extender portion 21 of right housing 1 . fig4 shows right hinge plate 3 and it shows the two key membrane cables 8 . the key membrane cables 8 have a folded area 22 in the cut out slot of right hinge plate 3 . this folded area stores extra cable length to allow sliding of key assembly 6 and right housing 1 into open interlocked position & amp ; open non - interlocked position . the amount of fold in the folded area 22 is at its maximum when the keyboard is in its open interlocked position , is at its minimum when the keyboard is in its closed condition , and is intermediate when the keyboard is in its open non - interlocked position . fig5 shows a top view of the keyboard in its open interlocked position and fig5 a shows a side view of the keyboard in its open interlocked position . the keyboard is changed from the open non - interlocked position to the open interlocked position by sliding the right housing 1 and the left housing 2 together . slidable extender portion 21 of right housing 1 extends past center hinge 4 and slides over a portion of left housing 2 . additionally , when the two halves of the keyboard are slid together , right hinge plate 3 slides inside right housing 1 such that the right edge of hinge plate 3 is adjacent to the right edge of right housing 1 when the keyboard is in its open interlocked position . accordingly , the right edge of center hinge 4 is contiguous with the left edge of right key assembly 6 , except that the hinge portions of right hinge plate 3 extend between center hinge 4 and right key assembly 6 . in the open interlocked position , the keyswitches 19 of the keyboard are in the standard qwerty configuration and no part of right housing 1 or left housing 2 is not covered by either right key assembly 6 or left key assembly 7 . as shown in fig1 , pda connector 13 is mounted inside pda connector holder 14 and pda connector holder 14 is rotatably mounted in pcb housing 11 . this rotatable mounting is accomplished by inserting insertion pin 23 of pda connector holder 14 into opening 24 of pcb housing 11 . insertion pin 23 and opening 24 are manufactured such that they elastically deform when pda connector 13 and pda connector holder 14 are pressed down parallel with the top of pcb housing 11 , such as happens when the keyboard is placed into its closed position . this elastic deformation causes a resilient force to be applied to the connector holder 14 , thereby , causing connector holder 14 and pda connector 13 to rotate upward ( pop up ) when the keyboard is opened . the drawings and descriptions of the preferred embodiment are made by way of example rather than to limit the scope of the inventions , and they are intended to cover , within the spirit and scope of the inventions , all such changes and modifications within the spirit of the invention . | 7 |
the present invention configures and manages a set of networked computers based on a computational demand oriented model . in such a model , the networked computers pool their resources , effectively operating as one super - server . by pooling network resources , the system and method of the present invention are a less expensive alternative to adding new client or server hardware . such network level resource collaboration and distributed task processing , also permits systems administrators to forgo dedicated servers , while still providing adequate processing and other resources on demand . [ 0015 ] fig1 is a dataflow diagram of one embodiment of a system 100 for demand oriented network resource management . the system 100 includes a set of network resources 102 . these resources 102 include a requesting computer 104 and a resource liaison manager 106 , as well as other resources . these other resources may include program resources 108 , processor resources 110 , memory resources 112 , and i / o resources 114 . one or more of these resources may be effected by any number of hardware devices , such as personal computers , servers , databases , printers , etc . those skilled in the art recognize that the resource categories describe above can be organized , grouped and / or labeled in many different ways which have no impact on how the present invention operates . the network resources 102 are interconnected using a network interface ( shown by the solid lines connecting the various network resources ). the network interface preferably operates according to standard network protocols . the requesting computer 104 requests services from the set of network resources 102 , and the network resources 102 are configured by the present invention to provide those requested services . the requesting computer 104 is also one of the network resources 102 , but is shown separately for the sake of clarity in the present invention &# 39 ; s discussion . the requesting computer 104 includes a set of tasks 116 and a tasking module 118 . the tasks 116 are contemplated to include any function , process , application , etc . to be effected by the requesting computer 104 , including data processing , data transfer , utility , and similar tasks . the tasking module 118 , as will be discussed further below , includes a compiler which analyzes each task and in turn generates a set of application program , processor , memory , i / o , and perhaps many other service requests for effecting said task . the resource liaison manager 106 receives the resource requests from the tasking module 118 over the network interface and in turn generates one or more liaison modules , each responsible for a predetermined portion of the task &# 39 ; s execution . for example , if the tasking module 118 had sent a set of application program , processor , memory , and i / o resource requests to the liaison manager 106 , the liaison manager 106 would then in turn generate , a program liaison module 120 , a processor liaison module 122 , a memory liaison module 124 , and an i / o liaison module 126 . these liaison modules would then identify which of the other resources within the set of network resources 102 can provide one or more services for effecting said tasking module &# 39 ; s 118 resource requests . since the liaison manager 106 can preferably receive and process multiple resource requests from many other requesting computers connected to the network , the liaison manager 106 is preferably located on a server which is always available on the network to all possible requesting computers . in alternate embodiments however , the liaison manager 106 can be located on several different computers or within each requesting computer 104 itself . note that the terms “ services ” and “ tasks ,” while basically synonyms , are used within the present discussion to enable a clearer distinction to be made between “ resource requests ” from the requesting computer 104 and “ resources provided ” by the set of network resources 102 . thus , for the purposes of this discussion , the requesting computer 104 has a “ task ” to be completed , and the network resources 102 provide “ services ” in order to fulfill that task . note one or more of the network resources may themselves request network resources in order to provide said services . in such a case the network resource itself becomes a requesting computer and thus may also benefit from the teaching of the present invention . any set of services and liaisons can reside in any of the network resources 102 . [ 0020 ] fig2 is a dataflow diagram 200 of one embodiment of how services with one or more network resources 102 are allocated to tasks within the system 100 . fig3 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method 300 for demand oriented network resource management . fig2 and 3 are now discussed together . the method 300 begins in step 302 , where a systems administrator configures the set of network resources 102 for uniform service capabilities . configuring these resources for uniform service capabilities is herein defined as configuring a predetermined number of network resources so that other network resources can selectively access and benefit from each other &# 39 ; s application programs , processing power , memory resources , i / o resources , and the like . next in step 304 , the tasking module 18 receives a request to execute a program task 202 from the set of tasks 116 . in step 306 , the tasking module 118 generates a set of virtual resource requests by calculating a total set of virtual program resources , virtual processing resources , virtual memory resources , and virtual i / o resources which would be required to effect the task ( e . g . this much processor word - size and speed , this much memory size , storage and i / o requirements , etc .). methods for performing this calculation are well known in the art , such as those implemented within a compiler when generating execution code . in step 308 , the tasking module 118 sends the virtual resource requests to the liaison manager 106 . in step 310 , the liaison manager 106 creates a resource liaison module corresponding to each of the tasking module &# 39 ; s 118 virtual resource requests . in the embodiment shown , the liaison manager 106 creates the program liaison module 120 for hosting the virtual program resource request , the processor liaison module 122 for hosting the virtual processor resource request , the memory liaison module 124 for hosting the virtual memory resource request , and the i / o liaison module 126 for hosting the virtual i / o resource request . those skilled in the art will recognize that additional liaison modules can be created , depending upon the task to be executed . next in step 312 , each resource liaison module 120 , 122 , 124 and 126 created in response to the virtual resource requests , transmits a set of liaison specific service requests over the network . in step 314 , each resource liaison 120 , 122 , 124 and 126 receives a set of available service responses over the network . the available service responses are generated by one or more of the network resources 102 , and indicate how many of the requested service each network resource can provide . in some instances , one powerful network resource offers to provide all of the requested services . while in another instance , several network resources may be required to effect only one of the service requests . in step 316 , the resource liaisons send a service reservation request to one or more of the network resources 102 , which can either singly or together , provide those services necessary to effect that resource liaison &# 39 ; s hosted virtual resource request required by the tasking module 118 . in the embodiment shown in fig2 the following reservations have occurred : program liaison module 120 has reserved program service 204 , from the network resources 102 , in order to effect the tasking module &# 39 ; s 118 virtual program resource request . processor liaison module 122 has reserved processor services a 206 , b 208 , and c 210 on three different network resources , a , b , and c , in order to effect the tasking module &# 39 ; s 118 virtual processor resource request . memory liaison module 124 has reserved memory services a 212 , b 214 , c 216 , and d 218 on four different from network resources , a , b , c , and d , in order to effect the tasking module &# 39 ; s 118 virtual memory resource request . and finally i / o liaison module 126 has reserved storage service 220 , printer service 222 , monitor service 224 , and i / o stream service 226 from the network resources 102 , in order to effect the tasking module &# 39 ; s 118 virtual i / o resource request . once the necessary network resources have been reserved , the liaison manager 106 , in step 318 , links the reserved services to their corresponding virtual resource requests , using either pointers or handles , specifying the necessary paths . in step 320 , the liaison manger 106 sends a message to the tasking module 118 indicating that task execution may begin . then in step 322 the tasking module 118 executes the task 202 until completion . note , each of the liaison &# 39 ; s 120 , 122 , 124 and 126 appears to the tasking module 118 to be only a single virtual resource , even though the liaison &# 39 ; s have often times aggregated several real resource services in order to effect each virtual resource . for example , if the task 202 requires 4 gb of virtual memory , but each individual memory service can only provide 1 gb of memory , the memory liaison module 124 reserves the 4 gb of memory using four different memory services ; however , from the task &# 39 ; s 202 reference point , the memory liaison module 126 has provided the entire 4 gb of memory . in step 324 , each of the reserved network services , from time to time , send a status message to the liaison manager 106 . the status message indicates whether that particular network service is still available or not . in step 326 , if the liaison manager 106 receives a status message from one of the network services indicating that that service is no longer available , the liaison manager 106 instructs the tasking module 118 to halt execution of the task 202 . then , in step 328 , the particular resource liaison module 120 , 122 , 124 or 126 affected by the network service unavailability , repeats steps 312 through 318 in order to secure another network service which can provide a replacement service , after which steps 320 through 320 are repeated . in step 330 , after completion of the task 202 , the resource liaisons modules 120 , 122 , 124 and 126 send messages releasing the reserved network services , after which the method 300 ends . the capacity of the network resources 102 to provide services to requesting computers can easily be increased by adding additional network resources , providing additional service capability , to the set of network resources 102 . thus by adding more resources , such as personal computers or servers , to the network , more cpu power , memory capacity and the like , become available , instantly benefiting all of the network &# 39 ; s users . in fact , using the present invention , tasks can be executed which would have required more services than any one server computer could have individually provided . in this way the present invention functions as a sort of “ super - server .” also , while any single hardware device , such as a server or a personal computer , is limited by its design , the present invention &# 39 ; s distributed approach benefits from a relatively unlimited number of network resources which can be brought to bear to effect a task . this flexibility is a substantial advantage over fixed hardware oriented systems . while one or more embodiments of the present invention have been described , those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications may be made . variations upon and modifications to these embodiments are provided by the present invention , which is limited only by the following claims . | 7 |
the following detailed description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention . furthermore , there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description . according to various exemplary embodiments , displays provided by an integrated virtual environment device are temporarily suspended when the user is in relatively close physical proximity to a vehicle . further , some or all of the information that would otherwise be displayed on the ive device can be presented instead on a display that is associated with a vehicle . this allows users to continue receiving messages , enjoying a media stream and / or performing other functions ordinarily carried out using the ive even though the user is controlling or riding in a vehicle . these general concepts may be applied in any number of different settings . as a driver enters an automobile or truck , for example , the vehicle display system could automatically detect the presence of the driver &# 39 ; s ide device , and could automatically transfer imagery and / or data from the ide to a dashboard or heads up display in the vehicle . this would allow the driver to continue viewing of messages or other content in a safer and less distracting manner than would otherwise be available from the ide itself . other embodiments could consider multiple passengers within a vehicle . a cabin entertainment system for an aircraft , for example , could transfer messaging , video or other data from a passenger &# 39 ; s ide to a seat - back entertainment system for more convenient viewing in the passenger &# 39 ; s seat during flight . additional details of these and other exemplary embodiments are set forth in more detail below . turning now to the drawing figures and with initial reference to fig1 , an exemplary system 100 suitably includes a vehicle display system 112 that interacts with one or more integrated virtual environment ( ive ) devices 102 a - b . during normal operation , ive devices 102 a - b receive messages , media content or any other types of digital data from one or more content sources 104 . this information is suitably formatted and presented on a display associated with the ive device 102 a - b . as the user enters ( or otherwise comes into close proximity with ) a vehicle , however , the display changes from the ive 102 a - b to a display 120 that is associated with the vehicle . in various embodiments , the vehicle display system 112 receives a data stream from the ive 102 that is rendered to the user on the vehicle display 120 while the user is present in the vehicle . other embodiments could perform a handoff procedure in which content from source 104 is provided to the vehicle display system 112 though a vehicle communication service 125 . other embodiments may be supplemented or otherwise modified in any manner . ive devices 102 a - b are any sort of wearable computing devices capable of providing enhanced reality , media content or other information to the viewer . examples of ive devices 102 a - b could include the google glass products available from google inc . of mountain view , calif ., although any number of other products could be equivalently used . typically , ive devices 102 a - b augment the user &# 39 ; s regular vision with computerized displays providing additional information about objects viewed , messages intended for the viewer , media content and / or any other data desired by the user . each ive 102 a - b typically includes a suitable processor and memory for storing and executing software commands , along with a display for providing output to the user . some ive devices 102 a - b could display generated imagery within a pair of eyeglasses , for example , or in a projection that is visible to the user , or in any other manner . although fig1 shows two ive devices 102 a - b for simplicity , in practice any number of devices could be provided within a practical system 100 . vehicle display system 110 is a vehicle entertainment system , vehicle information system , or other computing system capable of providing visual presentations to operators and / or passengers of a vehicle . typically , such visual presentations are made on a display 120 that is visible within the vehicle , such as a dashboard display , a heads up display ( hud ), a helmet mounted display ( hmd ), or simply a flat panel or other display that is present anywhere within the vehicle . vehicles could include ( without limitation ) aircraft , automobiles , trucks , boats , ships , bicycles , motorcycles , transit vehicles such as buses and trains , and / or any other vehicles as desired . display system 110 suitably includes a microprocessor , digital signal processor or other controller 116 that receives data inputs from one or more sources via one or more interfaces 112 , 114 . in the example illustrated in fig1 , display system 110 includes an interface 112 to a wide area network 105 such as the internet , a cellular network , a satellite network or the like . display system 110 is also shown with a second interface 114 that allows direct communication with ive devices 102 a - b . such communications may be provided using any sort of relatively short range wireless communications or the like . conventional wpan / bluetooth ( ieee 802 . 15 ) or zigbee ( ieee 802 . 15 . 4 ) communications could be used , for example , as could any other standard or proprietary communications schemes . interfaces 112 , 114 may share one or more antennas 111 in some implementations , or separate antennas 111 may be provided to support different communications standards , frequency bands or the like . vehicle communications service 125 is any sort of backend service capable of supporting communications with one or more vehicle display systems 110 . in practice , service 125 may incorporate a proxy or the like for obtaining content on network 105 . such content may be forwarded to display system 110 via network 105 or via a separate communications channel , such as a satellite link or cellular network , as desired . as noted above , it is typically desirable to suspend data presentation using the ive device 102 a - b while the user is operating a vehicle , or when excessive attention on the device 102 a - b could be detrimental . to that end , vehicle communications service 110 and ive device 102 interact with each other to transfer the display of relevant information from the ive display to the vehicle display 120 at appropriate times . when the user is operating the vehicle , for example , messages or other relevant information can be transferred from the user &# 39 ; s ive device 102 to a cockpit or dashboard display , to a hud , or to any other display 120 located within the vehicle . presentation can be returned to the ive device 102 when the user exits the vehicle , when the vehicle is turned off , or at any other appropriate time . turning now to fig2 , an exemplary process 200 to transfer displays of video imagery or other data from an ive device 102 to a vehicle display 120 is described . generally speaking , process 200 may be executed by controller 116 within the vehicle display system 110 ( fig1 ), or by other suitable processing circuitry as appropriate . vehicle display system 110 typically scans for ive devices 102 that are in relatively close physical proximity ( function 202 ). scanning may be performed on any regular or irregular temporal basis , or may be initiated by the user in any manner . various embodiments may use conventional ieee 802 . 15 communications , for example , to locate ive devices 102 that are operating within wireless range of the vehicle . when an ive device 102 is located , then the device can be paired with the display system 110 as desired ( function 204 ). pairing may involve , for example , the user approving the connection with display system 110 , or the pairing may be automated as desired . user approval may be obtained from the ive 102 , from buttons or other input features of vehicle display system 110 , or any combination of inputs from the ive 102 and display system 110 as desired . when an ive is paired with the display system 110 , then display of imagery on the ive display is suitably disabled ( function 206 ). in various embodiments , the display system 110 transmits an instruction to the ive 102 that initiates the suspension of further displays . in other embodiments , ive 102 may be programmed ( e . g ., in software or firmware ) to disable its own display when it is paired with a vehicle display system 110 , as desired . content display is then transferred from the ive 102 to the vehicle display 120 as desired ( function 208 ). in various embodiments , video streams that would ordinarily be presented on the ive display are instead streamed to the display system 110 for rendering on display 120 . in such embodiments , ive 102 is still involved in generating output imagery that is streamed or otherwise provided to display system 110 via interface 114 for presentation on display 120 . other embodiments may simply provide messages or other raw data processed at ive 102 to the display system 110 so that display system 110 can generate output images on display 120 that incorporate the received data . text messages , for example , could be provided in a relatively raw format from ive 102 to display system 110 via interface 114 in some embodiments . display system 110 would then format the received raw data into still or moving imagery that could be provided on display 120 . in still other embodiments , display system 110 performs an actual handoff of data streaming from ive 102 so that data is provided directly to the display system 110 without first passing through the ive 102 . such embodiments may make use of a separate interface 112 to a satellite , mobile telephone or other source of data rather than receiving data directly from the ive via interface 114 . the handoff could be performed in any manner ; in various embodiments , a backend service 125 suitably acts as a proxy on network 105 to retrieve messaging or other data directly from the content source 104 . backend service 125 could also monitor connection status between the ive 102 and the display system 110 so that messaging or other data streams can be restored to the ive after pairing with the display system 110 has ended . other embodiments could operate in any number of alternate but equivalent ways to achieve similar results . display could be returned to the ive 102 in any manner ( function 212 ). in various embodiments , heartbeat messages are transmitted between the display system 110 and the ive 102 on a regular temporal basis ( e . g ., every few seconds or so ) to ensure that the ive 102 is still present within the vehicle ( function 210 ). heartbeat messages may not be needed at times that the ive 102 is otherwise engaged in active communications with the display system 110 . if the ive 102 is providing a video stream or steady stream of data , for example , then heartbeat messages may not be needed . if display system 110 stops receiving heartbeat messages from ive 102 after a period of relative inactivity , however , it can be determined that the ive 102 is no longer present in proximity to the vehicle . the ive display may be released at that time so that data presentation can continue . similarly , the presentation of ive data on vehicle display 120 can be discontinued as desired . equivalent embodiments could monitor heartbeat messages from within the ive device 102 . in such embodiments , the ive 102 would reinstate its own display when it was determined that the vehicle display system 110 was no longer present , or no longer in physical proximity . other embodiments could be modified or enhanced as desired . as noted above , various embodiments could consider multiple ive devices 102 a - b operated by multiple users that may be present in proximity to the same vehicle . with reference now to fig3 , an example of a process 300 that could be used to manage communications between a display system 110 and two or more ive devices 102 a - b is shown . as noted above , vehicle display system 110 suitably monitors for ive devices 102 a - b that may be present within the physical proximity of the vehicle ( function 302 ). proximity may be defined by the range of wireless signaling protocols used to communicate with the ive 102 a - b in many embodiments . when one or more ive devices 102 a - b are discovered , then the display system 110 attempts to pair with the devices 102 a - b as desired ( functions 304 , 305 ). note that the ive devices 102 a - b may not come into contact with the vehicle at the same time ; in practice , the devices 102 a - b may be discovered minutes , hours or even days apart from each other , depending upon the vehicle and the implementation . in the example illustrated in fig3 , a single display 120 presents data associated with one ive 102 a - b or another . when multiple ives 102 a - b are discovered in such embodiments , then it may be desirable to allow a selection of which ive 102 a - b should provide data to the display 120 ( function 306 ). if multiple ive users are riding in a vehicle , for example , it may be beneficial to determine which user is the vehicle operator or which user is in the best physical position for viewing the display 130 . passengers in a vehicle may wish to continue using their ive displays , for example , rather than transferring to a vehicle display 120 that is better used by the driver of the vehicle . the selection 306 may take place in any manner ; various embodiments could allow selection via inputs associated with display system 110 , whereas other embodiments may simply operating on a first - come - first - served manner , or any other selection basis as desired . in the example of fig3 , ive 102 a is selected to pair with the vehicle display 120 . pairing status may be relayed to each ive 102 a - b via messages 308 , 309 ( respectively ), which may be sent directly to each ive 102 a - b via interface 114 as desired . the ive 102 a that is paired with the vehicle display 120 suitably disables its own display ( function 310 ), and forwards data to the display system 110 as desired ( function 313 ). ive 102 b , which is not selected to pair with the primary vehicle display 120 in this example , may be managed in any appropriate manner ( function 312 ). in various embodiments , ive 102 b may provide data to a secondary display within the vehicle , or the ive 102 b may simply continue to operate normally , with visual outputs provided to the display within the ive 102 b itself . imagery may be generated and presented on the vehicle display 120 in any manner ( function 316 ). as noted above , imagery presented on the display 120 may be generated on the paired ive 102 a or on the display system 110 based upon information received from ive 102 a via interface 114 and / or information received via a separate interface 112 . even though fig3 shows a video stream 313 provided to system 110 from ive 102 a , then , equivalent embodiments could generate the stream at system 110 and / or could receive a similar stream 313 from another source on network 105 or elsewhere . in the example of fig3 , display system 110 remains in communication with each ive 102 a - b even though only one ive 102 a is actively paired with the vehicle display 120 . while other embodiments could equivalently discontinue communications with non - paired ives 102 b , maintaining a connection allows the display system 110 to conveniently switch the presentation on display 120 at a later time , if desired . communications may be maintained though heartbeat messages 318 , 319 , as described above , or in any other manner . when heartbeat messages and / or other data is no longer received from an ive 102 a - b , then the vehicle display system 110 suitably disconnects the ive 102 a - b as desired . at that point another ive 102 may be selected , if one is available , or the display could remain idle , or content from other sources ( e . g ., content from server 125 ) could be provided . when the ide 102 a - b is no longer in proximity to the vehicle ( or when the ide is no longer paired to the display system no ), then the ide is released and presentation of content on the ide &# 39 ; s display can resume as desired ( functions 322 , 323 ). generally speaking , the various steps of processes 200 and 300 may be carried out with any sort of hardware , software and / or firmware logic within system 100 . process 200 may be carried out , for example , by a vehicle display system 110 ( fig1 ) operating in conjunction with any appropriate ives 102 a - b and / or networked services 104 , 125 as appropriate . in various embodiments , the various steps of processes 200 and 300 are carried out in response to software or firmware instructions stored in a memory , or on a disk drive and / or other storage associated with display system 110 , ive 102 a - b , and / or servers 104 or 125 . such instructions may be executed by any processor and / or other processing features within display system 110 , ives 102 a - b , servers 104 , 125 and / or the like . the particular means used to implement each of the various functions shown in fig2 and 3 , then , could be any sort of processing hardware executing conventional software logic in any format . the various processes and structures set forth herein could therefore provide an effective solution to the challenge of presenting ive data within a vehicle without distracting a driver or operator of the vehicle . as an ive is discovered within communications range of the vehicle , the vehicle display system is able to automatically pair with the ive so that presentation of some or all of the content presented on the ive is instead presented on a vehicle display . the term “ exemplary ” is used herein to represent one example , instance or illustration that may have any number of alternates . any implementation described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations . while several exemplary embodiments have been presented in the foregoing detailed description , it should be appreciated that a vast number of alternate but equivalent variations exist , and the examples presented herein are not intended to limit the scope , applicability , or configuration of the invention in any way . to the contrary , various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described without departing from the scope of the claims and their legal equivalents . | 1 |
illumination of the xeroprinting plate may be effected by either analog or digital means . in case of analog exposure , a line or half - tone negative or pattern is interposed between the source of illumination and the plate . as the photopolymerizable system is most sensitive to shorter wavelength light , an uv light source is preferred . in case of digital exposure , a light - emitting device , such as a laser , scans the film in raster fashion corresponding to digitized data describing the electronically available image . in both instances , illumination of the photopolymerizable film must be sufficiently intense so as to bring about a sufficient degree of polymerization in exposed areas and provide the required difference in conductivity between exposed and non - exposed areas . the usual means of charging the xeroprinting plate is by means of simple corona discharge or a more complex charging unit such as a scorotron for example . latent images can be developed by means of liquid developers , consisting of a colloidal system of charged colloidal particles in an insulating liquid . in the conventional photocopying process the use of liquid developers is rather seldom . in the xeroprinting process liquid developing systems still are used , in particular in view of the high resolution attainable with such developing system . the latent image of the xeroprinting process can also be developed with a finely divided dry developing material of toner to form a powder image which is subsequently transferred onto a support sheet such as paper . the most widely used dry development technique nowadays is by means of magnetic brush either monocomponent or two - component , the latter being more suited for colour applications as colourless and transparent magnetic pigments , to be used in full - colour monocomponent toner , are not obvious . the magnetic brush development technique involves the use of magnetic toner ( monocomponent ) or of magnetic means associated with a developing mixture composed of magnetic carrier particles carrying a number of smaller electrostatically adhering toner particles ( two - component ). in this technique the developer composition is maintained during the development cycle in a loose , brushlike orientation by a magnetic field surrounding , for example , a rotatable non - magnetic cylinder having a means with magnetic poles mounted inside . in the two - component system the magnetic carrier particles are attracted to the cylinder by the described magnetic field , and the toner particles are held to the carrier particles by virtue of their opposite electrostatic polarity . before and during development , the toner acquires an electrostatic charge of a sign opposite to that of the carrier material due to triboelectric charging derived from their mutual frictional interaction . this brushlike mass of magnetic carrier with adhering toner particles is thereupon drawn across the surface bearing the electrostatic image . as is described in r . m . schaffert , cited above , p . 50 - 51 , two alternative ways of reversal development of latent electrostatic images can be applied . according to the most common technique of application of reversal development , an electrostatic latent image is reversal developed by applying a development electrode . under these conditions , and assuming an initially positively charged electrostatic image has been formed , negative charges will be induced in the master plate surface so that the positive charges in the area of greatest original charge density are nearly neutralised , a net negative value is maintained to act as a cleaning field in order to prevent background deposition of toner and residual negative charges remain in the other areas . after this procedure , which has resulted in a complete reversal of the electrostatic image , which has now been transformed into a negatively - charged image , development with a positively charged toner completes the process of reversal development . when the electrostatic image has been developed , transfer from the plate to paper or another substrate should take place . the toner image may be transferred to any suitable substrate such as paper , polymeric film , cloth or an integrated circuit board . in the latter case the xeroprinting process can be employed for either putting conductive circuit lines on an insulating board or for putting a non - conductive circuit pattern , e . g . consisting of a resist material , to an insulating board covered with a conductor . the xeroprinting process according to the invention can also be used for making color proofs , either by the color overlay method or by making a color surprint proof . in this case four masters corresponding to four separation negatives ( cyan , magenta , yellow and black ) of an original are prepared and each is charged and toned with the corresponding process color toner . for the production of an overlay , each toner image is transferred to a separate transparent material , such as a polyethylene terephthalate film whereas for the production of a surprint , the four toner images are sequentially transferred to the same sheet . the transfer to the substrate such as paper may be accomplished by using adhesive - coated paper or by electrical attraction , the latter being the most common technique . the paper is placed in contact with the image side of the plate whereby the paper is electrically charged with the polarity opposite to that of the toner image . the charge applied to the paper overcomes the attraction of the imaging layer for the toner particles and pulls them onto the paper ( this technique is often referred to as the bias technique ). after stripping the paper from the plate , the support sheet bearing the toner powder image is passed through a fusing apparatus . there are different types of fusing processes used for fusing a toner powder image to its support . some are based primarily on fusing by heat , other are based on softening by solvent vapours , or by the application of cold flow at high pressure in ambient conditions of temperature . in the fusing processes based on heat , five major types should be considered . the first is an oven heating process in which heat is applied by hot air over a wide portion of the support sheet , the second is a flash heating process in which heat is produced in the toner by absorption of light energy emitted by a flash lamp , the third is a radiation process wherein the support with the toner image is irradiated mainly by infrared - radiation , and the fourth is a heating process wherein the support with the toner image is simultaneously pressed and heated . the latter process is commonly called the heated roller fusing process . another , fifth type , is based on heat conduction from a heated member through the substrate of the toner image , towards the top toner layer ( commonly called back - side fusing ). in a common heat - and pressure fusing process the support carrying the non - fixed toner image is conveyed through the nip formed by a heating roller also called fuser roller and another roller backing the support and functioning as pressure exerting roller , called pressure roller . this roller may be heated to some extent so as to avoid strong heat loss within the copy . the last mentioned fusing process has been employed widely in low - speed as well as high - speed fusing systems , since a remarkably high thermal efficiency is obtained because the surface of the heating roller is pressed against the toner image surface of the sheet to be fixed . an additional advantage is the possibility to use colour - toners , since the energy absorption is independent of the wavelength . moreover this fusing process allows double - sided copying , or so - called duplex printing . the heated roller fusing process is recommended for putting the present invention into practical use , in particular when applications such as color reproduction and higher volume printing work are envisaged . photopolymerizable electrostatic master plates comprise an electrically conductive substrate , e . g . aluminized polyethylene terephtalate , whereupon a layer of photohardenable composition has been coated . the latter layer generally is made up of an organic polymeric binder , a monomer compound , polymerizable upon exposure to actinic radiation , a photoinitiator , sensitizers , stabilizers , as well as various other additives . examples of photohardenable compositions suitable for use according to the present invention are described in the article of e . inoue and h . fukutomi , cited above , as well as in the already cited eu - a - 0279960 . suitable examples of photoinitiators are e . g . free - radical producing oxime esters such as are disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 3 , 558 , 309 of u . l . laridon and g . a . delzenne , issued jan . 26 , 1971 . various kinds of liquid and dry developers may be used according to the present invention . liquid developers have in general the advantage that the highest resolution attainable is considerable higher than with conventional dry developers , thanks to the very small particle size of the toner particles dispersed . however , it entails much inconvenience to the customer caused by the required evaporation of the developer solvent . suitable examples of liquid developers are described e . g . in uk patent no . 1576719 or eu - a - 0215978 . suitable examples of one and two - component dry developers are described in eu - a - 0279960 . when high resolution printing applications are envisaged it is recommended to use very fine toner particles , corresponding to a well - defined particle size distribution . examples of such toner compositions are disclosed in e . g . uk 2180948 , eu - a - 0255716 , u . s . pat . no . 4 , 737 , 433 , and 85 jp - 192711 . the invention is illustrated hereinafter by way of an example . however , the invention is neither limited to the described example , nor to the embodiments illustrated therein . a polyethylene terephthalate substrate having a thickness of 165 micron with having a vacuum - coated aluminum layer of 100 nm was coated with a solution containing 90 parts of a solvent mixture of methylene chloride methanol 90 / 10 and 10 parts of a photohardenable system according to the following composition so as to yield 20 g of the photohardenable composition per square meter . ______________________________________ingredient chemical compound g / m2 % ______________________________________binder cellulosetriacetate 11 55initiator ketoximeester according to 0 . 79 3 . 94 the following formula : ## str1 ## sensitizer 1 - ethyl - 3 - phenyl - 7 - 0 . 79 3 . 94 dimethylamino - 2 - chinolonstabilizer 2 , 6 - di . t . butyl p - cresol 0 . 024 0 . 12monomer pentaerythritol 7 . 4 37 tetraacrylate______________________________________ the third column indicates the amount of each of the ingredients in the photohardenable composition after coating and evaporation of the solvent ( dry state ). the fourth column indicates the same values expressed in weight percentage figures of the total composition . an aqueous solution of the ammonium salt of p - co ( vinylacetate - crotonic acid 90 / 10 ) was laminated to the coating of photohardenable composition so as to yield a cover sheet of 1 to 2 microns ( dry state ). this protective cover sheet should not be separated from the photopolymer layer either before exposure or thereafter . 90 parts of atlac t500 ( trade name of atlas chemical industries inc ., wilmington , del ., usa ) being a propoxylated bisphenol a fumarate polyester with a glass transition temperature of 51 ° c ., a melting point in the range of 65 ° c . to 85 ° c ., an acid number of 13 . 9 , and an intrinsic viscosity measured at 25 ° c . in a mixture of phenol - ortho dichlorobenzene ( 60 / 40 by weight ) of 0 . 175 , 10 parts of cabot regal 400 ( trade name of cabot corp ., boston , mass ., usa ) being a carbon black , were introduced in a kneader . in order to improve the chargeability of the toner particles bontron s36 ( trade name of oriental chemical industries -- japan ) being a metal complex dye , was added as negative charge polarity offering charge control agent in an amount of 5 % by weight . the mixture was then heated at 120 ° c . to form a melt ; upon which the kneading process was started . after about 30 minutes , the kneading was stopped and the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature ( 20 ° c .). at that temperature the mixture was crushed and milled to form a powder . suitable milling and air classification results may be obtained when employing an apparatus such as the a . f . g . ( alpine fliessbeth - gegenstrahlmuhle ) type 100 as milling means , equipped with an a . t . p . ( alpine turboplex windsichter ) type 50 gs , as air classification means . further air classification can be obtained using an alpine multiplex labor zich - zachsichter , type 100 mzr as additional classification apparatus . all models are available from the alpine process technology . the settings for these apparatus were as follows : a . t . p . 50 , 10000 rpm , 5 . 5 bar , nozzles 3 × 1 . 9 mm ; 100 mzr : 15000 rpm , 52 m 3 / h . hereupon , the toner particles were introduced in a mixing apparatus , aerosil r812 ( a trade name of degussa ag , germany ) being a fumed silica with a specific surface of 250 m 2 / g and an average particle diameter of 7 nm , the surface being hydrophobic , was admixed to the toner , and said mixture was then intensively shaken for about 30 minutes to enhance its flowability . the concentration by weight of fumed silica with respect to toner was 0 . 5 . the average diameter of the toner particles so prepared was 5 . 11 microns by volume and 4 . 10 microns by number , as determined in a coulter counter measuring apparatus . a magnetic brush developer was obtained by mixing the obtained toner with a typical carrier such as a ferrite carrier ( ni - zn type ) with a magnetization of 50 emu / g . the average carrier particle diameter was about 65 um . the concentration of toner in percentage to the carrier weight was on or about 2 . 5 %. a photopolymer contact printing plate prepared according to the procedure aforementioned was exposed in contact with a negative transparent film in a printon cdl 1501 contact exposure unit , marketed by agfa - gevaert n . v ., mortsel , belgium . the 1000 w metal halogen light source of said exposure unit was set at level 2 corresponding with a light intensity of 1500 uw / sq . cm , and the film was exposed during 1000 exposure units , corresponding with 100 sec of illumination , or 150 mj / cm 2 per 100 sec . hereupon the photopolymer plate was introduced in an apparatus , the construction of which was based upon agfa &# 39 ; s x - 35 xerocopying apparatus , being a copier marketed by agfa - gevaert n . v ., mortsel , belgium , but which apparatus was so modified so as to suit the charging , subsequent reversal development of said photopolymer plate and the transfer and subsequent fusing of the developed toner image to a substrate such as e . g . paper . this modified xeroprinting apparatus had the characteristics as described hereinafter . the result was a positive print . the photopolymer plate was negatively charged to - 700 v using a single wire corona set at - 3 . 5 kv equipped with a grid set at - 700 v ; the plate was mounted on a drum with a diameter of 15 cm and was moving at a process speed of 10 cm / sec . the voltage on both exposed and unexposed areas of the plate was measured with an electrostatic voltmeter , which yielded the following results . ______________________________________ ( a ) ( b ) ( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 1 ) ( 2 ) ______________________________________voltage - 580 v - 25 v - 195 v 0 v______________________________________ ( a ) 1 . 5 second after end of charging ( b ) 10 seconds after end of charging ( 1 ) represents voltage in exposed areas ( 2 ) represents voltage in unexposed areas the electrostatic image formed on the xeroprinting plate was then developed by a magnetic brush which was built up with the developer containing negatively charged toner particles as described hereinabove . reversal development was executed by using a voltage controlled development electrode which applied a bias potential of - 350 v to the development unit . hereby toner particles deposited to the initially non - charge carrying , i . e . unexposed , areas and hence a direct - positive toned image was formed on the photopolymer plate . the transfer of the deposited toner image to a paper substrate proceeded by applying a positive voltage of + 3 kv to a metal roll , which was kept in close ohmic contact with the rear side of the paper sheet acting as receiving material whose front side was therefore kept in close contact with the toner image on the xeroprinting plate . the image - wise transferred toner particles were fed to a radiation fusing device operating with an infrared light fusing element such as described in the text of example 8 of u . s . pat . no . 4 , 525 , 445 . after transfer of the toner image to the substrate the xeroprinting plate was cleaned from residual toner particles with conventional means , i . e . polyurethane scraper doctor blade , and electrically reset to zero by using a conventional alternating current single wire corona . repetitive runs up to 1000 prints were made without noticeable quality decrease . | 6 |
in accordance with fig1 to 3 a float body 12 comprises a chamber 14 which is surrounded by a skin 16 . the chamber 14 formed by the skin 16 is filled or foamed out with closed pore plastic foam 18 , which extends along the whole inner periphery of the skin 16 . in the center of the closed pore plastic foam a hollow interior space 20 is left , which is separated from the closed pore plastic foam by an inner skin 26 . in accordance with fig2 the closed pore plastic foam 18 is divided up into two zones 22 and 24 . the plastic foam 18 is produced with a high bulk weight and consequently with a high density in the outer zone 22 , adjacent to the skin 16 , along its whole inner periphery . in this outer zone 22 the closed pore plastic foam has a volume weight of 60 to 80 kg per cubic meter . the layer of denser closed pore plastic foam in the outer zone 22 measures 5 cm . the annular inner zone 24 between the outer zone 22 filled out with dense plastic foam , and the inner space 20 left empty is filled with a plastic foam with closed pores and a lower density , its volume weight amounting to two fifths of the volume weight of the dense plastic foam in the outer zone 22 . the less dense plastic foam in the inner zone 24 can , in order to reduce the costs of foam material , be extended with foreign materials having similar mechanical properties as for example styropor spherulets . in accordance with fig3 the float body 12 along its outer profile has the shape in cross - section of an ellipse apart from a flattened plane surface 28 , which runs parallel to the major axis 30 of the ellipse . this flattened surface 28 serves as a support surface and facilitates the erection of building structures on the float body . in fig4 and 5 two embodiments are represented in the case of which the float device comprises four or , respectively , two float bodies constructed as complete or closed rings . in the case of this embodiment it is possible in a simple manner to produce a large support surface using a few individual elements , and the whole structure has a high buoyancy . it is for example possible to achieve a low carrying capacity or buoyancy of 900 kg per square meter with a float device with an external diameter of 30 meters , which is made up of four float body rings 12 and in the case of an overall volume of the annular bodies of 556 cubic meters has a total weight of approximately 30 , 000 kg . in the case of the embodiment of the invention shown in fig5 the two annular bodies 12 , placed concentrically one inside the other , have a spacing between them and are connected via cords 34 , as shown in the upper half of fig5 or by means of a continuous annular foil 32 , as shown in the lower half of fig5 are connected with each other in such a manner that they are prevented from rotating in relation to each other in the peripheral direction , but as regards their load carrying surface they can rise and sink independently of each other . the cross - sectional heights of the annular bodies placed concentrically one inside the other , can be the same . different cross - sectional heights can , however , facilitate the arrangement of superstructures . fig6 shows an embodiment in the case of which the floating device 10 is constructed as a load carrying raft for superstructures 55 with a planked structure 57 and a railing 56 . the device 10 has in this respect at the same time a stabilising device 36 , which is connected by means of ropes 40 at separate points of attachment 38 with the device . the ropes 40 run under water to a tying point 42 , which is formed by a ballast weight 44 . an upwardly open sheet anchor 46 is connected with the ballast weight 44 . furthermore , the device 10 has an anchor 48 , with which it can be anchored at any suitable point in a lake or at sea . attached to the inner annular body 12 there is a safety net 52 , which protects the water zone under the annular opening of the device 10 against the ingress of sharks or other fish . the safety net 52 can be connected at individual points 53 with the ropes 40 of the stabilising device so that it is held drawn down under all conditions in the water . in the case of the device shown in fig6 the cross - sectional height of the annular bodies 12 decreases from the outside towards the inside of the overall annular surface . since the annular bodies 12 lie on the water surface at approximately the same height , the differing cross - sectional heights achieve a gradation or stepping of the surfaces of the annular bodies 12 from the inside of the device to its outside in an upward direction . in this manner it is possible in a simple way to come into the still water zone surrounded by the rings , while on the other hand the largest annular body 12 on the outer side of the device 10 acts as a wave breaker , against which the waves act in the peripheral direction of the annular body 12 and accordingly loose their force . the free inner spaces 20 provided in the larger annular bodies 12 can in the case of this device to be used as storage tanks for gases , liquids , and solids , for fuels and foods and for damping materials such as sewage . the annular bodies shown in the drawing are produced by cutting from a tough , elastic plastic foil with a thickness of approximately 1 . 5 mm , for example a sewing pool foil , or from a plastic coated fabric , strips , laying the strips parallel to each other and connecting them together , that is to say welding them together or sewing them together . the foil surfaces so prepared are laid one on top of the other so that the previously produced seams intersect . in the center of the foil surface a hole is cut out , through which a pulse welding device with circular segment shaped welding electrodes can be introduced . with these electrodes having the form of circular segments two circular seams , that is to say one seam along the outer periphery and one seam along the inner periphery of the annular skin to be produced , are produced by welding . two seams running parallel in this manner then represent a foil tube . the double foil projecting beyond this foil tube can be cut off or left projecting and used as an attachment for eyes or distance pieces . if the tubes for all annular bodies to be laid one inside the other are to be produced simultaneously , the foil surfaces lying between the tubes can be left and in this manner they form double foil annular surface spacing means . the prefabricated foil annular tubes are then transported to the site of use , laid out flat and filled with air up to a certain degree , that is to say that they form curved rings , which in cross - section have an elliptical profile and are supported by a flat supporting surface . through an opening cut out of the inflated annular tube the filling material , a closed pore plastic foam , is filled in . the inner side of the annular skin is regularly covered along its whole periphery with a foam layer with a thickness of about 5 cm so that the annular skin is fixed in its inflated condition . this outer plastic foam layer has a volume weight of approximately 60 to 80 kg per cubic meter . in the case of filling the remaining interior space up with foam , the foam expansion pressure which occurs is taken up by the outer foam layer and cannot act on the foil . instead of inflating the annular skin it is also possible to introduce a shaping plate through an opening . the plate is drawn slowly through the annular skin , while its outer periphery slids along the inner side of the skin and rotating foam material spray guns throw a regular foam layer against the inner side of the annular skin . after a short pot life and standing time for the foam the shape of the annular skin is fixed by the hardening or curing plastic foam in the shape of the plate . if in large annular bodies a hollow interior of space is to be left , after the curing of the outer foam material layer a foil tube , inflated with air , is fixed in the interior of the ring body with spacers or distance pieces . the annular space remaining between the annular skin and the inflated foil tube is foamed out or filled up with foam having a low bulk weight . in all other cases the space remaining free inside the outer foam layer is fully filled up with foam after hardening . following this the annular skins filled with foam can be closed in a water - tight manner by welding or sticking . before placing the rings filled with foam on the water , they are turned around so that the flat space which was previously lying on the ground faces upwards and can serve as a support surface for superstructures . the annular float bodies cannot turn turtle , offer considerable resistance to sudden water movements , and in squalls lie still relatively resistant to rolling in the water , since owing to a suction effect there is a strong adhesive effect between the water surface and the annular surfaces lying on it . furthermore , an annular ring or toroidal construction is particularly suitable for overcoming the forces of the waves without excessive movement of the annular body being brought about . in the case of an advantageous embodiment between the annular bodies and the fixed abutment surfaces or resting surfaces shock absorbers are arranged which prevent or considerably reduce the transmission of wave forces of the water to the superstructures . a pneumatic wave breaker is advantageously provided outside the island or raft , which breaks high waves . in the case of such pneumatic wave breakers air bubbles serve to produce turbulence so that owing to the rising water air mixture the orbital movement is interfered with . the floating raft or supporting island in accordance with the invention is also suitable as a mussel bank for culturing pearls outside the litoral zone in healthy water . in the case of a non - circular construction of the float body the device in accordance with the invention can also be used advantageously as a floating wave breaker in conjunction with a stabiliser and sheet anchor system or break water in front of the entrances to harbours and bathing bays , as a mooring structure for boots or as part of a floating bridge such as a pontoon bridge . | 1 |
with reference now to the drawings , and in particular to fig1 - 3 thereof , a new and novel method embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention , and generally designated by reference numerals in the drawings , will be herewith described in detail . the method is manifested in the bottom portion 1 of a typical aluminum casting pit as shown in fig1 . to briefly familiarize the reader with the basic parts of a casting pit , fig1 is adequate for that purpose . the bottom portion 1 contains the cooling water reservoir 2 . the cooling water 3 is pumped from this reservoir 2 and circulated around the molds ( not shown ) above as molten aluminum is poured into the molds to form solid ingots . it is into this cooling water reservoir 2 that hot molten aluminum is sometimes spilled during the casting process taking place above . when the hot molten aluminum is spilled into the water 3 , the water 3 trapped beneath is instantly superheated , creating a powerful steam explosion . the present invention uses a different approach in addressing the explosion hazard than the current method of coating the pit &# 39 ; s bottom surface 4 as described in the &# 34 ; background &# 34 ; ( infra ). the present invention uses a perforated flooring system 5 placed above the bottom surface 4 to create a chamber 6 . a compressed gas 7 ( preferably inert , such as nitrogen ), is introduced into this chamber 6 under a certain pressure , preferably between 1 and 10 psig , and the gas 7 is thereby forced upward into the cooling water 3 through the holes 8 of the perforated flooring system 5 . turbulence in the cooling water 3 is created by this upward flow of gas 7 , and it is this addition of compressed gas 7 to the melt - water interfacial area that steam vapor film , which has been found to act upon the phenomenologies of the molten aluminum - water interaction , mitigates or even prevents a steam explosion from occurring . this compressed gas 7 also acts to absorb any mechanical shock waves that sometimes are generated during the casting process . such shock waves are now known to trigger explosions when hot molten metal comes in contact with water . the flooring system 5 is perforated with holes 8 as shown in fig1 and 3 . in a preferred embodiment , these holes 8 are spaced no more than two and one - half inches apart . also in a preferred embodiment , these holes 8 have a taper 9 such that a smaller diameter 10 is located at the bottom surface 11 of the flooring system 5 and a larger diameter 12 of the holes 8 is located at the top surface 13 of the flooring system 5 . this tapering of the holes 8 facilitates the upward flow of the compressed gas 7 , acts as a flow diode to prevent water flow downwards , and facilitates the creation of turbulence at the bottom of the cooling water reservoir 2 . the flooring system 5 is preferably constructed in square or rectangular sections of no more than one inch thickness and no less than one - half inch thickness to expedite the removal and repair of the flooring system 5 as needed . preferably the flooring system 5 is constructed of stainless steel for reliability and long - life . flooring system sections with different hole diameters can also be interchanged in order to meet different requirements and applications of the casting process . an alternate embodiment is the use of perforated pipe sections rather than square or rectangular floor sections . the chamber 6 between the flooring system 5 and the bottom surface 4 of the casting pit 1 is preferably less than four inches in height . the compressed gas 7 introduced into the chamber 6 is preferably an inert gas such as nitrogen , but compressed air can also be used . the compressed gas 7 is introduced preferably at a pressure between 1 and 10 psig , into the sides of the chamber 6 when the flooring system comprises floor sections . the compressed gas 7 forms bubbles in the cooling water 3 as it rises through the holes 8 in the perforated flooring system 5 . this compressed gas 7 prevents or mitigates water entrapment at contact surfaces and furthermore forms a hydrodynamic boundary layer 15 at the bottom of the cooling water reservoir 2 . this layer 15 acts as a cushion around any molten aluminum that spills down accidentally into the cooling water 3 . this cushion around the pieces or droplets of molten aluminum result in enhanced stability characteristics for the water - aluminum interaction and resist the possibility of rapid fragmentation that is necessary for a steam explosion . in addition , the bubbles break up the melt stream from the casting process into small jet - like streams that will not manifest into steam explosions . the compressed gas 7 also provides considerable absorption of mechanical shocks and vibration energy which act as explosion triggers and are induced by hot metal coming in contact with water and lead to steam explosions . the area 14 above the cooling water reservoir 2 is also subject to steam explosions which are created by water collected there . an alternative embodiment to the present invention is to provide it in a different location within a casting pit . this embodiment entails cooling water reservoirs and perforated floor systems in these vulnerable areas above the cooling water reservoir 2 . while there has been shown and described what are at present considered the preferred embodiments of the invention , it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions defined by the appended claims . | 5 |
with initial reference to fig1 and 2 , a cooking appliance constructed in accordance with the present invention is generally indicated at 2 . as depicted , cooking appliance 2 constitutes a wall oven . however , it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to this particular model type and can be incorporated into various types of oven configurations , e . g ., cabinet mounted ovens , as well as both slide - in and free - standing ranges . in any event , in the embodiment shown , cooking appliance 2 constitutes a single wall oven unit including a frame 4 ( best seen in fig3 ) that supports , at least in part , an oven cavity 6 . oven cavity 6 includes a top wall 8 , a bottom wall 9 , a rear wall 10 and opposing side walls 11 and 12 that collectively define a frontal opening 14 . in a manner known in the art , frontal opening 14 is surrounded by a face frame portion 17 which provides an overall aesthetic finish to cooking appliance 2 . preferably , face frame portion 17 is provided with first and second openings 19 and 20 which , as will be discussed more fully below , lead to frame 4 . face frame portion 17 is also provided with additional openings 23 and 24 that form part of an overall airflow system of cooking appliance 2 . in a manner known in the art , cooking appliance 2 includes a control panel 38 having a plurality of control elements . in accordance with the embodiment shown , the control elements are constituted by first , second and third sets of oven control buttons 40 - 42 , as well as a numeric pad 43 . control panel 38 is adapted to be used to input desired cooking parameters and establish operating conditions for cooking appliance 2 . more specifically , first , second and third sets of control buttons 40 - 42 , in combination with numeric pad 43 and a display 45 , enable a user to establish particular cooking operations that are performed within oven cavity 6 . as the oven control is known in the art and does not form part of the present invention , it will not be discussed further herein . in accordance with the invention , cooking appliance 2 is provided with french - style doors that are adapted to selectively seal across frontal opening 14 . more specifically , cooking appliance 2 includes a first door 52 and a second door 53 that are pivotally mounted relative to frame 4 and adapted to be moved from a fully closed position , as represented in fig1 , to a fully open position , as represented in fig2 , to provide access to oven cavity 6 . as will be clear from the remaining figures , doors 52 and 53 swing outward about substantially vertical axes established by upper hinges 54 and 55 ( fig4 ) and lower hinges ( not shown ). in a manner known in the art , each door 52 , 53 is provided with a corresponding outer panel 57 , 58 having a respective central transparent zone or window 59 , 60 . in addition , each door 52 , 53 is provided with a corresponding handle 61 , 62 that enables a consumer to shift doors 52 and 53 between open and closed positions . in order to provide a proper seal about frontal opening 14 , each door 52 , 53 includes an inner panel 65 , 66 about which extends a peripheral seal or gasket as discussed in detail below . in addition , first door 52 is provided with a flange 67 that serves as an intermediate sealing surface for second door 53 . that is , when both first and second doors 52 and 53 are moved to the closed position of fig1 , flange 67 traverses an intermediate gap or opening ( not separately labeled ) laterally between doors 52 and 53 . although not part of the present invention , doors 52 and 53 are shown to include a plurality of openings indicated generally at 70 and 71 on inner panels 65 and 66 . openings 70 and 71 allow a flow of air to pass from within doors 52 and 53 into openings 23 and 24 and around oven cavity 6 . the airflow minimizes the conduction of heat from oven cavity 6 to outer panels 57 and 58 of doors 52 and 53 . in any event , in order to provide a consumer easy access to oven cavity 6 , cooking appliance 2 is provided with a door linkage system 68 ( fig2 ) that interconnects first and second doors 52 and 53 . linkage system 68 operates such that movement of either one of first and second door 52 and 53 causes the other one of first and second doors 52 and 53 to move or shift in a corresponding manner as will be detailed more fully below . fig3 is presented to simply illustrate that the overall design of the cooking appliance can vary in accordance with the invention . in particular , this figure indicates control panel 38 a having control knobs 73 and 74 which , along with an enlarged display 43 a , are used in programming the appliance for a cooking operation . in any case , various configurations can be employed without departing from the invention as will become fully evident from the following invention description . reference will now be made to fig4 - 6 in describing a linkage system 200 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . linkage system 200 includes a first control arm 210 having a first end 211 which is pivotally connected to door 52 and extends to a second end 212 through an intermediate portion 213 . in addition , linkage system 200 includes a second control arm 218 having a first end 219 which is pivotally connected to door 53 and extends to a second end 220 through an intermediate portion 221 . in a manner discussed more fully below , first and second control arms 210 and 218 interconnect first and second doors 52 and 53 such that operation of one door , for example door 52 , will result in a similar movement to second door 53 . in accordance with the invention , linkage system 200 includes a stationary control arm or support member 237 having a first end 238 fixedly mounted relative to frame 4 and extending to a second end 239 through an intermediate portion 240 . in a manner which will be discussed more fully below , a section of intermediate portion 240 includes a camming surface 242 . first and second control arms 210 and 218 are operatively connected to support member 237 through a linkage control arm 244 . more specifically , linkage control arm 244 includes a first end 247 pivotally connected to intermediate portion 240 of support member 237 at a pivot point or axis 249 . first end 247 extends to a second end 254 through an intermediate portion 258 . for reasons which will be described more fully below , second end 254 is provided with a plurality of openings , indicated generally at 260 . in accordance with this form of the invention , linkage system 200 includes a tensioning bracket 284 connected to linkage control arm 244 through a pivot pin 285 . tensioning bracket 284 includes a first end 286 that extends to a second end 287 . second end 287 is provided with a plurality of apertures , indicated generally at 289 . with this arrangement , a spring 292 is fastened at one of the plurality of apertures 289 and one of the plurality of openings 260 on linkage control arm 244 to provide tension to first and second control arms 210 and 218 . more specifically , by selecting between the plurality of apertures 289 and / or plurality of openings 260 , a desired tension can be placed on linkage control arm 244 . in any event , tensioning bracket 284 is shown to include a cam follower 294 provided at first end 286 . as will be described more fully below , cam follower 294 cooperates with camming surface 242 and linkage control arm 244 to guide doors 52 and 53 between a closed position , as represented in fig4 , through an intermediate position , as represented in fig5 , to a fully open position as represented in fig6 . as best shown in fig4 , when doors 52 and 53 are in the closed position , linkage control arm 244 rests upon cam follower 294 with the tension in spring 292 being at a minimum level . as doors 52 and 53 transition towards the intermediate position , linkage control arm 244 , through a force provided by first and / or second door control arms 210 and 218 , transitions along an arcuate path causing cam follower 294 to travel along camming surface 242 . in addition , spring 292 provides tension to first and second control arms 210 and 218 to ensure that doors 52 and 53 do not swing open freely . however , once cam follower 294 passes over a high portion ( not separately labeled ) of camming surface 242 , tensioning bracket 284 aids in shifting doors 52 and 53 to the fully open position . once doors 52 and 53 reach the fully open position as shown in fig6 , cam follower 294 rests at a bottom portion or notch section 304 of camming surface 242 . by positioning cam follower 294 in notch section 304 , doors 52 and 53 are maintained in a fully open position allowing a consumer to freely introduce a food item into oven cavity 6 . at this point , it is possible to shift doors 52 and 53 to the closed position as represented in fig4 . accordingly , a consumer need operate either door 52 and / or 53 to close cooking appliance 2 . that is , by operating either door 52 or 53 , a respective control arm 210 , 218 exerts a force on linkage control arm 244 . linkage control arm 244 is guided back to the home position , with cam follower 294 moving along camming surface 242 . more specifically , tensioning bracket 284 , in combination with cam follower 294 , ensures that doors 52 and 53 transition smoothly towards the closed position . as cam follower 294 transitions over a top portion ( not separately labeled ) of camming surface 242 , spring 292 pulling on linkage control member 244 aids in the overall closing and sealing of doors 52 and 53 . at this point , it should be understood that various linkage systems can be designed to carry out the required closure timing of the french - style doors for the cooking appliance of the invention . for instance , the linkage systems disclosed in pending u . s . patent application ser . no . 11 / 206 , 219 entitled “ door linkage system for an oven having french - style doors ”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference , could be employed . even if the linkage system is varied , it is important to provide flexibility for setting the particular timing of the closing of the doors in order to prevent undue wear on door seals . this advantageous feature of the invention is best seen in connection with fig7 - 11 where like reference numbers represent corresponding parts to those disclosed above . in fig7 , doors 52 and 53 are fully closed , with an inner portion 300 of a first door seal or gasket 305 provided about door 52 engaging a portion of door 53 . the embodiment depicted illustrates door 53 being provided with a lateral extension member 315 against which gasket 305 seats . however , it should be understood that door 53 could itself be formed for sealing engagement by gasket 305 . the preferred configuration of gasket 305 , as well as a gasket 335 provided on door 53 , will be detailed more fully below with reference to fig1 - 15 where like reference numbers represent similar parts as discussed above . at this point , it is important to note that , as doors 52 and 53 are opened , only a very limited relative movement is required to unseat inner portion 300 of gasket 305 . actually , as shown in fig8 , only a few degrees of door movement , preferably 3 - 5 ° of movement , is required for this disengagement to occur . as the contact has been broken at this initial stage , no potential for any wear or abrasion of gasket 305 will occur throughout the remainder of the door opening process . in any case , fig9 - 11 show further opening stages as well wherein , advantageously , gasket 305 is not touched by any other surface through the door movement range . in fact , both gaskets 305 and 335 are cleared from further surface contact with a relatively minimum door opening range of movement as clearly illustrated in these figures . as previously stated , avoiding unnecessary contact with gaskets 305 and 335 minimizes potential wear and abrasion so as to significantly increase the life and effectiveness of each gasket 305 , 335 . however , it is the significant wear and abrasion that can occur between gasket 305 and door 53 that is particularly avoided . as clearly shown in fig1 - 15 , gasket 305 preferably extends annularly about an entire inner peripheral portion 350 of door 52 . in the embodiment shown , gasket 305 includes opposing , substantially parallel gasket side portions 355 , 356 and 357 , 358 , with side or center portion 357 actually being adapted to engage door 53 . on the other hand , gasket 335 only extends about three - fourths of an inner peripheral portion 375 of door 53 . that is , gasket 335 includes an upper and lower , substantially parallel gasket side portions 377 and 378 that are joined by a single gasket side portion 379 . therefore , upper and lower side portions 377 and 378 terminate at upper and lower portions 380 and 381 of extension member 315 . with this arrangement , a tight seal can be established without seal - to - seal contact and only one seal member , i . e ., gasket 305 , having to engage the opposing door , i . e ., door 53 . based on this construction , the particular structure and arrangement of gaskets 305 and 335 themselves provide for enhanced seal life . in particular , door linkage system 200 of the present invention overcomes an issue of slop in the mechanism by intentionally moving one of doors 52 and 53 farther than the other of doors 52 and 53 when doors are first opened . for example , instead of doors 52 and 53 opening evenly , door 52 initially moves significantly farther than door 53 , breaking contact between gasket 305 and a mating portion or extension member 315 of door 53 . in the most preferred form of the invention , the oven cavity 6 / cabinet shell 4 , as well as extension member 315 , is provided with a porcelain coating . with this construction , each of gaskets 305 , 335 is only seated against porcelain coated surfaces to minimize wear caused by surface roughness . as discussed above , annular gasket 305 , or more particularly gasket side member 357 , does not make contact with the side ( not separately labeled ) of door 53 . instead , the gasket side member 357 of gasket 305 contacts extension member 315 of door 53 . extension member 315 places the contact surface mostly behind gasket 305 . as doors 52 and 53 are opened , the timing established by linkage system 200 pulls gasket 305 away from extension member 315 . by breaking the contact early in the door opening process , gasket 305 is saved from any unnecessary crushing or abrasion . an additional feature of the invention is that different rates of movement are imparted to doors 52 and 53 when nearing closed positions in order to help assure good contact of the center seal . that is , the timing established by linkage system 200 continues to pull doors 52 and 53 closed until gasket side portion 357 makes contact with extension member 315 , thereby providing a mechanically advantaged force to balance a force applied by a door closure spring ( not separately labeled ). in any case , although described with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention , it should be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and / or modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit thereof . | 5 |
fig1 is a side view showing the threaded element 18 of an actuator according to the invention rotatable about an axis 100 . in the case shown , the threaded element 18 has an almost complete ( that is , almost 360 degree ) thread 120 in which , e . g . a roller is situated in the mounted state , the roller being provided at the upper end of a valve tappet . if the valve tappet is guided axially and in this respect cannot rotate about the axis 100 , while the threaded element 18 rotates about the axis 100 , a rotary motion of the threaded element 18 is converted into a translational ( reciprocating ) motion of a tappet . fig2 shows how the pitch of the thread of the threaded element 18 differs in some regions . at the start ( region 200 ), it is comparatively fine so that a particularly large force can be generated here , e . g . at the start of an opening movement . this is followed by a region 220 with a continuously increasing pitch , which leads to a region 240 which is in general coarser than the region 200 . although this means that less force can be transmitted , the reciprocating motion takes place more rapidly in this region . it should be mentioned that the threaded element 18 may also have more or less than the almost complete thread shown in fig1 . the dimensions of the regions 200 to 240 may furthermore vary from those shown in fig2 . as can be seen from fig3 , the exhaust gas recirculation valve 10 according to the invention comprises a drive 12 in the form of an inclined motor . in the illustrated embodiment , a pinion 14 is arranged on the motor shaft and drives a gear 16 . the drive element 18 in the form of a worm gear ( or worm ) is attached to the gear 16 and drives the valve tappet 20 as described in more detail below . in the illustrated embodiment , as can be seen in more detail from fig4 , the worm comprises an axis a that is supported both at its upper end and at its lower end . in the illustrated embodiment , the arrangement of gear 16 and worm 18 is connected to a coil spring 22 which is solely twisted upon opening and closing of the valve . in the illustrated embodiment , the combination of pinion 14 and gear 16 corresponds to a single - stage transmission having the above - described advantages . the conversion of the rotary motion of the worm 18 into a translational motion of the valve tappet 20 is effected by means of the driven element 24 which , in the illustrated embodiment , is configured as a small wheel and is in engagement with the thread of the worm 18 . the small wheel 24 is rotatably attached to a bracket 26 fixed to the valve tappet 20 . the valve tappet 20 is supported in a suitable bushing 28 which , in the illustrated embodiment , is provided in a valve housing 30 configured as a one - piece cast part . moreover , as can be seen from fig4 , the valve housing 30 may be configured so as to additionally receive the drive 12 and the arrangement of drive element 18 and driven element 24 . only the transmission in the form of the pinion 14 , the gear 16 and the coil spring 22 are located in the area of a lid 40 . this lid may further comprise a connector ( socket ) 42 for electric terminals . for example , a connection to a controller connected to an engine control unit may be performed by means of this socket in order to electronically control the operation of the valve . with the coolant parts 32 one may discern that the valve housing 30 may advantageously be cooled in order to cool the valve tappet 20 and its bearing and seal , too . a valve head ( plate ) 34 engaging a valve seat 36 , which advantageously is provided with rather sharp edges is attached to the valve tappet 20 . advantageously , the valve element in the form of the valve head 34 is always , that is both in the open and the closed state , situated within the valve housing 30 . in the illustrated embodiment , the opening of the valve head 36 is effected against the exhaust gas pressure , that is , it opens downward according to the orientation of fig3 , so that the valve head 36 assists in closing the valve in response to exhaust gas pressure . at the same time , there is no danger that the exhaust gas pressure inadvertently displaces the valve , due to the following reasons . as can be seen from fig3 , the rotational axis a of the worm 18 serving as drive element is inclined with respect to the translational axis of the driven element 24 , in other words , with respect to the axis of the valve tappet 20 . thus , in the illustrated embodiment , the surface in the region of the thread of the worm 18 engaging the small wheel 24 may be disposed largely perpendicular to the axis of the valve tappet 20 . thus , if a force acts upon the valve tappet 20 , for example due to the exhaust gas pressure , this force will largely act perpendicular to the surface in the area of the thread of the worm 18 , and consequently cannot twist it . thus , an inadvertent displacement of the valve may advantageously be avoided , a circumstance particularly relevant for small openings . the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures provides a further advantage , which will be explained by means of fig4 . to begin with , in fig4 the gear 16 and the coil spring 22 are shown in section for better understanding . from fig4 one may further take that the worm 18 comprises a nearly complete turn of a thread . further , from the illustration of fig4 one may take the additional advantage that the location at which the small wheel 24 engages the thread of the worm 18 is largely aligned with the axis of the valve tappet 20 . in this way , no transverse or lateral forces are generated , offering advantages for the durability of the valve . as mentioned , this arrangement is achieved by means of the largely u - shaped bracket attached at the upper end of the valve tappet 20 and rotatably supporting the small wheel 24 at its other end . as can additionally be taken from fig3 , a stationary guide 38 may be provided , which comprises a protrusion ( not discernable in fig1 ) extending into a slit of the bracket 26 , for example , so that the bracket 26 , which translates together with the valve tappet 20 upon actuating the valve , is guided in the direction of motion . fig3 also shows that the guide 38 may be arranged on a plate 44 to which the drive 12 may additionally be attached and / or in which the axis of the worm 18 may be supported . | 8 |
an understanding of the invention can conveniently be obtained by a description of the drawings . fig1 shows an exploded perspective view of the gold electroplating cell 10 with the metallic strip 11 entering the electrical contact block 12 with spring loaded , rectangular member 13 ( rounded off where it makes contact with the metal strip ) and two stationary round members 14 located on the opposite side of the metal strip , one before and one after the rectangular member 13 and also pressed against the metal strip . the metal strip then enters a slotted section 15 , deep enough so that the metal strip extends into the gold electroplating cell and in particular so that the part of the metal strip to be gold electroplated extends down to where the anode is located . the metal strip then goes into a spill - over chamber 16 with a cutaway section 17 on the bottom member 18 to collect gold electroplating solution that has spilled out from the main part of the gold electroplating cell . the metal strip then enters another slotted section , deep enough to permit the part of the metal strip to be gold electroplated to be adjacent to the anode and wide enough to accommodate the metal strip . typically , the slotted section is between 1 . 7 and 2 . 3 inches long and between 1 / 16 and 1 / 4 inches wide . the metal strip then enters the main part of the gold electroplating cell with anode 20 running the length of the cell , passageway for electroplating solution 21 and drain - off tubes 22 . a slotted section 23 running down the center of the cell provides a space for the metal strip . in operation , the gold electroplating solution is pumped up through a tube in the bottom of the cell , up the space between outside wall 24 and inner chamber wall 25 , through the solution passageway 21 and down onto the anode area where gold electroplating takes place . only , the portion of the metal strip in proximity 26 with the anode and the flow of plating solution will receive extensive gold plating . plating solution drains down to the bottom of the cell and out the drain - off tube to the solution reservoir . the metal strip exits through another slotted section into a drain - off section with drain tube and through another slotted section and out of the cell . fig2 shows two of the bottom pieces 27 and 28 with slots 17 and 29 for draining off plating solution in the front and rear drain - off sections and openings for draining plating solution into the reservoir . solution is pumped up into the cell through a tube 30 and is directed to each side of the cell through a slot and then up the sides of the cell . the upper piece 28 fits onto the bottom piece 27 to cover over each slot 17 , 29 , 31 and to provide a fitting ridge 33 for the inner pieces of the cell . fig3 shows a section through the middle of the cell where the input tube 30 is located . also shown is the slotted section along which the plating solution flows and the channels 21 are used to flow plating solution to the proximity 26 of the anode . adjustment screws adjust the exact position of the anode . the center slot 23 where the metal strip fits is also shown . fig4 shows a top view of an electropolishing cell 40 comprising generally a long narrow container with metallic strip 41 entering the electropolishing cell through an electrical contact 42 and 43 . the electrical contact arrangement comprises a spring loaded member 42 which is pressed up against the strip and two round members 43 located on the other side of the metal strip , before and after the rectangular member and in contact with the metal strip . this electrical contact arrangement is used to pass current between metal strip and one polarity of a power supply . generally , the entire metal strip is kept at the same potential and the counter electrodes biased either positive or negative for electropolishing or electroplating . the strip then passes through a small narrow slotted section 44 into a small spill - over chamber 45 , then through another small narrow slotted section 46 and into the main part of the electropolishing cell 47 containing the place for electropolishing solution 48 and electrodes 49 . these electrodes are in the form of long flat plates extending over most of the length of the cell and parallel to both the strip and cell walls 50 . wires 51 are used to carry electrical energy from power supply to the electrodes . the strip exits the main part of the electropolishing cell through a small narrow slot 54 into a spill - over chamber 55 . the metal strip exits the spill - over chamber 55 through another small narrow slot 56 . a blow - off section 52 is used to blow off most of the electroplating solution from the strip prior to leaving the cell . two nozzles 53 are used to direct a gaseous stream ( usually air ) onto the strip 41 so as to remove electrolyte solution . the metal strip exits through a small opening 57 in the blow - off section and then to subsequent processing cells . fig5 shows a side view of the electropolishing cell 40 showing metal strip 41 and drain - off or exit tube 58 from the spill - over chamber 45 and wires 51 used to carry current to the electrodes 49 . the entrance tube 59 for the electropolishing solution is also shown together with electrode 49 and cell wall 50 . also shown is the exit tube 60 for the spill - over chamber 55 and the exit tube 61 for the blow - off chamber 52 . the exit tubes ( 58 , 60 , 61 ) convey electropolishing solution to a reservoir from which it is recirculated by pumping electropolishing solution up through the entrance tube 59 . the tube 62 is used to convey gas ( usually air ) for the blow - off nozzle 53 . fig6 shows an end view of the entrance end of the polishing cell with electrical wires 51 and exit tube 58 . also shown are electrical contacts 42 and 43 and cell cover 62 . fig7 shows an end view of the blow - off section 52 with blow - off nozzles 53 and deflecting blades 58 used to concentrate the air stream on the metal strip . also shown is the exit tube 60 and cell cover 62 . fig8 shows an end view of the main part of the electropolishing cell . it includes a small narrow slot 54 through which the metal strip 41 moves . also shown is a damming device with screws 64 , lock nuts 65 and dam 66 . the height of this dam controls the level of electropolishing solution in the main part of the electropolishing cell . electropolishing solution spills over the dam and is returned to a reservoir from which it is subsequently recirculated by pump . fig9 shows a perspective view of a strip plating machine 90 with a spool of metal strip 91 which is fed into electropolishing cell 92 . also shown are rinse cells 93 and various plating cells 94 . fig1 shows in block diagram 100 a typical strip line processing apparatus with electropolishing cell 101 , rinse cell 102 , nickel plating cell 103 , rinse cell 104 , gold strike cell 105 , rinse cell 106 , gold plate cell 107 and rinse cell 108 . fig1 shows a top view of a rinse cell 110 showing a small narrow slot 111 through which the metal strip enters the rinse cell . rinsing is provided by a spray of preferably hot water from nozzles 118 attached to tubes 112 running parallel to the cell walls 113 . the nozzles 118 are pointed downward toward the metal strips . although tubes and nozzles may be made of many suitable materials , titanium is preferred for the tube because of rigidity and chemical inertness and chloropolyvinylchloride for the nozzles because of chemical inertness . parallel walls 125 on either side of the metal strip and displaced parallel to the metal strip are used to concentrate the water spray on the metal strip . the metal strip exits through a small narrow slot into a blow - off section 115 with two nozzles 116 used to direct a gaseous stream ( usually air ) into the strip line . the metal strip then exits through a small slot 117 . fig1 shows a side view of a rinse cell 110 , shown are the tubes used for the water spray 112 and nozzle 116 used for the air spray . also shown is the water inlet tube 121 , water exit tubes 112 and 122 air inlet tube 124 and air - water exit tube 123 . fig1 shows a portion of the metal strip 130 used to make connector pins 131 with plated portions 132 on the bottom and the plated portions 133 on the top . also shown is a side view of an individual connector pin 134 made in accordance with the invention . fig1 shows a cutaway view of a connector 140 with connector pins 141 . the figure also shows the portion of the connector pins 142 located inside the connector . highly advantageous is a process for making electrical connectors from pins made on the apparatus described above . pins are required to be exposed to a variety of electrochemical processes including cleaning , electropolishing , different electroplating procedures , such as nickel plating , flash gold plating , hard gold plating , etc . in addition , continuous strips ( unpunched ) may also be processed . particularly advantageous is immediate sequential processing since surfaces are not contaminated between processing steps and large amounts of inventory need not be built up between processing steps . further , pins are rapidly produced , with high yield and low cost . process control is exceptionally good because rapid recirculating bath solutions can be temperature stabilized easily and rapidly analyzed to insure good compositional control . the process is particularly convenient for real time control , including ph measurement , temperature control , etc ., as processing is carried out . it permits many economic advantages such as high speed processing , reduced labor , reduced inventory of chemicals , reduced venting costs , time - shared processing control , common support systems for all processing steps and flexibility in exchanging processing cells for improved processing or adding additional processing steps . | 2 |
reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings . the present disclosure is directed to a method for treating an electrode , such as a first electrode or a bottom electrode , prior to deposition of the dielectric material in a dram capacitor fabrication process . this treatment reduces or prevents the reactions between o 3 or h 2 o ald oxidizers and the tin electrode during the dielectric deposition , and therefore reduces or prevents the formation of tin x o y interfacial layer which may degrade the overall performance of the dram capacitor . fig1 shows a flow diagram illustrating steps performed by a dram capacitor fabrication process 100 . the fabrication process 100 includes treating a tin electrode prior to dielectric deposition . fig2 schematically depicts a simple two - dimensional dram metal - insulator - metal ( mim ) capacitor 200 fabricated in accordance with the dram capacitor fabrication process 100 . the dram capacitor 200 having dielectric deposition on the treated tin electrode may satisfy the equivalent oxide thickness ( eot ) and leakage specs for a 40 nm node and / or a high performance 30 nm node that utilizes zro 2 for dielectric materials . step 102 may deposit a first tin electrode 202 . the first tin electrode 202 may also be referred to as the bottom electrode . the first tin electrode defines a surface 204 for receiving the deposition of the dielectric materials . treatment to the first tin electrode 202 is provided to protect the surface 204 prior to the deposition of the dielectric materials . step 104 may create a first cover layer 206 to cover and protect the surface 204 prior to the deposition of the dielectric materials 208 . chemical vapor deposition or atomic layer deposition techniques may be utilized to deposit the cover layer on to the surface 204 . in one embodiment , the first cover layer 206 may be a layer of titanium dioxide ( tio 2 ). tio 2 is selected as a suitable cover layer material for its high - k value . the k value of tio 2 , in anatase phase , is approximately 40 , and the k value of tio 2 in rutile phase is approximately 90 . furthermore , tio 2 may template tetragonal zro 2 formation which may have a higher k value compared to other phases of zro 2 . it is contemplated that atomic layer deposition or ald techniques ( as previously described ) may be utilized to deposit the tio 2 cover layer 206 on the surface 204 . alternatively , ozone ( o 3 ) plasma may be utilized to soak the first tin electrode 202 for a period of time to form the tio 2 cover layer 206 on the surface 204 . for example , a soak time of between approximately 10 minutes to 60 minutes , with concentration of o 3 between approximately 5 to 20 weight percent , may form a tio 2 cover layer 206 having a thickness of between approximately 0 . 1 nm and approximately 1 . 5 nm . the soak time utilized in a preferred formation process may be approximately 30 minutes . it is noted that the k value of tio 2 formed utilizing the formation techniques described above is expected to be higher than that of the tin x o y interfacial layer , which may result after the deposition of the dielectric materials in step 106 . step 106 may deposit the dielectric materials 208 on to the first cover layer 206 . the dielectric materials may include zro 2 films , doped zro 2 films ( e . g ., aluminum - doped zro 2 and germanium - doped zro 2 ), or a combination of zro 2 films and doped zro 2 films . for example , atomic layer deposition techniques may be utilized to deposit the dielectric materials on to the first layer of tio 2 206 . the first layer of tio 2 206 protects surface 204 of the first tin electrode 202 and reduces or prevents reactions between o 3 or h 2 o and the first tin electrode 202 during the dielectric deposition . in this manner , the formation of tin x o y interfacial layer may be reduced or prevented . since the dram mim capacitor &# 39 ; s ability to hold electrical charge relies on the high dielectric constant ( k value ) of its insulator , reducing or preventing the formation of the tin x o y interfacial layer ( which has an unpredictable , and likely low , dielectric constant ) on the insulator may improve the overall performance of the dram capacitor . additional dram capacitor fabrication steps may be carried out subsequently . for example , step 110 may deposit a second tin electrode 210 on the dielectric materials 208 after the dielectric materials 208 have been deposited , forming the dram capacitor as illustrated in fig2 . the second tin electrode 210 may also be referred to as the top electrode . it is contemplated that a second cover layer 212 ( shown in fig3 ) may be utilized to cover and protect the dielectric materials 208 . for example , upon deposition of the dielectric materials , step 108 may introduce a second cover layer 212 to cover the dielectric materials 208 . in one embodiment , the second cover layer 212 may be a second layer of titanium dioxide ( tio 2 ). step 110 may position the second tin electrode 210 on top of the tio 2 covered dielectric material , forming the dram capacitor as illustrated in fig3 . various cover layer thicknesses have been tested under different conditions ( e . g ., different zr precursors and pedestal temperatures ). dielectric constant improvement is observed when the surface of the first tin electrode is protected by the tio 2 cover layer . some improvements in current density ( j ) and equivalent oxide thickness ( eot ) curve for a zro 2 dielectric layer are also observed when the surface of the first tin electrode is protected by a tio 2 cover layer less than 1 . 5 nm in thickness . in one embodiment , the first layer of tio 2 may have a first thickness of between approximately 0 . 1 nm and approximately 1 . 5 nm , preferably between approximately 0 . 1 nm and approximately 1 . 0 nm . the second layer of tio 2 may have a second thickness of between approximately 0 . 1 nm and approximately 1 . 5 nm , preferably between approximately 0 . 1 nm and approximately 1 . 0 nm . it is contemplated that the first thickness may or may not be substantially identical to the second thickness . fig4 shows a flow diagram illustrating steps performed by an alternative dram capacitor fabrication process 400 . the fabrication process 400 also includes treating a first tin electrode prior to dielectric deposition . fig5 schematically depicts a simple two - dimensional dram mim capacitor 500 fabricated in accordance with the dram capacitor fabrication process 400 . step 402 may deposit a first tin electrode 502 . the first tin electrode defines a surface 504 for receiving the deposition of the dielectric materials . treatment to the first tin electrode 502 is provided to protect the surface 504 prior to the deposition of the dielectric materials . step 404 may apply a surface treatment to the surface 504 . for example , nitrogen ( n 2 ), ammonia ( nh 3 ) or nitrogen / hydrogen - mixture ( n 2 / h 2 ) plasma treatment of the first tin electrode 502 may be utilized for hardening or surface modification purposes . in this manner , plasma discharge may be utilized to diffuse nitrogen into the surfaces of the first tin electrode 502 , hardening the surface 504 . it is contemplated that other surface hardening techniques may also be utilized . for example , nitrogen ( n 2 ), ammonia ( nh 3 ) or nitrogen / hydrogen - mixture ( n 2 / h 2 ) thermal treatment ( e . g ., thermal annealing ) of the first tin electrode 502 may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure . step 406 may deposit the dielectric materials 506 on to the treated surface 504 . the dielectric materials may include zro 2 films , doped zro 2 films ( e . g ., aluminum - doped zro 2 and germanium - doped zro 2 ), or a combination of zro 2 films and doped zro 2 films . for example , atomic layer deposition techniques may be utilized to deposit the dielectric materials on to the treated surface 504 . additional dram capacitor fabrication steps may be carried out subsequently . for example , step 408 may position the second tin electrode 508 on the dielectric materials 506 after the dielectric materials 506 have been deposited , forming the dram capacitor as illustrated in fig5 . improvements in leakage reduction are observed when the surface of the first tin electrode is hardened . the improvements may be significant when n 2 / h 2 plasma treatment or nh 3 thermal treatment is utilized . it is understood that while the tin electrode being treated may be referred to as the bottom electrode contact ( bec ) in a dram capacitor , the electrode treatment method of the present disclosure is not limited to the bec . it is contemplated that the electrode treatment method may be utilized for treating electrode in any given orientation without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure . it is further contemplated that both the surface treatment and the deposition of one or more cover layers may be utilized for treating a tin electrode . referring to fig6 , a flow diagram illustrating steps performed by a tin treatment method 600 is shown . the tin treatment method 600 may be utilized for treating a tin electrode for a dram capacitor . in one embodiment , step 602 may apply a treatment to one or more surfaces of the tin electrode . for example , nitrogen ( n 2 ), ammonia ( nh 3 ) or n 2 / h 2 plasma treatment of the tin electrode may be utilized for hardening treatment purposes . in another example , nitrogen ( n 2 ), ammonia ( nh 3 ) or n 2 / h 2 thermal treatment ( e . g ., thermal annealing ) of the tin electrode may be utilized . step 604 may create a cover layer to cover and protect one or more surfaces of the tin electrode . in one embodiment , the cover layer may be a layer of titanium dioxide ( tio 2 ). the tio 2 cover layer may have a thickness of between approximately 0 . 1 nm and approximately 1 . 5 nm . it is believed that the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description . it is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form , construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages . the form herein before described being merely an explanatory embodiment thereof , it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes . | 7 |
the following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his or her invention . various modifications , however , will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art , since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined herein . referring now generally to the figures and particularly to fig1 , fig1 is a schematic diagram of an r - tree data structure r 2 ( hereafter “ r - tree ”) that is instantiated and maintained in accordance with the first method and the prior art . the r - tree r 2 includes a plurality of nodes n 2 - n 8 , to include a root node n 2 , branch nodes n 4 , intermediate nodes n 6 , leaf nodes n 8 and events e . these r - tree nodes n 2 - n 8 and events e form branches r 4 and sub - branches r 6 . it is understood that each event e is subordinate to an individual leaf node n 8 , except in rare cases where an event e is immediately subordinate to a branch node n 4 , or even more rarely where an event e is immediately subordinate to a root node n 2 . the term “ subordinate ” is defined herein to indicate a relationship existing between two nodes wherein a first and superior node is linked by one pointer p 1 - p 6 of a node 4 - 8 , or a chain of pointers p 1 - p 6 of intermediate nodes n 6 , to a memory address of a second node , whereby the second node is subordinate to the first node . in particular , all branch nodes n 4 are subordinate to the root node n 2 . each intermediate node n 6 is subordinate to both the root node n 2 and one and only one branch node n 4 , and possibly one or a plurality of intermediate nodes n 6 . each leaf node n 8 is subordinate to the root node n 2 , no more than one branch node n 4 , and possibly one or more intermediate nodes n 6 . each r - tree branch r 4 includes an originating branch node n 4 and all intermediate nodes n 6 , leaf nodes n 8 and events e subordinate to the instant originating branch node n 4 . each r - tree sub - branch r 6 includes an originating intermediate node n 6 and all intermediate nodes n 6 , leaf nodes n 8 and events e subordinate to the instant originating intermediate node n 6 . for the sake of clarity , certain intermediate nodes r 6 are shown in fig1 without subordinate leaf nodes n 8 or events e ; the suppression of these symbols is affected in fig1 to reduce the complexity of the fig1 by eliminating repetitive detail . referring now generally to the figures and particularly to fig1 and 2 , fig2 is a schematic of a possible data structure n of a node n 2 - n 8 . in the first method , each node n 2 through n 8 conforms to a prior art r - tree data structure and is identified by an identifier id 2 . the node contains index value pairs ivp 1 through ivp 8 and pointers p - p 6 . it is understood that the number of index value pairs iv 1 - 8 and pointers p 1 - p 6 contained in each node n 2 - n 8 may vary in various alternate preferred embodiments of the method of the present invention . the pointers p 1 - p 6 of the root node n 2 , branch nodes n 4 and intermediate nodes n 6 are , or comprise , memory addresses in a main memory c 2 of a computer c 4 ( as per fig4 ) where subordinate nodes n 2 - n 8 and subordinate events e are at least temporarily stored . the pointers p 1 - p 6 of the leaf nodes n 8 are , or comprise , memory addresses in the main memory c 2 where events e are recorded . each value s of the nodes n 2 - n 8 indicate the quantity of memory size required in the secondary memory c 6 to store the instant node n 2 - n 8 , all subordinate nodes n 4 - n 8 , and all subordinate events . the s value of a selected node n 2 - n 8 may be examined by the computer c 4 to determine if a branch r 4 or a sub - branch r 6 originated by the selected node n 2 - n 8 and its subordinate nodes n 4 - n 8 and events e may be stored as a serialized segment sb ( as per fig1 ) in temporarily in a cache memory c 7 and also in a contiguous series of memory locations of the secondary c 6 of the computer c 4 . referring now generally to the figures and particularly to fig3 , each event e contains an event identifier id - e , a plurality of index values i 1 through i 8 and one or more information d 1 - d 7 . the index values i 1 - i 8 and the information d 1 - d 7 may be extracted from and / or partially derived from an electronic message m ( as per fig5 ). the index value i 1 is the event time value t e . referring now generally to the figures and particularly to fig4 and 5 , fig4 is a schematic of the computer c 4 of the electronic communications network nt 2 of fig5 . the r - tree r 2 is instantiated and maintained in the main memory c 2 of the computer c 4 . the computer c 4 also includes a central processing unit c 8 comprising the cache memory c 7 , a network interface c 10 , the main memory c 2 and the secondary memory c 6 . either of the segments st 2 and st 4 ( as per fig1 ) may be separated from the r - tree r 2 , serialized by the computer c 4 and one of the stored in a contiguous block b of a data storage disk c 12 of the secondary memory c 6 . the serialized segment sb of the r - tree r 2 may be stored in the cache memory c 7 prior to writing the serialized segment sb to the secondary memory c 6 . a communications bus c 14 of the computer system c 4 bi - directionally communicatively couples the central processing unit c 8 , the cache memory c 7 , the network interface c 10 , the main memory c 2 and the secondary memory c 6 . the secondary memory c 6 includes the data storage disk c 12 , a disk motor c 16 and a controller c 18 . the controller c 18 reads and writes data to and from the data storage disk c 12 and the central processing unit c 8 ( hereafter “ cpu ” c 8 ). the controller c 18 additionally directs the operations of the disk motor c 16 to enable the reading and writing to and from the data storage disk c 12 . the main memory c 2 of the computer system c 4 includes high speed memory electronics that are typically more expensive that the components of the secondary memory c 6 . the main memory c 2 may also be used by the computer system c 4 to execute a variety of computational functions , such as running an operating system of the computer system c 4 and performing basic input - output operating system functions . the secondary memory c 6 may be a lower cost memory storage device , such as a peripheral device that includes a library of one or more optical or magnetic memory disks c 12 . a contrast of the qualities and characteristics of the main memory c 2 and the secondary memory c 6 of the computer system c 4 typically surfaces these common , but not necessary , distinctions : the cpu c 8 reads from and writes to the main memory c 2 faster than to the secondary memory c 6 ; the main memory c 2 is required for use by the cpu 10 in performing critical operational functions and can not be dedicated solely to storage of events e ; the memory capacity of the secondary memory c 6 may be more easily and less expensively increased than the memory capacity of the main memory c 2 may be expanded ; and the secondary memory c 6 may be provided in certain preferred embodiments of the method of the present invention as one or more peripheral devices , libraries of magnetic or optical disks c 12 , and / or memory storage systems c 20 coupled with the communications network nt 2 ( as per fig5 ). referring now generally to the figures and particularly to fig5 , fig5 presents an electronic communications network nt 2 including the computer system c 4 and memory storage systems c 20 . the communications network nt 2 may be communicatively coupled with an external computer network nt 4 . the communications network nt 2 and the external computer network nt 4 are capable of supporting digital electronics message traffic and may be , comprise , or be comprised within , an electronics communications network such a telephony network , a computer network , an intranet , and an extranet and / or the internet nt 6 . a plurality of network computers nt 8 of the communications network nt 2 receive electronic messages m originating from within the communications network nt 2 , from the external computer network nt 4 and / or the internet nt 6 . optionally , additionally or alternatively , one or more electronic messages m of the message traffic received by the computer c 4 may be generated by the computer c 4 itself , one of the network computers nt 8 , the internet nt 6 , and / or the external computer network nt 4 . one or more messages m may optionally contain information that related to the activity of the communications network nt 2 , external network nt 4 , an unauthorized attempt of intrusion targeting the communications network nt 2 , and / or a possible unauthorized attempt of intrusion targeting the communications network nt 2 . the computer c 4 may receive events e , and alternatively or additionally messages m from which events e may be at least partially derived . the events e and the messages m may be communicated to the computer c 4 from the external computer network nt 4 and / or the network computers nt 8 via the communications network nt 2 . the communications network nt 2 and the external computer network nt 4 may be , comprise , or be comprised within , an electronics communications network such a telephony network , an intranet , and extranet and / or the internet nt 6 . referring now generally to the figures and particularly to fig3 , each event e contains a plurality of index values i 1 through i 8 and one or more information d 1 - d 7 . the syntax of the event e organizes the storage of index values i 1 through i 8 of individual and separate bounding dimensions , including a time dimension i 1 , and optionally other data , such as representations of information contained in an electronic message m associated with a related security event . when generated under communications protocols common to internet nt 6 communications , an electronic message m may contain messaging information in conformance with the internet protocol ( hereafter “ ip ”). for example , an electronic message m received by a network computer nt 8 from the internet nt 6 via the external computer network nt 4 may contain the index values i 1 - i 8 of a time t dimension i 1 , an event type et dimension i 2 , an ip source address i 3 , and ip destination address i 4 , and a destination port number i 5 , sourcing switch / physical port dimension i 6 , event priority dimension i 7 , and optionally one or more an additional dimensions i 8 . referring now generally to the figures and particularly to fig2 and 3 , each index value pair ivp 1 - ivp 8 of each node r 2 - 8 contains maximum index values i 1 max - i 8 max and minimum index values i 1 min - i 8 min of one distinct bounding dimension . the values i 1 max - i 8 max and i 1 min - i 8 min of the index value pairs ivp 1 - ivp 8 of each node n 2 - n 8 are bounding values of the dimensions of all subordinate nodes n 4 - n 8 and events e of the instant node n 2 - n 8 . for example , i 1 min and i 1 max are respectively minimum and maximum index values of the time dimension t and i 2 min and i 2 max are respectively minimum and maximum index values of the event type et dimension . in the case of the root node n 2 , the maximum index values imax 1 - imax 8 are each the highest value of the relevant dimension held by any event e stored within the data tree r 2 . the pairs of parametric values ivp 1 - ivp 8 contain in the first method according to the following dimensions : ivp 1 — time dimension , where i 1 max ( or “ t_r ”) is the most recent time value and i 1 min ( or “ t_a ”) is the most previous time value of all of the events stored in the r - tree r 2 ; ivp 2 — event et dimension , where i 2 max is the alpha - numerically largest event type et designator and i 2 min is the alpha - numerically smallest event type et designator of all of the events stored in the r - tree r 2 ; ivp 3 — source ip address dimension , where i 3 max is the alpha - numerically largest source ip designator and i 3 min is the alpha - numerically smallest source ip designator of all of the events stored in the r - tree r 2 ; ivp 4 — destination ip address dimension , where i 4 max is the alpha - numerically largest source ip address designator and i 4 minx is the alpha - numerically smallest source ip address designator of all of the events stored in the r - tree r 2 ; ivp 5 — destination ip port dimension , where i 5 max is the alpha - numerically largest source ip port designator and i 5 min is the alpha - numerically smallest source ip port designator of all of the events stored in the r - tree r 2 ; ivp 6 sourcing switch / physical port dimension , where i 6 max is the alpha - numerically largest sourcing switch / physical port designator and i 6 min is the alpha - numerically smallest sourcing switch / physical port designator of all of the events stored in the r - tree r 2 ; ivp 7 — event priority dimension , where i 7 max is the alpha - numerically largest event priority designator and i 7 min is the alpha - numerically smallest event priority designator of all of the events stored in the r - tree r 2 ; and ivp 8 — additional dimension , where i 8 max is the alpha - numerically largest designator and i 8 min is the alpha - numerically smallest designator of an additional dimension of all of the events stored in the r - tree r 2 . the index values stored in the nodes n 2 - n 8 stored within the data tree r 2 are interpreted in accordance with the first method as bounding dimensions ivp 1 - ivp 8 of index values i 1 - i 8 of distinct dimensions in accordance with the prior art operation of r - tree generation , use and maintenance . in the case of each branch node n 4 of the exemplary r - tree r 2 of fig1 , the maximum index values imax 1 - imax 8 are each the highest value of the relevant dimension held by any event e subordinate to the relevant branch node n 4 . the pairs of parametric values ivp 1 - ivp 8 of each branch node n 4 contain , and in accordance with the first method , the following dimensions : ivp 1 — time dimension , where i 1 max is the most recent time value t_r and i 1 min is the most previous time value t_a of all of the events e subordinate to the branch node n 4 ; ivp 2 — event dimension , where i 2 max is the alpha - numerically largest event type designator and i 2 max is the alpha - numerically smallest event type designator event type of all of the events e subordinate to the branch node n 4 ; ivp 3 — source ip address dimension , where i 3 max is the alpha - numerically largest source ip designator and i 2 min is the alpha - numerically smallest source ip designator of all of the events e subordinate to the branch node n 4 ; ivp 4 — destination ip address dimension , where i 4 max is the alpha - numerically largest source ip address designator and i 4 min is the alpha - numerically smallest source ip address designator of all of the events e subordinate to the branch node n 4 ; ivp 5 — destination ip port dimension , where i 5 max is the alpha - numerically largest source ip port designator and i 5 max is the alpha - numerically smallest source ip port designator of all of the events e subordinate to the branch node n 4 ; ivp 6 sourcing switch / physical port dimension , where i 6 max is the alpha - numerically largest sourcing switch / physical port designator and i 6 min is the alpha - numerically smallest sourcing switch / physical port designator of all of the events e subordinate to the branch node n 4 ; ivp 7 — event priority dimension , where i 7 max is the alpha - numerically largest event priority designator and i 7 min is the alpha - numerically smallest event priority designator of all of the events e subordinate to the branch node n 4 ; and ivp 8 — additional dimension , where i 8 max is the alpha - numerically largest designator and i 8 min is the alpha - numerically smallest designator of an additional dimension all of the events e subordinate to the branch node n 4 . in the case of each intermediate node n 6 of the exemplary r - tree r 2 of fig1 , the maximum index values imax 1 - imax 8 are each the highest value of the relevant dimension held by any event e subordinate to the relevant intermediate node n 6 . the pairs of parametric values ivp 1 - ivp 8 contain , and in accordance with the first method , the following dimensions : ivp 1 — time t dimension , where i 1 max is the most recent time value t_r and i 1 min is the most previous time value t_a of all of the events e subordinate to the intermediate node n 6 ; ivp 2 — event type et dimension , where i 2 max is the alpha - numerically largest event type designator and i 2 min is the alpha - numerically smallest event type designator of all of the events e subordinate to the intermediate node n 6 ; ivp 3 — source ip address dimension , where i 3 max is the alpha - numerically largest source ip designator and i 2 min is the alpha - numerically smallest source ip designator of all of the events e subordinate to the intermediate node n 6 ; ivp 4 — destination ip address dimension , where i 4 max is the alpha - numerically largest source ip address designator and i 4 min is the alpha - numerically smallest source ip address designator of all of the events e subordinate to the intermediate node n 6 ; ivp 5 — destination ip port dimension , where i 5 max is the alpha - numerically largest source ip port designator and i 5 min is the alpha - numerically smallest source ip port designator of all of the events e subordinate to the intermediate node n 6 ; ivp 6 sourcing switch / physical port dimension , where i 6 max is the alpha - numerically largest sourcing switch / physical port designator and i 6 min is the alpha - numerically smallest sourcing switch / physical port designator of all of the events e subordinate to the intermediate node n 6 ; ivp 7 — event priority dimension , where i 7 max is the alpha - numerically largest event priority designator and i 7 min is the alpha - numerically smallest event priority designator of all of the events e subordinate to the intermediate node n 6 ; and ivp 8 — additional dimension , where i 8 max is the alpha - numerically largest designator and i 8 min is the alpha - numerically smallest designator of an additional dimension all of the events e subordinate to the intermediate node n 6 . in the case of each leaf node n 8 of the exemplary r - tree r 2 of fig1 , the maximum index values imax 1 - imax 8 are each the highest value of the relevant dimension held by any event e subordinate to the relevant leaf node n 8 . the pairs of parametric values ivp 1 - ivp 8 contain , and in accordance with the first method , the following dimensions : ivp 1 — time t dimension , where i 1 max is the most recent time value t_r and i 1 min is the most previous time value t_a of all of the events e subordinate to the leaf node n 8 ; ivp 2 — event type et dimension , where i 2 max is the alpha - numerically largest event type designator and i 2 min is the alpha - numerically smallest event type designator of all of the events e subordinate to the leaf node n 8 ; ivp 3 — source ip address dimension , where i 3 max is the alpha - numerically largest source ip designator and i 3 min is the alpha - numerically smallest source ip designator of all of the events e subordinate to the leaf node n 8 ; ivp 4 — destination ip address dimension , where i 4 max is the alpha - numerically largest source ip address designator and i 4 min is the alpha - numerically smallest source ip address designator of all of the events e subordinate to the leaf node n 8 ; ivp 5 — destination ip port dimension , where i 5 max is the alpha - numerically largest source ip port designator and i 5 min is the alpha - numerically smallest source ip port designator of all of the events e subordinate to the leaf node n 8 ; ivp 6 sourcing switch / physical port dimension , where i 6 max is the alpha - numerically largest sourcing switch / physical port designator and i 6 min is the alpha - numerically smallest sourcing switch / physical port designator of all of the events e subordinate to the leaf node n 8 ; ivp 7 — event priority dimension , where i 7 max is the alpha - numerically largest event priority designator and i 7 min is the alpha - numerically smallest event priority designator of all of the events e subordinate to the leaf node n 8 ; and ivp 8 — additional dimension , where i 8 max is the alpha - numerically largest designator and i 8 min is the alpha - numerically smallest designator of an additional dimension all of the events e subordinate to the leaf node n 8 . referring now generally to the figures and particularly to fig6 , in certain alternate variations of the method of the present invention , the network computers nt 8 are programmed to detect unauthorized intrusion attempts . to this end , the network computers nt 8 analyze the contents of electronic messages m and generate security events e . s containing security event information when an incoming electronic message m has indications of being part of an attempted intrusion . in certain prior art methods of intrusion detection , information stored in an electronic message m or associated with the conditions of receipt of the electronic message m are compared against a library l of intrusion indications stored in the network nt 2 , and an intrusion detection security event e . s is generated when a match is found between one or more entries of an intrusion indication library l and a particular electronic message m . for example , the intrusion detection library l may contain a plurality of signatures of known or suspected indications that the electronic message m may contain at least part of a software worm or virus . when a match is found between an electronic message m and an intrusion detection signature a security event e . s is generated by a network computer nt 8 , where the security event e . s is formatted as illustrated in fig3 and comprises : a . an event identifier field id - e ; b . a time field e 1 , containing an i 1 time index value ; c . event type field e 2 , containing an i 2 et index value ; d . source ip field e 3 , containing an i 3 index value ; e . destination ip field e 4 , containing an i 4 index value ; f . destination port field e 5 , containing an i 5 index value ; g . sourcing switch / physical port field e 6 , containing an i 6 index value ; h . event priority field e 7 , containing an i 7 index value ; and i . message information field ( s ) e 8 , containing an i 8 index value . the time field e 1 contains the index value i 1 specifying a time of generation of the event . the event type field e 2 stores an identification of type of intrusion event indication that matched the electronic message m . the source ip field e 3 stores the source ip address designated by the electronic message . the destination ip field e 4 records the destination ip address designated by the electronic message . the destination port field e 5 stores the destination port designated by the electronic message . the sourcing switch / physical port e 6 contains the switch or physical port from which the electronic message was received by the network computer 8 or as was designated by the electronic message . the event priority field e 7 records a priority assigned by the network computer nt 8 to the security event e . s . one or more message information fields e 8 store information stored in , derived from , or related to , the electronic message m , such as raw text as originally contained in the electronic message from which the security event e . s was derived . in various alternate preferred embodiments of the method of the present invention , one or more messages m may be , comprise , or be comprised within , one more events e and / or security events e . s . optionally or additionally , the computer system c 4 may derive index values i 1 - i 8 from information related to an event e and thereupon associate the generated index values i 1 - i 8 with the event e from which the index values i 1 - i 8 were derived . it is understood that the scope of the term “ event ” as claimed herein encompasses both events e and security events e . s . referring now generally to the figures and particularly to fig7 , fig7 is a process chart of the first method that is executable by means computer c 4 of fig4 . in step 7 . a the computer c 4 is powered up . in step 7 . b the format for the events e are established . in option step 7 . c of fig6 of the security events e . s is established . in step 7 . d the r - tree r 2 is instantiated . in step 7 . e the computer c 4 determines if events e & amp ; e . s shall be to the secondary memory c 6 in an expedited process of fig1 , 12 , or 12 . if the computer c 4 determines to expedite the process of selecting transferring segments st 2 and st 4 from the main memory c 2 to the secondary memory c 6 , the computer c 4 proceeds on to a step selected from step 10 . a of fig1 , step 11 . a of fig1 , or step 12 . a of fig1 . if not proceeding on to steps 10 . a , 11 . a or 12 . a , the computer c 4 proceeds to execute step 7 . f to receive a message m , an event e or a security event e . s via the communications network nt 2 . in optional step 7 . g the message m . event e or security event e . s are processed and modified , wherein the computer c 4 may execute instructions related or unrelated to the storage of the event e , as well as generating or modifying index values i 1 - i 8 and other content of the event e . in step 7 . h the event e is instantiated as the event e will be stored . the event e , which may be a security event e . s and / or at least partially derived from a message m as received in step 7 . f , is stored in the r - tree r 2 , and the index value pairs ivp 1 - ivp 8 of the nodes n 2 - n 8 of the r - tree r 2 are updated . in step 7 . j the computer determines if the addition of the event e as performed in step 7 . h caused a node n 2 - n 8 to split , as directed by prior art r - tree methodology . where the computer c 4 determines that a node split has occurred , the computer c 4 proceeds on to step 8 a of fig8 . where no node split is detected by the computer c 4 , the computer c 4 proceeds on to step 7 . k to determine if the reception , creation and storage of events e shall continue . referring now generally to the figures and particularly to fig8 a and 8b , fig8 a and 8b are a flowchart of a method of selection of a segment sb of the r - tree of fig1 for storage on a secondary memory of the computer of fig4 in accordance with the first method . in step 8 . a the two nodes n 2 - n 8 of a node split ( of step 7 . h ) are identified . in step 8 b a first node n 2 - n 8 of the nodes split in step 7 . i ( of fig7 ) is examined to determine if the maximum t_r index value held as the i 1 max index value of the time ivp 1 of the first node of the split is less recent than a specified time t_ 0 . if the i 1 max index value of the first split node is t_ 0 , than the computer c 4 determines in step 8 c if the svalue of the first node is less than equal to an m_min value , e . g ., 256 kbytes memory locations . the computer c 4 determines in step 8 d if a branch r 4 originated by the first node is less than or equal to an m_max memory size , e . g , 2 byte memory locations . if the computer c 4 determines that the branch r 4 originated by the first node of the split has an svalue between m_min and m_max inclusive , than the computer c 4 proceeds on from step 8 d to step 9 a and to serialize and transfer the branch r 4 to the secondary memory c 6 . alternately , if the computer c 4 proceeds from step 8 d to step 8 e and determines that the sub - branch r 6 originated by an intermediate node n 6 subordinate to the first node of the split has an svalue between m_min and m_max inclusive , and has a t_r value less recent than t_ 0 , then the computer c 4 proceeds on from step 8 e to step 9 a and to serialize and transfer the sub - branch r 6 to the secondary memory c 6 . in step 8 f a second node n 2 - n 8 of the nodes split in step 7 . h ( of fig7 ) is selected for examination . the computer c 4 determines in step 8 g if the maximum t_r index value held as the i 1 max index value of the time ivp 1 of the second node n 2 - n 8 of the remaining node resulting from the split of step 7 i is less recent than the time t_ 0 . if the i 1 max index value of this second resultant node of the split of step 7 i is less recent than the time t_ 0 , than the computer c 4 determines in step 8 h if the svalue of the second node is less than equal to an m_min value , e . g ., 256 kbytes memory locations . the computer c 4 determines in step 8 i if a branch r 4 originated by the second node is less than or equal to an m_max memory size , e . g , 2 mbytes of memory locations . if the computer c 4 determines that the branch r 4 originated by the second node of the split has an svalue between m_min and m_max inclusive , than the computer c 4 proceeds on from step 8 i to step 9 a and to serialize and transfer the branch r 4 to the secondary memory c 6 . in addition , if the computer c 4 determines that the sub - branch r 6 originated by an intermediate node n 6 subordinate to the second node of the split has an svalue between m_min and m_max inclusive , and has a t_r value less recent than the t time , than the computer c 4 proceeds on from step 8 j to step 9 a and to serialize and transfer the sub - branch r 6 to the secondary memory c 6 . referring now generally to the figures and particularly to fig9 and 13 , fig9 illustrates a method for serializing a segment of the r - tree of fig1 for storage in the secondary memory of the computer of fig4 . fig1 is a schematic of the serialized segment sb as stored in cache memory c 7 or on a secondary memory c 6 . in step 9 a a serialized segment sb is instantiated in the memory c 4 and / or the cache memory c 7 . a trailer sbt and a header sbh containing a message serial number are added to the serial segment sb in step 9 b . in step 9 c the originating node r 2 - r 8 of the branch r 4 or sub - branch r 6 of the segment ( as selected in step 8 d or 8 i ) and the subordinate nodes and events of the instant branch r 4 or sub - branch r 6 are read into the sb format . in step 9 d pointers linking each node to directly subordinate nodes r 4 - r 8 and events are replaced with memory location offsets off that maintain the links from each node r 2 - r 8 to each node r 4 - r 8 and event e . in step 9 e the trailers sbt and headers sbh are updated upon the basis of the content entered into the serialized segment sb in steps 9 c and 9 d . in step 9 f the serialized segment sb is transferred to the secondary memory controller c 16 of the secondary memory c 6 and additional information may be added to the trailer sbt and header sbh by the secondary memory controller c 16 . in step 9 g the serialized segment sb is read into the data storage disk c 12 of the secondary memory c 6 and the memory locations of the main memory c 2 used for storing the information transferred for storage in the secondary memory c 6 are released for other uses by the computer c 4 . in step 9 i the computer c 4 returns to either processing a recently split node or to step 7 k of the process of fig . d . referring now generally to the figures and particularly to fig1 , fig1 is a flowchart of a variation of the first method that includes a process of examining and possibly transferring segments st 2 and / or st 4 of the r - tree of fig1 from the main memory to the secondary memory c 6 of the computer c 4 of fig4 when the main memory c 2 is reaching an overload state . the execution of the process of fig1 by the computer c 4 expedites transfer of segments st 2 & amp ; st 4 of the r - tree r 2 from the main memory c 2 by removing any branch or sub - branch that is no larger than an m_max value , e . g ., 2 mbytes of memory storage , and without regard to the age of the events e transferred for archival outside of the main memory c 2 . in step 10 a a branch node n 4 is selected . in step 10 b the computer c 4 determines if the svalue of the branch node n 4 selected in the previous step 10 a is less than or equal an m_max value . if the svalue of the examined branch node n 4 is less than or equal to an m_max value , then the computer c 4 proceeds from step 10 b to execute step 9 a and to serialize and store a segment st 2 derived from the branch r 4 originated by the instant branch node n 4 most recently selected in step 10 a . if the svalue of the examined branch node n 4 of step 10 b is greater than an m_max value , then the computer c 4 proceeds on from step 10 b to execute step 10 c to determine if a sub - branch r 6 of the branch r 4 originated by the instant branch node n 4 is less than or equal to the m_max value . if a subordinate intermediate node n 6 of the most recently examined branch node n 4 is found to have an svalue less than or equal to the m_max value , then the computer c 4 proceeds on to step 9 a from step 10 c to serialize and store a segment sb derived from the sub - branch r 6 selected in step 10 c . the software execution of the computer c 4 will return to step 10 d after passing from steps 10 b or 10 c to step 9 a and after executing the process of serialization process of fig9 . in step 10 e the computer c 4 determines if there are any remaining unexamined branches r 4 to analyze for immediate storage in the secondary memory c 6 and prompt removal from the main memory c 2 . the software execution flow returns to step 7 k from step 10 d after each branch r 4 of the r - tree r 2 has been examined for expedited transfer to the secondary memory c 6 . referring now generally to the figures and particularly to fig1 , fig1 is an alternate variation of the process of fig1 wherein serialized segments st 2 & amp ; st 4 requiring a memory size between m_min and m_max inclusively may be stored without a minimum memory size requirements . the execution of the process of fig1 by the computer c 4 expedites transfer of segments st 2 & amp ; st 4 of the r - tree r 2 from the main memory c 2 by removing any branch or sub - branch that presents ( a .) a t_r less a time t value , and ( b .) an svalue no larger than an m_max value , e . g ., 2 mbytes of memory storage , and without regard to a minimum disc storage size requirement . in step 11 c a branch r 4 of a branch node n 4 found to have an svalue of no more than an m_max value and a t_r value less than a time t will be selected for serialization and archiving into the secondary memory c 6 as per the software process of fig9 . in step 11 b a sub - branch r 6 of an intermediate node n 4 found to have an svalue of no more than an m_max value and , as determined in step 11 c , a t_r value less than the time t_ 0 will be selected for serialization and archiving into the secondary memory c 6 as per the software process of fig9 . the software execution of the computer c 4 will return to step 11 e after passing from step 11 c to step 9 a and after executing the process of serialization process of fig9 . the software execution flow returns from step 11 e to step 7 k when each branch r 4 and the sub - branches r 6 of the unarchived branches r 4 have each been examined for transfer to the secondary memory c 6 . referring now generally to the figures and particularly to fig1 , fig1 is an alternate variation of the process of fig1 wherein serialized segments st 2 & amp ; st 4 requiring a memory size no smaller than m_min n and no greater than m_max inclusively and without regard to a t_r value . the execution of the process of fig1 by the computer c 4 expedites transfer of segments st 2 & amp ; st 4 of the r - tree r 2 from the main memory c 2 by removing any branch or sub - branch that presents an svalue ( a .) no smaller than and m_min value , e . g ., 256 kbytes of memory locations , and ( b .) no larger than an m_max value , e . g ., 2 mbytes of memory capacity , and without regard to a t_r value of the relevant nodes n 2 - n 8 . in step 12 b a branch r 4 of a branch node n 4 found to have an svalue both ( a .) no less than an m_min value , and ( b .) no more than an m_max value is selected for serialization and archiving into the secondary memory c 6 as per the software process of fig9 . in step 12 c a sub - branch r 6 of an intermediate node n 4 found to have an svalue both ( a .) no less than an m_min value , and ( b .) no more than an m_max value is selected for serialization and archiving into the secondary memory c 6 as per the software process of fig9 . the software execution of the computer c 4 will return to step 12 d after passing from steps 12 b or 12 c to step 9 a and after executing the process of serialization process of fig9 . the software execution flow returns from step 12 g to step 7 k when each branch r 4 and the remaining sub - branches r 6 of the unarchived branches r 4 have each been examined for transfer to the secondary memory c 6 . referring now generally to the figures and particularly to fig1 , fig1 is a schematic of a serialized segment sb of the r - tree r 2 of fig1 as stored in a block b of contiguous memory locations of a data storage disk of the computer of fig4 . the header sbh and the trailer sbt contain size information plus serialization numbers that support or enable recovery of the serialized segment sb in the event of certain types and degrees of malfunction of the secondary memory c 6 . the serialization numbers of the header sbh and the trailer sbt further associate the serialized segment sb with the r - tree r 2 and other serialized segments st 2 & amp ; st 4 derived from the r - tree r 2 . in addition , the size and serialization numbers of the header sbh and the trailer sbt further identify and distinguish the serialized segment sb form other serialized segments st 2 & amp ; st 4 derived from the r - tree r 2 . the serialized segment sb further includes nodes r 2 - r 8 and events e , with the pointers p 1 - p 6 translated from memory addresses of the main memory r 4 to offsets that directly associate a node r 2 - r 8 with immediately subordinate nodes r 4 - r 8 and events e with offset counts that specify the location of the subordinate nodes n 4 - n 8 and events e stored within the same serialized segment sb . the above description is intended to be illustrative , and not restrictive . the examples given should only be interpreted as illustrations of some of the preferred embodiments of the invention , and the full scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents . those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just - described preferred embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention . the scope of the invention as disclosed and claimed should , therefore , be determined with reference to the knowledge of one skilled in the art and in light of the disclosures presented above . | 6 |
for a general understanding of the present invention , reference is made to the drawings . in the drawings , like reference numerals have been used throughout to designate identical elements . fig1 shows a schematic elevational view of a charge device 10 including features of embodiments . such a device is used in marking machines , such as a printer or photocopier ( not shown ), to charge a photoresponsive belt ( not shown ). the charge device can be , for example , a scorotron . from the outside , embodiments appear similar to the prior art . referring particularly now to fig2 - 4 , the housing supports a charge producing array 100 that is connected to a power source . in prior art devices , the plate 100 included charge producing elements 110 with uniform height h and equal gaps 120 therebetween yielding a uniform pitch p , as illustrated in fig3 . however , as described above , because of such factors as shielding by adjacent and outer elements , grid distance to elements , alignment , and material characteristics of individual elements 110 , a uniform charging potential may not be realized on the photoreceptor , as schematically shown in fig4 . the present invention is an apparatus that improves on prior art solutions , such as altering the relative spacing between a flexible scorotron grid and a charge retentive surface , such as a photoreceptor , to achieve a more uniform charge density and charge potential profile across the usable portion of the surface . more specifically , the corona producing elements in a corona producing / charge producing array , be they pins , teeth , or the like , have varying heights to achieve a more uniform charge density and potential profile . elements toward a center of the array are taller than elements toward edges of the array to overcome shielding and other effects . embodiments include at least one array 100 of elements 110 , comprising at least one plurality of corona producing elements 110 directed at and spaced from a charge retentive surface , such as a photoreceptor belt . the elements 110 are arranged in a profile that reduces shielding effects , and are connected to a power source . the array is supported in a housing that can be mounted in an electrophotographic marking device , such as a xerographic multifunction device . as seen in fig5 the at least one plurality of corona producing elements 110 can include an array of pins projecting toward the charge retentive surface , with pins at edges of the array projecting less than pins toward a center of the array . the array of pins can be arranged in a line with pins projecting further toward the charge retentive surface in accordance with their proximity to a center of the line of pins . the pins can be held in a support 130 , such as a block that can include bores into which the pins are inserted and in which the pins are held . the depth of pin insertion can be varied to adjust the degree to which the pins project toward the charge retentive surface , or pins of different lengths can be inserted to the same depth . additionally , the array of pins further can include at least one additional line of pins substantially parallel to the first line of pins and whose pins project further toward the charge retentive surface in accordance with their proximity to edges of the additional line ( s ) of pins . to accommodate additional effects on the corona and charge profile , the degree of projection of the pins in the lines of pins can vary with the line of pins in which the pins are located . when the proper profile is applied to the elements 110 , the charging potential is much more uniform , as illustrated schematically in fig6 and 7 . as an example of an alternative to pins for the corona producing elements , the at least one plurality of corona producing elements can comprise an array of teeth projecting toward the charge retentive surface , as seen in fig8 with teeth at edges of the array project less than teeth toward a center of the array . such an array of teeth can comprise a line of teeth with teeth projecting further toward the charge retentive surface in accordance with their proximity to a center of the line of teeth , and the teeth can include teeth of a sawtooth configuration . arrays of teeth can be , for example , stamped from sheet of metal . as with the pin array , the charging potential exhibited by the saw tooth array can be much more uniform , as illustrated schematically in fig6 and 7 , when an appropriate tooth projection / height profile is used . determining the potential at points throughout the region between a charge , producing array in , for example , a corotron , and the photoreceptor of a marking machine involves calculating the potential in one area as being equal to the average of the potential in the regions adjacent to this area . for example , in the sample field shown in table i , the potential of areas f would be equal to the average of the potentials in areas b , e , g and j . the potential of area j would be equal to the average of the potentials in areas f , i , k and n . table i sample field for calculations a e i m b f j n c g k o d h l p performing a large number of iterations will yield a sufficiently accurate representation of the potential at areas throughout the region between the corotron and the surface . in the calculations performed , the corotron elements were assumed to be at one potential and the surface was assumed to be at another potential . the ends of the region were set up to display a reflection of the potential of the region . in fig7 the red members were given the corotron voltage value , the green member was assigned the surface voltage value , and the black members were reflecting the voltage of the region of calculation . the program used to perform the calculations was also programmed to provide a rough estimation of the magnitude of the electric field at each point by averaging the absolute value of the difference between the potential of each point and the points adjacent to that point . for example , this quantity for point f in table i would be the average of the difference in potential between points f and b , points f and e , points f and g , and points f and j . this data was used to generate plots of the relative gradient throughout the region between the corotron and the surface . g f = v f - v b + v f - v e + v f - v g + v f - v j 4 eq . 4 g x , y = v x , y - v x - 1 , y + v x , y - v x , y - 1 + v x , y - v x , y + 1 + v x , y - v x + 1 , y 4 eq . 5 whatever the type of corona producing elements employed , the profile is determined , for example , by iterative adjustment of the elements of the at least one plurality of corona producing elements so that an electric field at substantially all points is substantially equal . in particular , the profile can be determined by applying the formula : g x , y = v x , y - v x - 1 , y + v x , y - v x , y - 1 + v x , y - v x , y + 1 + v x , y - v x + 1 , y 4 , where ( x , y ) represent matrix coordinates of a point of interest , and g x , y is an electric field at the point of interest , to achieve a substantially uniform value of g for all points ( x , y ) between the at least one corona producing element and the charge retentive surface . thus , to substantially uniformly charge a charge retentive surface , one can attach at least one plurality of corona charging elements to a power source and determine a respective electric field distribution over each plurality of the at least one plurality of corona charging elements using , for example , the formula above . if the respective electric field is substantially non - uniform , then one adjusts the degree of projection of the elements of the respective at least one plurality of corona charging elements . these actions would be repeated until each respective electric field , and the overall field , is substantially uniform . while this invention has been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments thereof , many alternatives , modifications , and variations may arise that are not currently foreseeable to those skilled in the art . accordingly , it is intended to embrace all such alternatives , modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims . | 6 |
the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings . it should be understood that the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein . throughout fig1 - 6 , like elements of the invention are referred to by the same reference numerals for consistency purposes . fig1 shows perspective front and back views of a prior art ped case 100 for use with a smarthphone , which in this view is an iphone ® made by apple . case 100 is typically made of mold - injected plastic or rubber formed to the shape of a ped 105 with an ornamental design printed on it , which for case 100 as shown is a zebra pattern 110 . the mold may be flat or include raised and other textured portions for tactile feel and / or to add aesthetics that appeal to the user . case 100 has different shaped cut out areas for the front side of ped 105 to view screen 115 , as well as other cutouts 120 along the sides for buttons and a cutout 125 on the back for a camera lens . case 100 is typically formed so that ped 105 fits snugly within case 100 and does not easily fall out . it may require a twist or a bending motion at the edge of case 100 to “ pop out ” smartphone 105 . in that way , even if ped 105 is dropped or stepped on , ped 105 will not be accidentally extracted from case 100 during such an event , exposing it to a higher risk of damage . fig2 is a perspective view of a ped case 200 in accordance with the present invention . ped case 200 is similar to prior art case 100 in its basic construct , but it is outfitted with an electroluminescent panel (“ elp ”) 205 that is affixed to , embedded in or otherwise situated in or on a portion of the exterior surface of case 200 . it should be understood that elp 205 may be any shape or size and there may be one or more elps 205 used for a particular case 200 . in the example shown in fig2 , elp 205 is a rectangular shape covering most of the backside of case 200 . however , elp 205 may instead be formed of one or more strip - shaped elps that are affixed to case 200 anywhere on the backside , along the sides , or across any portion up to the edge of case 200 . elp 205 is an electroluminescent panel that is capable of displaying light patterns across its external surface . elp 205 is flexible to fit to the shape of case 200 while being extremely durable and thin enough to avoid adding bulk or additional size to the dimensions of case 200 when affixed to it . the depth of elp 205 is in the range of approximately 0 . 05 mm - 2 . 0 mm . elp 205 is made of indium tin oxide (“ ito ”) films with layers of phosphor inks . elp 205 includes separate circuits that are illuminated independently from one another and are represented by the matrix of rectangular sections shown in fig2 - 4 . elp 205 may also incorporate led , oled , fiber optics and other light technologies . the design and manufacture of elps of various types is well known in the art . in one typical configuration , a top sheet that is translucent or transparent and bottom sheet that is translucent , transparent or solid . the bottom sheet is made of a flexible conductive material . the top sheet and bottom sheet act as an anode and a cathode . between the two sheets is sandwiched electroluminescent ink printed in any pattern that may be circuit dependent or independent . the ink patterns are linked to form one or more circuits . elp 205 is affixed to the exterior surface of case 200 by adhesive such as glue , hook and loop fastener , adhesive tape or any other adherent that functions to hold elp 205 to case 200 . it can also be fastened to the case using a lens as a lid . the lens will be placed over the elp and act as a second form of protection . this application of a lens will allow the ability for the user to create their own unique image on a printer and place this under the lens for a custom look . in addition to elp 205 , case 200 also includes a set of electronics that control and power elp 205 shown in fig3 a . elp controller 210 is a microprocessor based control circuit , which may be , for example a hv816 manufactured by supertex of sunnyvale , california . a power supply 215 which is typically in the form of one or more rechargeable batteries provides power to controller 210 and to elp 205 through a set of wires 220 a - c . the battery may be , for example a 3 . 7 volt lithium polymer battery with a capacity of 700 - 1 , 800 mah . power supply 215 will be chargeable through a standard usb port ( see fig4 ) on controller 210 . it should be understood that other battery types may be used to provide power , such as a button power cell referred to as cr2032 that are known in the art . lithium ion rechargeable batteries may be used that use typical wired charging , or inductive or other wireless charging capabilities . these individual circuits of elp 205 are connected by wire 220 and / or by conductive ink which may be in the form of printed circuitry to receive power from power supply 215 and control signals from controller 210 . fig3 b is a perspective view of case 200 showing the recessed area into which a ped such as an iphone fits . embedded in the bottom of case 200 are the electronic components including elp controller 210 , power supply 215 and charging circuit 305 for charging power supply 215 . charging circuit 305 includes a port such as a mini - usb port 310 in the side of case 200 where a charger cord may be plugged in to charge power supply 215 . charger circuit 305 is connected to power supply 215 by a cable 315 . cable 220 b , which may be a ribbon cable is connected between elp controller 210 and elp 205 ( not shown ) on the back side of case 200 . button covers 320 matching up with buttons on a ped , or in the alternative a cutout 120 , allow a user to access buttons on ped even while case 200 is in place . a cutout 120 m is adjacent to microphone 410 ( see fig4 ) to allow sound or vibration to pass through case 200 and to microphone 410 on elp controller circuit 210 . one or more switches 325 may be used to operate the various functions of elp controller 210 including switching elp 205 on and off and sequencing through different illumination pattern sequences . elp controller circuit 210 , power supply 215 , charging circuit 305 and cables 220 as shown in fig3 b are thin enough to be embedded in the back side material that form case 200 . in this way , case 200 protects the components from the environment while still enabling elp 205 to be controlled and powered on the surface of case 200 . elp 205 may also be laminated or otherwise covered with a plastic lens to increase durability and prevent elp 205 from getting dirty or otherwise being damaged . fig4 is a system block diagram of system 400 for use with case 200 . controller 210 has a number of inputs and outputs . the inputs include a dc power line 405 from power supply system 215 . a microphone 410 is used to pick up sounds and vibrations that may be used to formulate different light patterns on elp 205 . a button panel 415 may be used by the user to input information , make selections or to perform other interactive operational functions on system 400 . a bluetooth transceiver 420 is also included to permit reception of signals from a device such as the user &# 39 ; s ped residing in case 200 or any other device with bluetooth capabilities . using bluetooth communications , signals transmitted by ped 105 may be received by bluetooth transceiver 420 and converted to signals to formulate light patterns on elp 205 . other inputs may include one or more hardwired inputs 425 that are hardwired to ped 105 or another device , a usb port 430 , ir sensor 435 and any other electronic inputs that may be desired by the system designer . for some cases , including for example , a laptop case , controller 210 will may be connected through the usb port to supply power . the usb port can power the unit and also provide an interface for manipulating operation of elp 205 . this will allow for direct audio output signal , programming and power . outputs from controller 210 include dc power line 220 and high voltage ac line 440 which may be used as an alternative source of power for elp 205 on dc line 220 . a dc line out ( not shown ) may also be included to power one or more leds or other components . a set of elp signal lines 445 is used to send signals from controller 210 to elp 205 providing instructions to elp 205 as to what light panels to illuminate at any given time . fig5 is a block diagram of the circuit components and signal paths of system 400 of the present invention . microphone 410 and / or a sensitivity button on button panel 415 receive input signals in the form of sound or vibration on microphone 410 or a user input on button panel 415 . sound or vibration signals are amplified by amplifier 505 and inputs on button panel 415 are sensed by microcontroller 510 . alternatively , or supplementally , an elp pattern storage device 515 in the form of a memory may hold pre - programmed elp illumination pattern sequences or elp illumination pattern sequences programmed or customized by a user that are input to microcontroller 510 . for any of the signals from microphone 410 , button panel 415 or elp storage 515 , the signals may be used to generate a sequence of illumination patterns on elp 205 . the signals from any of these inputs are input to a voltage divider 520 which may be a comparator of the type manufactured by fairchild semiconductor of san jose , california such as model number lm339 or lm339a . voltage divider 520 receives the input signals and divides them into a set of segment enable signals ( 1 - n ) corresponding to each of the segments ( 1 - n ) on elp 205 . each individual segment enable signal is transmitted through an electroluminescent lamp (“ el ”) driver 525 , also referred to as a power switch , to provide a power signal to the corresponding el segment in elp 205 . the set of segment enable signals being transmitted through to segments 1 - n of elp 205 causes elp 205 to display a timed pattern sequence . it should be understood that a microprocessor could be used instead of a comparator to receive the audio signals and convert them into different patterns for illumination on elp 205 . any individual sequence may be played one or more times in repetition , or combined with other live signals or pre - configured pattern signals to illuminate elp 205 . in one embodiment of the invention , using microphone 410 as the input to receive sound signals in the form of a song played on ped 105 will cause elp 205 to respond to the music and “ play ” the song as it is being received in a particular light pattern reflecting the voltage divisions performed by voltage divider 520 , which may be selected as desired by the system designer . alternatively , any sounds produced will similarly trigger elp 205 to respond with illumination patterns . fig6 a is a diagram showing one sample layout of elp 205 in the shape of a target with 5 concentric segments where each concentric segment is an individual circuit 605 a - e . each circuit 605 is controlled separately by controller 210 and the five circuits may be illuminated in succession or in any other chosen pattern . a representative pattern may be to light up the individual circuits in the following timing pattern where t n is the sequential timing of the illumination : t 1 : a alone ; t 2 : a + b ; t 3 : a + b + c ; t 4 : a + b + c + d ; t 5 : a + b + c + d + e . this pattern will create an image of the target extending out over the segments to be fully lit at time , t 5 . it should be understood that the target is a simple elp print pattern that may be created by the designer , and elps of differing levels of complexity may be manufactured with different colors of ink and any number of individual circuits to make illuminated patterns more versatile , aesthetically pleasing and fun . in addition , the density of “ pixels ” can be varied with cost increasing as the pixel density and count increases . in addition , the greater the number of elp circuits 605 , the greater the cost . fig6 b is a diagram of a rectangular elp 205 showing another sample layout for individual elp circuits 605 a - e . as with the circular target shape of fig6 a , each circuit 605 is controlled separately by controller 210 and the five circuits may be illuminated in succession or in any other chosen pattern . in addition to the printed ink patterns on elp 205 , light emitting diodes (“ leds ”) may also be used in combination with the elp circuits 605 to add to the illumination patterns . the foregoing invention has been described in accordance with the relevant legal standards , thus the description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature . variations and modifications to the disclosed embodiment may become apparent to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the invention . accordingly the scope of legal protection afforded this invention can only be determined with reference to the claims . | 8 |
referencing fig1 one embodiment of a point of purchase image - quality paper packaging , storage and display container 11 is shown in the open state . the container generally comprises a rigid box structure having a first section 13 serving as a cover or base portion as further explained below , and a second section 15 serving as the paper retaining portion . the first section 13 and second section 15 are hingedly connected by a simple pin - in - hole arrangement 17 on opposing sides 19 , 21 of the container 11 . the general structure of the container 11 is akin to a common compact disc case and may be congruently sized therewith to utilize compact disc storage racks . the hinged portions of the first and second sections 13 , 15 are constructed to allow the sections to rotate freely through about 315 ° until the major surface 23 of the second section 15 abuts an edge 25 of the major surface of the first section 13 , as shown in fig3 . the container is suitably formed by injection molding crystal polystyrene , k - resin , or a combination thereof , although other materials may be found suitable . the entire container may be translucent and clear although only the second section major surface 23 needs to be clear in an embodiment such as fig5 where the container 11 is closed and yet utilized as a display . alternatively as seen in fig3 the container 11 may be utilized in an open position as a display , leaving the image exposed to the air and thus requiring no clear surfaces on the container 11 . certain embodiments of the present invention may utilize ultraviolet ( uv ) light inhibitors or colors in the material of the container if desired . the second section 15 is shown with a single shelf 29 , provided with a lip 31 extending parallel to the major surface 23 from a side wall 33 of the second section . the shelf 29 is provided as a simple means for releasably holding blank paper sheets 35 within the second section 15 . the lip 31 may be sized at 2 . 9 × 0 . 46 inches in an embodiment sized congruently with a standard compact disc case , sometimes also called a jewel box or case . the ordinarily skilled artisan will appreciate that various constructions may be utilized for the paper - holding function without departing from the scope of the present invention . the paper 35 is sized to fit closely within the confines of the container 11 . the paper 35 and the container 11 are preferably provided in sizes close to standard image printing formats such as three by five ( 3 × 5 ) inch , four by six ( 4 × 6 ) inch , or five by seven ( 5 × 7 ) inch , all of which may utilize to some degree storage containers mass produced for the storage of compact disc containers . a standard compact disc container , or jewel box , has outer dimensions of 4 . 92 inches by 5 . 65 inches by 0 . 41 inch . the present invention may utilize the injection molds of jewel boxes with minimal modifications . the paper is preferably a premium quality image - grade blank paper at greater than 20 pound weight and a brightness ratio of 92 or more as will be understood by those of skill in the paper arts . more preferably , the image - grade blank paper is of the highest quality for image reproduction such as coated or glossy so called “ photo printing ” papers . a variety of paper grades may also be provided in a single container allowing the consumer to test printing on less expensive grade paper before committing to a print on the most expensive grade of paper provided . at a depth of 0 . 41 inch , the container 11 will generally hold 14 - 20 such blank sheets of image - grade printing paper . by pre - sizing the paper to meet standard image sizes and / or formats , the present invention will result in less waste of the expensive image - grade papers , as well as less wasted packaging , and minimal effort on the part of the individual who wishes to print a stored visual image . referencing fig2 the container 11 is shown in a closed position with the first section 13 and the second section 15 releasably engaged and containing the multiple sheets of blank image - grade printing paper 35 therein . also indicated therein is a stand 47 , as further explained below . sales , branding , or identifying indicia may be easily placed into the container 11 and remain visible when the container , or parts thereof , are constructed from translucent materials . a wrapping may also be placed over the container 11 to protect both the container , or a display surface thereof , and the paper 35 , if desired . referencing fig3 the container 11 is shown in one possible display position . the first and second sections 13 , 15 have been disengaged from their closed position ( fig2 ) and rotated through about a 315 ° arc placing the second section at about a 45 ° angle when the first section 13 is placed on the horizontal to act as a base for supporting the upright second section 15 . a single paper sheet 37 having an image 39 printed thereon , has been placed in the shelf 29 with the image facing away from the second section major surface 23 for display . cutaways 41 may be provided in opposing side walls 43 of the second section 15 to provide for ease of paper handling . the second section major surface 23 abuts the first section major surface 27 at an edge 25 thereof . a cutaway 45 in the second section major surface 23 behind the shelf 29 may be provided for ease of molding . referencing fig4 the stand 47 is shown in a laid flat position . the stand 47 is preferably a bilaterally symmetrical one piece apparatus molded from a resilient plastic polymer . the line of symmetry is a thinned area serving as a living hinge 49 . also referencing fig5 the living hinge 49 allows the halves of the stand 47 to be folded downward whereby inside portions 53 of support hooks 51 integral to each half of the stand 47 may support the container 11 . outside portions 55 of support hooks 51 are configured to contact a horizontal surface . contiguous with each support hook 51 is an angled front edge 57 serving as further support for the container 11 in the display position ( fig5 ). rearward of the angled edge 57 , the body 59 of the stand 47 forms the remainder of the support structure and provides an additional edge 61 , contiguous with outside portions 55 , for each stand half for contacting the horizontal surface on which the stand rests . due to the resilient nature of the living hinge 49 , once the stand 47 has been folded in half it will have a tendency to assume a partially flattened shape thereby making the hinge 49 useful as a biasing means for urging a paper sheet 37 towards a major surface , e . g ., 23 , of the container 11 when the stand 49 is replaced inside the container 11 , as shown in fig2 . a magnet 61 may be glued to the outside of the major surface 27 of the first section 13 to aid in using the container 11 as a display in the closed position without the aid of the stand 47 . the magnet 61 will provide means for attachment of the container to a separate surface nonintegral with said container surfaces , such as a refrigerator door or the like . in nonpreferred embodiments , the container 11 may have additional means for aiding in display , such as holes in the container or appendages thereon , for receiving mounting means such as picture hooks or the like . having thus described an exemplary embodiment of the point of sale package for the sale of image - quality printing paper serving as a display means for printed images , it will be appreciated that many variants of the described embodiment may occur to person of ordinary skill in the art . the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited by the described embodiment , but only by the appended claims . | 0 |
the embodiment of a turning device for a heavy object according to the present invention will be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings . a probe device 1 , for example , as shown in fig1 , is composed of a probe device body constituting a prober section which performs electrical examination for a body 2 to be examined , such as a semiconductor wafer , hereinafter referred to as a “ device body ”, a frame 3 disposed adjacent to the left side of the device body 2 , a test head 5 as a heavy object turned by approximately 180 degrees between the device body 2 and a maintenance area 4 by the frame 3 , a coupling ring 7 and a probe card 8 . to the immediate right of the device body 2 , there is disposed a semiconductor wafer transfer apparatus 9 which stores semiconductor wafers by cassette and loads and unloads the semiconductors into / from the prober section one by one from the cassette . a central hole ( not shown ) in a head plate 10 constituting a top face of the device body 2 is attached with a probe cover 8 . the test head 5 is structured so as to be electrically connected to a coupling terminal on the top of the probe card 8 through the coupling ring 7 when the test head 5 turns and is positioned on the device body 2 . therefore , for example , the probe device 1 receives a test signal from a tester at an electrode of the semiconductor wafer on a mounting block through the test head 5 and a probe pin of the probe card 8 to electrically examine respective ic chips of the semiconductor wafers . the test head 5 is fixed onto a rotating shaft of a drive device 12 through a turning arm 11 having a first plane 11 a and a second plane 11 b orthogonal to the first plane 11 a as shown in fig2 , and is structured so as to turn through the rotating shaft . the turning arm 11 is connected to the test head 5 as a heavy object and turns around a turning fulcrum on the axial line a of the rotating shaft of the drive device 12 . the drive device 12 drives a turning operation of the turning arm 11 and is installed on the top of the frame 3 through a supporting block 13 . the supporting block 13 has a fixing section of the drive device 12 or a planetary gear type speed reducer stored in the drive device 12 , that is , a first mounting surface 13 a mounted on a mounting flat surface of a stationary case 28 , a second mounting surface 13 b orthogonal to the first mounting surface 13 a , and a pair of rib sections 13 c , 13 c for connecting both ends of the first mounting surface 13 a in the outward direction with both ends of the second mounting surface 13 b in the outward direction . the fixing section of the drive device 12 or the planetary gear type speed reducer stored in the drive device 12 , that is , the outside diameter section of the mounting flat surface of the stationary case 28 is formed with cut sections 28 a , 28 a on the pair of rib sections 13 c , 13 c . as a result , the fixed section of the planetary gear type speed reducer , that is , the pair of rib sections 13 c , 13 c of the mounting flat surface outside diameter section of the stationary case 28 are cut , so that the first mounting surface 13 a and the second mounting surface 13 b of the supporting block 13 can be reinforced by the pair of rib sections 13 c , 13 c , thus making the supporting block 13 robust , without lengthening a section between the second plane 11 b of the turning arm 11 and the axial line a of a turning pivot , or without increasing a turning radius of a heavy weight such as the test head 5 . a reference numeral 14 used in the figure denotes an installation block for installing the frame 3 storing a controller therein . reference numerals 15 , 15 denote bolts , which are inserted into slightly elongated clearance holes 15 a , 15 a in fig2 and 3 formed in the second mounting surface 13 b to locate the second mounting surface 13 b from front to back and from side to side and fix the supporting block 13 on the frame 3 . a reference numeral 16 denotes a cover disposed on the front of an encoder for detecting the rotational position and speed of a motor 17 described later . as shown in fig4 and 5 , a rotation output section of the drive device 12 is formed with the first plane 11 a of the turning arm 11 . the second plane 11 b of the turning arm 11 is drilled with slots 11 c , 11 c , . . . , for example , in four rows , into which bolts ( not shown ) are screwed , and the turning arm is fixed on the test head 5 with its vertical position adjusted to the position of the test head 5 . referring next to the drawings , and particularly to fig6 , the drive device 12 will be described below in detail . the drive device 12 is roughly composed of : the motor 17 , reduction gear mechanisms for performing decelerating rotation by driving the motor 17 and an encoder 19 for detecting the rotational position and speed of the motor 17 . as the reduction gear mechanism , a single reduction gear mechanism may be used . the drive device includes a previous - stage reduction gear mechanism for firstly decelerating the rotational speed of the motor 17 and a subsequent - stage reduction gear mechanism for further secondly decelerating the rotational speed by the previous stage reduction gear mechanism . the drive device 12 shown in fig6 is a structural example which includes two reduction gear mechanisms , which are two planetary gear type speed reducers for previous - stage speed reduction and subsequent - stage speed reduction . a reference numeral 17 denotes a motor , which includes : a cylindrical stator 17 b having a coil section 17 a , a rotor 17 d having a rotatably supported rotor shaft 17 c and disposed inside the stator ; and a motor case 17 e housing the stator 17 b from the outside . the motor case 17 e is composed of a first , a second and a third cases 17 e 1 , 17 e 2 and 17 e 3 , which are connected to each other . the front section of the first case 17 e 1 is firmly covered by fixing bottom ends of the box - shaped cover 16 with bolts 18 , 18 . a rotor shaft of the encoder 19 is connected directly to the other side of the rotor 17 d . a reference numeral 22 is a front wall of the first case 17 e 1 . a reference numeral 20 denotes a front - stage speed reducer , which mainly consists of ; a cylindrical inner teeth gear body 21 serving as a fixed section having a plurality of internal teeth pins 24 c 2 as internal teeth on an inner - periphery section ; a pair of external teeth gear 24 c of which external teeth of peritrochoide tooth profile mesh with the internal teeth pins 24 c 2 of the internal teeth gear body 21 for eccentric oscillation ; a pinion gear 17 f formed on the rotor shaft 17 c as an input section ; a shaft 23 as a rotation output section ; and a planetary gear type speed reducer 24 having main bearings 24 a , 24 b as a pair of ball bearings at the previous and subsequent stages disposed between the internal teeth gear body 21 and the shaft 23 . the shaft 23 is composed of a first end plate 23 a whose outer - periphery surface engages with the pair of main bearings 24 a at the previous stage and a second end plate 23 c having a column section 23 b loosely fitted into the internal teeth gear body 21 , whose outer - periphery surface engages with the pair of main bearings 24 b at the subsequent stage . the first end plate 23 a , the second end plate 23 c having the column section 23 b and a rotor shaft 26 a described later are connected adjacent to each other by a taper pin 23 e and a bolt 25 penetrated into a shaft hole 23 d formed therein . a spur gear 23 g provided at a crank shaft 23 f meshes with a previous - stage pinion gear 17 f . the crank shaft 23 f is rotatably supported on the first end plate 23 a and the second end plate 23 c and engages with the external teeth gear 24 c through a needle bearing 24 c 1 . rotation of the rotor shaft 17 c is decelerated between the pinion gear 17 f and the spur gear 23 g and is transmitted to the crank shaft 23 f . rotation of the crank shaft 23 f eccentrically oscillates the external teeth gear 24 c , and decelerates and rotates the shaft 23 . the upper front of the internal teeth gear body 21 is connected adjacent to a third case 17 e 3 of the motor case 17 e and the upper rear of the internal teeth gear body 21 is connected adjacent to a cylindrical connection member 27 in which an outer surface joined to a subsequent - stage speed reducer 26 described later is formed into a stepped shape , by a bolt 20 a respectively . next , the subsequent - stage speed reducer 26 will be described below : the subsequent - stage speed reducer 26 consists of : a cylindrical internal teeth gear body 28 as a fixed section having a plurality of internal teeth pins 30 c 2 as internal teeth mainly on the inner - periphery section ; a pair of external teeth gear 30 c in which external teeth of peritrochoid tooth profile mesh with the internal teeth pins 30 c 2 of the inner teeth gear body 28 for eccentric oscillation ; a pinion gear 26 b formed on the rotor shaft 26 a as a rotation input section ; a shaft 29 as a rotation output section ; and planetary gear type speed reducer 31 having main bearings 30 a , 30 b as a pair of ball bearings at the previous and subsequent stages disposed between the inner teeth gear body 28 and the shaft 29 . the rotor shaft 26 a is connected to the second end plate 23 c . the shaft 29 is composed of a first end plate 29 a engaging the pair of main bearings 30 a at the previous stage with an outer - periphery surface thereof and a second end plate 29 c having a column 29 b loosely fitted into the inner teeth gear body 28 and engaging the pair of main bearings 30 b at the subsequent stage with an outer - periphery surface thereof . the first end plate 29 a and a second end plate 29 c having the column section 29 b are connected adjacent to each other by a taper pin ( not shown ) penetrated into shaft holes 29 d formed therein and a bolt 32 . the previous - stage pinion gear 26 b is meshed with a spur gear 29 g provided on a crank shaft 29 f . the crank shaft 29 f is rotatably supported on the first end plate 29 a and the second end plate 29 c and is engaged with the external teeth gear 30 c through a needle bearing 30 c 1 . rotation of the rotor shaft 26 a is decelerated between a pinion gear 26 b and the spur gear 29 g and transmitted to the crank shaft 29 f . rotation of the crank shaft 29 f eccentrically oscillates the external teeth gear 30 c and decelerates and rotates the shaft 29 . a reduction ratio of the previous - stage speed reducer 26 is set at , for example , approximately 1 / 100 . accordingly , to an orthogonal plane 29 i orthogonal to the axial line a of the turning pivot of the turning arm 11 of the second end plate 29 c , the turning arm 11 is connected by a bolt ( not shown ). the turning arm 11 includes a first plane 11 a connected to the plane of the shaft 29 as a rotation output section , namely , the second end plate 29 c and a second plane 11 b which is connected to a heavy object formed out of the test head 5 and so on and which is orthogonal to the first plane 11 a positioned nearer to the heavy object than the axial line a of the turning pivot . as shown in fig2 , the turning arm 11 and the drive device 12 are disposed within a width d of the heavy object 5 in the axial direction of the turning pivot of the turning arm 11 . a dashed line c indicates the center position of the test head 5 as a heavy object in the direction of the axial line a . this can constitute a compact turning device for a heavy object which can reduce a distance between the center of gravity and the turning pivot of the heavy object such as the test head 5 on the axial line a and which allows the turning arm 11 and the drive device 12 to be positioned within the width d of the turning pivot of the heavy object in the direction of the axial line a . the center position c along the direction of the axial line a of the turning pivot of the turning arm 11 of the heavy object , such as the test head 5 , is set within a distance l between the main bearing 30 b as a ball bearing positioned on the orthogonal plane side of a rotation output section , out of the pair of ball bearings , and an intersection p obtained by crossing the axial line a of the turning pivot with a line b which forms a bearing contact angle a (°) to the perpendicular line of the main bearing 30 b . preferably , the contact angle a (°) is to be set within the range from ) 35 (°) to 45 (°). such a configuration can support a heavy object such as the test head 5 in a cantilever manner and stably turn the heavy object . on the first plane 11 a side of the turning arm 11 , bolt insertion holes 11 d , 11 d , . . . having slightly longer diameter are circumferentially arranged at desired intervals as shown in fig5 . by screwing bolts 11 e , 11 e . . . shown in fig4 into the bolt insertion holes 11 d , 11 d . . . , to engage shaft holes 29 e ( see fig6 ), vertical or horizontal positioning movement of the drive device 12 in the rotational direction is adjusted to fix it to the turning arm 11 . next , there is illustrated the operation of the turning device for a heavy object according to the present invention . the motor 17 rotates at a high speed so that a turning operation of a heavy object such as the test head 5 may be driven between a position indicated by a solid line and a position indicated by a virtual line as shown in fig1 . thus , the rotor 17 d rotates at a high speed inside the cylindrical stator 17 b to rotate the rotor shaft 17 c connected directly to the rotor 17 d and supported by a bearing 26 c . a rotational force is transmitted to the spur gear 23 g engaged with the pinion gear 17 f formed on the rear end of the rotor shaft 17 c and , by the rotation of the spur gear 23 g , the crank shaft 23 f having a crank section in the rough center rotates while being supported by a pair of bearings disposed on the shaft 23 . a rotational force of the crank shaft 23 f is transmitted to the external teeth gears 24 c , 24 c configured in two rows adjacent to each other , and the rotation action of the external teeth gears 24 c , 24 c decelerates the first end plate 23 a and the second end plate 23 c having the column section 23 b of the shaft 23 as a rotation output section . the second end plate 23 c transmits the rotational force to the subsequent - stage speed reducer 26 by the bolt 25 . hence , the previous - stage speed reducer 20 decelerates the rotational speed of the motor 17 , for example , to approximately 1 / 60 by the planetary gear type speed reducer 24 . next , a rotational force of the shaft 23 decelerated to the first stage as described above is transmitted to the rotor shaft 26 a as a rotation input section , and the rotor shaft 26 a rotates at a speed decelerated by the previous - stage speed reducer 20 . a rotational force is transmitted to the spur gear 29 g engaged with a pinion gear 26 b formed on the rear end of the rotor shaft 26 a . by the rotation of the spur gear 29 g , the crank shaft 29 f having a crank section 29 h in the rough center rotates while being supported by main bearings 30 d , 30 e disposed adjacent to each other in front of the spur gear 29 g . a rotational force of the crank shaft 29 f is transmitted to the external teeth gears 30 c , 30 c configured in two rows adjacent to each other . the rotation action of the external teeth gears 30 c , 30 c further decelerates the rotation of the first end plate 29 a and the second end plate 29 c having the column 29 b of the shaft 29 as a rotation output section . the second end plate 29 c is connected to the first plane 11 a of the turning arm 11 so as to be adjacent to each other by the bolts 11 e , 11 e , . . . to decelerate the driving force of the turning arm 11 . accordingly , a heavy object such as the test head 5 is adjusted while the rotational position or speed of the motor 17 is detected by the encoder 19 to be rotationally driven with an angle of approximately 180 ° from a position indicated by a virtual line to a position indicated by a solid line shown in fig1 . the test head 5 is electrically connected to a contact on the top of the probe card 8 through an adjacent ring . the probe device 1 receives a test signal from a tester by an electrode of a semiconductor wafer on a mounting block through the test head 5 and a probe pin of the probe card 8 for electrical examination of respective ic chips of the semiconductor wafers . hence , the subsequent - stage speed reducer 26 decelerates the rotational speed of the previous - stage speed reducer 20 , for example , to approximately 1 / 100 , and decelerates the rotational speed of the motor 17 , for example , to approximately 1 / 6000 . the high reduction ratio obtained by the two - stage reduction gear mechanism can reduce the outside diameter of each of the previous - stage and subsequent - stage speed reducers 20 , 26 and the motor 17 , which can further reduce the turning radius of a heavy object such as the test head 5 . a value of the reduction ratio can be selected by setting design dimensions and shapes of internal components or members of the planetary gear type speed reducer 31 as appropriate . the present invention can constitute a turning device for a heavy object of a single speed reducer only for previous stage by fixing the shaft 23 having the said second end plate 29 c to the said turning arm 11 . as described above , the turning device for a heavy object according to the present invention is applied to a probe device and the like for measuring the electric characteristics of an object to be examined , such as a semiconductor device . | 5 |
prior to the description of the embodiments , matters investigated by the inventors are described . fig1 a to 1e are cross - sectional views of a substrate with embedded component in the course of manufacturing thereof , which was used in the investigation . as illustrated in fig1 a , in order to manufacture the substrate with embedded component , a copper - clad base member that is made by forming copper film on both surface of an insulating base member 1 is prepared . then , the copper film is patterned into conductive pad 2 . the insulating base member 1 is , for example , a glass epoxy substrate . subsequently , as illustrated in fig1 b , solder paste as solder 4 is printed on the conductive pad 2 , and a component 3 is mounted on the solder 4 . thereafter , the solder 4 is heated to be melted , thereby connecting the component 3 to the conductive pad 2 with the solder 4 . the component 3 may be , for example , a resistive element , a capacitor , or a coil . the material of the solder 4 is preferably a lead - free solder , which is eco - friendly , and a snagcu solder is used in this example . the melting point of the snagcu solder depends on its composition ratio . for example , a sn - 3ag - 0 . 5cu solder having a melting point of about 220 ° c . is used as the material of the solder 4 . note that , the conductive pad 2 , to which the component 3 is connected as described above , is also called as a foot print . firstly , a first multi - layer wiring base member 7 and a second multi - layer wiring base member 8 are disposed over the insulating base member 1 , to which the component 3 is connected as described above . the multi - layer wiring base members 7 and 8 each include alternate layers of an insulating layer 9 and wiring 10 . a resin sheet of epoxy resin may be used as the insulating layer 9 . then , a copper - plated layer may be formed as the wiring 10 . then , prepreg as thermosetting resin 11 is adhered onto a surface of the first multi - layer wiring base member 7 . in addition , an opening 7 a having a dimension enough to house the component 3 is formed in the resin 11 and the first multi - layer wiring base member 7 by mechanical processing . the resin 11 is , for example , a thermosetting epoxy resin , and is disposed also between the first multi - layer wiring base members 7 and 8 . note that the resin 11 is not yet cured at this step and is in an uncured state . subsequently , as illustrated in fig1 d , the insulating base member 1 , the first multi - layer wiring base member 7 , the second multi - layer wiring base member 8 , and the resin 11 are stacked and pressed while heating these elements , thereby thermally curing the resin 11 . the highest temperature of the resin 11 in this process is in a range of about 180 ° c . to 200 ° c . at which the resin 11 is thermally cured . since this temperature is lower than the melting point of the solder 4 , the solder 4 is not melted in this process . by pressing in this manner , the resin 11 penetrates into the opening 7 a , and the opening 7 a is filled with the resin 11 . subsequently , as illustrated in fig1 e , a semiconductor element 17 is mounted on the uppermost wiring 10 via a solder bump 16 . in this example , the solder bump 16 is a sn - 3ag - 0 . 5cu solder having the same composition ratio and melting point as those of the solder 4 . then , the solder bump 16 is subjected to reflow by heating it , thereby connecting the semiconductor element 17 to the wiring 10 with the solder bump 16 . thus , the basic structure of the substrate 18 with embedded component according to this example is completed . the substrate 18 can have a small outer shape because the component 3 is not exposed on the substrate surface , thereby leading to downsizing of an electronic device such as a server in which the substrate 18 is incorporated . here , according to the method of manufacturing the substrate 18 with the embedded component , the solder 4 and the resin 11 are also heated by heat for melting the solder bump 16 in the process of fig1 e . fig2 is an enlarged cross - sectional view schematically illustrating the surroundings of the component 3 at this time . since the solder bump 16 and the solder 4 have the same melting point as described above , the solder 4 is also melted when the solder bump 16 is melted by heating . in addition , the resin 11 around the solder 4 thermally expands by this heat . accordingly , the melted solder 4 is pressurized by the resin 11 around the solder 4 and spreads along an interface between the resin 11 and the insulating base member 1 in the lateral direction . then , in the worst case , the conductive pads 2 adjacent to each other in the lateral direction are electrically short - circuited via the solder 4 . such a phenomenon is called solder flash , which adversely contributes to the reduction in the yield of the substrate 18 with embedded component . although the inventors investigated some methods for preventing the solder flash , these methods have difficulties . for example , it is considered that the material having higher melting point than that of the sn - 3ag - 0 . 5cu solder , which is the material of the solder bump 16 , is employed as the material of the solder 4 . in this case , the solder 4 having the higher melting point does not melt even when subjected to the reflow in the process of fig1 e , thereby preventing the above described solder flash . in this method , however , the solder 4 needs to be heated at high temperature to be melted in the process of fig1 b , which causes a significant difference in the thermal expansion between the insulating base member 1 and the conductive pad 2 due to the heating , so that damage such as crack occurs to the insulating base member 1 . in contrast , it is also considered that the solder having lower melting point than that of the sn - 3ag - 0 . 5cu solder , which is the material of the solder 4 , is employed as the material of the solder bump 16 , for the purpose of preventing the solder 4 from melting when the solder bump 16 is subjected to the reflow . however , the solder having lower melting point than that of the sn - 3ag - 0 . 5cu solder is mechanically fragile . therefore , when such a solder is used as the solder bump 16 , connection strength between the wiring 10 and the semiconductor element 17 is lowered . alternatively , the material , whose melting point rises once melted , is considered to be used for the solder 4 . for example , in the solder paste in which copper powder is added to the solder , since a part of the copper powder is melted into the solder at the first melting , composition ratio of copper in the solder becomes high . thus , a higher temperature than that in the first melting is required to melt the solder at the next melting , and thus the solder 4 is considered to be not melted in the reflow of the solder bump 16 in the process illustrated in fig1 e . however , since a rise in the melting point of the solder 4 is small , the solder 4 is potentially melted in the reflow of the solder bump 16 in the process illustrated in fig1 e , which causes the aforementioned solder flash . instead of changing the material of the solder 4 in this manner , it is considered that the opening 7 a may be filled with an adhesive agent before the process of fig1 d , and the adhesive agent is cured in advance . thus , the surroundings of the solder 4 are harden with the adhesive agent , which prevents the solder 4 from spreading in the lateral direction even when the solder 4 is melted in the process illustrated in fig1 e . however , this method requires an additional process of filling the adhesive agent into the opening 7 a , resulting in an increase in the number of processes and also in manufacturing cost of the substrate 18 . moreover , it is technologically difficult to measure the adhesive agent having the same volume as that of the opening 7 a and fill this adhesive agent into the opening 7 a . in the followings , embodiments capable of preventing the solder flash are described . in the present embodiment , the solder flash in a substrate with embedded component is prevented as described below . fig3 a to 3g are cross - sectional views of a substrate with embedded component in the course of manufacturing thereof according to the present embodiment . fig4 a and 4b are enlarged plan views of the substrate with embedded component in the course of manufacturing thereof according to the present embodiment . note that in fig3 a to 3g and 4a to 4b , the same element as that illustrated in fig1 a to 1e and 2 is denoted by the same reference numeral as that in fig1 a to 1e and 2 , and description thereof is omitted in the following . first , as illustrated in fig3 a , a copper - clad base member , which is made by forming copper films having a thickness of about 12 μm to 35 μm on both surfaces of the insulating base member 1 , is prepared . after that , the copper films are patterned into conductive pads 2 . the material and thickness of the insulating base member 1 are not particularly limited . in this example , a glass epoxy substrate having a thickness of about 0 . 06 mm to 0 . 2 mm is used as the insulating base member 1 . next , as illustrated in fig3 b , a hole 1 a is formed in each of the conductive pad 2 and the insulating base member 1 by drilling . note that the holes 1 a may be formed by laser processing instead of drilling . in this case , a portion of the conductive pad 2 corresponding to the holes 1 a may be previously removed in the patterning of fig3 a to allow the holes 1 a to be formed only in the insulating base member 1 by laser processing . in the present embodiment , metal film and the like is not formed on the side surface of the hole 1 a , so that the material of the insulating base member 1 is left exposed in the hole 1 a . fig4 a is an enlarged plan view of the hole 1 a and its surrounding when this process is ended . as illustrated in fig4 a , the hole 1 a has an approximately circular plane shape , and the all portions of the hole 1 a is included in the conductive pad 2 in a plan view . next , as illustrated in fig3 c , a metal mask 19 is disposed over the insulating base member 1 . an opening 19 a is formed at a position of the metal mask 19 that corresponds to the conductive pad 2 , and the position of the metal mask 19 is adjusted so that the opening 19 a overlaps the conductive pad 2 . then , by a printing method , solder paste is printed as the solder 4 on the conductive pad 2 in the opening 19 a . the solder 4 is preferably a lead - free solder , which is eco - friendly , and is a snagcu solder in this example . the melting point of this snagcu solder is also not particularly limited . in the present embodiment , sn - 3ag - 0 . 5cu , which has a low melting point of about 220 ° c . and thus causes no damage on the insulating base member 1 when melted , is used . fig4 b is an enlarged plan view of the hole 1 a and its surrounding when this process is ended . as illustrated in fig4 b , an island 19 b is provided to the metal mask 19 , and the hole 1 a is closed by the island 19 b . thus , the solder 4 can be printed only around the hole 1 a , while preventing the solder 4 from entering into the hole 1 a . subsequently , as illustrated in fig3 d , the component 3 is mounted on the solder 4 . then , the solder 4 is melted by heating it at a temperature of about 220 ° c ., thereby connecting the component 3 to the conductive pad 2 with the solder 4 . the component 3 may be , for example , a resistive element , a capacitor , or a coil . even when the solder 4 is melted in this manner , the solder 4 hardly enters into the hole 1 a , because the insulating material of the insulating base member 1 having a low solder wettability is exposed on the side surface of the hole 1 a . subsequently , as illustrated in fig3 e , the first multi - layer wiring base member 7 , the resin 11 , and the second multi - layer wiring base member 8 explained in fig1 c are disposed in this order over the insulating base member 1 . as explained in fig1 c , prepreg is adhered as the resin 11 onto the surface of the first multi - layer wiring base member 7 . also , the opening 7 a having a size enough to house the component 3 therein is formed in the resin 11 and the first multi - layer wiring base member 7 . prepreg used as the resin 11 is , for example , a thermosetting epoxy resin , and is in the uncured state at this time . although the thickness of the resin 11 is not particularly limited , the thickness of the resin 11 is about 0 . 06 mm to 0 . 2 mm in this example . in addition , the thicknesses of the insulating layer 9 and the wiring 10 are not particularly limited . the insulating layer 9 is , for example , a resin sheet of epoxy resin having a thickness of about 0 . 06 mm to 0 . 2 mm . the wiring 10 is , for example , a copper - plated layer having a thickness of about 12 μm to 35 μm . then , as illustrated in fig3 f , the insulating base member 1 , the first multi - layer wiring base member 7 , the resin 11 , and the second multi - layer wiring base member 8 are stacked . thus , the opening 7 a is closed by the second multi - layer wiring base member 8 , while housing the component 3 in the opening 7 a . thereafter , the insulating base member 1 , the first multi - layer wiring base member 7 , the resin 11 , and the second multi - layer wiring base member 8 are pressed while heating these elements , thereby thermally curing the resin 11 . the highest temperature of the resin 11 in this process is in the range of about 180 ° c . to 200 ° c . at which the resin 11 is thermally cured . since this temperature is lower than the melting point of the solder 4 , the solder 4 is not melted in this process . moreover , by pressing in this manner , the resin 11 penetrates into the opening 7 a , and the opening 7 a is filled with the resin 11 . subsequently , as illustrated in fig3 g , the semiconductor element 17 is mounted on the uppermost wiring 10 via the solder bump 16 . the material of the solder bump 16 is not particularly limited . however , the solder having lower melting point than that of the solder 4 is mechanically fragile , and thus the connection strength between the semiconductor element 17 and the wiring 10 would be reduced when such a solder of low melting point is used as the solder bump 16 . in order to enhance the connection strength between the semiconductor element 17 and the wiring 10 , it is preferable to use the solder having the melting point equal to or higher than that of the solder 4 for the material of the solder bump 16 . in view of this , sn - 3ag - 0 . 5cu , which is the same material having the same melting point ( about 220 ° c .) as that of the solder 4 , is used for the material of the solder bump 16 . then , the solder bump 16 is subjected to reflow under heating at a temperature of about 220 ° c . so as to connect the semiconductor element 17 to the wiring 10 with the solder bump 16 . in this reflow , solder 4 having the same melting point of that of the solder bump 16 melts , and the resin 11 around the solder 4 thermally expands . thus , the solder 4 is subjected to the pressure generated by the resin 11 around the solder 4 . in the present embodiment , however , the melted solder 4 escapes into the hole 1 a , and hence the melted solder 4 does not spreads in the lateral direction . as a result , the solder flash , in which the conductive pads 2 adjacent to each other in the lateral direction are electrically short - circuited via the solder 4 , can be suppressed . moreover , since the insulating base member 1 , which has a low solder wettability , is exposed on the side surface of the hole 1 a , the hole 1 a can be prevented from being filled with the solder 4 before this process , which allows the solder to escape into the hole 1 a in the process . by these steps , the basic structure of the substrate 25 with embedded components completes . according to the present embodiment , since the melted solder 4 can escape into the hole 1 a , solder flash can be suppressed . although the number of the holes 1 a provided in the single conductive pad 2 is one in this example , a plurality of the holes 1 a may be provided in the single conductive pad 2 to increase the amount of the solder 4 escaping into the hole 1 a . next , explanation is given for the preferable positions of the hole 1 a that effectively suppress the solder flash . fig5 is an enlarged plan view for explaining the preferable positions of the hole 1 a , which illustrate the state immediately after the component 3 is connected to the conductive pad 2 with the solder 4 in the process illustrated in fig3 d . unlike the example in fig4 a , in an example illustrated in fig5 , a part of the hole 1 a is located outside the conductive pad 2 in the plan view . the component 3 and the solder 4 are not present at the part of the hole 1 a located outside the conductive pad 2 . therefore , when the resin 11 is pressurized in the process of fig3 f , the resin 11 enter the part of the hole 1 a that is located outside the conductive pad 2 , and hence the hole la is closed by the resin 11 . as a result , the solder 4 melted in the process illustrated in fig3 g cannot escape into the hole 1 a , leading to an increased risk of generation of the solder flash . on the other hand , in the present embodiment , all portions of the hole 1 a is positioned inside the conductive pad 2 as illustrated in fig4 a . therefore , all portions of the hole 1 a is covered with the solder 4 , thereby preventing the resin 11 from entering the hole 1 a . the inventor further investigated the diameter of the hole 1 a which can effectively suppress the solder flash . in this investigation , the thermal expansion amounts of the solder 4 and the resin 11 was calculated . fig6 is a cross - sectional view of a model used in this calculation . in this model , the thickness of the insulating base member 1 is set as t , and the diameter of the hole 1 a is set as d . also , the height of the component 3 is set as z , and the length of the component 3 is set as y . the size of the component 3 is represented by yxz as a combination of the length y and the height z . here , four types of the dimension yxz were used , namely , 0 . 6 mm × 0 . 3 mm , 1 . 0 mm × 0 . 5 mm , 1 . 6 mm × 0 . 8 mm , and 2 . 0 mm × 1 . 2 mm . fig7 is a table obtained by calculating ( 1 ) the thermal expansion amount δv s of the solder 4 and ( 2 ) the thermal expansion amount δv r of the resin 11 , for each of the electronic components 3 having these sizes . note that each thermal expansion amount was calculated when the temperature was risen from 20 ° c . to 225 ° c . this is substantially equals to the thermal expansion amount when the temperature of each of the solder 4 and the resin 11 is risen from room temperature ( 20 ° c .) to a temperature ( about 220 ° c .) in the reflow of fig3 g . here , the thermal expansion rate of the solder 4 was set 21 ppm /° c ., and the thermal expansion amount of the resin 11 was set 60 ppm /° c . then , the sum ( δv s + δv r ) of ( 1 ) the thermal expansion amount δv s of the solder 4 and ( 2 ) the thermal expansion amount δv r of the resin 11 is equal to ( 3 ) the amount δv h of the solder 4 entering the hole 1 a . note that , for reference , fig7 also lists the area s c of the conductive pad 2 in the plan view which is suitable for each size of the electronic component 3 . on the other hand , fig8 is a table obtained by calculating the diameter d of the hole 1 a which is suitable for each of the aforementioned sizes of the electronic component 3 , the area sh of the hole 1 a in the plan view , and the volume v of the hole 1 a . in this calculation , the thickness t of the insulating base member 1 was set to 0 . 06 mm , which is a smallest thickness for practical use . here , when the volume v of the hole 1 a is smaller than the amount δv h ( see fig7 ), the all of the hole 1 a is filled with the solder 4 , which makes it difficult to absorb the thermal expansion of the solder 4 by the hole 1 a . this problem becomes significant , when the hole 1 a on a side opposite to the component 3 is closed . in order to prevent this problem , the volume v of the hole 1 a is preferably set to be equal to or larger than the amount δv h ( δv h ≦ v ) to prevent the hole 1 a from being fully filled with the solder 4 . according to fig7 and 8 , δv h ≦ v holds when the diameter d of the hole 1 a is equal to or larger than 0 . 07 mm . thus , by setting the diameter d to be equal to or larger than 0 . 07 mm , the hole 1 a is prevented from being fully filled with the solder 4 . this is equivalent to setting the area sh of the hole 1 a to be equal to or larger than 4 % of the area s c of the conductive pad 2 . in contrast , when the diameter d is too large , the area of the portion of the conductive pad 2 which is connected to the solder 4 becomes small , which results in a reduction in the connection strength between the conductive pad 2 and the component 3 . in order to prevent this reduction in the connection strength , the diameter d is preferably set to be equal to or smaller than 0 . 3 mm . as for an area ratio of the hole 1 a and the conductive pad 2 , such a reduction in the connection strength can be prevented by setting the area sh of the hole 1 a to be equal to or smaller than 20 % of the area s c of the conductive pad 2 . in the present embodiment , wiring is densely formed in a substrate with embedded component as described below . fig9 a to 9e are cross - sectional views of the substrate with embedded component in the course of manufacturing thereof according to the present embodiment . in fig9 a . to 9 e , the same element as that described in the first embodiment is denoted by the same reference numeral as that in the first embodiment , and description thereof is omitted in the following . first , as illustrated in fig9 a , a copper - clad base member , which is made by forming copper films on both surfaces of the insulating base member 1 , is prepared . then , the copper film on one of the surfaces of the insulating base member 1 is patterned into conductive pads 2 , and the copper film on the other surface of the insulating base member 1 is patterned into conductive patterns 2 a . in the present embodiment , the hole 1 a is formed in the conductive pad 2 at this patterning . subsequently , as illustrated in fig9 b , a resin sheet as the insulating layer 9 is adhered onto the other surface of the insulating base member 1 , and then a copper - plated film is formed on this insulating layer 9 and is patterned to form wiring 21 having a thickness of about 12 μm to 35 μm . as the insulating layer 9 , a resin sheet of epoxy resin having a thickness of about 0 . 06 mm to 0 . 2 mm can be used , for example . then , as illustrated in fig9 c , the hole 1 a is formed in the insulating base member 1 by irradiating the insulating base member 1 with excimer laser and the like through the hole 1 a of the conductive pad 2 . the power of the laser is set enough to evaporate the insulating base member 1 made of resin , and is insufficient to evaporate the conductive pattern 2 a . thus , the conductive pattern 2 a is not opened in this process , and hence the structure in which the hole 1 a is closed by the conductive pattern 2 a is obtained . subsequently , as illustrated in fig9 d , the component 3 is connected to the conductive pad 2 with the solder 4 , similarly to the first embodiment . thereafter , the processes illustrated in fig3 e to 3g in the first embodiment are performed , thereby obtaining the basic structure of a substrate 30 with embedded component according to the present embodiment illustrated in fig9 e . according to the present embodiment described above , the conductive pattern 2 a closes the hole 1 a as illustrated in fig9 c . when the hole 1 a is formed in the insulating layer 9 below the conductive pattern 2 a , the hole 1 a would be an obstacle to route the wiring 21 on the insulating layer 9 . however , by closing the hole 1 a in this manner , the wiring 21 can be flexibly routed , and hence the wiring 21 can be formed at high density . all examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for the pedagogical purposes of aiding the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to further the art , and are not to be construed as limitations to such specifically recited examples and conditions , nor does the organization of such examples in the specification relate to a showing of the superiority and inferiority of the invention . although one or more embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail , it should be understood that the various changes , substitutions , and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . | 8 |
by way of overview and introduction , the present invention enables a new degree of control over the ringing and beeping noises that emanate from electronic devices such as telephones , pagers , electronic toys and the like , when such devices are brought within a designated space . fig1 illustrates one such space 100 which can accommodate multiple people and numerous electronic devices . the space itself is not material to the present invention ; it can be , by way of example only , a movie theater , a concert hall , a show , a lecture hall , a hospital , a train , a bus , an airplane , or a conference room . the space includes an emitter 110 which is connected to a generator 120 . the generator 120 generates a “ squelch ” signal . the waveform or digital signature of the squelch signal can vary in form , but can be a digital signal such as a header which distinguishes the squelch signal from other information ( voice and data ) that is received at the device , or can be an analog signal , as understood by those of skill in the art , and can be generated by any conventional signal generator or device which is configured to produce such a waveform or digital signature . preferably , the squelch signal has a frequency range which is compatible with the receiver circuitry of conventional cellular telephones , pagers , and other peds so that it can be processed / conditioned by the existing circuitry within the electroinic device and thereafter detected by a circuit , such as the circuit 160 described below . the squelch signal is preferably emitted at a power level which is set with regard to the size of the space 100 and more preferably has a power level so that the broadcast squelch signal defines a zone of influence 170 which is generally coincident with the space 100 . the variable power level permits emitters to be placed inconspicuously ( e . g . up high on a concert hall or theater ceiling ). the generator 120 is connected to conventional amplifier and radio transmitter stages which condition the signal for transmission through the emitter , all of which can be housed together . the emitter is an antenna that directs the squelch signal in a beam pattern which covers the zone of influence 170 , or any other pattern as desired , and can be of any conventional design . the antenna can be freely positioned remote from the generator , amplifier , and transmitter to accommodate the requirements of any installation project . for purposes of the present disclosure , the beam pattern of the transmitted squelch signal and the zone of influence 170 are assumed to be coincident with the space 100 . from time to time , persons may bring into the space 100 a cellular telephone 130 , pager 140 , or other ped 150 such as an electronic toy , each of which can include an acoustic driver for converting a “ ring signal ” into an audible alert . devices of this type respond to ring signals when they are being addressed , for example , upon receiving an incoming call or a page . in the case of toys , a “ ring signal ” refers to the music or sounds that are generated during the play of the game . the audible alert can comprise a variety of sounds and even short tunes which are produced using an acoustic driver such as a piezoelectric element or a speaker . many devices of this type also include a vibrator which vibrates in response to the ring signal to quietly inform the holder of that device that there is an incoming message ( e . g ., telephone call or page ). the vibrator does not emit an audible alert because an acoustic driver is not used ; rather the vibrator buzzes mildly and generally does not attract the attention of persons nearby . when both alert modes are provided , the electronic device permits the user to select the preferred alert mode , and that mode subsists until the user manually changes the alert mode . thus , only when the user manually selects the vibrator mode does the device holder receive a personal notification of the incoming message which does not disturb persons nearby in the space 100 . in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention , a circuit 160 enables such devices to respond to an extrinsic signal by automatically setting all devices within the zone of influence 170 to the vibrator mode . consequently , each device within the space will be held in the vibrator mode if equipped with the circuit 160 regardless of the alert mode that was selected by the user . accordingly , proprietors can better limit the number of nuisance interruptions to others due to telephone ringing , pager beeping , and the like by controlling such devices while located within spaces that they designate and establish as a ring - free zone . over time , all cellular telephones , pagers , electronic toys and other peds can be equipped with the circuit 160 . in accordance with a preferred embodiment , a method is described with reference to fig2 . when a device which includes the circuit 160 enters the space 100 , the circuit 160 detects the presence of the squelch signal , as tested at step 210 . the circuit 160 responds to the presence of the squelch signal by automatically maintaining the device in the “ vibrator ” mode , as indicated at step 220 . thus , if the device were a cellular telephone which is set to alert the user using the acoustic driver ( the “ acoustic driver ” mode ), the effect of the circuit 160 is to automatically bypass the user &# 39 ; s setting and instead maintain the telephone in the “ vibrator ” mode until the telephone is outside of the zone of influence 170 . on the other hand , if no squelch signal is detected at step 210 , then no action is taken . thus , the alert mode will remain whatever alert mode the user had manually selected and stored in the device , as indicated at step 230 , and the stored setting that the user has selected will be maintained as the active setting for responding to any ringing signal until the squelch signal is detected ( see arrow 240 ). as indicated by the arrow 250 , the circuit 160 can repeatedly test for the presence of the squelch signal and maintain the device in the vibrator mode for so long as it is present . alternatively , the vibrator mode can be set for a prescribed or random amount of time after detection of the squelch signal . in this alternative arrangement , the circuit 160 can reset to an idle mode in which the squelch signal is again tested ( at step 210 ) automatically or only in response to some action by the user ( e . g ., the press of a button or powering - on the device to an operational state ). the circuit 160 is described in connection with a conventional cellular telephone 130 of which it can be an integral part . however , the circuit 160 can be included in any type of ped , including but not limited to a pager , personal digital assistant , or electronic toy . accordingly , the following description of a cellular telephone embodiment applies to other peds as well . with reference now to fig3 , the cellular telephone 130 includes an antenna 310 which receives and transmits information such as voice and data signals in a conventional manner . signals from the antenna are passed through conventional circuitry ( not shown ) and ultimately into a central processing unit (“ cpu ”) 320 . the cellular telephone 130 further includes an acoustic driver 330 , a vibrator 340 , and a memory 350 which , among other things , stores a user - set ( or default ) alert mode setting 360 , as described above . the stored alert mode is referenced by an alert mode switch 370 which directs alert signals to either the acoustic driver 330 or the vibrator 340 , depending on the position of the switch 370 . the switch is typically implemented using transistors or software , though is schematically illustrated in fig3 as a gated switch . the circuit 160 complements the above described circuitry by providing a squelch signal detector 380 which generates a control signal 390 . the signal detector 380 monitors the signals that arrive at the cpu 320 and detects the presence of the squelch signal . the squelch signal can be routed within the cellular telephone along with the voice information or other data that has been transmitted to the device , or separately , as a matter of design choice for the circuit designer . the detector can comprise a conventional digital signal processor or comparator which compares incoming signals to an expected signal pattern . the detector also can comprise a processor which extracts or derives an indicium of the presence of the squelch signal , when present . the control signal 390 is generated when the squelch signal is detected . the control signal is used in the preferred embodiment in conjunction with a buffer 400 which can be integral with the memory 350 . the buffer 400 is preferably populated with the contents of the alert mode setting 360 until the cellular telephone is brought within the zone of influence 170 . once within the zone of influence , the contents of the buffer 400 are replaced in response to the control signal 390 ( a write data signal ) with a value which signifies the quiet mode of operation . the alert mode switch 370 is controlled on the basis of the contents of a buffer 400 , and the buffer 400 contains either the default or user - set alert mode value stored in memory 360 , or the quiet mode value whenever the squelch signal is not being detected . if only two alert modes are available , a single bit is all that is necessary for storing the possible alert mode values stored in the memory 360 and the buffer 400 ( e . g ., vibrate mode =“ 0 ” and acoustic driver mode =“ 1 ,” or vice versa ). when an incoming ring signal is received at the antenna 310 and processed by the cpu 320 , a gate signal connects through the switch 370 either the acoustic driver 330 or the vibrator 340 between positive voltage ( vcc ) and ground ( gnd ) and causes that device to ring or vibrate , respectively , and thereby alert the user of the incoming message . the switch 370 responds to incoming ring signals by activating either the acoustic driver or the vibrator , depending on the information stored in the buffer 400 . the user &# 39 ; s preferred alert mode setting 360 will govern how the alert signals are to be directed through the switch 370 ( whether to the acoustic driver 330 or the vibrator 340 ) in the absence of the extrinsic squelch signal . this arrangement is understood by those of skill in the art as a connectionless protocol . the emitter emits squelch signals in a broadcast manner and any devices within its zone of influence 170 are commanded free of any communication back from the devices under control . this is inherent in a broadcast system of the type described herein . the buffer 400 can be updated periodically ( e . g ., twice a minute ) using a timer , or dynamically updated in response changes in the presence or absence of the squelch signal . for example , the buffer can be updated when the squelch signal is detected ( between steps 210 and 220 ) and when the squelch signal is not detected ( between steps 210 and 230 ). the circuit 160 can be a hardwired circuit , etched into an integrated circuit , or executed as a program by the cpu 320 of the device 130 , 140 or 150 . while the present invention has been described with respect to a particularly preferred embodiment , the invention is susceptible to implementation in other ways which are within the spirit of the invention which is defined in terms of the recitations of the appended claims and equivalents thereof . | 7 |
in the past , remote process seal systems that were manufactured in accordance with the most rigorous standards still developed instabilities and / or inaccuracies over time . it has been theorized that this inaccuracy was due , in fact , to a gradual accumulation of hydrogen gas within the fill fluid . it was thought that the hydrogen was migrating out of the metal structures themselves in the remote process seal system when such system was operated in demanding applications . as used herein , a “ demanding application ” is intended to mean an operating condition wherein the temperature is above approximately 200 ° c ., or the vacuum is below approximately 0 . 5 psia or both . according to the present inventions , a hydrogen getter material is placed within the fill fluid system of remote process seal assembly . the result is a more robust system for demanding applications . fig1 is a diagrammatic view of a remote process seal system with which embodiments of the present invention are particularly useful . system 10 includes a pair of remote process seal assemblies 12 , 14 which are coupled , through respective capillaries 16 , 18 , to pressure transmitter 20 . the particular configuration of the illustrated remote process seal assemblies 12 and 14 is purely for illustration since any remote process seal assembly whether currently known or developed in the future can be used with embodiments of the present invention . remote process seal assemblies 12 and 14 each include a flange 22 , 24 , respectively , that preferably includes a bolt pattern suitable for mounting the remote process seal assembly in a process installation . disposed within each of the mounting flanges is pressure transducing portion 26 , 28 . pressure transducing portion 26 , 28 is disposed to contact a process fluid and convey the pressure of the process fluid through the respective capillaries 16 , 18 , to process pressure transmitter 20 . fig2 is a diagrammatic cross section view of a remote process seal assembly taken along section lines a - a from fig1 . fig2 illustrates remote process seal assembly 12 in accordance with the prior art . remote process seal assembly 12 includes a mounting flange 30 that contains a through - hole 32 to pass shaft 34 of the pressure transducing portion 26 . disposed within mounting plate 30 are a number of mounting holes 36 for mounting to a suitable process connection . pressure transducing region 26 is affixed to shaft 34 and disposed to contact a process fluid . this region 26 includes an isolator diaphragm 38 which is welded to plate member 40 at locations 42 and 44 . diaphragm 38 can be formed from a variety of materials depending on the application . such materials include 316 stainless steal , 304 stainless steal , tantalum , zirconium , and any suitable alloys , such as hastelloy ® ( registered trademark of haynes international , incorporated ), inconnel ® 600 ( registered trademark of huntington alloys corporation ), monel ® 400 ( registered trademark of inco alloys international , incorporated ), or any other suitable materials . typically , the surface of plate member 40 that faces the interior of diaphragm 38 is convoluted as illustrated at reference numeral 46 . plate member 40 is generally formed of similar materials , but may also include additional materials , such as carbon steel . the volume between the convoluted surface of plate member 40 and the interior surface of diaphragm 38 defines a chamber that is filled with an incompressible fill fluid such as silicone oil . however , a variety of other fill fluids can be used and embodiments of the present invention are useable with any suitable incompressible fluid . the fill fluid exists within passageway 48 and all the way up coupling 16 to the pressure transmitter ( not shown in fig2 ). fig3 and 4 are cross sectional and perspective views , respectively , of a remote process seal assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention . fig3 illustrates remote process seal assembly 50 as resembling remote process seal 12 illustrated in fig2 , and like structures are numbered similarly . specifically , remote process seal assembly 50 can use the same mounting flange 30 as illustrated in fig2 . the primary difference between improved remote process seal assembly 50 and assembly 12 is that assembly 50 includes an additional recess 52 within the fluid - filled chamber . this recess is preferably provided to accommodate the provision of a getter 54 and screen 56 . fig3 illustrates getter 54 having a hole 58 to allow fill fluid to pass therethrough . disposed on top of getter 58 , screen 56 is preferably a metallic screen that is welded into place . in embodiments where the getter does not include a hole 58 , additional machining can provide a groove or additional recess to allow fill fluid to pass under the getter . as used herein , a getter is intended to mean any structure or substance that has the ability to immobilize , absorb , or otherwise remove gaseous hydrogen from the filled chamber . fig4 is a perspective view of improved remote process seal assembly 50 including flange 30 . for the sake of illustration , the deflectable isolation diaphragm has been removed from assembly 50 to reveal not only that the convolutions thereunder , but also a relief channel 60 that passes under the screen and getter . screen 56 is directly visible in fig4 as cross hatching in the central portion of the seal assembly . while embodiments of the present invention include the provision of any getter material within the fill fluid regions of a remote process seal system , it is preferred that the getter be in the form of a portion of sheet material that can be applied in the pressure - transuding portion of the remote process seal assembly . this is because the configuration of the getter as sheet material provides an increased surface area to facilitate the gettering action . additionally , while embodiments of the present invention extend to any type of getter material within the filled volume of a remote process seal system , getters that can function with oils , such as silicon oil are preferred . thus , while embodiments of the invention include the provision of getters such as platinum and / or palladium , these are not the preferred materials . the reason that traditional getter materials such as platinum or palladium are disfavored is because such materials were tested and found to become poisoned by fill fluid ( which is typically oil ). instead , polymeric getters are preferred . examples of known polymeric getters are disclosed in u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 837 , 158 and 6 , 063 , 307 . while it is known to use getters to maintain and / or develop high - vacuums in the past , such materials have not , heretofore , been used to maintain the pristine conditions within an oil - filled , non - vacuum remote process seal system . it is appreciated that the use of a hydrogen getter in a remote process seal systems will likely increase the viable lifetime of such systems when faced with demanding applications . although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments , workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . for example , while getter 54 was described with respect to fig3 as being a layer of material applied within a recess of the process pressure sensing portion of the remote process seal , it is expressly contemplated that provision of a getter within the fill fluid chamber can include any suitable method and / or getters . for example , suitable getter material can be flashed or otherwise deposited upon the convoluted surface , or held in suspension in the fill fluid . additionally , in embodiments where the getter is at least somewhat electrically inductive , and where the conductivity of the getter changes as a function of the hydrogen loading , it is expressly contemplated to measure the conductivity of the getter to provide an indication of getter loading and accordingly seal lifetime . additionally , similar getter embodiments can be applied to any fill fluid system to enhance performance . for example , a pressure transmitter generally contains a fill fluid system and embodiments of the present invention could potentially provide similar benefits to enhance or maintain transmitter performance . | 6 |
the following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments . as used herein , the word “ exemplary ” or “ illustrative ” means “ serving as an example , instance , or illustration .” any implementation described herein as “ exemplary ” or “ illustrative ” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations . all of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the invention and are not intended 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 . referring initially to fig1 - 4 of the drawings , an illustrative embodiment of the retractable overhead charging cord dispenser , hereinafter dispenser , is generally indicated by reference numeral 1 . the dispenser 1 may include a mount frame 2 and an arm assembly 3 provided on the mount frame 2 . the arm assembly 3 may include a generally cylindrical arm frame 4 which is rotatably mounted on the mount frame 2 according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art . as shown in fig2 , a guide arm motor 5 may be provided on the mount frame 2 and engage the arm frame 4 to rotate the arm frame 4 with respect to the mount frame 2 . the guide arm motor 5 may be remote - controlled , as will be hereinafter described . a cord guide arm 8 extends from the arm frame 4 . in some embodiments , the cord guide arm 8 is selectively extendable and retractable and may include an arm mount bracket 9 which is provided on the arm frame 4 . at least two arm sections 10 are pivotally mounted on the arm mount bracket 9 and telescopically extendable from each other . in the embodiment shown in fig1 , the cord guide arm 8 includes a first arm section 10 a pivotally mounted on the arm mount bracket 9 ; a second arm section 10 b telescopically extendable from the first arm section 10 a ; and a third arm section 10 c telescopically extendable from the second arm section 10 b . by operation of the guide arm motor 5 ( fig2 , the cord guide arm 8 is capable of 360 degree positioning around the arm frame 4 , as shown in phantom in fig1 . moreover , as shown in fig2 , the cord guide arm 8 is capable of selectively pivoting between the horizontal , outwardly - extended position indicated by the solid lines and the vertical , downwardly - extended position indicated by the phantom lines . a spring ( not shown ) or other bias mechanism may be provided to normally bias the cord guide arm 8 in the upper , generally horizontal position indicated by the solid lines . a cord reel or other suitable cord storage device 14 is rotatably mounted on the mount frame 2 inside the arm frame 4 . as shown in fig2 , the cord storage device 14 may include a reel shaft 15 which may be engaged for rotation by an electric cord storage device motor 17 that may be mounted on the mount frame 2 . in some embodiments , the cord storage device motor 17 may be a cord reel motor . a circular reel panel 16 may be provided on the reel shaft 15 . a charging cord 18 is wound on the reel shaft 15 and extends through an opening ( not shown ) provided in the arm frame 4 and through the arm sections 10 of the cord guide arm 8 . accordingly , by operation of the cord storage device motor 17 , a selected length of the cord 18 may be selectively unwound from the cord storage device 14 and extended from the cord guide arm 8 or wound on the cord storage device 14 and retracted into the cord guide arm 8 . the cord storage device motor 17 may be remote - controlled , as will be hereinafter described . as shown in fig2 - 4 , in some applications the dispenser 1 may be utilized as a vehicle charging system 20 . for example , at least one track rail 22 may be attached to a ceiling 32 of a garage 30 having spaced - apart side walls 31 . the garage 30 may be a single - car garage or a multi - car garage . a pair of generally parallel , spaced - apart track rails 22 may be attached to the ceiling 32 according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art . as shown in fig2 and 4 , a pair of spaced - apart rail brackets 6 may be provided on the mount frame 2 of the dispenser 1 . the rail brackets 6 slidably engage the track rails 22 on the ceiling 32 of the garage 30 . as shown in fig3 , a track motor 23 is provided on the ceiling 32 and drivingly engages an attachment structure 24 which is attached to the dispenser 1 . the attachment structure 24 may be any structure which is capable of transmitting movement from the track motor 23 to the dispenser 1 along the track rails 22 . accordingly , by selective operation of the track motor 23 , the dispenser 1 travels along the track rails 22 as the attachment structure 24 is extended and retracted by the track motor 23 . the track motor 23 may be remote - controlled , as will be hereinafter described , or alternatively , may be programmed for automatic operation . in some applications , the dispenser 1 may be attached to or incorporated into a garage door opener ( not shown ) which is provided on the ceiling 32 . referring next to fig5 and 6 , in some applications a remote control unit 40 ( fig5 ), which may be a hand - held unit , for example and without limitation , may be adapted to effect remote - controlled operation of the cord storage device motor 17 , the guide arm motor 5 and / or the track motor 23 . in some applications , the remote control unit 40 may be provided on or as a part of a key fob , a homelink / universal garage door opener or other device ( not shown ). accordingly , a reel motor control 41 ; an arm motor control 42 ; and a track motor control 43 may be provided on the remote control unit 40 . manipulation of the reel motor control 41 , the arm motor control 42 and the track motor control 43 facilitates the emission of rf signals 44 which wirelessly operate the cord storage device motor 17 , the guide arm motor 5 and the track motor 23 , respectively , from a remote location . the rf signals 44 may be bluetooth enabled . as shown in fig6 , in some applications the reel motor control 41 , the arm motor control 42 and the track motor control 43 may alternatively or additionally be provided inside a plug - in hybrid electric vehicle ( phev ) 36 . for example and without limitation , the reel motor control 41 ; the arm motor control 42 ; and the track motor control 43 may be provided on the ceiling console 53 on the ceiling 52 of the phev 36 . the reel motor control 41 , the arm motor control 42 and the track motor control 43 may alternatively be provided on the dashboard 48 , the steering wheel 49 , the windshield frame 50 or other location inside the phev 36 . referring next to fig4 and 4a , in typical application the retractable overhead charging cord dispenser 1 is utilized as part of a vehicle charging system 20 to facilitate charging of a phev 36 . accordingly , the dispenser 1 is installed on the ceiling 32 of the garage 30 typically as was heretofore described with respect to fig2 - 4 . the charging cord 18 ( fig2 ) of the dispenser 1 is connected to an electrical power source ( not shown ) such as a 120 - volt electrical outlet ( not shown ) for example . a phev 36 can be parked at any location in the garage 30 to facilitate recharging of the phev 36 , regardless of the location of the charging port 37 on the phev 36 . the charging cord 18 can be dispensed from the cord storage device 14 and through the cord guide arm 8 until the length of the charging cord 18 is sufficient to plug the charging cord 18 into the charging port 37 of the phev 36 . this may be facilitated by operating the cord storage device motor 17 . the dispenser 1 can be adjusted along the track rails 22 by operation of the track motor 23 as needed to position the charging cord 18 in general alignment with the charging port 37 . furthermore , the position of the cord guide arm 8 around the circumference of the arm frame 4 of the dispenser 1 can be selectively adjusted by operation of the guide arm motor 5 to enhance proximity of the charging cord 18 to the charging port 37 . the cord guide arm 8 can be selectively pivoted from the straight , horizontal position shown in solid lines to the angled position shown in phantom lines in fig4 , typically by manually pulling downwardly on the charging cord 18 , to extend the reach of the charging cord 18 to the charging port 37 . after charging of the phev 36 is completed , the charging cord 18 can be retracted back into the cord storage device 14 in the dispenser 1 . in some embodiments the cord storage device motor 17 , the guide arm motor 5 and the track motor 23 can be operated from a remote location such as by manipulation of the reel motor control 41 on the remote control unit 40 ( fig5 ) or inside the phev 36 ( fig6 ), for example , as was heretofore described . as shown in fig4 a , in some applications the track rails 22 of the dispenser 1 may be mounted on the ceiling 32 of the garage 30 in transverse relationship rather than longitudinal relationship with respect to a phev or phevs 36 parked in the garage 30 . the track rails 22 are generally parallel to a front wall 33 and to a garage opening 35 provided in a rear wall 34 of the garage 30 . it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in some applications , operation of the cord storage device motor 17 to extend the charging cord 18 may be triggered or initiated by opening of the charging port 37 and / or upon turning of the engine ( not shown ) of the phev 36 off . operation of the cord storage device motor 17 retract the charging cord 18 may be triggered or initiated by closing of the charging port 37 and / or upon turning of the engine of the phev 36 on . operation of any or all of the cord storage device motor 17 , the guide arm motor 5 and the track motor 23 may be implemented by remote control or may be automatic . while the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above , it will be recognized and understood that various modifications can be made in the invention and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications which may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention . | 8 |
as shown in fig1 , an anchor sheet 1 is provided , which in this case is in the shape of a square , one of the preferred shapes . it is also possible to have the anchor sheet 1 provided in any shape that can be conveniently abutted with another similar piece to create a floor pattern such as , for instance , a rectangle , a hexagon or an octagon . generally the preferred shape will be an equilateral polygon but a rectangle may also work in some cases . the anchor sheet 1 contains a top surface layer 3 having hooks . in this embodiment anchor sheet 1 also contains the cushion 5 to provide resilience to the anchor sheet and to a decorative covering , such as for example , a carpet overlaid on top of the anchor sheet . however , cushioning is not necessary for the functioning of anchor sheet 1 , but such cushioning can have advantages depending on the overlayment to be used and the intended use of the anchor sheet . in alternative embodiments , cushion 5 may also be replaced with a structure that will provide roughly equivalent resiliency to a cushion 5 . in practice , the hooks of the top surface layer 3 will be attached to the loops of an overlying carpet ( not shown ) when an entire anchor sheet subfloor has been installed . the anchor sheet has a thickness a the appropriate thickness a will depend on the intended use of the anchor sheet , and may vary with the type of overlayment to be used . the thickness a will not be substantially less than 0 . 020 inches and generally will not be less than 0 . 062 inches . the preferred thickness a is around 0 . 125 inches , but the thickness a may be as much as 0 . 75 inches , for example in situations where a thick floor is to be replaced , or where a thick anchor sheet needs to be used to create a level surface with an adjacent surface . cutaway from that thickness is an area 7 which will be shaped into some geometric shape , in this case a portion of a circle , so that when combined with similar abutting anchor sheets aligned along sides 9 and 11 , a % circular cut out area will be formed . a fourth anchor sheet diagonally opposite anchor sheet 1 will form a complete circle having a circular cut out area and a “ hole ” 14 as described below . typically , the cutout area will be such that the width of the anchor sheet at 13 will be approximately half of the total thickness a of the anchor sheet . however , the width of the anchor sheet at 13 may be other than approximately half the total thickness a and still incorporate the teachings of this patent . in addition , there is a second area 14 which has been cut away from the corner ( the apex of the angle formed by the two sides of the square ). this second area 14 also has a geometric shape , in this example a ¼ of a circle , so that when combined with other anchor sheets , the anchor sheet edges are lined up so that their corners meet at the imaginary intersection of the four corners , and a second smaller circle will be formed in the completed anchor sheet structure . thus , a circular cut away area 14 within a second larger circular cut out area 7 is created when four similar anchor sheets abut each other as shown in fig2 . a complementary corner piece can then be added which will match the shape and thickness of the reduced thickness portion and the shape and thickness of the cutaway area as shown in fig3 and 4 . this corner piece can be attached to area 7 by glue or other permanent attachment or by detachable attachment such as pressure sensitive adhesive or a hook and loop fastening devices such as hook and loop or a screw or nail can be used to attach the corner pieces to a floor thereby holding the anchor sheet to the floor at only a few discrete points by use of the corner pieces , with or without direct attachment to the anchor sheets . only a minimal number of corner pieces may need attachment to the floor to stabilize the unit . the corner pieces generally need to be attached to the anchor sheet or to the floor . in some cases , the corner pieces are not attached to the floor but only to the anchor sheets themselves so as to allow the complete unit to float freely over the floor . if the corner pieces are only attached to the floor , the anchor sheets can “ ride ” under them . in some installations , some of the corner pieces will be attached to the floor while other corner pieces are only attached to the anchor sheets . alternatively , if the corner pieces are attached to the anchor sheets at area 7 by glue or some other means of attachment , then the whole unit can free float by not attaching the corner pieces to the floor . the arrangement of anchor sheet modules and corner pieces where there are overlapping anchor sheets can be seen in fig2 . in fig2 , a plurality of anchor sheets 111 are shown . in this example they are squares . unlike the embodiment in fig1 however , these anchor sheets 111 do not abut each other in one plane only . rather , the anchor sheets 111 in this embodiment have an underlay area 15 in which there is a lower portion edge 16 . underlay area 15 is indicated in fig2 by a grid marking , but underlay area 15 is part of anchor sheet 111 . underlay area 15 lies under the overlap area 19 on an adjacent sheet . the overlap area 19 in this example extends on two sides of each sheet , whereas the underlay area 15 extends on the other two sides . the overlap area 19 overlaps the underlay area 15 of each sheet , for instance , along the area 20 shown in fig2 ( the area between the top abutment edge at the dotted line ). an area of reduced thickness 21 is formed surrounding where the apex of the underlay edges 15 would have been of the square . in this case , the cutout is centred over the area of abutment for instance at 23 of the lower portion edges of the anchor sheet . it is not centred over the corner line of abutment 25 created by the overlap edges extending over the area of overlap 19 . in addition to the reduced thickness area 21 ( similar to area 7 in fig1 ) there is a completely cutaway portion 23 . fig3 shows a corner piece 31 which consists of a lower portion 33 which matches in geometric shape the cutaway portion 35 shown in fig3 , a shape that will be formed by all of the abutting pieces 37 of lower edge portions of anchor sheet . ( this lower portion 33 will therefore normally be shaped to correspond to the shape of the cut away portion 23 from fig2 ) in this case , it is a simple circle . this will be the preferred shape , although , of course polygons or other shapes are also possible and the upper portion of the corner piece 39 need not be the same shape as the cut away portion 35 . the upper portion of the corner piece 39 will be shaped to correspond to the cutaway portion 41 . again , this is a circle but could be another shape , particularly an equilateral polygon . in fig3 the corner piece could be attached to the anchor sheet in the cutaway portion area 41 and thus form an attachment between four contiguous anchor sheets modules . typically , if the corner pieces are attached to the floor but not to the anchor sheds , the radius of lower portion 33 will be less than the radius of cut - away portion 35 , and the radius of upper portion of corner piece 39 will be less than the radius of cutaway portion 41 to allow for atmospheric expansion of the anchor sheets . in cases where the corner pieces are only going to be attached to the anchor sheets ( allowing the anchor sheets and corner piece subfloor to free - float over the floor ) it is not necessary to have cut - away portion 35 in the anchor sheet and corresponding lower portion 33 in the corner piece . in this case , the lower surface of upper portion of the corner piece 39 will be attached to cutaway portion 41 . fig4 shows illustrates the use of corner pieces 31 of fig3 with the anchor sheets 111 of fig2 . corner pieces 31 are shown in partial section view . specific corner piece 113 is shown placed , within circle 115 created by the corners of the four adjacent anchor sheets 111 . the corner pieces 31 could be attached to the underlying floor by use of a screw 42 as shown in fig7 , or the anchor sheet could remain free - floating if there is sufficient mass to provide for stability , particularly when an overlying decorative covering , such as a carpet , is attached to the anchor sheet . space 119 may be maintained in the screw hole 121 by having the radius of screw hole 121 be larger than the radius of screw 42 , allowing for movement of the corner pieces 31 . as shown in fig5 , it is also possible to have the screw countersunk in this case if the anchor sheet has a cushion 45 , a rigid layer 43 is provided attached to the cushion 45 . a plug 47 is removed from the rigid layer 43 and cushion 45 . after the screw has been attached to the subfloor , the plug 47 is reinserted to create a smooth upper surface of cushion and anchor sheet , or the plug can simply be filled with cushion or any other suitable material . fig6 is a section taken along the line 6 - 6 in fig2 . it shows corner pieces 51 which overlap areas of reduced thickness 53 on anchor sheets 55 . the anchor sheet 55 can be free to ride between two corner pieces 51 , especially if there has been a tolerance or space built in to the spacing between anchor sheets 55 and corner pieces 51 as described above . in this case , corner pieces 51 would normally be attached to the underlying substrate with a screw ( not shown ). it is also possible to attach the corner pieces partially or wholly to the anchor sheets 55 through attachment to areas of reduced thickness 53 , in which case in some instances it may not be necessary to attach any corner pieces 51 to the substrate , instead letting anchor sheets 55 and corner pieces 51 float on the substrate . attachment of corner pieces at the corner reduces the number of attachment points required , because each corner piece overlaps four sheets at one corner . because the corners of anchor sheets are an area of weakness ( as previously stated ) there is less likely to be discontinuities or breakage with this attachment system . in addition , because fewer attachment points are required there is less degradation to the integrity of the anchor sheet because there are fewer holes in the anchor sheet . finally , because the corner pieces hold the anchor sheets down without necessarily attaching them , to the underlying floor it is possible to allow for movement of the anchor sheets in relation to the corner pieces , including the handling of atmospheric expansion . while corner pieces have been described , it is possible to use the invention by providing a reduced thickness area along any edge of a modular anchor sheet and having a cut away area within the reduced thickness area to provide a structure for use of the attachment devices described at that point . a reduced thickness area surrounding a cut away area may also be located anywhere in the interior of an anchor sheet for use of the attachment devices at that interior point . in embodiments where the anchor sheet modules are attached to the floor only through the corner pieces , the anchor sheet modules can easily be removed and replaced if they are defective or require repair . it is expected that the modules would likely be square , and preferably in the range of four feet by four feet to two feet by two feet , although modules outside of this range are also functional and fall within the scope of this invention . the anchor sheet modules could be made of an extruded or molded material in which the two pieces are thermally bonded so as to form an overlap and underlay . the sheets could be cut by a gauge or jig . the anchor sheet modules could be die cut a layer of hooks could be thermally bonded to the surface of the top sheet . alternatively , the complete mole ( potentially including hooks , and the two “ layers ” of the module ) could be injection - molded using a one - or two - step or multi - step process mold , using materials such as polypropylene or polyethylene . the overlap and underlay areas of the modules may be provided with means for detachable or permanent attachment , or the underlay areas may simply lie underneath and support the overlap areas without any form of attachment . alternatively , the modules may also be made with corresponding registering bumps and indentations ( not shown ) in the overlap and underlay portions of the modules to assist in retaining the modules together and in alignment during installation . in all cases where hook and loop systems or hooks are provided for , the hooks may be temporarily covered by a hard slip covering as discussed in u . s . application ser . no . 08 / 850 , 726 or a soft covering as disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 822 , 658 to temporarily prevent premature engagement of the hooks to loops . it is noted that those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications of detail may be made from the embodiments described herein which would come within the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims . | 8 |
the novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims . the invention will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings , wherein like reference numerals and symbols represent like elements . referring now to fig1 , the preferred embodiment of the poker - type multistage wagering card game of the present invention is disclosed . the card game is initiated by the dealer allowing at least one player to place an ante wager ( see step 102 ). once the dealer accepts any ante wagers placed by the players ( see step 104 ) the dealer preferably deals one bonus card face down ( see step 106 ), two community cards face up ( see step 108 ), three dealer cards face down ( see step 110 ), and three player cards to each player having placed an ante wager ( see step 112 ). while , in this embodiment of the present invention , the dealer deals a bonus card it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which another poker advantage , such as additional cards , a player selection of cards , or cards having a higher poker value are provided . also , while in the preferred embodiment , the dealer deals three cards to the dealer and three cards to each player along with two community cards it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which an alternate number of cards are dealt to either the player or the dealer or to the community ( even no community cards ) as long as the player and dealer receive a total of at least three and preferably five playing cards . still referring to fig1 , at this point , the player preferably combines his / her three player cards with the two community cards to form a five - card hand ( see step 112 ) and is then required to place a second wager or fold ( see step 114 ). if the player places a second wager , the dealer accepts the second wager ( see step 116 ). if the player folds , the game is over for the player and the dealer collects the player &# 39 ; s ante wager ( see fig3 , step 138 ). referring now to fig2 , once the dealer accepts the second wager , the dealer preferably reveals the three dealer cards and combines them with the two community cards to form a five - card hand ( see step 118 ). if the dealer &# 39 ; s five - card hand does not have a poker value of a pair or higher , the dealer will reveal the bonus card and combine it with his five - card hand to create a six - card hand ( see steps 120 and 122 ). while , in the preferred embodiment , the predetermined poker value which determines whether the dealer ( or player ) receives an additional card ( or other poker advantage ) is that of a pair , it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the predetermined poker value is greater or lower than the preferred value of a pair . preferably , if the dealer &# 39 ; s best five - card poker hand from his six - card hand is less than a king - queen , the dealer &# 39 ; s hand is preferably considered non - qualifying and the dealer pays the player &# 39 ; s ante wager one - to - one and returns the player &# 39 ; s second wager ( see steps 124 and 126 ). while , in the preferred embodiment , the dealer hand must qualify ( and that qualification is a hand value of king - queen or better ), it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the dealer hand does not need to qualify or in which the poker value for qualification deviates , even substantially , from king - queen . referring now to fig3 , if the dealer &# 39 ; s initial five - card hand has a poker value of a pair or higher , or if the dealer &# 39 ; s five - card poker hand from his six - card hand has a poker value of a king - queen or higher , the dealer will then preferably inspect the player &# 39 ; s hand to determine if it has a poker value of at least a pair ( see step 128 ). if the player &# 39 ; s hand does not have a poker value of a pair or higher , the dealer will preferably reveal the bonus card ( if not already revealed ) and combine the bonus card with the player &# 39 ; s five - card hand to form a six - card hand ( see steps 128 and 130 ). the dealer then compares his best five - card hand , whether using the bonus card or not , to the player &# 39 ; s best five - card hand , whether using the bonus card or not ( see step 132 ). if the player &# 39 ; s hand has a higher poker value than the dealer &# 39 ; s poker hand , the player &# 39 ; s ante wager and second wager are paid one - to - one and the game is over ( see steps 132 , 134 , and 1389 ). if the dealer &# 39 ; s hand has a higher poker value than the player &# 39 ; s poker hand , the player &# 39 ; s ante wager and second wager are collected and the game is over ( see steps 132 , 137 , and 138 ). if the dealer &# 39 ; s hand and the player &# 39 ; s hand have the same poker value as one another , the hands tie and the player &# 39 ; s ante wager and second wager are returned and the game is over ( see steps 132 , 136 , and 138 ). in addition to the aforementioned method of play , each player may be given the option of placing a bonus wager at the time of placing a first wager and prior to dealing by the dealer . placement of the bonus wager provides the player with the opportunity of receiving a bonus payout regardless of whether the player places a second wager or folds . similarly , even if the player folds and does not place a second wager , the player will preferably be given the chance to combine the bonus card with the player &# 39 ; s five - card player hand . the bonus wager will then be paid according to a predetermined payout structure displayed on the table and based upon the player &# 39 ; s final hand ranking , whether the player &# 39 ; s hand is a five - card player hand or a six - card player hand . while the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to several embodiments thereof , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . for example while the multistage wagering card game of the present invention is preferably played live at a table , it should be clear that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the multistage wagering card game of the present invention is played on a video gaming device , such as a video slot machine or a computer . this new invention is a game of stud poker in which a player eventually wins by achieving a higher poker hand than an opponent . the opponent may be another player or a house dealer . upon placing an ante wager , a player is dealt an initial hand . the opponent or dealer is also dealt an initial hand . the player now has a choice . in a first embodiment of the invention , the player may either make a second wager or fold . in a second embodiment , the player may either place a second wager or check . the central element of this step is that the player is provided with a choice to make . assuming the player does not fold , then after this decision has been made by the player , the player is provided with the poker advantage of an additional card if his / her initial hand is less than a predetermined poker value . this card is displayed openly for later verification of player eligibility . in the preferred embodiment , the player &# 39 ; s initial hand is five cards and he / she is granted one additional card if his / her initial hand is less than a pair . this additional card gives the player six cards from which to form a best five - card final hand . notably , hands less than a pair are considered relatively worthless , so a player holding such a hand faces long odds of winning . if the player &# 39 ; s initial hand is a pair or higher , the player must play his / her initial hand without benefit of the additional card . in the above first embodiment of the invention , the same poker advantage is also granted to the opponent . in the second embodiment , the opponent is granted a poker advantage different from the above advantage . the central point of this step is that the player is provided with an extra card if his / her initial hand is fairly worthless , and the opponent or dealer is likewise granted a poker advantage of some kind . after using any poker advantages that apply , the final hands of the player and opponent are compared and the highest poker hand wins the game . the player with the winning hand receives a predetermined award . | 0 |
the present invention encompasses techniques for controlling the bandwidth , including the width and / or frequency of links , such as parallel busses or serial connections , that interconnect processing units in a processing system . non i / o ( input / output ) transaction events occurring within the processing units are used to predict when i / o transactions are likely to occur over the links and the prediction is used to control the bandwidth of the links to accommodate the predicted transactions . the techniques thus can reduce power consumption and radiated emissions by maintaining the links in a lower power or inactive state between use . with reference now to the figures , and in particular with reference to fig1 a distributed computer system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown . a first processing unit 10 a includes a processor core 12 coupled to a memory 14 that stores program instructions for execution by processor 12 . the program instructions may include program instructions forming computer program products that perform portions of the techniques disclosed herein within processing units 10 a - 10 d . processing unit 10 a also includes a network interface ( nwi ) 16 that couples processing unit 10 a to interface links 11 , which are wired or wireless links to other processing units 10 b , 10 c , and provide for access between processing unit 10 a and resources such as remote memory 14 a within processing unit 10 b . links 11 have dynamically adjustable bandwidth / power consumption , which is controlled as disclosed below . other processing units 10 b - 10 d are of identical construction in the exemplary embodiment , but embodiments of the invention may be practiced in asymmetric distributed systems having processing units with differing features . the distributed computer system of fig1 also includes other resources such as i / o devices 19 , including graphical display devices , printers , scanners , keyboards , mice , which may be coupled to the links 11 or one of nodes 10 a - 10 d . processing units 10 a - 10 d are also coupled to storage devices 18 , for storing and retrieving data and program instructions , such as storing computer program products in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . referring now to fig2 , details within a processing unit 10 that can be used to implement processing units 10 a - 10 d are shown . within processing unit , controllers 30 a , 30 b are shown to illustrate two possible locations of a controller that manages the bandwidth of a physical link layer 24 of interface 11 according to one or more control signals bw . within one or more of core 12 , memory 14 and network interface 16 , logic , control logic detects events that are indicative of future external bus transactions that are likely to be issued over interface 11 . for example , a controller 30 a within core 12 might detect that certain instructions are being executed , or memory ranges are being read or written , that correspond to operations that will generate i / o transactions over interface 11 . for example , controller 30 a may detect that a direct - memory access ( dma ) buffer is being allocated , or a dma channel being initialized in bus i / o unit 20 or elsewhere within processing unit 10 for transfer to buffers 21 that supply data to , or receive data from , a logical link layer 22 of network interface 16 . controller 30 a may be coupled to one or more trace array units 13 within core 12 to capture state information that is indicative of the events , and combine the state contained in the trace array to provide detected events as input for predicting a required bandwidth of interface 11 in the near future . system level events such as a hypervisor executing within processing unit 10 starting a thread with an association to remote memory , or the association of remote memory to a running thread can be used to predict and trigger an increase in link bandwidth between the core on which the thread is running and the location of the remote memory , so that when the inevitable memory accesses by the thread occur , the link is operating at sufficient bandwidth . similarly , a controller 30 b within arbiter 26 of logical link layer 22 may detected that the logical link layer 22 , and thus interface 11 is being arbitrated for and therefore physical link layer 24 will soon need to be active for a number of transactions . in another example , controller 30 b may count idle cycles of logical link layer 22 to determine a required bandwidth for physical link layer 24 . alternatively , or in combination , controller 30 b within network interface 16 ( whether or not within arbiter 26 ) might also be connected to detect activity in buffers 21 with write operations anticipating upcoming output operations , or initialization of the buffer indicating a future read transaction that will be commanded by core 12 or another actor within processing unit 10 . processing unit 10 of fig2 is used to illustrate control of one of links 11 between two of processing units 10 a - 10 d , but the techniques of the present invention extend to connection of memories , peripherals and other functional units within a computer system or other electronic device and are not to be construed as limiting as to the particular system in which they are implemented . links 11 between processing units 10 a - 10 d are , in the example , made by a uni - directional physical layer interconnect of wired signals connected between processing units 10 a - 10 d , however , the techniques of the present invention extend to non - physically connected ( wireless ) interfaces having multiple datapaths and to bi - directional interfaces , as well . in order to support the adjustable bandwidth of links 11 , processing units 10 a - 10 d may include elastic interface ( ei ) units with adjustable operating frequency and / or selectable width as described in detail in u . s . pat . no . 8 , 050 , 174 entitled “ self healing chip - to - chip interface ”, u . s . pat . no . 7 , 117 , 126 entitled “ data processing system and method with dynamic idle for tunable interface calibration ” and in u . s . pat . no . 7 , 080 , 288 entitled “ method and apparatus for interface failure survivability using error correction .” the disclosures of the above - referenced u . s . patents are incorporated herein by reference . referring now to fig3 , details of a controller 30 that may be used to detect events and predict future transactions on a physical layer of interface 11 is shown . controller 30 may , for example , implement controller 30 a within core 12 as shown in fig2 . controller 30 is also provided only as one example of an architecture that may be implemented in discrete logic , for example as a state machine , or may be implemented in firmware or software as program instructions executed by core 12 or another processor within processing unit 10 , such as a core within logical link layer 22 or a service processor coupled to core 12 . as an example of a mechanism for detecting events , a bus snooper 31 observes transactions on an internal or external bus of core 12 , such as a bus that couples core 12 to memory 14 . in another example a hypervisor 34 reports thread state change or remote memory association events , such as the above - described connection between a thread executing within processing unit 10 and a remote memory . when an event detector 32 a detects that a combination of events indicates a likelihood that a number of transactions will soon occur over interface 11 , a counter 35 a in prediction unit 34 is incremented . similarly , another event detector 32 b receives indications of activity at logical link layer 22 and determines whether to increment another counter 35 b based on whether the activity indicates that a number of transactions will occur over interface 11 . a bandwidth profile calculator 33 determines from the values of counters 35 a and 35 b , which may be periodically reset , or reset according to another mechanism , the bandwidth that is likely needed over interface 11 . bandwidth profile calculator 33 provides a control signal to a physical link layer bandwidth control circuit that sets the operating frequency and / or width of the physical link layer of interface 11 appropriately to balance power consumption ( or generated noise , etc ., depending on the particular system criteria ) with the bandwidth supplied over interface 11 for the transactions . a timer 37 is provided to restore the bandwidth to an initial value after a predetermined or programmable interval . in one exemplary implementation , timer 37 controls a time between intervals of full - bandwidth or partial - bandwidth operation as commanded by bandwidth profile calculator 33 and a low - power shutdown state . the width of the intervals can also be set by bandwidth profile calculator , so that interface 11 is cycled between the low - power state and the full - bandwidth or partial - bandwidth state in order to complete transactions that are allowed to accumulate in buffers 21 between the intervals of full - bandwidth or partial - bandwidth operation . in all of the cases above , the actual demand generated by i / o requests is generally combined with the predicted demand to determine an appropriate link bandwidth . referring now to fig4 , a method of operating a processing system is illustrated in a flowchart . first , interface links between processing units are initialized and calibrated at a nominal interface width and frequency ( step 50 ). during operation , events are detected that indicate i / o is likely to occur over one or more of the links ( step 51 ). the events are logically combined and counter to generate predictors that indicate a bandwidth that will be needed for the one or more links ( step 52 ). once the predictor is over a threshold value ( decision 53 ) or the link utilization is over a threshold value ( decision 54 ), the bandwidth of the physical layer ( phy ) is raised for a predetermined time period ( step 55 ). after the predetermined time period has elapsed ( decision 56 ) the bandwidth of the physical layer is lowed to the previous bandwidth ( step 57 ). until the scheme is ended or the system is shut down ( decision 58 ), steps 51 - 57 are repeated . as noted above , portions of the present invention may be embodied in a computer program product , e . g ., a program executed processors having program instructions that direct the operations outlined in fig4 , by controlling the interfaces of fig2 and fig3 . the computer program product may include firmware , an image in system memory or another memory / cache , or stored on a fixed or re - writable media such as an optical disc having computer - readable code stored thereon . any combination of one or more computer readable medium ( s ) may store a program in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . the computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium . a computer readable storage medium may be , for example , but not limited to , an electronic , magnetic , optical , electromagnetic , infrared , or semiconductor system , apparatus , or device , or any suitable combination of the foregoing . more specific examples ( a non - exhaustive list ) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following : an electrical connection having one or more wires , a portable computer diskette , a hard disk , a random access memory ( ram ), a read - only memory ( rom ), an erasable programmable read - only memory ( eprom or flash memory ), an optical fiber , a portable compact disc read - only memory ( cd - rom ), an optical storage device , a magnetic storage device , or any suitable combination of the foregoing . in the context of the present application , a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain , or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system , apparatus , or device . a computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein , for example , in baseband or as part of a carrier wave . such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms , including , but not limited to , electro - magnetic , optical , or any suitable combination thereof . a computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate , propagate , or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system , apparatus , or device . program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium , including but not limited to wireless , wireline , optical fiber cable , rf , etc ., or any suitable combination of the foregoing . while the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form , and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . | 8 |
a description will first be given with regard to an exemplary case of applying the waveform equalizing filter unit of the present invention to a waveform equalizer 18 incorporated in a muse decoder of fig6 . fig1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of such waveform equalizing filter unit . this filter unit comprises a transversal type waveform equalizing filter 1 , a clock switching circuit 2 and a control means 3 connected to one another as shown . the waveform equalizing filter 1 has a plurality ( e . g ., 2n = 100 ) of taps each consisting of a unitary delay element 101 and a coefficient multiplier 111 , and the results of multiplications executed therein are added by an adder 120 . tap coefficient k 1 , k 2 . . . k n + 1 . . . k 2n , k 2n + 1 of the coefficient multipliers 111 - 117 are set by the control means 3 . each of the unitary delay elements 101 - 106 causes a delay of a unitary time corresponding to one clock pulse . since the fundamental operation of the waveform equalizing filter 1 is generally known , an explanation thereof is omitted here . the clock switching circuit 2 is supplied with both a first clock signal clk1 and a second clock signal clk2 . the first clock signal clk1 has a frequency of 16 . 2 mhz , and the second clock signal clk2 has a frequency of 32 . 4 mhz . now the operation of the waveform equalizing filter unit shown in fig1 will be described below with respect to exemplary cases where a television receiver is switched manually to a signal broadcast from a satellite ( bs ) with small distortion and to a catv signal with great distortion . in both cases , the clock switching circuit 2 serves as a mode switch in the television receiver . when a user changes the clock switching circuit 2 from a catv mode to a bs mode , the clock switching circuit 2 is placed in a state represented by a broken line in fig1 . as a result , the clock signal clk outputted from the clock switching circuit 2 is changed to the second clock signal clk2 of 32 . 4 mhz , which is then supplied to the unitary delay elements 101 - 106 . the control means 3 keeps monitoring the state of the clock switching circuit 2 and , upon detection of the change of the clock switching circuit 2 , sets coefficients k 1 , k 2 . . . k n + 1 . . . k 2n , k 2n + 1 , which correspond to the second clock signal clk2 , in the coefficient multipliers 111 - 117 . thus , waveform equalization relative to the catv input signal supplied to the waveform equalizing filter 1 is performed at a frequency of 32 . 4 mhz , and the equalized output is delivered from an adder 12 . the control means 3 is composed of a microcomputer with a memory to store therein tap coefficients k 1 , k 2 . . . k n + 1 . . . k 2n , k 2n + 1 corresponding to the first clock signal clk1 and the tap coefficients k 1 , k 2 . . . k n + 1 . . . k 2n , k 2n + 1 corresponding to the second clock signal clk2 . when the clock switching circuit 2 is changed from a bs mode to a catv mode , the first clock signal clk1 of 16 . 2 mhz is supplied from the clock switching circuit 2 to the unitary delay elements 101 - 106 , and tap coefficients k 1 , k 2 . . . k n + 1 . . . k 2n , k 2n + 1 corresponding to the first clock signal clk1 ar set in the coefficient multipliers 111 - 117 by the control means 3 . as described above , due to selective switching of the clock signal clk and the tap coefficients k 1 , k 2 . . . k n + 1 . . . k 2n , k 2n + 1 in the waveform equalizing filter 1 , it becomes possible to properly perform , by the single filter 1 , satisfactory waveform equalization relative to two kinds of input signals . the entire tap range in one case of selecting the first clock signal clk1 of 16 . 2 mhz becomes virtually double the range in another case of selecting the second clock signal clk2 of 32 . 4 mhz , hence achieving removal of the ringing in double the equalization range as compared with the latter case of the second clock signal clk2 . the number of the clock signals switchable by the clock switching circuit 2 and the number of the tap coefficients k 1 , k 2 . . . k n + 1 . . . k 2n , k 2n + 1 settable by the control means 3 are not limited to the above - described two alone , and may be increased to three or more . hereinafter a description will be given of a second embodiment which represents another exemplary case of automatically switching the clock signals clk and the tap coefficients k 1 , k 2 . . . k n + 1 . . . k 2n , k 2n + 1 by the waveform equalizing unit of fig1 in accordance with the distortion characteristic of the input ( received ) signal . in this case , the clock switching circuit 2 is so formed as to be selectively driven by the control means 3 . similarly to the aforementioned , the control means 3 consists of a microcomputer and determines which of the clock signals is more suited for operating the waveform equalizing filter 1 to optimally equalize the distortion of the received signal . the operation of the control means 3 will now be described below with reference to a flow chart of fig2 . the operating procedure is executed in synchronism with the vit timing . the control means 3 calculates , with regard to the first clock signal clk1 , a tap coefficient and an error e1 between a vit pulse and an ideal impulse response . hereinafter its algorithm will be described with reference also to the principle of equalization . ( refer to op . cit ., 1988 national convention of television society , 16 - 5 ) the received series y ( nt ) is expressed by the following equation in relation to the tap coefficient h ( nt ) ( where n is an integer , and t is a time interval of first clock pulses clk1 ( 16 . 2 mhz )), the transmission characteristic f ( nt ) and the ideal impulse response i ( nt ). f - 1 ( nt ) is the inverse transmission characteristic of f ( nt ), δ . sup . ( nt ) is the delta function of the transmission characteristic such that f ( nt ) * f - 1 ( nt )= δ ( nt ), and thus the equalization is completed . since the amplitude characteristic is not equalized , the equalization is repeated at each vit timing . such repetitive correction is executed by using the error between the ideal impulse response and the vit pulse inputted to the control means 3 , thereby correcting the tap coefficient at the relevant instant . the received series relative to the first tap coefficient hi ( nt ) is expressed as when the process is so executed repeatedly as to minimize the error ei ( nt ), the tap coefficient hi ( nt ) at that instant is expressed by the following equation . hi ( nt )= i (- nt ) * f (- nt ) ## equ1 ## ( 5 ) where ## equ2 ## is the error of the ( j + 1 ) term in this manner , relative to the first clock signal clk1 , there are calculated the tap coefficients hi ( nt )= k 1 , k 2 . . . k n + 1 . . . k 2n , k 2n + 1 and the error e1 in the repetitive step i . the control means 3 calculates the tap coefficients k 1 , k 2 . . . k n + 1 . . . k 2n , k 2n + 1 and the error e2 relative to the second clock signal clk2 similarly to the above . the control means 3 compares the two errors e1 and e2 with each other , then selects one clock signal having the smaller error , and energizes the clock switching circuit 2 in a manner to output the selected clock signal therefrom . further , the control means 3 sets the calculated tap coefficients k 1 , k 2 . . . k n + 1 . . . k 2n , k 2n + 1 in the coefficient multipliers 111 - 117 of the waveform equalizing filter 1 . the above process of the control means 3 is executed at every vit timing so that optimal clock signals for the distortion are selected sequentially while the tap coefficients k 1 , k 2 . . . k n + 1 . . . k 2n , k 2n + 1 are also optimized to consequently attain satisfactory equalization . a third embodiment shown in fig3 has a modified circuit configuration so contrived that , in comparison with the aforementioned first and second embodiments , a signal timing adjuster consisting of a delay circuit 41 and a switch 42 is additionally provided to adjust the timing of the input signal supplied to the waveform equalizing filter 1 through switching of the clock signal . in case the clock switching circuit 2 is changed manually , the switch 42 is also changed manually in combination with the clock switching circuit 2 . meanwhile , when the clock switching circuit 2 is changed by the control means 3 , the switch 42 is also changed simultaneously therewith by the control means 3 . the delay time of the delay circuit 41 corresponds to the difference between a frequency 16 . 2 mhz of the first clock signal clk1 and a frequency 32 . 4 mhz of the second clock signal clk2 . a fourth embodiment shown in fig4 represents an example where clock switching circuits 201 - 206 are provided correspondingly to unitary delay elements 101 - 106 in a manner to be selectively changeable for switching the clock signal clk for the individual unitary delay elements 10 . the advantage of this embodiment resides in that , if the equalization range is narrow at a fixed sampling rate of , e . g ., 32 . 4 mhz in the above - described waveform equalizing filter 1 for example and a satisfactory performance is not attainable at another fixed sampling rate of 16 . 2 mhz , the tap interval can be properly switched to realize optimal equalization with the number of the existing taps remaining unchanged . the operation of switching the clock signals clk and the operation of switching the coefficients k 1 , k 2 . . . k n + 1 . . . k 2n , k 2n + 1 correspondingly to the selected clock signal clk are performed by the control means . it is to be understood that the waveform equalizing filter in the filter unit of the present invention is not limited to the constitution shown in any of fig1 through 4 , and it may be applied also to a variety of other constitutions such as an inverted transversal filter shown in fig5 . the embodiments mentioned represent merely an exemplary case of employing a waveform equalizing filter unit in a muse decoder of an hdtv system . and the waveform equalizing filter unit of the present invention is applicable to any of various communication systems as well where the equalization characteristic needs to be switched in accordance with the distortion characteristic . according to the present invention , as described hereinabove , optimal signal waveform equalization conforming to each distortion characteristic can be achieved in a simplified circuit configuration by selectively switching both sampling rates and tap coefficients of a single waveform equalizing filter in accordance with the distortion characteristic . | 7 |
in the compound of general formula ( i ) r is typically c 1 - 20 alkyl , more preferably c 2 - 20 alkyl , for instance c 2 - 10 alkyl . r may be a c 3 - 20 straight or branched chain alkyl , preferably having 5 or more carbon atoms . in a different embodiment , r is a group of general formula ( ii ). in the group of formula ( ii ); the dotted lines means that the group is either saturated : in this group , r 9 and r 10 are each independently h or c alkyl and n is 1 - 5 . preferably , r 9 is methyl . in typical compounds of the invention , r 10 is h . each repeat unit of the group within the bracket need not be the same in the group of formula ( ii ). thus , the group may be , for instance : ( wherein n is 2 and r 9 and r 10 are both h ). in the invention any of the groups defined as alkyl , aryl , alkaryl , aralkyl , heteroaryl , heterocyclyl , heteroaralkyl and heterocycloalkyl may be independently substituted on the backbone with one or more of the groups , preferably 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 or 6 groups , independently selected from c ( o ) oh , c ( o ) o ( c 1 - 6 alkyl ), c ( o ))( c 6 - 20 aryl ), c ( o ) o ( c 7 - 20 aralkyl ), c ( o ) o ( c 7 - 20 alkaryl ), nhc ( o )— ch ═ ch 2 , — c ≡ c — h , halo , oh , o ( c 1 - 6 alkyl ), o ( c 6 - 20 aryl ), o ( c 7 - 20 alkaryl ), o ( c 7 - 20 aralkyl ), ═ o , nh 2 , ═ nh , nh ( c 1 - 6 alkyl ), n ( c 1 - 6 alkyl ) 2 , ═ n ( c 1 - 6 alkyl ), nh ( c 6 - 20 aryl ), nh ( c 7 - 20 alkaryl ), nh ( c 7 - 20 aralkyl ), nhc ( o )( c 1 - 6 alkyl ), nhc ( o )( c 6 - 20 aryl ), nhc ( o )( c 7 - 20 alkaryl ), nhc ( o )( c 7 - 20 aralkyl ), nhc ( o )( c 1 - 20 heteroaryl ), nhc ( o )( c 2 - 20 heterocyclyl ), nhc ( o )( c 2 - 20 heteroaralkyl ), nhc ( o )( c 3 - 20 heterocyclylalkyl ), nhc ( o )( c 3 - 20 alkylheterocyclyl ), no 2 , cn , c ( o ) h , c ( o )( c 1 - 6 alkyl ), c ( o )( c 6 - 20 aryl ), c ( o )( c 7 - 20 alkaryl ), c ( o )( c 7 - 20 aralkyl ), c 1 - 10 alkyl , c 2 - 10 alkoxyalkyl , c 7 - 20 alkoxyaryl , c 12 - 20 aryloxyaryl , c 7 - 20 aryloxyalkyl , c 1 - 10 alkoxy , c 6 - 20 aryloxy , c 2 - 10 alkenyl , c 2 - 10 alkynyl , c 3 - 20 cycloalkyl , c 4 - 20 ( cycloalkyl ) alkyl , c 7 - 20 aralkyl , c 7 - 20 alkaryl , c 1 - 20 heteroaryl , epoxide and c 6 - 20 aryl . preferably , in the compound of general formula ( i ), r is a group of general formula ( ii ). in the compound of general formula ( i ), at least one of r 1 — r 5 may be either a ketone or an imine . in the compound according to the first aspect of this invention , r 1 is c ( o ) r 8 . in a preferred embodiment , r 8 is c 1 - 20 alkyl . even more preferably , r 8 is c 1 - 5 alkyl , for instance , methyl , propyl or butyl . most preferably , r 8 is an isobutyl group . r 2 and r 4 are preferably selected from oh , oc 1 - 20 alkyl and oc 2 - 10 alkenyl . preferred groups for r 3 and r 5 are h , and c 1 - 10 alkyl . in the compound according to the first aspect of this invention , r 2 and r 4 are or 7 . in one embodiment both r 7 s are hydrogen . however , in a different embodiment , only one of r 2 and r 4 is oh , and the other is a group of formula or 7 , wherein r 7 is a group of general formula ( ii ). typically , r 2 is oh and r 4 is or 7 , wherein r 7 is a group of general formula ( ii ). preferably , the compound of general formula ( i ) comprises at least one group of general formula ( ii ). in a particularly preferred class of compounds of this invention , r 3 and r 5 are both h . more preferably , r 3 and r 5 are h , and r 2 and r 4 are or 7 , wherein preferably , r 7 is h or a group of general formula ( ii ). in the group of general formula ( ii ), preferably n is in the range 1 to 5 . most preferably , n is 2 , 3 or 4 . these represent monoterpenoids , sesquiterpenoids and diterpenoids respectively . a particular stereochemistry is desired . the substituent r 1 preferably has the ( s ) stereochemistry at the 2 - carbon . this is shown below for the preferred compound illustrated above . the terpene substituents may be saturated or un - saturated . for instance , group of formula ( ii ) may have structure : the compounds of this invention have been shown to have activity against gram - positive bacteria , for instance multidrug - resistant strains of bacteria . accordingly , the compounds of this invention may be incorporated into pharmaceutical compositions . the compounds of the invention may be prepared in racemic form or prepared in individual enantiomeric form by a specific synthesis or resolution as will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art . a compound of the invention may be in a protected form . in therapeutic use , the active compound may be administered orally , intravenously , rectally , parenterally , by inhalation , topically , ocularly , nasally or to the buccal cavity . thus , the composition of the present invention may take the form of any known pharmaceutical compositions for such methods of administration . the compositions of the invention may contain 0 . 1 to 99 % by weight of active compound . the compositions of the invention are generally preferred in unit dosage form . preferably , a unit dose comprises the active ingredient in an amount 1 to 500 mg . the excipient used in the preparation of these compositions are the excipients known in the art . compositions for oral administration include known pharmaceutical forms for such administration , for example , tablets , lozenges , aqueous or oil suspensions , dispersible powders or granules , emulsions or syrups . the compositions may contain one or more agents such as sweetening agents , flavouring agents , colouring agents and preserving agents , in order to provide pharmaceutically elegant and palatable preparations . tablets contain the active ingredient in admix with non - toxic pharmaceutically acceptable excipients which are suitable for the manufacture of tablets . these excipients may be , for instance , inert diluents such as calcium carbonate ; granulating and disintegrating agents , for example corn starch , binding agents , for example starch gelatine ; and lubricating agents , for example , magnesium stearate or talc . the pharmaceutical composition may also be in the form of a sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspension . this suspension may be formulated according to a known art using a suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents known in the art . the sterile injectable preparation may also be in a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non - toxic parenterally acceptable diluent or solvent , for example as a solution in 1 , 3 - butanediol . among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed or water , ringer &# 39 ; s solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution . in addition , sterile , fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium . the compound according to this invention may find use in therapy . in particular , the compound may be useful in the treatment of any bacterial infection . for instance , the compounds may have utility in the treatment of gram - positive infections , such as s . aureus and mycobacterium infections . the compounds may have utility against bacteria resistant to β - lactams , macrolides , fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines , particularly against infections by mrsa , penicillin and mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant variants . the compound may also be used in the treatment of infections caused by staphylococcus epidermidis , staphylococcus haemolyticus , enterococcus faecium , enterococcus faecalis , streptococcus pneumoniae and group a streptococcus . methods for isolating the compound according to the first aspect of this invention from its natural source also form part of this invention . in a typical method of isolation , the plant suspected of containing the compound is pulverised together with one or more organic solvents to form one or more plant extracts , and the extract ( s ) are then purified to obtain the compound . typically , compounds of this invention will be obtainable from the hypericum genus of plants , in particular the species hypericum perforatum , hypericum papuanum , hypericum beanii and other plant species such helichrysum caespititium and myrtus communis may also be used to extract the novel compounds of this invention . by “ pulverisation ”, we mean a mechanical grinding action which reduces the particle size of the plant . suitable means for this step are known in the art . in its most simplest form , a pestle and mortar may be used . typically , the compounds are isolated from aerial parts of the plant . hexane and dichloromethane are suitable organic solvents for the extraction . purification methods include chromatography , for instance , vacuum liquid chromatography or thin layer chromatography . further details of one embodiment of the extraction process are described in example 2 . the present invention also encompasses a plant extract comprising a compound according to the first aspect of this invention and one or more diluents . the diluents may be any solvent which is capable of dissolving the compound . for instance , the diluent may be an organic solvent such as hexane or dichloromethane . the plant extract may also comprise other compounds co - extracted with the compound according to the first aspect of the invention . these compounds may be further compounds of general formula ( i ) or alternatively , compounds of different structures which fall outside the scope of compounds of general formula ( i ), but which may also have a therapeutic effect . the final aspect of this invention is directed to a method for chemically synthesising a novel compound of the invention . the preferred compounds which are synthesised have the same features as the preferred compounds according to the first aspect of the invention . more particularly , the method is directed to a method of synthesising a compound of general formula ( vii ): ( i ) reacting phloroglucinol in a friedel - crafts acylation with a compound of formula ( v ) wherein x is cl or br and r 11 is c 1 - 20 alkyl , h , c 2 - 10 alkoxyalkyl , c 7 - 20 alkoxyaryl , c 12 - 20 aryloxyaryl , c 7 - 20 aryloxyalkyl , c 1 - 10 alkoxy , c 6 - 20 aryloxy , c 2 - 10 alkenyl , c 2 - 10 alkynyl , c 3 - 20 cycloalkyl , c 4 - 20 ( cycloalkyl ) alkyl , c 7 - 20 aralkyl , c 7 - 20 alkaryl , c 1 - 20 heteroary , c 6 - 20 aryl , or 6 , nhr 6 or n ( c 1 - 6 alkyl ) 2 ; ( ii ) optionally protecting one or more hydroxyl groups to give an optionally protected compound ; ( iii ) reacting the optionally protected compound produced in step ( ii ) with a compound of general formula ( iv ) wherein n is 1 - 5 , y is cl , br or i , and r 9 and r 19 are as defined previously ; and de - protecting , if necessary , to give a compound of general formula ( vii ) wherein at least one of r 12 — r 14 is a group of general formula ( viii ) the compound thus synthesised has at least one terpene substituent . as is well known in the art , a starting material for monoterpenes is a geranyl halide , such as geranyl bromide . similarly , farnesyl bromide is a typical starting point for sesquiterpenes and geranyl geranyl bromide is a typical starting point for diterpenes . after reaction with the compound of general formula ( vi ), the terpene - substituent may be subjected to further reaction steps . for instance , if the terpene substituent is unsaturated , one or more of the double bonds may be reduced with hydrogen . reduction conditions are well known to those skilled in the art , and include gaseous h 2 over a nickel catalyst . in the method , in compound of formula ( iv ) preferably n is 2 , 3 or 4 . the hydroxyl group on the phenolic ring may be protected by any suitable phenolic hydroxyl protecting group known in the art . a silyl ether protecting group is preferred , such as tbdps . a benzylether may also be used . one or more of the hydroxyl groups on the phenol ring may be protected . in a particularly preferred embodiment , only two of the hydroxyl groups are protected to give a compound of general formula ( ix ) when two hydroxyl groups are protected in this manner , the compound of general formula vii produced ( on completion of the synthesis ) is generally when protecting group chemistry is not used , the typical product , i . e . compound of general formula vii is : in these compounds , r 9 , r 10 and n are as defined previously . each r 9 , r 10 and n may be the same or different . in some embodiments of the invention , particularly when r 11 is not a sterically bulky group , the h of all phenolic oh groups may be derivatised with a group of formula ( ii ). for the friedel crafts reaction , suitable conditions are well known in the art . alcl 3 is typically used as a catalyst in the presence of the carbon disulfide in a solvent such as nitrobenzene . step ( iii ) may suitably be carried out in the presence of a base such as potassium carbonate and dimethyl formamide . such reaction conditions typically promote simultaneous cleavage of the protecting groups , if present . in the method according to the final aspect of this invention , preferably r 11 is c 1 - 20 alkyl , more preferably c 1 - 10 alkyl . in a particularly preferred embodiment r 11 is 2 -( s )- methyl propyl group . the invention will be now illustrated by the following non - limiting examples . 2 -( 2 - methylbutanoyl ) phloroglucinol ( alternatively 2 - methyl - 1 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - trihydroxyphenyl ) butan - 1 - one ; 4 ) is prepared by friedel - crafts acylation of phloroglucinol ( 3 ) using 2 - methylbutanoyl chloride ( 2 ) in the presence of aluminium trichloride and carbon disulfide in nitrobenzene . 2 - methylbutanoyl chloride is commercially available as a racaemic mixture , giving a racaemic product . the commercially available ( s )- enantiomer of 2 - methylbutanoic acid 1 can be converted to the corresponding acid chloride by refluxing in thionyl chloride , followed by isolation by distillation . the ( s )- 2 - methylbutanoyl chloride 2 is then utilised in the same manner to produce the corresponding ( s )- enantiomer of the 2 - acylphloroglucinol ( 4 ) stereoselectively . for the conversion of 1 - s - 2 - methylbutyric acid → s - 2 - methylbutyryl chloride , the reaction conditions are as follows : the product is purified by distillation . b . p . of the product is 119 - 120 ° c ., b . p . for the starting material is 78 - 80 ° c . alcl 3 was added to a suspension of phloroglucinol in carbon disulphide . the solution was heated under reflux for 30 min at 55 ° c . the acyl chloride was dissolved in nitrobenzene ( 5 ml ) and then added over 30 min . following acylation , the 2 -( 2 - methylbutanoyl ) phloroglucinol 4 is regioselectively protected in good yield in the para - position and one ortho - position as the bis - tert - butyldiphenylsilyl ether 5 , using tert - butyldiphenylchlorosilane in the presence of imidazole in acetone . the reaction conditions are as follows : the mixture was stirred in acetone for 2 hours at room temperature . finally , the remaining phenolic hydroxyl group ( ortho to the ketone ) is alkylated using geranyl bromide in the presence of potassium carbonate in n , n - dimethylformamide , with simultaneous cleavage of both silyl ethers in one pot , to afford the desired 1 -( 2 - geranyloxy - 4 , 6 - dihydroxyphenyl ) butan - 1 - one 6 . the reaction conditions for alkylation and deprotection are as follows : the mixture was stirred in dmf at 80 ° c . for 3 hours . notes on reaction 4 — when the reaction was carried out in a small scale ( i . e . 29 mg of protected acylphloroglucinol ), the yield of the product was 46 . 0 %, giving 10 . 5 mg of product . compound 7 ( see structure below ) was isolated from the hexane and dichloromethane extracts of the aerial parts of hypericum olympicum cf uniflorum collected from the royal botanic gardens at wakehurst place ( accession number 1969 - 31184 ). the hexane extract was subjected to vacuum - liquid chromatography on silica gel eluting with hexane containing 10 % increments of ethyl acetate to yield 12 fractions . the fraction eluted with 60 % ethyl acetate was further separated by sephadex lh20 chromatography eluted with chloroform and methanol ( 1 : 1 ) yielding 6 fractions . fraction 6 was purified by preparative thin - layer chromatography ( ptlc ) using toluene - ethyl acetate - acetic acid ( 80 : 18 : 2 ), yielding compound 7 . the dichloromethane extract was subjected to sephadex lh20 chromatography eluted with chloroform and methanol ( 1 : 1 ) yielding 6 fractions . fractions 4 to 6 were further purified by ptlc using toluene - ethyl acetate - acetic acid ( 75 : 23 : 2 ), yielding compound 7 . hr esi - tof - ms suggested a molecular formula of c 21 h 30 o 4 [ m − h ] − ( 345 . 2056 ). the 1 h nmr spectrum ( table 1 ) showed two signals for hydroxyl groups , one of which was highly deshielded hydrogen - bonded ( δ h 14 . 02 ) and the other appeared as a broad singlet at δ h 5 . 32 . other signals observed in the 1 h nmr spectrum included two meta - coupled aromatic protons ( δ h 5 . 98 d , j = 2 . 5 ; 5 . 92 d , j = 2 . 5 ), two olefinic protons ( δ h 5 . 51 m , 1h ; 5 . 10 m ), one methine ( δ h 3 . 66 , 1h ), four methylene groups , three methyl singlets ( δ h 1 . 74 , 1 . 69 , 1 . 62 ), one methyl doublet ( δ h 1 . 12 , j = 6 . 5 ) and one methyl triplet ( δ h 0 . 89 , j = 7 . 5 ). the 13 c spectrum ( table 1 ) displayed signals for six aromatic carbons , three of which were highly deshielded , implying that these carbons were attached to electron - withdrawing groups . the pattern of these signals suggested a 1 , 3 , 5 - trihydroxybenzene ( phloroglucinol ) structure . in the hmbc spectrum the hydrogen - bonded proton showed 2 j correlation with the carbon to which it was directly attached ( δ c 167 . 5 , c - 1 ), and 3 j correlations with an aromatic carbon attached to a proton ( δ c 96 . 5 , c - 6 ) and a quaternary aromatic carbon ( δ c 105 . 0 , c - 2 ), confirming the position of this hydroxyl group . the other aromatic proton at δ h 5 . 92 was then placed at c - 4 as it was meta - coupled . this was further confirmed by hmbc correlations between this proton and c - 2 , c - 6 and a deshielded carbon ( δ c 161 . 9 , c - 5 ). the second hydroxyl group was therefore placed between the aromatic protons at c - 5 . the oxymethylene group ( δ h 4 . 57 d , j = 6 . 5 ) showed 1 h - 13 c correlations with the remaining deshielded aromatic carbon ( δ c 162 . 6 , c - 3 ) and two carbons associated with an olefin group ( δ c 118 . 2 , c - 2 ″; δ c 142 . 3 , c - 3 ″). the olefinic proton ( δ h 5 . 51 m ) at c - 2 ″ was coupled to a methyl group ( δ c 16 . 7 , c - 10 ″) and a methylene group ( δ c 39 . 5 , c - 4 ″) via three bonds . the protons of this methylene group ( δ h 2 . 13 m ) showed 2 j correlations with c - 3 ″ and a further methylene group ( δ c 26 . 3 , c - 5 ″), and 3 j correalations with c - 2 ″ and a further olefinic carbon ( δ c 123 . 6 , c6 ″). the two methyl singlets ( δ h 1 . 62 , 1 . 69 ) which coupled to c6 ″ and a quaternary carbon associated with this olefin ( δ c 132 . 0 , c - 7 ″) completed the substituent at c - 3 . this side - chain consisted of 10 carbons , two olefin groups and three methyl groups , which is characteristic of a geranyl group . the cosy and noesy spectra also provided evidence for the geranyl side - chain . both olefinic protons and olefinic methyls were assigned as the trans configuration on biosynthetic grounds . the final substituent at position 2 included a methine multiplet ( δ h 3 . 66 , h - 2 ′), a methylene multiplet ( δ h 1 . 37 , 1 . 80 , h - 3 ′), a methyl triplet ( δ h 0 . 89 , h - 4 ′) and a methyl doublet ( δ h 1 . 12 , h - 5 ′). in the cosy spectrum , the methylene was coupled to the methyl triplet and the methine multiplet which was coupled to the methyl doublet . hmbc correlations showed crosspeaks between the methyl doublet and c - 2 ″, c3 ″ and a carbonyl carbon ( δ c 210 . 4 , c - 1 ″) which could interact with the hydroxyl group at c - 1 via hydrogen bond . this confirmed the 2 - methylbutanoyl side - chain at position 2 and completed the structure elucidation of 7 . compound 7 was therefore identified as 1 , 5 - dihydroxy - 2 -( 2 ′- methylbutanoyl )- 3 -( 3 ″, 7 ″- dimethyl - 2 ″, 6 ″- octadienyl )- benzene . this is a new natural product and is reported here for the first time . we have recently synthesised this molecule and the nmr data of the natural and synthetic material is identical . bacteria were cultured on nutrient agar ( oxoid ) and incubated for 24 h at 37 ° c . prior to mic determination . the control antibiotics norfloxacin , tetracycline and erythromycin were obtained from sigma chemical co . mueller - hinton broth ( mhb ; oxoid ) was adjusted to contain 20 and 10 mg / l of ca 2 + and mg 2 + , respectively . an inoculum density of 5 × 10 5 cfu of s . aureus was prepared in normal saline ( 9 g / l ) by comparison with a 0 . 5 macfarland turbidity standard . the inoculum ( 125 μl ) was added to all wells and the microtitre plate was incubated at 37 ° c . for 18 h . for mic determination , 20 μl of a 5 mg / ml methanolic solution of 3 -[ 4 , 5 - dimethylthiazol - 2 - yl ]- 2 , 5 - diphenyltetrazolium bromide ( mtt ; sigma ) was added to each of the wells and incubated for 20 min . bacterial growth was indicated by a colour change from yellow to dark blue . the mic was recorded as the lowest concentration at which no growth was observed . table 2 shows the results . compound 7 was tested using bacteria which were recent clinical isolates , or were standard reference controls . the clinical isolates were selected to represent important resistant phenotypes currently prevalent in the uk and worldwide . they included ( i ) methicillin - resistant staphylococcus aureus ( mrsa ), specifically the epidemic ( e ) mrsa - 15 and 16 strains dominant in the uk ; ( ii ) methicillin - resistant coagulase negative staphylococci ( i . e . s . epidermidis , s . haemolyticus ); ( iii ) vancomycin - resistant as well as susceptible enterococcus faecalis and e . faecium ; ( iv ) penicillin - resistant and — susceptible streptococcus pneumoniae ; ( v ) group a streptococci (= s . pyogenes , which remain universally susceptible to penicillin ) and ( vi ) clostridium difficile . mics were determined on isosensitest agar ( isa ) ( method of british society for antimicrobial chemotherapy , http :// www . bsac . org . uk ) or by microdilution in isosensitest broth ( isb ). both media were from oxoid , basingstoke , hants . plates were variously incubated , at 35 - 37 ° c ., in air , air enriched with 5 % co 2 or under anaerobic conditions . results are as follows and activities as minimum inhibitory concentration ( in μg / ml ) in broth and agar are given in parentheses after the bacterial strains : epidemic methicillin - resistant staphylococcus aureus 15 and 16 ( 2 - 4 μg / ml ), methicillin - sensitive staphylococcus aureus ( 2 - 8 μg / ml ), methicillin - resistant coagulase - negative staphylococcus epidermidis ( 2 - 8 μg / ml ), methicillin - sensitive coagulase - negative staphylococcus epidermidis ( 2 - 4 μg / ml ), methicillin - sensitive coagulase - negative staphylococcus haemolyticus ( 16 μg / ml ), vancomycin - resistant and vancomycin - sensitive enterococcus faecium ( 2 - 4 μg / ml ), vancomycin - resistant and vancomycin - sensitive enterococcus faecalis ( 4 μg / ml ), penicillin - resistant and penicillin - sensitive streptococcus pneumoniae ( 2 - 4 μg / ml ), group a streptococcus ( 4 μg / ml ), and standard laboratory strains streptococcus pneumoniae atcc 29212 ( 4 μg / ml ), enterococcus faecalis atcc29212 ( 4 μg / ml ), nctc6571 staphylococcus aureus ( 4 μg / ml ). | 2 |
the source of the tv signal that reaches a tv set may be a set - top box ( digital or analog ), a streamer , a hotel cable network , a computer , etc . therefore , for an efficient system like the one herein described , the channel tune event detection should be independent of tv source . according to the invention the event representing a change of channel is detected by the tv itself . tv sets operate according to various standards , such as the phase alternating line ( pal )/ national television standards committee ( ntcs )/ systeme electronique pour couleur avec memoire ( secam ) standard , a standard developed by the advanced television system committee ( atsc ), such as high definition television ( hdtv ), a standard developed by the digital video broadcasting ( dvb ) project , or may be a multimedia computer system , etc . as will be apparent to the skilled person , it is desirable for a tv set to support all such standards or at least those which are applicable to the geographic area where the tv set is to be operated . according to the present invention detection of channel change is performed by using a combination of one or more features that are typical of the channel change event . since the channel change event may last approximately from one to few seconds , according to an embodiment of the invention one or more video frames are used to detect channel change events . an illustrative and non - exhaustive list of channel change detection features may include one or more of the above : null frame ( nf ): most stbs generate a black frame during the time of channel change , typically referred to as “ null frame ”. in one embodiment of the invention a null frame detector is provided to detect such null frame . scene change : when a channel is changed , in many cases the old and new channel content parameters ( such as snr , white balance , illumination , etc ) are different , because the scene showed is different . according to an embodiment of the invention a scene change detector is provided to identify such changes . epg osd : epg osd ( electronic program guide on - screen display ) is a specific stb computer graphic interface that appears upon channel change and provides the current / new channel information . according to an embodiment of the invention an osd detector is provided to detect the appearance of such epg . according to another embodiment of the invention , since the osd topology may vary depending on the content provider , an osd topology analyzer is also provided . constant regions : in one embodiment of the invention a constant region detector is provided , to detect constant areas in the scene that is viewed on the tv screen . a change of the constant region may hint at a channel change . a “ constant region ” may be , for example , the channel logo . a consistent channel logo may hint that a channel has not changed , while a change of logo may indicate that the channel has changed . decision modules : according to an embodiment of the invention , a variety of modules can be provided , as will be further detailed below , which make use of one or more of the aforementioned features of the image shown on the screen , to detect channel tune events . null frame detector scene change detector osd detector osd topology analyzer — calculate osd positioning in frame decision module use frame analysis data to provide tune detection result by applying logic to the detected features to make a decision . fig1 schematically is a block diagram of the operation of one embodiment of the invention . a frame 100 grabbed from the tv set is input to a plurality of detectors , which may in different embodiments of the invention include more or less detectors , or different ones from those shown in the illustrative example of fig1 . the margins of the frame are cropped by margin cropper 101 , if needed because the content is smaller than the screen size , to remove black margins , and the resulting cropped frame is fed to null frame detector 102 , to scene change detector 103 and to osd detector 104 , as previously explained . from osd detector 104 the frame can further be fed to osd topology analyzer 105 . the result of all the above analyses is a set of data identified as current frame data 106 , which , either alone or together with previous frame data 107 , is fed to decision module 108 . current frame data 106 and previous frame data 107 may also be used for making the channel change decision and the current data is saved to use as previous data of next frame . thus , the decision module uses features of the current and of previous frames to make the decision that a channel has changed . the final result is the tune decision 109 , generated by the decision module 108 , which decides whether a change of channel has taken place . fig2 shows an illustrative process taking place in the decision module , as explained above . the figure is self - explanatory and shows , in this case , a process 200 which uses a previous frame 201 and a current frame 203 , to carry out the comparison and to combine the results so as to decide whether a channel change event has taken place . fig3 illustrates a sequence of frames during which a channel is changed frame 1 ( fig3 a ): is a frame from an arbitrary channel that a viewer may be watching . frame 2 ( fig3 b ): the user switches channel using the remote and a null frame appears . null frames may appear during one or more frames or not to appear at all , depending on the specific stb ( set top box ). frame 3 ( fig3 c ): osd epg appears . it may appear for one or more frames , depending on the specific stb . frame 4 ( fig3 d ): a new ( different ) channel appears . the channel has changed and this is a “ tune ” event . the sequence of frame of fig4 is taken from a movie sequence captured from a stb . the channel logo appears at the bottom left area in yellow ( tnt — but shown in white in the figure ) during the entire sequence , serving as a constant region that indicates that no channel change has occurred , in spite of the fact that the scene changes in frames 1 -& gt ; 2 , 5 -& gt ; 6 , 12 -& gt ; 13 ). all the above description of preferred embodiments has been provided for the purpose of illustration and is not intended to limit the invention in any way . the invention provides channel tune event detection for all known tv video stream configurations . the used features allow the detection of channel tune events for different set - top boxes ( digital , analog , generated and not generated null frame in channel tune process , all resolutions of stream ( included hdtv ). as will be apparent to the skilled person , many variations of the examples given above can be performed , using different on - screen features and events , all without exceeding the scope of the invention . | 7 |
referring now to the figures and first to fig1 , there is shown a stentless support structure 10 of the present invention in an extended configuration . the valve support 10 includes a first end 12 , a second end 14 and an elongate tubular body 16 extending between the first end 12 and the second end 14 . the elongate tubular body 16 is preferably formed from one or a plurality of braided strands 18 . the braided strands 18 are strands of a super - elastic or shape memory material such as nitinol . the strands are braided to form a tube having a central lumen 20 passing therethrough . in one embodiment , the tubular body 16 is folded in half upon itself such that the second end 14 becomes a folded end and the first end 12 includes a plurality of unbraided strands . the tubular body 16 is thus two - ply . the unbraided strands of the first end 12 are gathered and joined together to form a plurality of gathered ends 22 . the gathered ends 22 may be used as commissural points for attaching a prosthetic valve to the support structure 10 . ( see , e . g . fig2 ). alternatively , as shown in fig1 , the gathered ends 22 may be used as attachment points for a wireform 24 defining a plurality of commissural points 26 . notably , the commissural points 26 are positioned such that , when a valve is attached to the support structure in the extended configuration , the valve is longitudinally juxtaposed with the support structure rather than being located within the support structure . this juxtaposition allows the support structure 10 and valve to be packed into a very small catheter without damaging the delicate valve . this longitudinal juxtaposition may be maintained when the support structure assumes a folded or constructed configuration ( see fig1 for example ), or the valve may become folded within the support structure . fig3 - 6 show the second end 14 emerging from the catheter 28 to expose a first layer 30 . in fig7 , the first layer 30 is completely exposed and has assumed its constructed configuration . notably , the first layer 30 contracts longitudinally when fully deployed . also shown in fig7 is a second layer 32 beginning to emerge from the catheter 28 . as the second layer exits the catheter , the pre - set super - elastic fold inverts the mesh , such that a second , inner layer is formed within the first outer layer . alternatively , the first layer can be deployed against the wall of the vascular structure ( such as an artery , vein , valve or heart muscle ). as the second layer exits the catheter , the physician can aid inversion of the mesh my advancing the deployment system . in another embodiment , the mesh support structure can be advanced in the vasculature such that it is deployed in a reverse direction ( such as deployment through the apex of the heart ventricle or from the venous system ), where the mesh inversion occurs as a result of pulling or retracting the deployment system . in fig1 , the second layer 32 is fully deployed and the third layer 34 is fully exposed , but has not yet been inverted . retracting the catheter 28 , relative to the device 10 , while advancing the catheter 28 slightly , relative to the target site , causes the third layer 34 to “ pop ” inwardly , thereby inverting itself against an inside surface of the second layer 32 , as seen in fig1 . in fig1 , additional material has been ejected from the catheter 28 such that the third layer 34 is fully expanded against the second layer . one skilled in the art will realize that numerous additional layers can be achieved in this manner , and that each layer adds additional radial strength to the resulting support structure 10 . throughout the deployment process , the stentless support structure 10 emerges from the delivery catheter 28 gradually . this characteristic also allows the structure 10 to be pulled back into the delivery catheter 28 , in the event that it is desired to relocate the support structure 10 . doing so causes the support structure 10 to reacquire its extended configuration . having described the mechanics of building a support structure in situ , attention can now be turned to various embodiments made possible by the present invention . fig1 - 15 show a support structure 10 having many layers 38 and a first end 12 with numerous gathered ends 22 formed from unbraided strands . some of the gathered ends 22 are attached to a wireform 24 having three commissural points 26 . a prosthetic valve 36 , either harvested or manufactured , is attached to the wireform 24 . fig1 shows the internal lumen 20 of the support structure 10 . fig1 - 18 show a support structure 10 having fewer layers 38 and a wireform 24 with a prosthetic valve 36 attached thereto . the first end 12 ( hidden ), to which the wireform 24 is attached , has been preformed to fold inwardly upon deployment . thus , the wireform 24 and prosthetic valve 36 , is located in the inner lumen 20 of the support structure 10 when the support structure 10 is in a constructed configuration . fig1 - 21 show a support structure 10 with several layers 38 and a first end 12 preformed to have a smaller diameter than the rest of the layers and the second end 14 , which is folded . the terminal ends of the braided strands at the first end 12 have not been formed into gathered ends . rather , the wireform 24 is attached to the braids . the prosthetic valve 36 is attached to the wireform 24 and has skirting tissue 40 , which is placed around the outside of the end 12 . the skirting tissue 40 may be adhered to the first end 12 . fig2 shows a stentless support structure 10 with a folded end 14 , which has been folded back on itself , and a material 42 trapped between the two layers of the fold . the material 42 is provided to further improve the paravalvular leak prevention and embolic trapping characteristics of the stentless support structure 10 . the material 42 could consist of a non - woven material , woven or braided fabric , a polymer or other material . fig2 shows a stentless support structure 10 that includes a fiber 44 that is larger than the rest of the strands comprising the support structure 10 . thus , fig2 demonstrates that strands of different sizes may be used in the braided support structure 10 without significantly affecting the minimum delivery size of the device . different sized strands may be used in order to improve strength , provide stiffness , create valve attachment points , provide radiopaque markers , and the like . fig2 - 26 show a stentless support structure 10 that has a first end 12 that has had the unbraided strands trimmed such that they do not extend past the first end 12 of the folded structure 10 . this embodiment may be used to create , preserve or enlarge a lumen . a prosthetic valve may or may not be attached to this embodiment . turning now to fig2 - 36 , a deployment sequence of a preferred embodiment of the stentless support structure 10 is shown whereby a clear piece of tubing 46 is used to demonstrate a targeted location of a native vessel , such as a native valve . in fig2 , the delivery catheter 28 is advanced beyond the targeted valve 46 and the stentless support 10 is starting to be ejected from the catheter 28 . in fig2 , enough of the stentless support 10 has been ejected that the second , folded end 14 has begun to curl back on itself slightly , forming a cuff 48 . in fig2 , the cuff 48 is more visible and has assumed its full , deployed shape . the cuff 48 acts as a catch that a physician can use to visually or tactilely locate the targeted valve 46 and seat the stentless support 10 thereagainst . the cuff also acts to ensure the entire native lumen through the targeted valve 46 is now being filtered by the support 10 . unlike balloon expandable stents , blood flow is not significantly inhibited by the deployment of the stentless support structure 10 . also shown in fig2 is that the first layer 30 has been fully ejected from the catheter 28 , as has much of the second layer 32 . the first layer 30 , being very flexible prior to reinforcement by subsequent layers , is able to conform to any shape of the targeted vessel . the second layer 32 has not yet inverted itself into the first layer 30 . in fig3 , the first layer 30 is deployed , the cuff 48 is acting against the valve 46 , and the second layer 32 has been inverted . in fig3 , material forming the third layer 34 is ejected from the catheter 28 but the third layer 34 has not yet inverted . in fig3 - 33 , the catheter 28 is being advanced to allow the third layer 34 to invert into the second layer 32 . the angle of fig3 shows the relatively low profile created by the first and second layers 30 and 32 , and how little resistance to blood flow is presented by the support structure 10 . in fig3 , the first end 12 has emerged from the catheter 12 , and the gathered ends 22 are showing . a wireform 24 is attached to some of the gathered ends 22 and is nearly completely deployed from the delivery catheter 28 . in fig3 - 36 , the support structure 10 has been completely released from the catheter 28 . fig3 shows the size of the lumen 20 of the support structure 10 . fig3 - 39 show a preferred embodiment 100 of the present invention including a mesh support structure 102 , a wireform 104 and a valve 106 . the support structure 102 differs slightly from support structure 10 , described previously , as it is constructed from a two individual wires 108 . upon completion of the braiding process , the two free ends of the wire are spliced together . as such , there are no free wire ends and the structure can be loaded into a delivery catheter in a single - ply state ( not shown ). in the deployed state shown in the figures , the support structure 102 is folded once to form a two - ply device . the support structure 102 is preferably formed of a memory alloy such as nitinol . the single - wire construction allows the device to be compressed into an extremely small catheter , such as one sized 16fr or smaller . though the support structure gains rigidity by the two - ply deployed configuration , radial strength is a function of a several factors and can thus be varied widely . first , as with the other embodiments , radial strength may be increased by incorporating more folds or layers into the deployed configuration of the support structure 102 . the three - ply configuration shown in fig3 - 39 is the most preferred configuration because it only has to be folded in on itself twice , making deployment less complicated . second , strength may be increased by using a heavier wire . because the support structure 102 is made from a single - wire , and can thus be loaded into a catheter in a single - ply configuration , a larger diameter wire may be used while maintaining a small diameter elongated profile . support structures 102 have been constructed according to the present invention using single wires having diameters between 0 . 005 and 0 . 010 inches in diameter . preferably , the diameter of the wire is between 0 . 007 and 0 . 008 inches . third , strength may be increased by increasing the braid density . a tighter braid will result in a stronger support . fourth , the strength may be increased by altering the heat setting parameters . super - elastic and shape memory alloys , such as nitinol , attain their deployed shape within the vasculature by being heat set . the wires are held in a desired configuration and heated to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time . after the wires cool , they become set to the new configuration . if the wires are later disfigured , they will return to the set configuration upon heating or simply releasing the wires . the force with which a super - elastic or shape memory alloy returns to a set configuration can be increased by modifying the temperature at which the configuration is set , or by modifying the period of time the alloy is maintained at the elevated setting temperature . for example , good results have been attained setting a nitinol support structure of the present invention at 530 ° c . for 7 minutes . stiffer support structures can be made using the same nitinol wire by setting the structure at a temperature other than 530 ° c . or by setting the structure at 530 ° c . for a time other than 7 minutes , or both . the device 100 includes a wireform 104 , to which a valve 106 is attached . the wireform 104 form commissural points 109 separated by arcuate portions 110 . the arcuate portions 110 are attached to an inside surface of the support structure 102 . the commissural points 109 facilitate natural and efficient opening and closing of the valve 106 . alternatively , the valve commissural points can be attached to an outer surface of the support structure ( not shown ). the valve 106 may be any form of prosthetic or harvested biological valve . preferably , as shown in the figures , the valve 106 is a valve having three leaflets . the valve 106 is sutured or otherwise attached to the wireform 104 . preferably , the valve 106 is cut or constructed to include a skirt portion 112 which continues along the length of the support structure 102 in its deployed configuration . although the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications , one of ordinary skill in the art , in light of this teaching , can generate additional embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention . accordingly , it is to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are proffered by way of example to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof . | 0 |
the binding and diluting agent of the present invention is a granulated product which has a good flowability and which is prepared by agglomerating crystalline xylitol ( ground or otherwise comminuted to a small particle size ) by means of polyol based syrup wherein said polyol is a physiologically acceptable polyol other than xylitol . the xylitol is mixed with the syrup at a great speed to obtain a granular product ; the granules are subsequently dried to a water content less than 1 . 0 % by weight . the concentration of the physiologically acceptable polyol based syrup is selected so that the obtained granular product contains between about 94 % and 98 % by weight of xylitol and about 1 % to 5 % by weight of said physiologically acceptable polyol ( other than xylitol ). the preferred physiologically acceptable polyol is sorbitol because it does not negatively affect the taste profile of xylitol . the granular product may also contain physiologically acceptable polyols other than xylitol and sorbitol , preferably less than about 2 % by weight , provided such polyols do not contribute appreciably to the moisture content , or negatively affect the taste profile of xylitol . the flowability of the present invention agent can be measured by allowing a sample ( 200 g ) to flow through a hopper ( runner pipe dimensions : diameter 8 mm and length 25 mm ) on to a balance connected to a recording device . the flowability ( s / 100 g ) of the substance can thus be calculated from the curve so obtained . the flowability should ideally be better than 15 s / 100 g . another procedure for evaluating flowability is the determination of angle of repose : a sample ( 50 g ) is passed slowly through a hopper on to a paper , and the angle defined between the paper and the formed hill is measured . this angle should not exceed 32 °. the bulk density of the substance can be measured by weighing a sample of about 300 g into a measuring cylinder . the sample is poured carefully into the cylinder ; the sample is weighed accurately and its volume is recorded . the loose density ( ld ) can be calculated from this data . thereafter the sample is vibrated at an amplitude of 1 . 5 mm , until it does not pack to a smaller volume . the volume is recorded , and the bulk density ( also known as tapped density or &# 34 ; td &# 34 ;) is calculated . xylitol used as raw material in the production of the binding and diluting agent according to the invention has a purity exceeding 95 % by weight , and has been ground or otherwise comminuted to an average particle size of between 0 . 01 mm to 0 . 10 mm by means of a suitable mill , such as a hammer mill common in the sugar industry to produce icing sugar . in a preferred embodiment , sorbitol is added to the xylitol at the granulation stage in the form of sorbitol syrup which may be e . g . hydrogenated starch syrup containing about 50 % to 90 % by weight of sorbitol on dry substance basis , the remainder consisting of other sugar alcohols . pure dissolved sorbitol is also suitable for use . sorbitol syrup is diluted before granulation so that the dry substance content of the solution suits the granulation device . the nozzle structure of the schugi device , for instance , requires a dry content below 50 % by weight . the dry substance content of a commercial sorbitol syrup generally varies from 69 % to 71 % by weight . the dilution is preferably carried out with water , though a mixture of water and ethanol is also possible . the use of ethanol , however , is restricted by the poor solubility of sorbitol in ethanol . a preferred method for preparing the present invention consists of granulating the ground or comminuted xylitol together with a small amount of sorbitol syrup by means of a suitable granulation device . the product is dried rapidly in a fluidized bed , for instance . suitable granulation devices are well known in the art . the dryer may be separate , or the drying may be carried out in a granulator , depending on the type of device . in the granulation device , the ground or comminuted xylitol and the sorbitol syrup added evenly thereto are brought into a rapid movement which effects the agglomeration of the substance together with a small amount of syrup . the grain size can be adjusted by the mixture ratios and the mixing efficiency . the granulated product is dried rapidly e . g . in a fluidized bed by means of dry air so that the final moisture content is below about 1 % by weight , preferably below about 0 . 5 % by weight . a suitable particle size is between about 0 . 1 mm to about 1 mm whereby about 99 % of the granules are within this range . as used herein the term &# 34 ; dry air &# 34 ; refers to air with a water content no more than 7 . 5 grams of water per cubic meter of air , measured at 20 ° c . the product obtained according to the invention is a freely flowing , compressible composition which has excellent compressibility and which withstands storing without getting cloddy . the preferred range of properties for one embodiment are as follows : ______________________________________moisture content less than about 1 % by weight , with less than 0 . 5 % by weight being particularly preferredaverage grain size about 0 . 1 mm to about 0 . 6 mm ( diameter ) xylitol about 95 % to about 98 % by weightsorbitol about 2 % to about 3 % by weightother polyols less than about 2 % by weightbulk density ( td ) about 0 . 7 to about 0 . 8 g / cm . sup . 3flowability maximum of about 15 s / 100 g ( a hopper with a pipe diameter of 8 mm and a pipe length of 25 mm ), or flow angle of maximum 32 ° ______________________________________ the granulation process is fundamentally different from the dry mixing of two polyols such as xylitol and sorbitol , such as that disclosed by g . b . patent nos . 1 , 526 , 020 . the granulation process results in the crystallization of some of the sorbitol or present onto the surface of the xylitol particles forming fine , needle like protrusions . these needle like protrusions can be seen by electron microscopes , and a photograph showing the granulate of the present invention ( with xylitol present in an amount of about 97 % by weight , and sorbitol present in an amount of about 3 % by weight ) is shown in fig1 ; the needle like crystals can be clearly seen . it is thought that the needle like protrusions are , or at least contribute to , the compressibility of the granulate of the present invention . blends of xylitol and sorbitol in the proportion covered by the present invention which are simply admixed do not exhibit adequate compressibility and do not exhibit the needle like protrusions in electron micrographs such as those seen in fig1 . in order to obtain adequate compressibility with a xylitol / sorbitol admixture , it is necessary to increase the concentration of sorbitol . tablets made from pure crystalline xylitol show extremely poor hardness . at a force of 25 kn , 100 % xylitol tablets exhibited a crushing strength less than 25n . only when sorbitol was present in amounts exceeding 40 % by weight did the crushing strength exceed 100n at a crushing strength of 25 kn . the present invention allows the use of high concentrations of xylitol thereby taking full advantage of its taste , metabolic and other advantages . crystalline xylitol ( purity over 95 % by weight ) was ground by means of a turbo mill ( bauermeister , manufacturer gebr . bauermeister & amp ; co ., hamburg , west germany ) to an average particle size of about 0 . 07 mm . over 50 % of the particles were within the range from about 0 . 02 mm to about 0 . 10 mm , and the powder did not contain any particles exceeding 0 . 125 mm , nor a dusty fraction . a xylitol powder produced according to example 1 and a 40 % by weight sorbitol syrup solution ( containing 34 % by weight of sorbitol , and less than 5 . 7 % of other polyols ) were introduced into a granulator ( schugi , manufacturer schugi , bv , lelystad , holland ) at a speed of 800 kg / hour ( powder ) and 50 l / hour ( syrup solution ) at a temperature of 60 ° c . the spraying pressure was 2 bar and the rotative velocity 3 , 000 r / min , whereby grains having an average diameter of 0 . 42 mm were obtained ( over 50 % within the range of 0 . 2 to 0 . 6 mm ). the resultant grains were dried with a fluidized - bed dryer ( schugi , manufacturer schugi , bv , lelystad , holland ). granulate was fed into the dryer at a rate of 820 kg / h , and 10 , 000 m 3 / hour of dry air was introduced therein . the temperature of the drying air in the first quarter of the dryer was 45 ° c . and in the second quarter 35 ° c . ; in the last two quarters of the dryer the temperature was room temperature , i . e . 20 ° c . to 25 ° c . the moisture content of the product was about 0 . 3 % by weight , and the bulk density ( td ) was about 0 . 74 g / ml . the flowability of the granulate produced according to example no . 2 was extremely good ( flow rate 12 s / 100 g ; flow angle 30 °), and the properties of the granulate did not change during storage ( 75 days , 18 ° c .). the granulate produced according to example 2 was compressed to tablets by means of an eccentric press ( korsch ek - o / dms ; manufacturer korch ohc maschinenfabrick , berlin , west germany ). magnesium stearate ( 1 %) was used as an additive . the diameter of the tablet was 11 mm and weight 500 mg . the crushing strength of tablets manufactured by different compression forces was determined in accordance with the instructions of the european pharmacopean . the results are shown in table 1 . table i______________________________________compression force crushing strength______________________________________ 5 kn 46 n10 kn 66 n15 kn 88 n20 kn 108 n______________________________________ a granulate produced according to example 2 was compressed to double - convex tablets by means of a rotation machine ( manesty d 3 ; manufacturer , manesty machines , liverpool , england ). magnesium stearate ( 1 %) was used as an additive . the diameter of the tablet was 15 mm and weight 907 mg . the crushing strength of the tablet ( european pharmacopea ) was 127n ; the weight loss in friability tests was 0 . 71 %. tablets prepared in examples 3 and 4 had acceptable mouthfeel , initial hardness and friability . the foregoing general discussion and experimental examples are intended to be illustrative of the present invention , and are not to be considered as limiting . other variations within the spirit and scope of this invention are possible , and will present themselves to those skilled in the art . | 0 |
as illustrated in table i , the formation of carbon in the high temperature chlorination reactor is temperature dependent , and the amount of carbon formed increases rapidly after a certain critical temperature range is reached . table i also shows that the allyl chloride yield is temperature dependent . hence , in a conventional process , in order to obtain economically acceptable allyl chloride yields , the reactor temperature must be such that considerable carbon is also produced . it is , therefore , accepted commercial practical to sustain periodic production losses while the reactors are shut down for the removal of carbon . as can be seen in table i , substantially all the allyl chloride yield loss at the lower temperatures can be attributed to increased 1 , 2 - dichloropropane formation . it is , therefore , obvious that if yield loss of allyl chloride to 1 , 2 - dichloropropane can be averted , it would be possible to optimize allyl chloride yields at significantly lower temperatures from those in common commercial practice . this would offer the advantage of greatly reduced carbon formation in the thermal chlorination reactor . these lower temperatures also produce less undesirable by - products normally associated with higher reaction temperatures , such as acetylenic compounds and chlorinated six - carbon compounds . in the present improved process the high temperature propylene chlorination reactor is operated in the temperature range at which carbon formation is negligible , i . e ., 25 °- 75 ° c . below the temperature commonly considered economically feasible in a conventional process . this results in considerable decrease in allyl chloride yield , and a corresponding increase in pdc yield from the high temperature chlorination reaction . preferably the high temperature chlorination is conducted at a temperature which results in a conversion of more than 7 percent of the propylene chlorinated to propylene dichloride ( 1 , 2 - dichloropropane ). a conversion of 7 to 20 percent is more preferred . however , with the improved process , total allyl chloride yields are not significantly reduced . table i__________________________________________________________________________ thermal chlorination of propylene__________________________________________________________________________run conditions run 1 run 2 run 3 run 4 run 5__________________________________________________________________________reaction temperature , ° c . 431 450 480 503 528chlorine preheat , ° c . 50 50 50 50 50propylene preheat , ° c . 200 200 200 200 200reaction pressure , psig 35 35 35 35 35contact time , sec . 2 2 2 2 2chlorine feed rate , mole / hr . 9 . 73 9 . 73 9 . 73 9 . 73 9 . 73propylene feed rate , mole / hr . 42 . 15 42 . 15 42 . 15 42 . 15 42 . 15__________________________________________________________________________yield based on propylene feed % % % % % __________________________________________________________________________2 - chloropropene 3 . 07 2 . 73 2 . 78 2 . 89 2 . 682 - chloropropane 1 . 65 1 . 60 1 . 70 1 . 62 1 . 27cis - 1 - chloropropene 0 . 53 0 . 41 0 . 37 0 . 45 0 . 67trans - 1 - chloropropene 0 . 67 0 . 80 0 . 87 1 . 58 1 . 941 - chloropropane 1 . 26 1 . 22 1 . 20 1 . 42 1 . 85allyl chloride 70 . 49 71 . 60 77 . 31 80 . 08 72 . 082 , 2 - dichloropropane -- -- -- -- 0 . 10benzene -- 0 . 07 0 . 10 0 . 13 0 . 671 , 1 - dichloropropane 0 . 07 0 . 06 0 . 05 0 . 06 0 . 083 , 3 - dichloropropene 0 . 52 0 . 55 0 . 60 0 . 50 0 . 341 , 2 - dichloropropane 14 . 78 12 . 82 7 . 48 4 . 82 4 . 512 , 3 - dichloropropene 0 . 67 0 . 74 0 . 55 0 . 50 0 . 56cis - 1 , 3 - dichloropropene 3 . 40 3 . 75 3 . 57 2 . 98 4 . 17trans - 1 , 3 - dichloropropene 1 . 88 2 . 59 2 . 58 2 . 09 3 . 50trichloropropene -- 0 . 01 -- -- -- 1 , 2 , 3 - trichloropropane 0 . 04 0 . 08 -- -- -- unknowns 0 . 97 0 . 97 0 . 84 0 . 88 6 . 03total 100 . 0 100 . 0 100 . 0 100 . 0 100 . 0propylene conversion , % 21 . 92 24 . 10 22 . 43 21 . 56 22 . 11relative carbon formation 0 . 6 1 . 4 4 . 7 10 . 9 26 . 6__________________________________________________________________________ table ii gives the principal components of typical distillation cuts from the effluent of the thermal chlorination reactor in a commercial allyl chloride process : table ii______________________________________distillation cut boilingbelow allyl chloride above allyl chloridecomponent mole % component mole % ______________________________________propylene 4 allyl chloride 32 - chloropropene 60 3 , 3 - dichloropropene 72 - chloropropane 20 1 , 2 - dichloropropane 25 ( c , t ) 1 - chloropro - 2 , 3 - dichloropropene 5pene 14allyl chloride 2 ( c , t ) 1 , 3 - dichloro - propene 54 others 7______________________________________ typically , cuts boiling below ( lights ) and above allyl chloride ( heavies ) account for about 0 . 05 pound and 0 . 33 pound , respectively , for each pound of allyl chloride produced . as indicated above , some of the by - products of the allyl chloride process are themselves useful and , depending on the demand and / or the efficiency of their recovery from the by - product stream , will be removed and sold or used as starting materials in other processes . for example , 1 , 3 - dichloropropene is customarily separated and sold as a soil fumigant since it frequently accounts for more than 50 % of the bottoms of the distillation of the allyl chloride . after removal of a soil fumigant fraction ( principally 1 , 3 - dichloropropenes ) from the heavies from the allyl chloride process , there remains are stream which typically consists of from 60 to 80 mole percent 1 , 2 - dichloropropane depending upon the efficiency of the soil fumigant distillation step . the remaining components of this stream are primarily dichloropropenes some of which , e . g ., 2 , 3 - dichloropropene , are difficult to separate from the pdc by simple distillation . these unsaturates do not react sufficiently in the cracking step to prevent their excessive building - up in a recycle stream and in the entire finishing section of an allyl chloride plant . in the present improved process the crude pdc stream is subjected to a low temperature chlorination step in order to eliminate the above described separation problems and to reduce the level of the unsaturates which might further dehydrochlorinate in the subsequent cracking step , giving rise to the undesirable acetylenic compounds referred to above . prior to the cracking step those products of the cold chlorination boiling above pdc are removed by simple distillation . the cracking step to which the remainder of the pdc fraction is sent then produces a more useful group of by - products in addition to the allyl chloride which improves the overall yield . the other compounds ( especially hcl and the 1 - chloropropenes ) are either useful in themselves or may be recycled or treated separately . in the present improved process the high temperature chlorination of propylene to allyl chloride is carried out at a temperature of from 425 °- 480 ° c . for optimum allyl chloride yield and minimum carbon formation . the optimum reaction temperature is somewhat dependent on a reactor design , but is the maximum temperature at which carbon formation is insignificant . the low temperature chlorination of the by - products of this reaction which boil above the desired product ( allyl chloride ), according to the present invention , is conducted at temperatures of from 0 °- 100 ° c ., but preferably at a temperature within the range of from about 10 ° to about 50 ° c . pressure employed for the low temperature chlorination preferably is slightly above atmospheric . operable pressure is within the range of about 14 to about 100 psi ( 0 . 9 to 6 . 8 atmospheres ). with respect to the chlorine employed , any amount sufficient to accomplish the desired conversion of the unsaturates is operable , but an amount approximately stoichiometric based on the unsaturates present is preferred . less than stoichiometric amounts , although still operable , merely lessen the efficiency of the process . the upper limit is a practial one with the handling of excess chlorine being the principal deterrent . to show the advantages of employing the present process improvement , the following examples are given : a crude propylene dichloride stream obtained as a result of separation of a 1 , 3 - dichloropropene fraction ( for use as a soil fumigant ) from the high boiling by - products of the commercial production of allyl chloride by the high temperature direct chlorination of propylene was metered to a 2 - inch diameter glass , cylindrical , water - cooled reaction vessel at the rate of 400 cc / hr . the reactor was maintained at about 25 ° c . and at atmospheric pressure . it was also shielded to exclude light . the crude propylene dichloride entered the reaction vessel near its bottom where it was contacted with chlorine at the rate of 1 . 02 moles of chlorine per hour . product was taken off near the top of the glass reactor at a point which allowed a liquid bed of approximately 1000 cc . no catalyst was added to the reactor , but the crude propylene dichloride obtained from the allyl chloride production facility contained about 12 ppm iron . several hours of operation were allowed for the liquid bed composition to equilibrate , then a material balance run was made . into the reactor were fed 931 grams crude propylene dichloride and 144 grams chlorine . during the same period 1062 grams liquid product and 10 grams unreacted chlorine were recovered . table iii gives the composition of the crude propylene dichloride before and after chlorination . as can be seen , the majority of the unsaturated components were reacted to form higher boiling material such as tetrachloropropanes . only a small amount of the propylene dichloride was chlorinated under these conditions . table iii______________________________________selective chlorination of unsaturatedcompounds in allyl chlorideby - product propylene dichloride 18469 - 24 - arun no . feed productcomponent wt . % wt . % ______________________________________2 - chloropropane 0 . 02 0 . 02cis - 1 - chloropropene 0 . 03 -- trans - 1 - chloropropene 0 . 04 -- unknown 0 . 11 0 . 07allyl chloride 0 . 81 -- benzene 0 . 37 0 . 321 , 1 - dichloropropane 0 . 46 0 . 173 , 3 - dichloropropene 4 . 59 0 . 371 , 2 - dichloropropane 76 . 32 63 . 232 , 3 - dichloropropene 12 . 07 1 . 79cis - 1 , 3 - dichloropropene 4 . 74 0 . 50trans - 1 , 3 - dichloropropene 0 . 44 -- heavies -- 33 . 53______________________________________ table iv gives the results of thermal dehydrochlorination of propylene dichloride produced as a by - product of allyl chloride manufacture . two runs were made under similar conditions . in run 18599 - 7 - a the furnace feed was obtained by simple distillation of crude by - product propylene dichloride after selective low temperature chlorination as illustrated in example 1 . for run 18599 - 9 - a , untreated propylene dichloride exactly as obtained from a commercial allyl chloride plant , was fed to the dehydrochlorination furnace . as can be seen , the material subjected to the chlorination step of example 1 gave a significantly higher rate of dehydrochlorination and a greatly reduced rate of plugging . table iv______________________________________thermal dehydrochlorinationof propylene dichloriderun conditions______________________________________reaction temperature , ° c . 570reaction pressure , psig 20propylene dichloride feed rate , cc / hr . 100reactor 1 . 18 &# 34 ; × 6 &# 39 ; inconelcatalyst nonecontact time , sec . 1 . 7______________________________________ 18599 - 7 - a 18599 - 9 - a feed product feed product mole mole mole molerun number % % % % ______________________________________lights 0 . 21 0 . 50 0 . 23 0 . 472 - chloropropene -- 1 . 20 -- 1 . 80cis - 1 - chloropropene -- 9 . 26 -- 5 . 77trans - 1 - chloropropene -- 6 . 18 -- 3 . 30allyl chloride -- 24 . 39 1 . 44 15 . 08benzene 1 . 37 2 . 91 1 . 20 2 . 151 , 1 - dichloropropane 0 . 23 0 . 11 0 . 46 -- 3 , 3 - dichloropropene 0 . 08 0 . 04 4 . 58 0 . 571 , 2 - dichloropropane 95 . 89 51 . 71 74 . 25 50 . 092 , 3 - dichloropropene 1 . 83 1 . 33 11 . 91 10 . 95cis - 1 , 3 - dichloropropene 0 . 39 0 . 48 5 . 13 5 . 05trans - 1 , 3 - dichloropropene -- -- 0 . 76 4 . 23heavies -- 1 . 89 0 . 04 0 . 54 % pdc converted 46 . 1 32 . 5total hours operationbefore reactor plugged 88 18______________________________________ table v compares yields that can be obtained by the present improved process with yields obtained by a conventional process . column 1 and 3 in table v gives the yields , based on propylene converted , from a high temperature propylene chlorination reactor operated under similar conditions with the exception of reaction temperature . the relative carbon formation in the run at 450 ° c . ( column 1 ) is considerably lower than that in the 500 ° c . run ( column 3 ), but the allyl chloride yield is several percent less at the lower temperature . column 2 shows yields that would be obtained at 450 ° c ., at which temperature carbon formation is relatively low , when the 1 , 2 - dichloropropane produced in the high temperature chlorination reaction is handled according to the improved process of the present invention , illustrated in examples 1 and 2 above . note that application of the present invention will result in improved allyl chloride yields , and a many - fold reduction of carbon formation . table v______________________________________run no . 15266 - 14 - 5 15266 - 14 - 8______________________________________run conditionsreaction temperature , ° c . 450 500chlorine preheat , ° c . 50 50propylene preheat , ° c . 200 200reaction pressure , psig 35 35contact time , sec . 2 2chlorine feed rate , mole / hr . 11 . 99 11 . 99propylene feed rate , mole / hr . 38 . 01 38 . 01______________________________________yield based on propylene fed col . 1 col . 2 col . 3 % % % ______________________________________2 - chloropropene 2 . 69 3 . 04 2 . 712 - chloropropane 1 . 41 1 . 41 1 . 10cis - 1 - chloropropene 0 . 52 3 . 27 0 . 50trans - 1 - chloropropene 0 . 60 2 . 45 1 . 131 - chloropropane 1 . 07 1 . 07 1 . 07allyl chloride 69 . 64 76 . 80 72 . 942 , 2 - dichloropropane 0 . 27 0 . 27 0 . 09benzene 0 . 01 0 . 01 0 . 121 , 1 - dichloropropane 0 . 10 0 . 10 0 . 083 , 3 - dichloropropene 0 . 90 0 . 90 0 . 811 , 2 - dichloropropane 12 . 11 -- 7 . 892 , 3 - dichloropropene 0 . 96 0 . 96 0 . 91cis - 1 , 3 - dichloropropene 4 . 44 4 . 44 4 . 86trans - 1 , 3 - dichloropropene 3 . 95 3 . 95 4 . 44trichloropropene 0 . 33 0 . 33 0 . 391 , 2 , 3 - trichloropropane 0 . 44 0 . 44 0 . 21unknowns 0 . 56 0 . 56 0 . 75propylene conversion , % 28 . 5 28 . 5 28 . 3relative carbon formation 1 . 4 1 . 4 10 . 9______________________________________ | 2 |
throughout the description and claims generic groups are used , for example alkyl , alkoxy , aryl etc . unless otherwise specified the following are preferred group restrictions that may be applied to generic groups found within compounds disclosed herein . alkyl : linear and branched c1 - c8 - alkyl ; alkenyl : c2 - c8 - alkenyl , cycloalkyl : c3 - c8 - cycloalkyl ; cycloalkenyl : c4 - 12 - cycloalkenyl having a single cyclic ring or multiple condensed rings and at least one point of internal unsaturation which can be optionally substituted with from 1 to 3 c1 - c8 - alkyl groups ; aryl : selected from homoaromatic compounds having a molecular weight under 300 , alkynyl : c2 - c12 - alkynyl ; alkylaryl : c1 - 12 - alkylaryl , wherein the aryl selected from homoaromatic compounds having a molecular weight under 300 ; halogen : selected from the group consisting of : f ; cl ; br and i ; and , alkoxy : c1 - c6 - alkoxy . unless otherwise specified the following are more preferred group restrictions that may be applied to groups found within compounds disclosed herein . alkyl : linear and branched c1 - c6 - alkyl ; alkenyl : c3 - c6 - alkenyl ; cycloalkyl : c6 - c8 - cycloalkyl ; cycloalkenyl : c4 - 8 - cycloalkenyl having a single cyclic ring or multiple condensed rings and at least one point of internal unsaturation which can be optionally substituted with from 1 to 3 c1 - c8 - alkyl groups ; aryl : selected from group consisting of : phenyl ; biphenyl ; naphthalenyl ; anthracenyl ; and phenanthrenyl ; alkynyl : c2 - c8 - alkynyl , alkylaryl : c1 - 6 - alkylaryl , wherein the aryl is selected from selected from group consisting of : phenyl ; biphenyl ; naphthalenyl ; anthracenyl ; and phenanthrenyl ; halogen : selected from the group consisting of : f and cl ; and , alkoxy : c1 - c4 - alkoxy . preferred compounds of the present invention have r = methyl . b3 and b4 are preferably absent , the two related sides of the ring being derived from a ‘ classical ’ amino acid in which the amino group is located on the alpha - carbon . a preferred starting amino acid is 2 - amino iso - butyric acid . ( h 2 n — c ( ch 3 ) 2 — cooh ). in the initial stage of the synthesis , the amino group of the acid is protected . the choice of protecting groups during synthesis to prevent undesirable reactions will be evident to one skilled in the art . for a discussion of protecting groups in organic synthesis the reader is directed to t . w . green and p . g . m . wuts , protective groups in organic synthesis 2nd ed . ; j . wiley and sons , 1991 . phthalic anhydride has been found to be a suitable protecting agent . activation of the carbonyl group following protection can be achieved by several means . one suitable means is reaction with a thionyl halide to yield the acyl halide . reaction with an excess of thionyl chloride is preferred . following activation of the carbonyl , the protected macro - linker is formed by reaction with a diamine . the preferred diamines are phenylenediamines , preferably the o - phenylenediamine . these may be optionally substituted as described in the patents of collins et al ., as mentioned above . it is preferred to use the unsubstituted diamine . the protected amino groups of the macro - linker may be unprotected by any suitable reaction . where phthalic anhydride has been used as the protecting agent the de - protection can conveniently be accomplished through treatment with hydrazine hydrate . ring closure is conveniently obtained through reaction of the macro - linker with a di - carbonyl species , which has been activated . preferably , b1 comprises a single substituted carbon atom . it is preferred that the portion of the heterocycle ring comprising b1 is derived from a malonate or oxalate . b1 most preferably is —( me ) 2 c —. dimethylmalonyl chloride is a suitable reagent . it is preferable that the ring closure reaction is performed slowly and at high dilution to prevent the formation of side products . the following schematic shows a reaction scheme for the synthesis of a compound according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention . the individual reactions are described in more detail below . the amino acid , 2 - aminoisobutyric acid , ‘ a ’, is reacted with a protecting agent to form a derivative with a protected amino group ‘ b ’. the carbonyl group of the protected amino acid is then activated to form species ‘ c ’. reaction of two moles of ‘ c ’ with a mole of o - phenylene diamine yields the derivative ‘ d ’, which is subsequently deprotected at ‘ 1 ’ to give the macro - linker ‘ e ’. one skilled in the art will understand that differing protective groups may be used in the reaction , nevertheless a use of a single type of protecting group is preferred . species ‘ e ’ is reacted with dimethyl malonyl chloride to close the ring structure and produce the final ligand ( not shown ). metallisation of the ligand gives the active catalyst . metallation of the ligand is preferably performed under nitrogen and in a non - aqueous solution such as dry tetrahydrofuran ( thf ). the transition metal is preferably selected from groups vi , vii , viii , ix , x and xi of the periodic table . more preferably the metal is selected from the group consisting of fe , mn , cr , cu , co , ni , mo , v , zn and w . particularly preferably the metal is selected from the group comprising : fe , mn , cu and co . iron is the most preferred metal . suitable counter ions are k , li or na , most preferably lithium . the most preferred compound is that in which the ligand is 5 , 6 - benzo - 3 , 8 , 11 , 13 - tetraoxo - 2 , 2 , 9 , 9 , 12 , 12 - hexamethyl - 1 , 4 , 7 , 10 - tetraazacyclotridecane as shown below as the fe form , the axial ligand ‘ l ’ is water or preferably chloride . the counter - ion ‘ q ’ is preferably lithium . this can also be described as 3 , 4 , 8 , 9 - tetrahydro - 3 , 3 , 6 , 6 , 9 , 9 - hexamethyl - 1h - 1 , 4 , 8 , 11 - benzotetraazocyclotridecane - 2 , 5 , 7 , 10 ( 6h , 11h ) tetrone . the present invention also extends to fully formulated products containing the catalysts disclosed herein . such products will generally contain a detergent active and will typically contain one or more builders together with the typical additive used in detergent compositions . typical levels of the catalyst of the present invention in fully formulated compositions will range from 0 . 00005 to 2 wt .% with 0 . 005 to 1 wt .% being particularly preferred and 0 . 05 to 0 . 5 wt .% being most particularly preferred . typical levels of peroxygen source in fully formulated composition will range from 0 . 05 to 55 wt . % with 1 to 40 wt . % being particularly preferred and 5 to 25 wt . % being most particularly preferred . preferred peroxygen sources include percarbonate and perborate . in order that the invention may be further and better understood it will be described in detail with reference to following non - limiting examples . phthalic anhydride ( 1 kg , 4 . 84 mol ) and 2 - aminoisobutyric hacid ( 500 g , 6 . 75 mol ) were pre - mixed and heated to 190 ° c . with stirring . once molten , the reaction was held at this temperature until no further water was expelled , approximately 4 hours . the reaction mixture was poured into large crystallising dishes and , whilst still hot , neutralised with 10 % aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution ( 12 . 5 l ). the mixture was then filtered to remove any insolubles . the filtrate was acidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid until a thick white precipitate was observed . the precipitate was filtered and washed with water to remove remaining hydrochloric acid from the precipitate . the precipitate was dried under vacuum to yield the title compound as a white powder ( 974 g , 86 %). 1 h nmr ( 500 mhz , d 6 acetone ) 7 . 84 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 83 ( s , 6h ); 13 c nmr ( 125 mhz ) 24 . 87 , 60 . 87 , 123 . 64 , 132 . 73 , 135 . 19 , 168 . 92 , 174 . 26 . thionyl chloride ( 750 ml , 10 . 28 mol ) was added to 2 - methyl - 2 - phthalimidopropanoic acid ( 385 g , 1 . 65 mol ) and the mixture refluxed under nitrogen for 3 hours . excess thionyl chloride was removed under reduced pressure to yield a solid . the solid was washed with diethyl ether ( 2 × 250 ml ) to yield the title compound as a white crystalline solid ( 408 . 2 g , 98 %). 1 h nmr ( 500 mhz , d 6 acetone ) 7 . 92 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 95 ( s , 6h ); 13 c nmr ( 125 mhz ) 24 . 32 , 68 . 41 , 124 . 20 , 132 . 45 , 135 . 78 , 168 . 48 , 175 . 37 . a solution of o - phenylene diamine ( 34 . 4 g , 0 . 32 mol ) and triethylamine ( 75 ml ) in thf ( 1 l ) was added drop - wise to a stirred solution of 2 - methyl - 2 - phthalimidopropanoyl chloride ( 160 g , 0 . 63 mol ) in thf ( 1 . 5 l ) at a temperature of 0 ° c . after addition the reaction was warmed to room temperature and stirred for a further 12 hours and then refluxed for a further 2 hours . the reaction mixture was cooled in ice , filtered and the thf removed under reduced pressure . the resultant white solid was dissolved in dichloromethane ( 1 . 5 l ) and washed with 1 m hydrochloric acid ( 3 × 1 l ) followed by washing with a 5 % sodium bicarbonate solution . the dichloromethane extract was dried ( mgso 4 ), filtered and stripped of solvent under reduced pressure to yield the title compound ( 149 . 72 g , 87 %). 1 h nmr ( 500 mhz , d 6 dmso ) 9 . 41 ( s , 2h ), 7 . 83 ( d , d , 4h , 3 j = 5 . 45 hz , 4 j = 3 . 04 hz ), 7 . 76 ( d , d , 4h , 3 j = 5 . 45 hz , 4 j = 3 . 04 hz ), 7 . 51 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 17 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 73 ( s , 12h ); 13 c nmr ( 125 mhz ) 24 . 70 , 61 . 44 , 123 . 21 , 124 . 60 , 125 . 46 , 130 . 85 , 132 . 00 , 134 . 82 , 168 . 66 , 171 . 99 . a stirred suspension of the protected diamide diamine ( n , n ′- 1 , 2 - phenylenebis [ 2 - methyl - 2 - phthalimidopropanamide ] ( 141 g , 0 . 26 mol ) in ethanol ( 3 l ) was refluxed and treated with hydrazine ( 33 . 7 ml , 0 . 69 mol ). the suspension dissolved after a few minutes and the reaction mixture refluxed for a 15 hours during which a white precipitate was formed . the reaction was cooled to room temperature and the ethanol was removed under reduced pressure to yield a solid . the solid was dissolved in 2 m hydrochloric acid ( 8 . 812 l ) and heated at 80 ° c . for an hour and then cooled to room temperature . the reaction mixture was then filtered and the filtered liquid adjusted to ph 13 with a concentrated sodium hydroxide solution to yield a deep yellow colour solution . the deep yellow colour solution was extracted with dichloromethane ( 3 × 2 l ), and the combined extracts dried ( mgso 4 ). removal of solvent under reduced pressure gave an off white solid which was washed with ether ( 1 l ) to yield the title compound as a white solid ( 69 . 2 g , 95 %). 1 h nmr ( 500 mhz , d 6 dmso ) 7 . 66 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 2 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 75 ( brs ), 1 . 36 ( s , 12h ); 13 c nmr ( 125 mhz ) 29 . 03 , 55 . 27 , 124 . 41 , 125 . 15 , 131 . 32 , 177 . 09 . the following reaction was conducted under nitrogen with vigorous stirring of the reaction mixture . individual solutions of dimethylmalonyl chloride ( 18 . 2 g ) in 1l thf and a mixture of n , n ′- 1 , 2 - phenylenebis [ 2 - methyl - 2 - methylpropanamide ] ( 30g , 0 . 11 mol ) and triethylamine ( 31 ml ) in thf ( 1l ) were added in a controlled manner over 10 hours to thf ( 750 ml ) whilst maintaining the reaction mixture at 0 ° c . during the reaction a precipitate was formed and the reaction mixture warmed to room temperature overnight . the reaction mixture was filtered , the precipitate washed with water ( 4 × 500 ml ) and dried under reduced pressure to yield the title compound ( 40 . 3 g , 100 %) 1 h nmr ( 500 mhz , d 6 dmso ) 8 . 35 ( brs , 2h ), 7 . 74 ( brs , 2h ), 7 . 47 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 16 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 47 ( s , 12h ), 1 . 45 ( s , 6h ); 13 c nmr ( 125 mhz ) 22 . 70 , 25 . 48 , 51 . 05 , 125 . 12 , 125 . 58 , 130 . 54 , 172 . 45 , 173 . 23 . a stirred suspension of 3 , 4 , 8 , 9 - tetrahydro - 3 , 3 , 6 , 6 , 9 , 9 - hexamethyl - 1h - 1 , 4 , 8 , 11 - benzotetraazocyclotridecane - 2 , 5 , 7 , 10 ( 6h , 11h ) tetrone ( 5 g ) in thf ( 1 l ) under a nitrogen atmosphere was heated to 40 ° c . the heated suspension was then treated with 31 ml butyl lithium causing the suspension to dissolve ; 30 minutes after the treatment iron ( ii ) chloride was added . after 36 hours the reaction mixture was cooled and filtered to provide a solid . the solid was dissolved in water ( 1 l ) yielding a solution of ph 12 which was stirred and treated with a lithium hydroxide solution ( 1 . 5 ml ) followed by addition of concentrated hydrochloric acid until the ph of the solution was 5 ( colour change from brown to red / orange ). the ph of the solution was then adjusted to ph 7 by addition of a lithium hydroxide solution and the solvent removed under reduced pressure to yield a sticky orange solid . the sticky orange solid was washed with methanol to provide a powder the powder was purified by dissolution in ethanol and elution through a florisil ™ column with acetonitrile to yield the title compound . in the following wash examples 7 to 9 a ‘ base ’ colour washing powder with approximately the following composition was used ( all percentages by weight ). this ‘ base ’ differs slightly from commercial powders in that it does not contain colour care components . otherwise , the composition is very similar to that of products available at present in the marketplace . minors included an antifoam agent , a soil release polymer , protease , lipolase , amylase and perfume . colour of test samples are expressed in terms of δe . for further detail of this measurement the reader is directed to “ measuring colour ” by r . w . g . hunt , series in applied science and industrial technology , ellis horwood , ( 1976 ) and in particular page 76 in which the cielab colour difference equation is given . the following experiments were performed in what is known as “ over the side experiments ”; the components as detailed were added separately via the draw of the washing machine to the wash . the base colour washing powder ( 105 g ) was placed in the drawer of a miele novotronic ( rtm ) european - type horizontal - axis washing machine and the machine used to wash a 2 . 566 kg wash load . the load comprised 1250 g non - mercerised white cotton sheeting , 1250 g 50 : 50 white polycotton sheeting , and 5 × 900 cm 2 green cloth , ‘ direct green 26 ’ at 5 %, unfixed , weighing 66 g . the wash was conducted using the machines 40 ° c . program and 26 ° french hard water . after the wash the cloths were tumble dried and examined . visual examination revealed that both the white cotton and poly - cotton sheeting had both become green due to pick up of dye lost from the direct green cloth . measurement of the cielab δe value of the cotton cloth compared to the original white gave a value of 10 . 5 . the experiment was repeated with fresh cloth but in the presence of 0 . 035 g of the catalyst prepared in example 6 and 3 . 63 g of a 35 % solution of h 2 o 2 was added . the cielab δe value of the cotton cloth compared to the original white was 2 . 4 . visual examination showed that the amount of green dye transferred to the white cloths had been significantly reduced . the protocol of example 7 was followed except the wash load consisted of 2 . 566 kg of a soiled load ( dirty tea towels , pillow cases and towels , all 100 % white cotton ; 10 400 cm 2 clean white cotton monitor cloths ; 5 900 cm 2 green cloth , dyed with direct green 26 at 5 %, unfixed . after the washing and drying the white cotton cloths showed transference of the green dye on visual inspection . the cielab δe value of the cotton monitor cloth compared to the original white was 7 . 4 the experiment was repeated with fresh cloth but with the levels of catalyst prepared in example 6 and levels of an aqueous 35 % solution of h 2 o 2 added as shown in table 1 below . the average cielab δe value of the cotton monitor cloths at the various levels of catalyst and peroxide are given in table 1 below . it can be seen that catalyst has reduced dye transfer when present . the protocol of example 7 was repeated , except the load consisted of 1 . 5 kg of white terry towelling , 600 g cotton sheeting , 400 g of 1 % unfixed direct black 22 cotton cloth . when washed without the catalyst being present the white cloth became visibly grey , and the cielab δe value of the cotton sheeting was 14 . 4 compared to the original . when the catalyst was added at levels of 0 . 0035 g with 0 . 36 g of a 35 % solution of h 2 o 2 , the cielab δe value of the cotton sheeting was 6 . 5 compared to the original . it can again be seen that dye transfer had been considerably reduced in the presence of the catalyst . | 2 |
the machine of the invention illustrated in fig1 and 2 comprises essentially a base 1 that supports a hollow vertical column 2 about which there are mounted two collars 3 and 4 . the base of column 2 is fixed in any suitable way , for example by bolting to the central part of base 1 which in plan has a generally circular profile . the periphery of base 1 receives workpiece carrier devices 5 , in the number of six in the present example . each device 5 comprises a frame 6 on the periphery of which there is fixed an electric motor 7 whose shaft 8 is in engagement with a bevel gear 9 . output shaft 10 of the latter element , vertically oriented , bears a circular plate , or bearing , 11 turning on turning plate , or bearing , 12 . shafts 8 and 10 are guided by two sets of roller bearings 13 and 14 . on turning plate 12 there is fixed , for example , a magnetic plate 15 that immobilizes a piece to be trued , 16 , in the form of an annulus like the outer or inner ring of a ball or roller bearing . the two collars 3 and 4 are mounted in rotation with reference to column 2 by suitable roller devices , but preferably by means of hydrostatic bearings 17 which are well known in the art and which it is therefore unnecessary to describe . collar 4 rests on collar 3 by means of hydrostatic bearings 18 . the periphery of each collar 3 , 4 is arranged with lands 3a , 4a on each of which there is fixed a grinder - carrier carriage 19 which is pivotable about a horizontal axis . each carriage is associated with a turning vertical spindle 20 whose lower end is rigidly connected with a grinder 21 , while its upper end is connected to the shaft of an electric motor 22 . it is to be observed that the spindle of each carriage 19 , rigidly connected with collar 4 , is longer than that borne by each of the carriages associated with the lower collar 3 so that all the grinders are in the same horizontal plane . preferably it is arranged so that the geometric axes of the spindles in vertical position are disposed on a circumference that passes through the centers of workpiece carriers 5 . it is also to be observed that lands 3a , 4a are shifted with reference to each other so that each of the workpiece carrier devices 5 is placed between two grinders 21 respectively associated with collars 3 and 4 . lower collar 3 rests , by means of hydrostatic bearings 23 , on the six branches 24a of a disk 24 whose center is made to constitute a piston 24b which is displaceable in a cylinder 25 that is rigidly connected to base 1 . each branch 24a passes through an opening 2a in the wall of hollow column 2 , disk 24 being disposed inside the said column . each collar 3 , 4 is provided with a peripheral protuberance 3b , 4b , to which is fixed a sector of hollow wheel 26 , 27 ( fig3 ) which engages with an endless screw respectively 28 or 29 whose ends are borne by bearings that are rigidly connected to a vertical sleeve 30 that can slide along vertical shaft 31 fixed on an extension of base 1 . this sleeve is keyed on the shaft so that it is angularly fixed . each of screws 28 , 29 is driven in rotation by a motor such as 32 ( fig1 ), which motor may be either electric or hydraulic . sleeve 30 rests by means of a wheel 33 on an arm 34 that is rigidly connected to lower collar 3 ( fig3 ). known devices r are disposed on base 1 for regrinding of the grinders . a linear inductosyn 35 is associated with shaft 31 , and a movable slide 36 is correspondingly fixed on sleeve 30 so that it is possible to control the vertical displacements of the said sleeve . for angular displacement control of the respective collars 3 , 4 there is placed on each of them an angular inductosyn 37 , 38 , while the sensors 39 , 40 are respectively fixed on the sleeve opposite the above mentioned inductosyn devices . each magnetic plate 15 , driven in rotation by motor 7 , immobilizes a piece 16 whose bore and periphery are to be trued . by acting on the appropriate valve there is caused displacement of piston 24b so that the grinders are in a horizontal plane situated right above the upper face of pieces 16 . collars 3 and 4 are then caused to turn in such a way that the grinders respectively associated therewith are placed perpendicularly to the outer and inner vertical faces of each workpiece 16 . by means of an assembly of suitable valves , there can easily be caused an alternating movement of piston 24b vertically in cylinder 25 , so that the disk 24 and its branches 24a are given an identical movement that is transmitted to lower collar 3 and to collar 4 . the grinders thus have a reciprocating movement whose course is controlled as a function of the height of pieces 16 . each motor 22 is thus supplied so that the grinders 21 are put into rotation . because of motors 32 it is possible to act on endless screws 28 , 29 to cause rotation of collars 3 and 4 . it is arranged so that the screws 28 , 29 are actuated in opposite directions so that the two collars move in the same way as the screws 28 , 29 , with the two grinders 21 machining the piece moving in a direction away from each other . thus each piece is subject to practically no stresses that would withdraw it from the retaining effect of magnetic plate 15 . it is readily appreciated that the movement of the respective collars corresponds to the advance of the corresponding grinder with reference to the workpiece . six workpieces 16 , simultaneously put into rotation by the six motors 7 , are fixed on the six magnetic plates 15 . a carriage 19 and a carriage 20 correspond to each one of the six pieces 16 , with the six carriages 19 being fixed on the collar 4 and the six carriages 20 being fixed on the collar 3 . each collar 3 , 4 is independent of the other , with each workpiece 16 being ground simultaneously by two grinders 21 . in the case where , for example , the inner diameter and outer diameter of a ring are being ground to a predetermined size , it is possible to bring the grinder 21 which acts on the inner diameter near to the grinder 21 which acts on the outer diameter by means of actuation of motors 31 which cause collars 3 and 4 to rotate in opposite directions . thus , workpieces 16 will be maintained between the two grinders 21 and the radial forces of the grinders 21 will be opposed . this specific movement of these various elements eliminates the possibility that the workpiece 16 will slide relative to the magnetic plate 15 on which it is mounted , a problem encountered with conventional grinding apparatus of the kind having a horizontal crosspiece with which it is impossible to bring the carriages sufficiently near to one another . the latter is both due to the cumbersome construction of the conventional grinding apparatus , and because the conventional grinding apparatus has carriages which are both mounted on the same sliding bars . of course , substantial lubrication is provided to promote the work of the grinders . it will be observed that the two collars 3 and 4 could be independent of one another and move individually along the column . for this it would suffice to provide a second disk 41 ( fig4 ) associated with a jack 42 fixed to the upper part of the said column by means of a crosspiece 43 . arms 41a of disk 41 then pass through the wall of column 2 in openings 2 &# 39 ; a so as to support collar 4 by means of hydrostatic bearings 18 . a second vertical shaft 44 is provided , about which there is engaged another sleeve 45 bearing on an arm 46 that is rigidly connected with upper collar 4 , the said second sleeve constituting a bearing for screw 29 . it is obvious that all motors provided on the truing device are variable speed type motors . thus there is developed a vertical truing device with multiple stations which allows considerable advances and cutting speeds without risk of any deformation of the grinder - carrier carriages , the said supports being constituted by collars 3 and 4 which cannot bend . moreover , these carriages are directly fixed to the corresponding collar so that the overhang of their spindle is considerably reduced , with respect to that of conventional truing apparatus . thus any desired precision in machining can be attained , as required for pieces with very tight tolerances . moreover , because of the special arrangement of the organs of the truing apparatus of the invention , the number of control apparatus is considerably reduced with reference to those necessary with conventional machines for an identical number of spindles and workpiece holders . it is further to be understood that the description above was only given as example and that it in no way limits the scope of the invention , which scope would not be exceeded by replacement of details of described embodiments by any other equivalents . especially , and as is self evident the truing device of the invention could be used with a single workpiece holder device and / or for work other than cylindrical truing since the spindles can be disposed in any position in a single vertical plane . | 1 |
referring now to the drawings , in fig1 there is illustrated a clamp assembly generally designated by the reference character 10 and constructed in accordance with the present invention . among its primary components , the clamp assembly 10 includes a shell 12 , a body member 14 cooperating with the shell 12 for gripping a cable or drop wire 16 with the shell 12 extending in an axial direction from one end of the body member 14 , and a bail 18 attached to the body member 14 for suspending the cable 16 from a support 20 . the shell 12 and body member 14 can be generally of a wedge - shape but the present invention is not limited to such because many types of shapes can be used to grip and secure the cable 16 to the clamp assembly 10 . the present invention is directed to improved engagement devices and methods for the connection between the body member 14 and the bail 18 . as illustrated in fig2 - 5 , the shell 12 is generally u - shaped in cross section so as cradle the cable 16 therein . the shell 12 is provided with flanges 22 and rails 24 at the ends of the flanges 22 to slideably engage edges 26 of the body member 14 . the shell 12 can have a plurality of serrations or teeth 28 for positively gripping the cable 16 . the wedge - shaped body member 14 cooperating with the shell 12 can provide increased gripping and holding force under tension , and under certain applications the serrations 28 can be eliminated so as to reduce damage , for example , to an insulated drop wire . the shell 12 can have a lip 30 at each end to reduce further damage to the cable 16 when suspended and under tension as illustrated in fig1 . the body member 14 is provided with a neck portion 34 and a tail 36 for engaging the bail 18 . the body member 14 is provided with a concave gripping portion 32 ( fig5 ) which assists in maintaining the cable 16 in a centered position and provides a greater gripping area . the shell 12 and body member 14 can have different constructions as desired for a particular application such as for various strength requirements and environmental conditions . for example , the shell 12 and body member 14 can be formed by a stamping process and made of sheet metal such as from aluminum for normal strength requirements and for use in highly corrosive environmental conditions , or made from stainless steel for use under high strength conditions . in use , the shell 12 and body member 14 are initially in a longitudinally offset position , on opposite sides of the cable 16 . the cable 16 is held to the body member 14 in the concave gripping portion 32 while the shell 12 is slideably engaged and passed over the neck portion 34 into a gripping relationship with the cable 16 . the tension of the suspended cable 16 tends to pull the shell 12 in one direction , and the tension of the bail 18 attached to the tail 36 tends to draw the body member 14 in the opposite direction , thereby causing the cable 16 to be tightly gripped . referring now to fig2 - 4 , and 8 , the preformed loop of the bail 18 is generally u - shaped with first and second legs 38 and 40 , respectively , that are attached to the tail 36 . the first leg 38 is shorter in the axial direction than the second leg 40 , and is provided with a bent portion forming a foot segment 42 and with a knob 44 at the end thereof . the second leg 40 has another foot segment 46 and head 48 at the end , having additionally a reduced portion 50 of reduced thickness formed between the bend of the foot segment 46 and the head 48 . the reduced portion 50 can be of a lesser diameter or can be a flattened shape formed by the process described below . the foot segments 42 and 46 extend in opposite directions and generally transverse to the axial direction of the bail 18 and tail 36 . because the first leg 38 is shorter than the second leg 40 , a predetermined offset 72 ( fig8 ) is present between the ends . other bail configurations in various bail o diameters may be used for various types of supports 20 such as hooks , eyes , etc . furthermore , the radius of the loop of the bail 18 can conform to the surface shape of the support 20 such as a ceramic insulator or any other support 20 to which the bail attached . typically , the bail 18 can have a hard wire metal construction such as , for example , aluminum as desired for strength or environmental requirements of a particular application . as illustrated in fig4 and 6 , the tail 36 is formed at the end of the body member 14 opposite the end having the cable 16 extending therefrom . the tail 36 is in the form of a fold of the web portion of the body member 14 with two openings formed therein . the first opening is an aperture 54 for attaching the foot segment 42 of the first leg 38 to the tail 36 . the aperture 54 is generally of a keyhole shape with a relatively larger portion 56 and a relatively smaller portion 58 . the aperture 54 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the knob 44 and foot segment 42 as viewed in a direction transverse to the axis of the foot segment 42 so that the knob 44 can be inserted and received in the aperture 54 only when the first leg 38 is oriented generally in the transverse direction ( fig9 a and 9b ). the aperture 54 can be made in a t - shape with the larger portion 56 placed orthoganal to the smaller portion 58 . in addition , the relatively larger portion 56 is oriented closer to the end of the body member 14 having the cable 16 extending therefrom . however , this orientation can be rearranged in order to accomplish the equivalent function of attaching the first leg 38 to the aperture 54 . as shown in fig6 the second opening includes another aperture 62 in the form of an entry portion 64 connected to a lock portion 66 by a slot or connecting portion 68 . the entry portion 64 is larger than the lock portion 66 and is large enough to receive the head 48 . the lock portion 66 is smaller than the head 48 yet large enough to retain the foot segment 46 . the connecting portion 68 is narrower than the lock portion 66 and is sized to receive the reduced portion 50 . a worker installing a cable 16 to the clamp assembly 10 can compress the bail 18 to insert the head 48 into the entry portion 64 and locate the reduced portion 50 of the foot segment 46 at the connecting portion 68 . the reduced portion 50 can now be passed along the connecting portion 68 to locate the head 48 at the lock portion 66 . when the bail springs back , the foot segment 46 and head 48 are locked in the aperture 62 . in operation , as shown in fig6 and 8 , the smaller portion 58 of aperture 54 provides a sliding attachment for the attached foot segment 42 and knob 44 . in conjunction with a spaced relationship 74 between the entry portion 64 and the lock portion 66 , the offset 72 can slideably reposition the head 48 of the second leg 40 along the axis of body member 14 . for example , the attached foot segment 42 can be freely repositioned from an aft end 86 to a fore end 88 of the smaller portion 58 . likewise , the head 48 at the end of foot segment 46 can be repositioned over the aperture 62 because of the offset 72 . by sliding bail 18 axially along the smaller portion 58 , the head 48 is moved or adjusted to the entry portion 64 from the lock portion 66 with less compression and deformation of the bail 18 . the offset 72 between the knob 44 and head 48 can be made so that the head 48 will substantially overlie the entry portion 64 with the knob 44 located at the fore end 88 by mostly sliding action and less compression action . because deformation of the bail 18 is minimized , the knob 44 and head 48 are retained flush to the tail 36 with the bail 18 retaining the shape formed at manufacture . reducing the deformation of the bail 18 increases the likelihood that the connection between the bail 18 and body member 14 is completed properly thus reducing failures of the clamp assembly 10 such as by stripping the connecting portion 68 to render the clamp assembly 10 inoperable . referring now to fig8 the knob 44 and head 48 at the end of the foot segments 42 and 46 are a rounded shape when axially viewed , and when viewed in the transverse direction , each has flat surface forming a base 52 and top 78 to provide a flush relationship between the base 52 and the tail 36 . the knob 44 and the head 48 can be formed of the same shape or of different shapes as desired for a particular application . as discussed above , the foot segment 42 and knob 44 produce a shape corresponding to the shape of aperture 54 . it is contemplated that the knob 44 can be formed of different shapes such as but not limited to a rounded or crown top with the base 52 . thus , many shapes for the foot segment 42 and knob 44 corresponding to the combined shape or profile of the larger and smaller portions 56 and 58 of the aperture 54 will work using this feature . while many possible shapes are contemplated , the ultimate shape is chosen to perform under the stresses exerted at the larger and smaller portions 54 and 56 while the clamp assembly 10 is under tension . as illustrated in fig9 a , 9b , 9c , 9d and 9e , the process of assembling embodiment of the invention seen in fig1 - 6 and 8 is described . the aperture 54 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the knob 44 and foot segment 42 as viewed in the transverse direction . the knob 44 can be inserted and received in the aperture 54 only when the first leg 38 is oriented generally in the transverse direction as shown in fig9 a . once the foot segment 42 and knob 44 are inserted into the aperture 54 , as shown in fig9 b , the bail 18 is axially rotated 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the first leg 38 , and then 90 degrees in the lateral plane of the clamp assembly 10 to attach the knob 44 in the aperture 54 , as shown in fig9 c . as discussed above , the sliding engagement feature can be used to locate the head 48 at the entry portion 64 to facilitate insertion therein . the bail 18 can be resiliently compressed to insert the head 48 into the entry portion 64 of the aperture 62 as shown in fig9 d . the compression of the bail 18 locates the reduced portion 50 of the foot segment 46 at the connecting portion 68 where the reduced portion 50 can be passed along connecting portion 68 to locate the head 48 at the lock portion 66 . the diameter of the foot segment 46 between the reduced portion 50 and the head 48 is smaller than the lock portion 66 and larger than the dimension of the connecting portion 68 providing a locking mechanism 70 that retains the base 52 and head 48 at the lock portion 66 when the bail 18 is released , as is shown in fig9 e . the locking mechanism 70 allows for one - handed locking operation by the worker performing suspension work at heights above the ground and reduces unwanted disengagements such as caused by an impact directed against the bail 18 . also , the locking mechanism 70 substantially reduces inadvertent widening of the slot 68 which can cause failure of the bail - to - body member connection . as illustrated in fig7 a and 7b , an additional embodiment for attaching the first leg 38 to the tail 36 is described . the aperture 54a can be made in a keyhole shape with a larger portion 56a and a smaller portion 58a . the larger portion 56a has a larger diameter than the diameter of the smaller portion 58a . the aperture 62 is described above . the foot segment 42 and knob 44 are assembled to the aperture 54a , being inserted into the larger portion 56a and located at the small portion 58a . then , the material of the aperture 54a is deformed forming a deformed region 76 which closes the aperture 54a over the foot segment 42 of the first leg 38 . the deformed region 76 can be made by using a known process such as by staking which involves striking and deforming the upper tail surface 80 of the tail 36 or by striking points 82 and 84 to pinch closed the smaller portion 58a . referring now to fig3 a and 7b , a method of making the clamp assembly 10 using a process that forms the deformed region 76 and the reduced portion 50 simultaneously is described . the foot segment 42 and knob 44 are assembled to the aperture 54a , being inserted into the larger portion 56a and located at the smaller portion 58a . the bail 18 can be positioned and held in an end - to - end orientation relative with the body member 14 . both the reduced portion 50 ( fig8 ) of the foot segment 46 and the deformed region 76 ( fig7 b ) are deformed simultaneously by one stroke of a staking tool . the deformed region 76 serves to close the aperture 54a over the foot segment 42 of the first leg 38 located therein . here , the reduced portion 50 is a flattened diameter of the bail 18 being a dimension that is less than the dimension of the connecting portion 68 to permit the reduced portion of the foot segment to pass along the connecting portion 68 to locate the head 48 at the lock portion 66 . many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings . thus , it is to be understood that , within the scope of the appended claims , the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described above . | 5 |
in the previous explanation of the sample servo - control system , a source of the track error signal from the reference layer is configured by the pit . however , a similar track error signal can be acquired even by marks whose reflectance or refractive index differ from that of surrounding of them . therefore , in the present specification , these including the pit are simply referred to as marks . however , in the following , an explanation will be given such that the pit is used as the mark similar to the previous explanation . fig1 shows an explanatory diagram of an example embodying the present invention . a diagram at an upper stage of fig1 is a diagram for explaining a structure of a reference layer , and a diagram at a lower stage of fig1 is a diagram for explaining a behavior of a primitive track error signal provided from the structure . here , the abscissa designates a radius direction of a disc . at the upper stage of fig1 , a guide optical spot 34 is configured to move from a lower side to an upper side . in this example , a spoke is configured by an initial code 28 configured by a groove extended and pit rows in the radius direction . the pit row is featured that region - 1 and region - 2 are doubly aligned as shown in fig1 . region - 1 is a region contiguous to the initial code , and region - 2 appears successive to region - 1 . region - 1 and region - 2 are virtual conception introduced for facilitating the explanation and is not necessarily recognized as a clear structure . region - 1 is formed with pit 1 a 29 a and a pit 1 b 29 b at a surface of a substrate . although sizes and depths of pit 1 a and pit 1 b are the same , these are shifted from each other relative to a track center line 31 at equal distances . also , pit 1 a is arranged to necessarily appear prior to pit 1 b . a set of the pits are arranged in the radius direction at a track pitch . therefore , as is explained in the section of summary of the invention previously , a track error signal detected by using pit 1 a and pit 1 b of region - 1 is configured by a sine wave shape as in a track error signal 1 32 shown at a lower stage of fig1 . at region - 2 , pit 2 a 30 a and pit 2 b 30 b are formed at the surface of the substrate . although sizes and depths of these are the same as those of pit 1 a and pit 1 b , a method of aligning the same differs . that is , pit 2 a and pit 2 b are arranged by shifting an alignment of pit 1 a and pit 1 b in the radius direction by ½ of the track pitch . therefore , the track error signal detected by a method similar to that of the case of region - 1 by using pit 2 a and pit 2 b of region - 2 becomes a track error signal 2 33 which is shifted from the track error signal 1 by the track pitch , that is , a ½ period . that is , in a region in which a gradient of the track error signal 1 is negative , a gradient of a track error signal 2 is positive . therefore , in the region , a track control can be carried out when the track error signal 2 is used . in the example shown in fig1 , there remains a problem that a control accuracy is lowered since the gradient of the track error signal is reduced in a case where the magnitude of the offset is extremely near to p / 4 . fig6 shows an arrangement of pits resolving the problem based on the present invention . the example is featured in using 3 sets of pits respectively arranged in 3 regions . region - 0 contiguous to the initial code 28 is formed with pit 0 a 35 a and pit 0 b 35 b on the surface of the substrate . although sizes and depths of pit 0 a and pit 0 b are the same , these are shifted from each other relative to the track center line 31 of each track by 3p / 4 . pit 0 a is arranged to necessarily appear prior to pit 0 b . the set of pits are arranged in the radius direction at a period three times as much as the track pitch . therefore , as is explained in the section of summary of the invention previously , the track error signal detected by using pit 0 a and pit 0 b of region - 0 is configured by a sine wave shape as in the track error signal 0 36 shown at the lower stage of fig6 . a way of aligning pit 1 a and pit 1 b in region - 1 is similar to that of the case of region - 0 except that a track centering on an arrangement at a distance from the initial code is a track on the right side of a track of region - 0 . therefore , it can easily be understood that a track error signal detected by using pit 1 a and pit 1 b of region - 1 is configured by a sine wave shape as in the track error signal 1 32 shown at the lower stage of fig6 . also , it can easily be understood that a track error signal detected by using pit 2 a and pit 2 b of region - 2 is configured by a sine wave shape as in the track error signal 1 33 shown at the lower stage of fig6 . as shown in fig6 , ranges in the radius direction , in which gradients of the track signals 0 through 2 are positive , overlap each other by 3p / 4 by arranging the pits as described above . therefore , it is understood that the problem described above is resolved by selecting any of the track error signals in accordance with an amount of the offset . in the above - described example , all of intervals in the radius direction of the pits in the respective regions are equal to each other , and therefore , the track error signals provided from pits of the respective regions are configured by the sine wave shape . however , in a case in which , for example , in the example of fig6 , distances of pit 0 a and pit 0 b from the track center are slightly increased or reduced relative to ( ¾ ) p , it can be understood that there is no hindrance for selecting any of the track error signals in accordance with an amount of the offset by changing the shape of the track error signal slightly from the sine wave . in a case where a number of regions is made to be n ( however , equal to or more than 3 ), a period of arranging pit pairs in the radius direction at each region is np . next , an explanation for track error signal detection will be given in reference to fig7 and fig8 . fig7 shows elements and configurations which are necessary for generating a track error signal . however , for simplicity , only portions thereof related to generation of a guide beam and a track error signal are extracted and shown . a laser beam which is irradiated from a red color laser diode 19 which is a light source of a guide beam is converted into a parallel ray by a collimator lens 4 , thereafter , passes through a polarizing beam splitter 5 and a quarter wavelength plate 6 , thereafter , is focused onto a reference layer of an optical disc 1 by an objective lens 3 . when the laser beam is reflected by the reference layer , a reflected beam intensity is modulated by an influence of a pit that is formed on a surface of the reference layer . when the guide beam reflected by the reference layer returns to the polarizing beam splitter 5 through an original path , the guide beam is reflected by the polarizing beam splitter 5 , converged onto a photodiode 9 by a convergence lens 8 and is converted into a current signal . the current signal is converted into a voltage signal by a current to voltage converting amplifier 11 . an output of the current to voltage converting amplifier 11 is inputted to an initial code detector 12 . when the initial code detector 12 detects a specific signal pattern in correspondence with the initial code which is previously designated by analyzing a pattern of an input signal , the initial code detector 12 outputs a start pulse to a timer 13 . the timer 13 generates a gate signal in accordance with a time period elapsed from the start pulse ( a time point at which a pit is to appear ), and outputs the gate signal to a peak detector 14 . the peak detector 14 detects a peak value of an output of the current to voltage converting amplifier 11 which is supplied during a time period in which the gate is opened , and outputs the peak value to a calculator 15 . the calculator 15 also receives the start pulse . when the calculator 15 receives the start pulse , the calculator 15 calculates and outputs the track error signal by using a value inputted from the peak detector 14 from the time point . a value of the track error signal is held during a time period until calculating a successive value . fig8 schematically shows behaviors of signals related to the procedure described above . an uppermost stage thereof shows a pit aligning diagram . a diagram immediately therebelow corresponds to a change in a reflected light intensity of a guide beam spot which is observed when the guide beam spot 34 tracks a guide beam spot track 39 , that is , an output of the current to voltage converting amplifier 11 . as has been explained above , the guide beam spot 34 first passes through the initial code . in fig1 , the initial code is simplified to be drawn for simplicity . actually , as shown in fig8 , the initial code is configured by an identification code 37 for identifying the initial code and a terminator mark 38 indicating a position of finishing the identification code . when the initial code detector 12 detects a specific signal pattern in correspondence with the initial code , the initial code detector 12 outputs the start pulse in accordance with appearance of the terminator mark 38 . a behavior thereof is shown in a diagram second from a lower side . a lowermost stage diagram shows a gate signal generated by the timer 13 . the peak detector 14 detects the peak value of the output of the current to voltage converting amplifier 11 which is supplied during a time period in which the gate is opened , and outputs the peak value to the calculator 15 . next , an explanation will be given of a procedure when recording is carried out successively to the recording layer at a midway of recording in reference to fig9 and fig1 based on the present invention . fig9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an optical disc device based on the present invention . however , fig9 is for explaining a procedure of calibrating a focal point position of a main beam before successive recording , and therefore , configurations and elements which are not necessary for the explanation are substantially omitted . one of features of the example resides in that it can be selected whether the guide beam is used or the main beam is used for detecting an error signal which is used for a feedback control of focusing and tracking . a light source of the main beam is a blue color laser diode 2 , a blue color laser beam emitted therefrom is converted into a parallel ray by a collimator lens 4 a , passes through a polarizing beam splitter 5 a , and is changed into a circularly polarized beam by a quarter beam plate 6 a . the blue color laser beam transmits through a dichroic prism 16 , thereafter , is focused onto a recording region of the optical disc 1 by the objective lens 3 . here , when a focal point of the main beam is present at a recorded recording layer , a portion of the main bean is reflected by a record mark and returns to the polarizing beam splitter 5 a . during the time period , the portion of the main beam passes through the quarter wavelength plate 6 a again , and therefore , a direction of polarized light differ from that of a forward path by 90 °, and therefore , the portion of the main beam is reflected by the polarizing beam splitter 5 a , and is converged onto a quadrant photodiode 17 a by an asymmetric convergence lens 8 a . the asymmetric convergence lens 8 a obtains a focus error signal by an astigmatism system in combination with the quadrant photodiode by intentionally generating an astigmatism . an asymmetric convergence lens can realize an equivalent function even in combination with a spherical lens and a circular column lens . it is well known for the skilled person that also a track error signal can be obtained from an output of the quadrant photodiode simultaneously . a light source of a guide beam is a red color laser diode 19 , a red color laser beam emitted therefrom is converted into a parallel ray by a collimator lens 4 b , transmits through a polarizing beam splitter 5 b , and is changed into circularly polarized light by a quarter wavelength plate 6 b . the red color laser beam is reflected by the dichroic prism 16 , thereafter , focused on a reference face of the optical disc 1 by the objective lens 3 . a portion of the guide beam is reflected by the reference face , and returns to the polarized beam splitter 5 b . during the time period , the portion of the guide beam passes through the quarter wavelength plate 6 b again , and therefore , a direction of polarized light differs from that of a forward path by 90 °, and therefore , the portion of the guide beam is reflected by the polarizing beam splitter 5 b , and converged onto a quadrant photodiode 17 b by an asymmetric convergence lens 8 b . the asymmetric convergence lens 8 b obtains a focus error signal by an astigmatism system in combination with the quadrant photodiode 17 b by intentionally generating an astigmatism . it is apparent that a track error signal is obtained from a pit on the reference layer by the method described above . that is , a track error signal calculator 61 in fig9 corresponds to a calculating portion of fig7 . incidentally , it is not decided at which region of a pit is used for calculating the track error signal at the time point . the obtained track error signal is transmitted to a track error signal recording selecting portion 62 , where it is decided at which region of a pit is used to calculate the track error signal . a description will be given of the method as follows . a selector 18 selects either of error signals which are detected by using the main beam and the guide beam as necessary , and transmits the selected error signal to a track controller 40 . the track controller 40 carries out a feedback control of focusing and tracking of the lens by driving an actuator 41 by using the inputted error signal . in successive recording or postscript , as shown in fig1 , first , a seek to the track including a point at which postscript is carried out or to an extreme vicinity thereof is carried out . at that occasion , the selector 18 is switched to a main beam side , and a track control is carried out for a recorded track by using the main beam ( s 01 ). next , in the state , a track control drive signal of the actuator and track error signals provided from the reference layer ( all track signals ; three types in the example of fig6 ) are transmitted to the track error signal selector 62 to record these signals ( s 02 ). the recorded track error signal is compared with the track control drive signal of the actuator , and the track error signal showing a change over time which is highly correlated with the track control drive signal of the actuator is selected . at this occasion , it is permitted to leave plural candidates ( s 03 ). the track error signal having a small average of an absolute value of an amplitude is selected from the track error signals which are selected by a procedure immediately therebefore ( s 04 ). next , a value at the postscript start position of the track error signal which is finally selected to determine is selected as an offset ( s 05 ). an input to a track controller is switched to the track error signal obtained from the reference layer , at that occasion , a value provided at step s 04 as the offset is used , and is started to be recorded to the recording layer ( s 06 ). a change in tilt which is produced by disc deformation due to temperature change does not necessarily occur uniformly in a periphery of a disc . as a method of dealing with the problem , there is a method of changing the offset depending on the location of the disc . for that purpose , it is necessary to define an absolute coordinate of an angle of a spoke , and evaluate an amount of an offset which is to be used for generating a track error signal for each spoke to form a table . for that purpose , as shown in a table on a lower stage of fig1 , it is necessary to allocate an angular coordinate for each spoke , and arrange an angular code 73 which records an identification code thereof before the initial code . in successive recording , as described above , first , a seek to the track including a point at which recording is carried out or to an extreme vicinity thereof is carried out . at that occasion , the track control is carried out for the recorded track by using the main beam by switching the selector 18 to a side of the main beam . next , the track error signals ( 3 kinds in the example of fig6 ) from all the regions provided from the reference layer is transmitted to the track error signal memory and selector 62 under the state , and the track error signals are recorded . fig1 illustrates an example of a locus 42 of the guide beam under the above - described condition by enlarging a portion of fig6 . an upper side diagram of fig1 shows an extremely small portion of an orbital movement of a disc . therefore , when the position of locus of the guide beam is shown in a lower graph , the position is expressed only as one point . however , although in conceiving a situation when the disc is orbitally moved , an influence of an eccentricity of a disc is resolved by tracking the recorded track , the recorded track has a small strain or a small eccentricity between the recorded track and the reference layer . therefore , the guide beam proceeds while being varied slightly in the radius direction . the innermost side radius which the guide beam reaches by the variation is designated by notation a , and the outermost side is designated by notation b . a squared sum of an amount of orbital movement is calculated from the recorded track error signal , and the track error signal having the least squared sum is selected . this is a selection of a region where a track error signal amplitude is small on an average , that is , an area which is pertinent for detecting the track error signal . however , in a case where the difference is small , it is permitted to leave plural candidates . a difference between the track error signal 1 32 and the track error signal 2 33 is small whereas it is self - evident to remove the track error signal 0 36 in the example of fig1 . therefore , at this stage , track error signals 1 and 2 are left as candidates . successively , a pertinent amount of displacement is applied to tracking of the main beam . in accordance therewith , also the guide beam is displaced in the radius direction over the reference layer . gradients of respective curves in a case where the radius is made to be a variable are determined by investigating changes in the track error signal 1 and the track error signal 2 at that occasion . in a current case , a sign of a gradient of an error signal used for tracking is determined to be positive . therefore , in the example of fig1 , the track error signal 1 32 is selected . when fig1 illustrates a spoke which is present at a vicinity of the postscript start point , the guide beam locus 42 becomes an offset 43 from a zero - cross point of the track error signal . when the postscript is started , the track control is carried out by switching the selector 18 to the guide beam side , and configuring a target value by a postscript offset 44 shown in fig1 . the postscript offset 44 is a track error signal amplitude which is generated when the postscript offset 43 is brought about . therefore , thereby a radius position of the main beam can be determined in a state of generating the necessary offset 43 ( radius indicated by a two - dotted chain line in fig1 ) by using the track error signal detected at the reference layer . the offset is not necessarily constant over all of the orbital movement of the disc . in such a case , the postscript offsets described above are calculated with regard to all of spokes , and a feed forward control is carried out by using the values of these . fig1 shows an example of a configuration of an optical disc device . the optical disc 1 is rotated by a spindle motor 52 . a pickup 51 is configured by , for example , a light source used for recording and reproducing , an optical system starting from the objective lens and the like shown in fig9 . the pickup 51 carries out seeking by a slider 53 . seeking and rotation of the spindle motor are carried out by an instruction from a main circuit 54 . the main circuit is mounted with an exclusive circuit of a signal processing circuit , a feedback controller or the like , a microprocessor , a memory or the like . a firmware 55 controls an operation of a total of the optical disc device . the firmware is mounted in a memory of the main circuit . also an adjustment of the offset of the main beam in postscript described above is carried out in accordance with an instruction of the firmware . incidentally , the present invention is not limited to the above - described embodiments but includes various modified examples . for example , the above - described embodiments explain details in order to explain to easily understand the present invention , and are not necessarily limited to an embodiment including all of the configurations explained . a portion of a configuration of a certain embodiment can be replaced by a configuration of other embodiment , and the configuration of the other embodiment can be added to the configuration of the certain embodiment . with regard to portions of configurations of respective embodiments , addition , deletion , or replacement of other configuration can be carried out . | 6 |
an aspect of the present invention is the use of projection of a homogeneous beam of light projected onto a curved reflecting surface . the light is then reflected onto a second curved reflector , which returns it to a substantially homogeneous beam , and a polarizer between the two reflectors is used to modify the polarization field of the output beam in the required manner . by a combination of the shapes of the reflectors and of the polarizer , several useful polarization fields can be achieved . in its simplest form , the invention can be used to produce a radial or azimuthally polarized light , but many other configurations are possible too . reference is now made to fig1 , which illustrates an implementation of a system for producing a light beam with spatially varying polarization 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention . a parallel beam of light 12 is incident on a diverging reflector ( with external reflecting surfaces ) 14 , which is in this embodiment in the form of a conical mirror , whose base diameter is slightly larger than the diameter of the beam , and whose apex angle is about 45 °. for many purposes an apex angle in the range between 20 ° and 75 ° is very useful . the light reflected , which has the form of a disc , passes through polarizer 16 , which is bent into a cylinder or other similar closed ring . after transmission through polarizer 16 , the light is reflected by a second reflector 18 ( with internal surface reflector ), which is a conical mirror , reflector 18 having the same apex angle as that of external reflector 12 , and having openings 20 on its axis large enough not to obstruct the incident light beam . annular output beam 22 is found to be polarized in a manner defined by polarizer 16 . for example , if polarizer 16 is oriented in the form shown in fig2 a , the output beam polarization 22 is azimuthal , as shown in fig3 a . another example , if polarizer 16 is oriented in the form shown in fig2 b , the output beam polarization 22 is radial , as shown in fig3 b . the device can use standard plastic ( flexible ) polarizing sheet for polarizer 16 and can be designed for maximum extinction ratio in any chosen wavelength range ( including white light ), in accordance with available polarizers . depending on the cut of the polarizer sheet 16 with respect to its axis , various geometries of polarization fields can be obtained . the design of the present invention is easily modified to be a part of a focusing or imaging system , by using , for example , ellipsoidal , paraboloidal or hyperboloidal reflecting surfaces instead of the conical surfaces described above . fig2 a is a drawing of a polarizer oriented to produce an azimuthally polarized beam . the polarization orientation is laterally to the polarizer sheet . fig2 b is a drawing of a polarizer oriented to produce a radially polarized beam . the polarization orientation is longitudinal with respect to the polarizer sheet . fig2 c is a drawing of a polarizer oriented to produce a spirally polarized beam . here the polarization orientation is diagonal with respect to the polarizer sheet . fig2 d is a drawing of a polarizer oriented to produce a beam with two types of polarization — half radial polarization and half azimuthal polarization . fig3 a is a schematic illustration of an azimuthally - polarized field created by a polarizer oriented to produce an azimuthally polarized beam ( the polarizer of fig2 a ). fig3 b is a schematic illustration of a radially - polarized field created by a polarizer oriented to produce a radially polarized beam ( the polarizer of fig2 b ). fig3 c is a schematic illustration of a spirally - polarized field created by a polarizer oriented to produce a radially polarized beam ( the polarizer of fig2 c ). fig3 d is a schematic illustration of a field with two types of polarization created by a polarizer oriented to produce a beam with two types of polarization — half radial polarization and half azimuthal polarization ( the polarizer of fig2 d ). fig4 a is an alternative implementation of a system for producing a light beam with spatially varying polarization 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention . in the implementation of fig4 a , paraboloidal mirrors having a common focus are used for reflector 12 and for reflector 14 . in this case , the system behaves as an afocal angular magnifier and if the incident beam has annular form and is uniform in intensity , so is the transmitted beam . fig4 b is an alternative implementation of a system for producing a light beam with spatially varying polarization in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention . in fig4 b , a hyperboloidal mirror is used for reflector 14 rather than a conical mirror , and an ellipsoidal outer mirror is used for reflector 18 . fig4 c illustrates sectioned view of the use of two converging reflectors 14 , 18 , to convert a parallel beam of incident light into a uniformly intense annular beam with polarization specified by the bent polarizer , in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention . the systems shown in fig4 a , 4 b and 4 c have imaging properties and can be used as part of an imaging system . the direction of the light can be reversed in all of the embodiments of the present invention , in which case an incident annular beam , produced for example by an axicon system , will be translated to a narrow beam with the desired polarization properties . reflector 18 can be reversed in order to return the light beam in the direction of incidence . this has the geometrical form similar to a waxicon ( mumola and chodzko ) although its purpose is different . fig5 illustrates an implementation of a system for producing a light beam with spatially varying phase in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention . a parallel light beam is passed through an apparatus for for producing a light beam with spatially varying polarization in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention ( in this example the apparatus of fig1 ). the outgoing beam is then passed through a quarter - wave plate 30 and a linear polarizer 32 , preferably oriented at 45 ° to the axis of the quarter - wave plate , producing a beam 22 with a phase ramp , which can be used to create light beams with orbital angular momentum , showing a far - field phase dislocation . the space - variant polarized field was conceived as a method of producing radially polarized light for interference microscopy , but various other applications can make use of this device . advanced microscope illumination can use this device for increasing the resolution , since the point spread function depends on the direction of polarization . moreover , any high resolution optical system which relies on a difference between s ( te ) and p ( tm ) polarizations , such as surface plasmon resonance or ellipsometric microscopy , can only be brought to the theoretical resolution limit by the used of such a device . the performance of optical tweezers can also be improved by using an incident beam with polarization field tailored by this invention . advantageously , the above described invention accomplishes the object of producing a light beam with spatially varying polarization . it should be clear that the description of the embodiments and attached figures set forth in this specification serves only for a better understanding of the invention , without limiting its scope as covered by the following claims or their equivalents . it should also be clear that a person skilled in the art , after reading the present specification could make adjustments or amendments to the attached figures and above described embodiments that would still be covered by the following claims or their equivalents . | 6 |
a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a heterogeneous storage system which is inexpensive compared to prior art heterogeneous storage systems . the principles and operation of a heterogeneous storage system according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description . all examples given below are non - limiting illustrations of the invention described and defined herein . in the description below , the significance of the terms “ low performance ” and “ low reliability ” for storage media are in comparison with the terms “ high performance ” and “ high reliability ”, respectively . the terms “ high ” and “ low ” should be understood as relative to each other . for example , in one embodiment , “ high ” and “ low ” performance or reliability , as the case may be , may involve a separation of at least one order of magnitude in performance or reliability respectively . as is well known , an order of magnitude is change of plus or minus 1 in the exponent of a value of a quantity or unit . therefore in this one embodiment and assuming base 10 , the performance ( or reliability ) of a high performance ( or reliability ) storage would be at least 10 times better than the performance ( or reliability ) of a low performance ( or reliability ) storage . it should be evident that the terms “ high ” and “ low ” when applied to performance or reliability will always be relative since the ongoing improvements in storage media characteristics militate against an absolute definition . however , this is not important since such improvements affect all kinds of storage media and therefore high performance storage media will continue to maintain their edge over their low performance counterparts ; and the same will also apply , of course , to high and low reliability storage media . referring now to the drawings , fig2 illustrates a heterogeneous storage system 200 which allows storage and retrieval by client ( s ) 210 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention . system 200 is similar to system 100 in that system 200 comprises a high performance storage 220 and a secondary ( low performance ) storage 240 . however in system 200 , high performance storage 220 comprises both a high reliability storage 224 and an on - line low reliability storage 226 ( whereas in system 100 , the high performance storage 120 comprises only a high reliability storage ). heterogeneous storage system 200 can be concentrated in one physical location or distributed over a geographical area . client 210 shown in fig2 represents all clients which access storage system 200 and does not necessarily always refer to the same client . for example the storing client may in some cases differ from the retrieving client . the term “ data ” as used in the description refers to data in any format , for example text , image , sound , or any other format , as long as the format used is capable of conveying knowledge to the receiver ( s ) of the data . when client 210 stores data in heterogeneous storage system 200 ( arrow 250 ), the data is initially stored in high reliability high - performance storage 224 . it is assumed that the data is eventually backed up on secondary ( high reliability low performance ) storage 240 ( arrows 260 and 265 ), with the timing of the backup being determined by a storage policies sub - unit 230 . once the data has been backed up , the data can be transferred from high performance high reliability storage 224 to high performance low reliability storage 226 ( arrows 260 and 267 ), with the timing of any transfer determined by storage policies sub - unit 230 . transferring means that the data is at least partially erased or freed from high performance high reliability storage 224 , making space for new data coming in . thus , as is well known in the art , data does not physically have to be removed from the high performance high reliability storage 224 , it being sufficient to mark it as available so as to allow it to be over - written by new data . in the retrieval process , client 210 requests retrieval of the data from heterogeneous storage system 200 . the data is provided to client 210 ( arrow 280 ). the data could have been retrieved from high performance storage 220 ( either from high reliability storage 224 - broken arrow 272 , or from low reliability storage 226 - broken arrow 274 ). if the data is not available in high performance storage 220 , or the available data is not reliable , or for any other reason , the data can be retrieved from secondary storage 240 ( broken arrow 290 ). storage policies sub - unit 230 can be any combination of software , hardware and / or firmware that performs the functions as defined and explained herein . storage policies sub - unit 230 performs at least part of the management of the data stored in heterogeneous storage system 200 , for example any or all of the following : data transfer between storage 224 , 226 and / or 240 , data backup on storage 240 and / or data deletion from storage 224 , 226 and / or 240 . it should be evident that although storage policies sub - unit 230 is illustrated in fig2 as a single unit , in other embodiments the functions of storage policies sub - unit 230 may be dispersed over more than one sub - unit . it should also be evident that although storage policies sub - unit 230 is depicted in fig2 as being internal to storage system 200 , in other embodiments , storage policies sub - unit 230 may be external to storage system 200 , possibly coupled to system 200 through an appropriate communications means . storage policies sub - unit 230 may trigger the backup of data onto secondary storage 240 based on the occupancy level of high performance high reliability storage 224 , the availability of removable media for the secondary storage 240 , the access to secondary storage 240 , any characteristic ( s ) of the data ( for example age , size , name , type , location , etc . ), or any other factor . preferably , backup of the data is performed as soon as possible after storing the data in storage 224 by client 210 . similarly storage policies sub - unit 230 may trigger the transfer of data from high performance high reliability storage 224 to high performance low reliability storage 226 based on the occupancy level of high performance high reliability storage 224 , the availability of storage space in high performance low reliability storage 226 , any characteristic ( s ) of the data ( for example age , size , name , type , location , etc . ), or any other factor . preferably transfer of the data from storage 224 to storage 226 is performed soon after backup of the data in secondary storage 240 . in no situation will data from storage 224 be moved to storage 226 before backup of the data in secondary ( and reliable ) storage 240 . storage policies sub - unit 230 can also determine if and when the data is deleted from low reliability storage 226 ( recalling that the data is in any event backed up on secondary storage 240 ). for example , the determination of whether and when to delete from low reliability storage 226 may depend on the occupancy level in low reliability storage 226 , the availability of removable media in the secondary storage 240 , the access to secondary storage 240 , any characteristic ( s ) of the data ( for example age , size , name , type , location , etc . ), or any other factor . a brief comparison of the reliability , performance and cost of system 200 compared to prior art system 100 is now presented . note that because storage 226 is of low reliability , it is possible that data which has been transferred to storage 226 is at least partially illegible , for example because of data loss , data corruption , etc . however owing to the protocol described above for system 200 , data which has been transferred to storage 226 has first been on - line backed up in high reliability secondary storage 240 and if needed it can be retrieved from secondary storage 240 . therefore reliability is not compromised in system 200 compared to prior art system 100 . in addition , the performance of system 200 is not compromised compared to system 100 because both low reliability storage 226 and high reliability storage 224 are high performance storages . however , compared to system 100 , cost is lowered in system 200 , provided that at least a portion of the volume of ( more expensive ) high performance high reliability storage 120 in system 100 is replaced by ( cheaper ) high performance low reliability storage 226 in system 200 ( i . e ., provided that the size of high reliability high performance storage 224 is smaller than the size of high performance high reliability storage 120 ). preferably , because high reliability storage 224 is more expensive than low reliability storage 226 , the size of low reliability storage 226 is much larger than the size of high reliability storage 224 . the invention is not limited to specific media types . however for the sake of example , secondary storage 140 or 240 can be for example tapes or magnetic optics such as mo , cd , dvd , etc . high performance low reliability storage 226 can be for example a low reliability magnetic disk . high performance , high reliability storage 224 or 120 can be for example a reliable magnetic disk such as a raid , etc . in order to further demonstrate the usefulness of the present invention , the following example compares systems 100 and 200 comprising various media components with hypothetical costs . the example assumes that the following media components are available : 1 . inexpensive high performance , low reliability storage 226 , for example a low reliability magnetic disk with a unit cost for example of $ 1 ; 2 . expensive high performance , high reliability storage 224 or 120 , for example a reliable magnetic disk such as a raid , etc . with a unit cost for example of $ 10 ; 3 . secondary storage 140 or 240 , for example tapes on magnetic / optics ( such as mo , cd , dvd , etc ) with unit cost for example of 10 ¢. by way of example , assume that both systems 100 and system 200 require 100 units of high performance storage 120 or 220 and 1000 units of secondary storage 140 or 240 . system 100 then comprises 100 units of high performance high reliability storage 120 for a cost of 100 ×$ 10 =$ 1 , 000 . in addition , system 100 has 1000 units of secondary storage 140 for a cost of 1000 × 10 ¢=$ 100 . total cost of storage for system 100 is therefore $ 1 , 100 . therefore in this example , for n storage units of high performance storage 120 , the total cost of system 100 is 11n assume now that in system 200 , the 100 units of high performance storage 220 comprises 10 units of high reliability storage 224 for a cost of 10 ×$ 10 =$ 100 and 90 units of low reliability storage 226 for a cost of 90 ×$ 1 =$ 90 . total cost of high performance storage 220 is therefore $ 190 . in addition , system 200 has 1000 units of secondary storage 240 for a cost of 1000 × 10 ¢=$ 100 . total cost of storage for system 200 is therefore $ 290 . therefore in this example , for n storage units of high performance storage 220 , the total cost of system 200 is 2 . 9n . system 200 is therefore more than 4 times less expensive than system 100 . fig3 shows a heterogeneous storage system 300 according to another embodiment including a third level of storage 310 ( see fig3 ). the third level of storage comprises , for example , one or more removable secondary storage media 320 that have been removed from the secondary storage 240 . for example the third level of storage 310 can be a cabinet storing full secondary storage removable media , for example tapes , mos , cds , dvds , etc . with the addition of this third level of storage , there is no practical limit to the storage volume that can be handled . when data on the removed medium is needed for retrieval , it is done via manual insertion of the medium into the secondary storage unit 240 . it should be evident that if heterogeneous storage system 300 is compared to a prior art storage system similar to system 100 but which includes the same third level of storage 310 as system 300 , the cost savings for system 300 versus the prior art system would be similar to the cost savings for system 200 versus system 100 . in some applications , heterogeneous storage system 200 or 300 may be combined with enhanced protocols to further ensure the reliability of the application . for example , in a medical image storage system which works under the digital image communications in medicine ( dicom ) protocol , data typically , although not necessarily , in the form of medical images is sent for storage , acknowledged upon reception and stored safely . an enhanced protocol may optionally follow up with an archiving acknowledgment to the image originator ( for example a medical imaging device / modality such as an magnetic resonance imaging ( mri ) or computed tomography ( ct )) when the images have been received and stored in a highly reliable storage , for example backed up . with the enhanced protocol , the originator may wait for the archiving acknowledgement before releasing local , size - limited memory space for further operations . it will also be understood that the system according to the invention may be a suitably programmed computer . likewise , the invention contemplates a computer program being readable by a computer for executing the method of the invention . the invention further contemplates a machine - readable memory tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for executing the method of the invention . while the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiment , it will be appreciated that many variations , modifications and other applications of the invention my be made . | 8 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various aspects of embodiments within the scope of the appended claims are described below . it should be apparent that the aspects described herein may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and that any specific structure and / or function described herein is merely illustrative . based on the present disclosure one skilled in the art should appreciate that an aspect described herein may be implemented independently of any other aspects and that two or more of these aspects may be combined in various ways . for example , an apparatus may be implemented and / or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein . in addition , such an apparatus may be implemented and / or such a method may be practiced using other structure and / or functionality in addition to or other than one or more of the aspects set forth herein . fig1 is a simplified perspective view of one embodiment of an architecture for a distributed computing system 100 including an arrangement of a number of integrated circuit dice . for the sake of clarity , the packaging around individual pairs of dice and connections between dice are not shown . however , those skilled in the art will appreciate from the present disclosure , and especially with reference to fig8 and 10 , that in one embodiment , individual pairs of dice can be packaged within a dual - chip carrier also disclosed herein . the system 100 includes a first layer of integrated circuit dice arranged over a second layer of integrated circuit dice . as illustrated in fig1 , the first layer of integrated circuit dice includes , for example , twelve dice 101 a , 101 b , 101 c , 101 d , 101 e , 101 f , 101 g , 101 h , 101 i , 101 j , 101 k , 1011 , arranged in a 3 × 4 matrix . similarly , the second layer of integrated circuit dice includes twelve corresponding dice 102 a , 102 b , 102 c , 102 d , 102 e , 102 f , 102 g , 102 h , 102 i , 102 j , 102 k , 1021 , arranged in a 3 × 4 matrix disposed facing the first layer . while fig1 shows twenty - four dice arranged in two layers each having three rows and four columns , those skilled in the art will appreciate from the present disclosure that various embodiments of the architecture include any number integrated circuit dice arranged in two layers each having any number of rows and any number of columns . in particular , in one embodiment , the first and second layers include a different number of integrated circuit dice as compared to one another . fig2 is a simplified side view of a portion of the system 100 illustrated in fig1 . specifically , six of the twenty - four integrated circuit dice of fig1 are illustrated in fig2 , including integrated circuit dice 101 a , 101 b , 101 c included in the first layer and integrated circuit dice 102 a , 102 b , 102 c included in the second layer and disposed facing the corresponding dice of the first layer . the portion of the system 100 illustrated in fig2 also includes example data connections between the respective pairs of integrated circuit dice located on different layers . for example , die 101 a and die 102 a share a serial connection 120 a and a parallel connection 130 a . similarly , die 101 b and die 102 b share a serial connection 120 b and a parallel connection 130 b . similarly , die 101 c and die 102 c share a serial connection 120 c and a parallel connection 130 c . moreover , while each pair of dice discussed above share both serial and parallel connections , alternatively , a given pair of dice can be configured to share at least one of serial connectivity , parallel connectivity or a combination there of . moreover , the respective serial and parallel connections discussed above may be implemented via a number of forms including one or more solder balls and / or one or more wire leads . the portion of the system 100 illustrated in fig2 also includes example data connections between the respective integrated circuit dice located on the same layer . for example , die 101 a and die 101 b share a serial connection 110 a . similarly , die 101 b and die 101 c share a serial connection 110 b . similarly , die 102 a and die 102 b share a serial connection 112 a . similarly , die 102 b and die 102 c share a serial connection 112 b . moreover , while all the data connections between dice in the same layer are shown to be serial data connections , those skilled in the art will appreciate that each connection may be a serial connection , a parallel connection or a combination operable as serial data connection and a parallel data connection . moreover , the respective serial connections discussed above may be implemented in a number of forms including one or more wire leads between chip carriers each housing two dice arranged facing one another within a particular chip carrier . fig3 a is a simplified perspective view of the integrated circuit die 101 f shown in fig1 . the integrated circuit die 101 f includes a number of data connections to surrounding dice . for example , the die 101 f shares respective serial data connections 110 e , 111 b , 111 f , 110 f with the corresponding dice 101 e , 101 b , 101 j , 101 g , which are all included in the first layer . also , for example , the die 101 f shares a respective serial data connection 120 f with the die 102 f . similar to fig3 a , fig3 b is a simplified perspective view of the integrated circuit 102 f die shown in fig1 . for example , the die 102 f shares respective serial data connections 112 e , 113 b , 113 f , 112 f with the corresponding dice 102 e , 102 b , 102 j , 102 g , which are all included in the second layer . fig4 is a simplified plan view of one embodiment of an arrangement 400 of chip carriers configured to permit distributed computing systems , methods and apparatus . specifically , as an illustrative example only , the arrangement includes seven chip carriers 401 , 402 , 403 , 404 , 405 , 406 , 407 . those skilled in the art will appreciate from the present disclosure that any number of chip carriers so configured may be arranged together . each of the seven chip carriers 401 , 402 , 403 , 404 , 405 , 406 , 407 is configured to house two dice , one from each of two layers of dice ( e . g . as illustrated in fig1 ). the chip carrier 401 is placed at the center of a ring of chip carriers including chip carriers 402 , 403 , 404 , 405 , 406 , 407 . accordingly , each of the chip carriers 402 , 403 , 404 , 405 , 406 , 407 is a neighboring chip carrier to the chip carrier 401 . and as shown in fig4 , each chip carrier , other than the chip carrier 401 has three neighboring chip carriers including the chip carrier 401 . for example , the chip carrier 403 has the chip carriers 401 , 402 , 404 as neighbors . in one embodiment , a chip carrier has direct communication with at least one of the neighboring chip carriers . in one embodiment , a chip carrier has direction communication with all of the neighboring chip carriers . furthermore , in one embodiment , a chip carrier communicates with non - neighboring chip carriers through a data path that traverses one or more neighboring chip carriers . as described in further detail below with reference to fig5 and 6 , in various embodiments , the dice included within each chip carrier include features to enable more efficient communication with neighbors and non - neighbors . for example , a data path between the chip carrier 403 and the chip carrier 406 exists through the chip carrier 401 and at least another data path exists through chip carriers 404 and 405 . either of the aforementioned data paths can be made more efficient by routing data away from the primary functional blocks on the dice included in the chip carriers 401 , 404 and 405 . in other words , by preventing transient data from interfering substantially with the primary function of chip carriers on the data path , which do not directly contribute to the processing of the data at either end of the data path , delays in some cases are reduced . fig5 is a block diagram of one embodiment of integrated circuit components arranged to enable distributed computing systems , methods and apparatus . specifically , fig5 illustrates an on - chip system 500 that includes features , in addition to the primary function of the chip , to enable more efficient communication with neighbors and non - neighbors . in particular , the system 500 includes an internal function module f ( x ) 501 which is the primary functional module of the on - chip system . for example , the internal function is a graphics processor , a general purpose processor , a data storage element or any other type of device that may be embodied as an integrated circuit . that is , the internal function module 501 can be any one of several functions , such as a processor , a memory , a multi - core processor , intelligent memory , a multi - array memory , a field programmable gate array ( fpga ), an application specific integrated circuit ( asic ), an array sensor , a motion sensor , or a linear circuit . the internal function of the block is dependent on the ics packaged within the chip carrier . processed data from the internal function block is received in a parallel fashion and formatted into serial data which is output from the building block . the system 500 also includes an external communications interface ( eci ) 520 , a non - blocking cross - point switch 530 , a configuration control processor ( ccp ) 540 , a local private memory ( lpm ) 550 , and an internal function interface ( ifi ) 510 . the eci 520 is coupled to the non - blocking cross - point switch ( cps ) 530 , and the ccp 540 . the eci 520 also includes an external connection 521 that is connectable to external devices off - chip either serially or in parallel or a combination of serial and parallel . the non - blocking cross - point switch 530 is also coupled to the ccp 540 and the ifi 510 . the lpm 550 is also coupled to the ccp 540 and the ifi 510 . the ifi 510 is coupled to the internal function module 501 . in one embodiment , the connection between the ifi 510 and the internal function module is a parallel data interface . in one embodiment , the connection between the ifi 510 and the internal function module is a serial data interface . the eci 520 provides direct unshared and shared communication connection with neighboring chip carriers . for example , the eci 520 provides communication connection with six neighboring devices . indirect communication with remote ( non - neighboring ) devices is also provided data paths through neighboring devices . a communication connection between devices provides transfer of information such as instructions , data , commands , and status . in one embodiment , the eci 520 contains six output signal lines and six input signal lines for communication outside the die . thus a hexagonal chip carrier can be configured to have six interface sets , one set on each of the six sides of the chip carrier . in one embodiment , each of the six sets is made up of four signal lines , two independent full - duplex serial communication signal pairs , wherein one pair is connected to a first ic and the second pair is connected to a second ic . as mentioned above , each interface set can also include two power connections and five ground connections . in one embodiment , static and / or dynamic control of the eci 520 is performed by the ccp 540 . for example , the ccp 540 provides activation and deactivation of the input signal lines , activation and deactivation of the output signal lines , activation and deactivation of a power - conserving sleep mode , selection of digital or linear transmission mode , configuration to select an orientation of the installed die to its device package , internal clock signal phase selection , preamble message disassembly and dissection , and exception handling . in one embodiment , the ccp 540 also controls other elements of the device . one function of the ccp 540 is to provide assembly information and static and dynamic control of various elements of the device , including the eci 520 , the cps 530 , the lpm 550 , and the ifi 510 , to which the ccp 540 is connected via one or more buses . certain configuration information such as a very small iterative routine and history data can be written into a write once read many ( worm ) element of the lpm 550 during manufacture . during various stages of manufacturing , assembly , and test operations , other data can be written into the lpm worm by the ccp 540 , such as the date of die wafer manufacture ; various tests , dates , and results ; wafer lot number ; and other information . static and dynamic configuration and reconfiguration performed by the ccp 540 can be conducted at any time , including during program loading and execution . safeguards can be implemented to prevent interference of executing programs or routines , except at prescribed operating points . for example , in one embodiment , the system can change from operating with one set of operating rules to operating with another set of operating rules . in one embodiment , more than one operating system will reside in a device package to allow the system to quickly change operating functions , on demand , to be able to respond to a different set of operational conditions . the system can respond by changing from one operating system to another , resulting from an external stimulus , to provide dynamic reconfiguration . dynamic reconfiguration has the potential to expand the capability of a processing system by including multiple operating systems that can be selected to handle different computing needs , problems , or assignments . this can expand the range of work , processing power , and speed in handling complex tasks . it also allows the processing system to address multiple incoming threats , improving overall security . multiple operating systems can quickly respond to a threat and , if the threat increases , while in a threat operating environment , the operating system can be elevated to a higher threat level by changing to another operating system . in another embodiment , the system , or portions thereof , can load a secondary operating system based on the primary threat . as mentioned above , the ccp 540 can control this configuration and reconfiguration of all the elements of a device die . in one embodiment , the ccp 540 is configured to operate from firmware and software stored in the lpm 550 . the lpm 550 can include , for example , write once read many ( worm ) memory , random access memory ( ram ), and electrically erasable and programmable read - only memory ( eeprom ), which include flash memory . in another embodiment , the ccp 540 is additionally or alternatively configured to operate from firmware and software stored in a bulk memory system of the internal function of one or both of the embedded ics . in one embodiment , the ccp 540 of a device can read and write from the memory of the device , including erasing eeprom of the device . in another embodiment , the ccp 540 can directly address the memory of neighboring devices and indirectly address remote memories , including both bulk memories of the internal functions and the lpm 550 of remote devices . in one embodiment , only the local ccp 540 of a device can write information into the worm memory of the device ; however , at least a portion of the information stored in the worm memory can be accessible to other devices on a read only basis . in one embodiment , some of the information in the lpm 550 or bulk memory can only be accessed by the local ccp 540 . in one embodiment , the lpm worm memory is used to retain information that is not intended to change , such as information relative to the history of the die , process tracking information that becomes available during the manufacture and assembly process , or a start up “ boot strap ” routine . in one embodiment , the “ boot strap ” firmware routine is a sparingly programmed reiterative loop routing intended to provide communication in a simple form so as to provide only the ability to load another program with a more substantial communication routine . in one embodiment , the routing includes a method whereby the ccp 540 escapes the reiterative loop to execute the second more substantial routine that allows further communication with other memories , registers , and logic of the die . in one embodiment , the lpm 550 includes random access memory ( ram ), accessible by the ccp 540 . the ram can include a volatile ram scratch pad memory . the ram can provide , among other things , volatile software program storage and temporary data storage . because of the ram memory volatility , any data in ram memory can be lost in the event of a power failure or a complete power shut down . thus , in one embodiment , a minimal “ keep alive ” current or voltage is implemented to prevent data from being lost when the chip is in a sleep mode of operation . in one embodiment , the lpm 550 includes eeprom for storage of data that is semi - permanent , such as constants , or storage of firmware . the eeprom is non - volatile but can be electrically erased and re - written . write once read many ( worm ), random access memory ( ram ) and electrically erasable programmable read only memory ( eeprom ) can be addressed as a block , that is , each has an addressable block of addresses within a block of addresses . in one embodiment , the lpm 550 stores permanent data as well as dynamically changing data . permanent data includes information such as manufacturing and assembly information and specific bootstrapping information . dynamic data includes configuration control processor program code and parameter data for the setup and control of internal portions of the device , including the local internal function module 501 . in operation , the cps 530 generally provides selective connection between lines of the eci and the ifi . in one embodiment , the cps is a non - blocking switch which takes as input , signals from the eci and the ifi and provides , as output , one of those same signals to the inputs of the eci and ifi . in one embodiment , the cps 530 receives data from twelve eci inputs and four ifi inputs . in one embodiment , the source and destination of signals are addressed via address registers which can include : source of all sixteen input signals as a group , destination of all sixteen output signals as group , source of all eci input signals as a group , destination of all eci output signals as a group , source of all external eci input signals as a group , destination of all external eci output signals as a group , source of all internal eci input signals as a group , destination of all internal eci input signals as a group , source of all ifi signals as a group , destination of all ifi signals as a group , source and destination of all input and output signals as group , or individually selected source and destination input and output signals as group . the content of the cps address registers can be updated by the incoming data address . the content can also be overwritten on at least a temporary basis by the ccp until control is released by the ccp 540 . in one embodiment , when the ccp 540 takes control , it shuts down or diverts the effected signals and alerts the effected devises so as to prevent loss of data . also , in one embodiment , the ccp 540 has the ability to redirect the input to output signal switch selection where data is routed between two devices via this intervening device . in one embodiment , the cps 530 is a 16 × 16 × 1 switch that steers data between six external data connections of a die and / or four internal data connections of the ifi with the die under direction of the ccp 540 . in one embodiment , the chip carrier die utilizes six of the twelve external connections for communication to neighboring chip carrier and the remaining connections to the other die within the chip carrier . although in one embodiment , the steering is performed by the ccp 540 , in another embodiment , such as can be used during bootstrap / debug operations , firmware can set specific cps 530 connections to steer data and controls from the eci 520 to locations within the lpm 550 and to the controls of the ccp 540 . the cps 530 contains connections to the eci 520 and the ifi 510 . the eci 520 is described in detail above , whereas the ifi 510 is described below . the ifi 510 provides connections ( buses ) to the internal function module 501 which can include any logic function such as memory , data processor , asic , fpla , sensor , etc . for example , depending on the internal function module 501 , the ifi 510 can provide multiple 128 - bit buses for connection to the internal function module 501 . in operation , the ifi 510 controls direct communication access to the internal function module 501 . as such , it receives all or substantially all signals originating from the internal function module 501 . the eci 520 controls direct communication access with external devices . in one embodiment , the eci 520 determines whether or not a received packet can be and / or is addressed to be processed by the internal function module 501 . if the packet can be and / or is addressed to be processed by the internal function module 501 , the eci 520 passes the packet to the non - blocking cps 530 and ccp 540 . the packet is then passed through the ifi 510 to the internal function module 501 for substantive processing . on the other hand , if the packet is addressed for another chip and / or cannot be serviced locally , and is thus merely passing through the system 500 , the eci 520 retransmits the packet to another chip , thereby preventing the packet from disturbing the primary function of the on - chip system 500 . in one embodiment , the chip carrier operates internally in serial fashion , with the exception of the ifi 510 which can operate in serial or parallel . in one embodiment , the internal function includes a parallel internal function , pf ( x ). for example , pf ( x ) can be implemented as a parallel processor or as a parallel memory , sensor , scan array , any function that originates as a parallel device that can be contained in the allotted area of the chip carrier . in another embodiment , the internal function includes a serial internal function , sf ( x ). serial processing arithmetic logic units ( alus ) provide certain advantages over parallel alus . one advantage is that serial processors are generally implemented with fewer logic elements than a parallel processor of equal capability . in some cases , a serial processing unit is much simpler than the parallel equivalent , having less transistors and / or a simpler design layout . further , many peripheral devices such as keyboard , mouse , data storage disks , monitors , music , usb , internet , etc ., use a serial transmission interface . using serial communications uses fewer wires , smaller less expensive connectors , and each device does not require a parallel - to - serial data converter to receive data and a serial - to - parallel data converter to send data . since the above devices are all naturally serial devices , the logical transmission interface can be serial transmission of data . embodiments illustrating communication with a serial device are described below . in one embodiment , the system uses the clock signal supplied by the peripheral device to transfer data in both directions . although the clock signal supplied by the system to the peripheral device can be many , many times faster than the peripheral clock rate , reliable transmission can still occur . when the system wishes to communicate with the peripheral device , the system places its high speed clock signal on the transmit line to the peripheral device . whether or not the peripheral device can follow the clock signal , it will easily be able to discern the presence of signal on the line and send its slower clock signal back to the system on its transmit line . in response , the system can switch from its normal transmitted clock frequency to the speed of the peripheral clock signal and send the lower speed clock signal back to the peripheral device . using this received clock from the system , the peripheral device can determine when the two machines are in sync and send an end of transfer ( eot ) back to the system . if the system and the peripheral device are not in sync , the system can adjust the return clock phase by relatively small increments until synchronization is achieved . in the above embodiment , the system initiated communication with the peripheral device . in another embodiment , communication is initiated by the peripheral device . in one embodiment , a similar method is used . described below are various modes of communication operation and nodal control processing ( ncp ) enabled by these various modes . those of skill in the art will appreciate that alternative embodiments can exclude some of the described modes or include other modes not described in detail herein . direct addressing of resources of near neighbor devices for passage of instructions , data , commands and status can use the ( tra ) address contained in a standard format and protocol , as in all communications between devices . if the direct path port is busy or reserved , the message can be placed in a port queue for later transmission or sent as an indirect message via another intervening device . if the port is not available for some other reason , such as failure , the message can also be sent indirectly via another intervening device . if the port is reserved it can still be able to transmit messages , stored in queue , during non - busy periods of the reserved transmission port . reserved ports can be configured to operate in one of at least two ways . in one embodiment , the reserved port is locked to a device other than the reserving device . in another embodiment , the device can share the port , holding priority access to the port for the reserving device . with indirect addressing , the path to the remote destination terminal device can be selected in several ways . in one embodiment , indirect remote addressing takes place via at least one intervening device . in one embodiment , particularly useful when there is a great amount of data to be transmitted or if time sensitivity cannot tolerate interruptions , there is provided a pre - reserved path from the sending device to the remote receiving terminal device . to reserve paths in intervening devises , an originating device can send a message to a remote receiving terminal device and via this message pre - reserves the path along the way , even in intervening devices . in one embodiment , this message includes an indication to either lock the reserved path or to not lock the reserved path . in one embodiment , the pre - reserved path remains in effect until instructed by the originating device to sever the path in a similar manner to that used to initiate the path . in another embodiment , the pre - reserved path is severed after a pre - determined amount of time if it is not used , thereby freeing system resources . in one embodiment , if the message indicates that the path is not to be locked , a higher priority transmission can request temporary use of the path on a non - interfering basis . reserving a path , in one case , simply means that the reserving device has the highest priority and will bypass the transmission queue and go to the first position of the queue . the reserved port can still be available to transmit messages from the port queue on a first in first out ( fifo ) basis . if the transmission path must always be available to the reserving device , a second case can provide the ability of the ccp 540 to lock out storage of messages to and / or transmissions from the queue . another embodiment of remote transmission is to place data in an available port queue for transmission on a first in ( come ) first out ( served ) ( fifo ) basis when the queue is available . yet another embodiment of remote transmission is to pre - assign , by priority , positions in the port queue for transmission . this embodiment can advantageously be used for non - interfering transmission to / from the queue . yet another embodiment of remote transmission is a so - called “ hand - off ” of a message destined for a remote terminal device from the originating device to a near neighbor device . the receiving near neighbor device has the option to follow the addressing guideline it receives from the originating device ; however , it also has the option to modify the address route because the addressed port has a large built up queue , the port is reserved , there is a better route available , to balance traffic of a transmission port , or for other reasons . the received device will then hand off the message to the next device over the selected port . still another embodiment of remote transmission can advantageously be used when a message is to be sent to all or a prescribed set of devices . thus , the message is broadcast to the devices by spidering out from the originating device to the intended devices . this broadcast will take place in one of at least three ways : i ) directly and automatically after an authority device transmits a “ device reset ” to the intended devices ; ii ) on a demand basis ; or iii ) on a non - interfering basis . a broadcast can take place via devices that are not a designated broadcast recipient . broadcasting can be used , for example , to distribute software code and / or data to many carriers in a spider - type fashion to ‘ bulk load ’ groups of carriers . connection between the ifi 510 and the cps 530 provide a pathway for instructions , addresses , commands , data , status , and other information between the eci 520 and the internal function module 501 . for test purposes , the ccp 540 can test the internal function or interact with the signals of the eci 520 to perform tests of the eci 520 or the internal function . the ccp 540 can , for example , cause the diversion of pre - determined signals to be read from certain locations of lpm 550 and signals to be stored in certain locations of lpm 550 . in this way , the ccp 540 can access both local private memories and the internal function memory via the interface registers . as shown in fig5 , the ifi 510 provides connections between the ccp 540 , lpm 550 , cps 530 and the internal function module 501 . in one embodiment , the internal function includes a processor in the lower die position and at least one of a memory , sensor , imager , or second processor in the upper die position . in one embodiment , the internal function includes a processor in the lower die position and a bulk memory in the upper die position . this processor - memory configuration can directly execute software or firmware applications stored in the memory through the use of parallel signal buses . in another particular embodiment , the internal function includes a processor in the lower die position and a sensor or imager in the upper die position , wherein the sensor or imager in the upper die position also includes memory . this memory can , for example , store software or firmware to support the sensor or imager functionalities . a node can be capable of processing that standalone elements are incapable of . in one embodiment , “ lock step execution ” is controlled , not on a clock basis , but on an execution basis . a provision to prevent system lockup can also be included . in one embodiment , ncp provides direct access from the periphery input signal of a chip carrier through the eci 520 and the cps 530 to the ifi 510 parallel register that services the internal function . likewise , the internal function data is placed in a parallel output register in the ifi 510 , passed directly through the cps 530 and the eci 520 to the periphery signal connection . in one embodiment , ncp can disallow port communication access , of unused ports , so as to not allow disruptive requests from other processes external to a node and not used in the node . each node can be assigned to specific functions or perform as a general purpose processor . for example , in various embodiments , a node can be used as a single processor , a pre processor , a data processor , a post processor , an input processor , an output processor , an intelligent memory control , an interface control processor , a memory control processor , an array processor , a wave front processor , or various permutations and combinations of the above . it will be appreciated that other interoperability uses of nodes is also envisioned . further , each node can be dynamically and statically controlled to , e . g ., change nodal connections . fig6 is a block diagram of another embodiment of integrated circuit components arranged to enable distributed computing systems , methods and apparatus . specifically , fig6 illustrates an on - chip system 600 that includes features , in addition to the primary function of the chip , to enable more efficient communication with neighbors and non - neighbors . the on - chip system 600 is similar to and adapted from the on - chip system 500 illustrated in fig5 . accordingly , elements common to both on - chip systems 500 and 600 share common reference indicia , and only differences between the two are described herein for the sake of brevity . within the system 600 , the external communications interface and internal communication interface are combined into a dual external - internal communications interface 610 . the dual external - internal communications interface 610 includes a serial input 601 and a serial output 603 that are connectable to external devices off - chip . the dual external - internal communications interface 610 also includes a parallel output 605 and a parallel input 607 that are connectable to the internal function module 501 . accordingly , in operation , the serial input 601 receives serial data communications from off - chip devices . the dual external - internal communications interface 610 converts the received serial data communications into a parallel stream which is transmitted to the internal function module 501 via the parallel output 605 . in a reciprocal manner , the parallel input receives data communications from the internal function module 501 . the dual external - internal communications interface 610 converts the received parallel data communications into a serial stream which is transmitted to external devices via the serial output 603 . fig7 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a chip carrier 700 and two integrated circuit dice 701 , 702 . the chip carrier 700 includes a first conductive tray , serving as a package cap 740 , and a second conductive tray , serving as the package base 750 . the first die 701 is substantially housed by the package cap 740 . the first die 701 is optionally soldered to the package cap 740 , as shown in fig7 . however , in one embodiment , the first die 701 is not soldered or connected to the package cap 740 . the second die 702 is substantially housed by the package base 750 . connection pads on the two dice are coupled together using solder balls ( or the like ) 721 , 722 , 723 . the second die 702 is connectable to another chip carrier or an external device via a signal tab 710 that is coupled to at least one connection tab on the second die 702 . fig8 is a simplified perspective view of one embodiment of a hexagonal chip carrier 800 . the chip carrier 800 includes sixty connections that can be uniformly distributed about the six sides of the hexagon . the connections include six power connections , thirty ground connections , and twenty - four signal connections . as mentioned above , in one embodiment , the power connections and ground connections are attached directly to the substrate , whereas the signal pins are flying connections . specifically , the chip carrier 800 has a generally hexagonal shape and includes a first conductive tray 801 and a second conductive tray 802 . a generally hexagonal or substantially hexagonal shape can very from a hexagon by , for example , having rounded edges , squared edges , beveled edges etc . for the sake of example only , the first conductive tray 801 is referred to herein as the package cap 801 , and the second conductive tray 802 is referred to herein as the package base 802 . in one embodiment , the cap 801 and the base 802 are approximately 1 . 25 inches across and are made of aluminum nitride , which is an insulator with a relatively high thermal conductivity and a thermal coefficient of expansion similar to that of silicon ( si ), of which the ics can be made . the chip carrier 800 also includes power supply lines 810 a , 810 b , 810 c , 810 d , 810 e , 810 f , each of which is located at a respective corner of the chip carrier 800 . the power supply lines 810 a , 810 b , 810 c , 810 d , 810 e , 810 f are electrically isolated from the conductive package base 802 and cap 801 by corresponding insulating jacket portions 811 a , 811 b , 811 c , 811 d , 811 e , 811 f . each side of the chip carrier 800 includes five ground pins coupled to both the package base 802 and the package cap 801 . for example , five ground pins 901 , 903 , 905 , 907 , 909 are visible on one side of the chip carrier 800 . each side of the chip carrier 800 also includes four signal pins that extend into and out of gaps in the sides of the chip carrier 800 . for example , signal pins 902 , 904 , 906 , 908 are visible on one side of the chip carrier 800 . the signal pins 902 , 904 , 906 , 908 extend through corresponding gaps 822 , 824 , 826 , 828 , respectively . in one embodiment , each signal pin is jacketed by a respective electrically insulating sleeve at least within the respective gap through which the signal pin extends . moreover , while the chip carrier 800 shown has four signal pins and five ground pins on each side , those skilled in the art will appreciate that each side of a chip carrier of any shape can be configured to include any number of signal pins and any number of grounds pins . moreover , the chip carrier can be made in a variety of shapes , including triangular , square , rectangular , and hexagonal as shown in fig8 . in one embodiment , the chip carrier includes leaded connections , which are electrical connections having a length of wire or soldering pad that comes from the device . leaded connections can be used for physical support , to transfer power , to probe circuits , and to transmit information . leaded connections from through - hole components are called pins . these pins can bend under the package body like the letter j , called a j - lead , or come out , down , and form a flat foot for securing to the board , called an s - lead . in another embodiment , the chip carrier includes leadless connections . a leadless chip carrier ( lcc ) is a type of packaging for integrated circuits that includes leadless connections , which includes rounded pins through the edges of the package . fig9 a is a top view of a tape automated bonding ( tab ) sheet 900 . the tab sheet 900 provides one method of providing signal and ground tabs to one or more integrated circuit dice included in the package 800 described above with reference to fig8 . accordingly , as a continuation of the example of fig8 , the signal pins 902 , 904 , 906 , 908 and ground pins 901 , 903 , 905 , 907 , 909 illustrated in fig8 are also shown in fig9 a . fig9 b is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the tab sheet 900 of fig9 a , which specifically shows enlarged illustrations of the ground pins 901 , 903 , as well as the signal pin 902 . with further reference to fig9 a , the signal pins 902 , 904 , 906 , 908 are formed when the excess material of the tab sheet 900 is cut away along line 911 . similarly , ground pins 901 , 903 , 905 , 907 , 909 are formed when the excess material of the tab sheet 900 is cut away along line 913 . the signal pins and ground pins for other sides of the chip carrier 800 are formed in a similar manner using the unmarked pins shown in fig9 a . in one embodiment , all of the pins are formed simultaneously by shearing away the excess material after the tab sheet 900 is placed over the combination of the package base 802 and at least one die . in one embodiment , the tab sheet 900 is made of relatively thin beryllium copper , on the order of two to three thousandths of an inch . in one embodiment the tab sheet 900 is made of a thin material so as to provide flexure of the signal tabs between two adjacent chip carriers ( see fig1 ) to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction . one method of manufacturing the tab sheet 900 is to etch the center area , leaving a patterned periphery to be sheared to the proper length during assembly along lines 911 and 913 for example . fig1 is a simplified perspective view of one embodiment of a distributed computing module , referred to herein as a process module element ( pme ) 1000 , including a number of hexagonal chip carriers illustrated in fig8 . a pme as described herein is an assembly of multiple substrates with mounted chip carriers and input / output connectors , including signal and power connections . in one embodiment , the pme is constructed from approximately sixty piece parts , whereas the typical motherboard is assembled of upwards of six - hundred piece parts , including an approximately circuit board substrate having between eight and ten layers . as a result , such systems are generally assembly - intensive products . fig1 illustrates one embodiment of a pme 1000 including eleven hexagonal chip carriers 800 a , 800 b , 800 c , 800 d , 800 e , 800 f , 800 g , 800 h , 800 i , 800 j , 800 k , each having substantially the same design as the chip carrier 800 shown in fig8 . the pme 1000 also includes a mounting substrate 1060 which is described in further detail below with reference to fig1 . however , briefly , the mounting substrate 1060 includes ground vias , such as the first and second vias 1070 a and 1070 b , and the power supply vias , such as the first , second and third power supply vias 1061 a , 1061 b , 1061 c . the hexagonal chip carriers 800 a , 800 b , 800 c , 800 d , 800 e , 800 f , 800 g , 800 h , 800 i , 800 j , 800 k are mounted on one side of the substrate 1060 . a ribbon shaped heat sink 1050 b is located on the opposite surface of the substrate 1060 as compared to the chip carriers . the ribbon shaped heat sink 1050 b extends across the surface of the substrate 1060 and includes kerfs , such as kerfs 1080 , spaced periodically or intermittently across the heat sink 1050 b . the pme 1000 also include a heat transfer blade 1040 arranged on the opposite side of the heat sink 1050 b as compared to the substrate 1060 . the pme 1000 also includes sidewalls 1020 a , 120 b , 1020 c that serve the dual function of physically protecting the chip carriers and providing external connections to the hermaphroditic connectors 1010 . in the embodiment illustrated in fig1 , the hermaphrodite connector is approximately five inches high and approximately seven eighths of an inch wide . the hcon also has a surround shroud shell including an interference fit socket one half of the connector with a mating plug on the other half of the connector . the surround shroud shell can connect the power return ground . in one embodiment , the surround shroud shell is longer than the power and signal connections , thus being the first electrical connection between two devices as they are mated , whereas the power pins are next in length and next to make power connection . as the power return ground is the first connected and the power is next connected , both prior to signal connection , “ hot swapping ” of pme modules is made possible . in one embodiment , the surrounding sidewalls provide a receiver for a number of input / output modules that contain signal drivers and receivers . the input / output insert modules can be one of a variety of insert modules , including a one meter drive fiber optic driver and receiver pair , a 30 - meter drive fiber optic driver / receiver pair , a single - ended driver / receiver pair , or a double - ended driver / receiver pair . in one embodiment , the connector insert modules include the driver / receiver electronic circuitry as well as the connector pins and sockets . the hermaphrodite connector allows a pme to be tested to be inserted into an operating pme having testing functionality . this pme to be tested can be introduced to an operating pme on a “ hot swap ” basis as described above , wherein plugging one unit into another will not disrupt an ongoing process in either module . while the operating pme can be structurally similar to the unit under test , the operating pme can also be a test module built for the test pme devices . in a similar manner , a test pme can be inserted into an operational pme to be tested . in one embodiment , ncp provides direct access from the periphery input signal of a chip carrier through the eci and the cps to the ifi parallel register that services the internal function module . likewise , the internal function data is placed in a parallel output register in the ifi , passed directly through the cps and the eci to the periphery signal connection . in one embodiment , ncp can disallow port communication access , of unused ports , so as to not allow disruptive requests from other processes external to a node and not used in the node . each node can be assigned to specific functions or perform as a general purpose processor . for example , in various embodiments , a node can be used as a single processor , a pre processor , a data processor , a post processor , an input processor , an output processor , an intelligent memory control , an interface control processor , a memory control processor , an array processor , a wave front processor , or various permutations and combinations of the above . it will be appreciated that other interoperability uses of nodes is also envisioned . further , each node can be dynamically and statically controlled to , e . g ., change nodal connections . in one embodiment , all chip carriers in a node are similar and / or substantially identical . in other embodiments , multiple different kinds of chip carriers are present in a node . while each of the chip carriers in a node may or may not be identical , a few of the chip carriers ( by reason of their unique mounted position on the substrate ) can be used as interface controllers . various interface embodiments are described above . another functionality of a chip carrier is a nodal control processor , which provides setup and control of a node or multiple nodes . multiple nodes can be combined to work as a supernode . once a chip carrier , a node , a pme or a combination thereof has been manufactured , a programmer can utilize an external host computer to load and control program code into the device , designated the client device . various software modules and tools can reside in a host computer such as a laptop , desktop , or a previously configured chip carrier - based computer running an operating system such as linux . this software can be programmed to assist in the development of software modules , routines , nodal control , software tools , and operating systems that will load and control the program code residing in the client device . such external software executes in the host computer and not in the client device . the host tools and software can include functionality to support the client device during manufacture , initial programming , testing , integration , application development , and debugging . in one embodiment , the host provides software development tools for portions of a client device . for example , the client device can include a processor ( and / or a memory , sensor , etc .) identified as the internal function . external tools to support the internal function include editors , compilers , linker , and loaders that produce code that can be executed on the client device . other external tools can include tools and libraries stored on the host device to provide software mechanisms for communication with and control of the client device . in one embodiment , the host operating system includes host driver software to initiate an interface connection between the host hardware and the client device hardware . these drivers can be low - level language routines called through software tools and the host operating system for communication with the client device . once the physical communications connections and the software mechanisms are in place , host software tools can use these communications mechanisms to setup and control the client device . these tools can be programmed to formulate message sequences and control bits to access the client device . these tools can include an initial bootstrapping sequence to load more intelligent and complex loaders and routines into the client device . the host can then treat the client device as a ‘ smart ’ device and communicate with it using high - level messages such that the client device can remotely perform setup and configuration processes at the direction of the host . the host and client device can operate in tandem . the host , for example , can execute a user application partially on the host and partially on the client . as described above , the client device can be configured as one or more processing nodes having many chip carriers per processing node . in one embodiment , the host issues processing tasks to the client device and receives the results reported back to the host . in another embodiment , the host delegates an entire processing problem to the client device and then retrieves the solution from the client device . various software and firmware modules can also be executed by the client device . the client device can , for example , execute software applications designed specifically for the one or more of the internal function processors that resides within the client device . as mentioned above , at least some portions of the client device are externally controllable from the host for initial communication and bootstrap loading . in another embodiment , other portions of the client device are controllable from within the client device itself . for example , portions of the setup , controls , and internal logic are accessible from a configuration control processor through the use of internal software routines and tools . in one embodiment , internal software performs the main setup and configuration of the client hardware to support a user application and to communicate with the host . the user application can , for example , dynamically change hardware settings from within the user application by making calls to library routines which reside in an operating system of the internal function processor . in one embodiment , operating system library routines executed by the internal function of the client device support the extensive capabilities of the client device . the routines can communicate to other portions of the hardware either through the ccp or directly . internal software library routines can include routines for configuration / reconfiguration and the sending / receiving of messages across the communications paths of the client device . in one embodiment , messages pass through the input / output portions of the client device without interfering with the operation of the internal function processing . in another embodiment , messages are received into the internal function . in yet another embodiment , messages are sent from the internal function or memory of the client device . in one embodiment , the internal software contains library routines available to a user application executed on a host device for performing control , setup , and data transfer . at the completion of data transfer , a signal can be returned through the library routine to the user application . in one embodiment , the client device also contains a set of internal status and control routines that respond to queries from the host or other client devices . these queries can provide the hooks for debugging both the user application and client operating system . a programmer , developer , or application tester can use these status and control routines for software debugging . the routine can include routines for controlling the internal function , interrogating specific hardware , and viewing and changing memory . in a similar fashion , the host can include corresponding commands in the host software to status and debug the client device through a data connection path to these internal software status and control routines . the internal software can be configured to support several chip carriers configured into a processing node with a group of local communications paths . when the processing node is operating , these communications paths , data transfers and signaling routines facilitate the user application coordination across the multiple chip carriers of the processing node . as mentioned above with respect to the dynamic and static reconfigurability of such devices , at the completion of the user application , internal software can switch to another user application that is to be executed in the client device . in response , the operating system can reconfigure the hardware and the communications paths to support the new user application . in another embodiment , the operating system itself can be switched to a one of a different complexity based on the specific user application and its processing requirements . in one embodiment , a client device is configured by software executed on a host device to initially define the interconnections between client devices . after the interconnections are defined , the operating system and user application software of the client device is loaded into the associated hardware by using software tools executed on a host computer . additional software executed on a host device can reconfigure the interconnections and communications paths within the client device while the current user application is executing on the client device . the reconfiguration can also allow the change of the user application and an operating system defined to support the application requirements . in one embodiment , when the first user application completes , the second user application is ready to reconfigure the hardware architecture and required communications paths within a few clock cycles . dynamic configuration can be directed from a host computer or it can be directed from within the client device itself through , e . g ., library routine calls . these calls can be based from the currently configured client devices or it can be from an additional device directing the reconfiguration , such as with the pme module control processor . dynamic configuration can , in one embodiment , support a ‘ failed component ’ workaround . for example , if the failed component is an input / output , a different input / output path can be selected to be used . if the failed component is the internal function processor of a first chip carrier , a second chip carrier can be used , wherein the input / output connections are reassigned and the program and data in the memory of the first chip carrier are reassigned to the second chip carrier . in one embodiment , chip carriers embodied in a client device are uniquely determined by their physical location on the client device , an internal identifier , and by software which executes within each chip carrier . in one embodiment , the client device itself has similar identification information stored within it . this chip carrier software can range from ‘ stand alone ’ mathematical type routines to operating systems . the desired configuration of the client device can be changed at any time to support this range of processing capabilities . in one embodiment , a user can determine the complexity of support required for the particular application and select the appropriate operating system . in another embodiment , the appropriate operating system is automatically selected based on the support required . a number of operating systems of varying complexity are available for selection . the complexity can , for example , be based on the range of operating system calls that the user software uses . for example , a first operating system can support a few tasks which communicate with near neighbor chip carriers of a processing node and does not support dynamic reconfiguration . a second operating system can support communication between processing nodes either on the same or distant pme and also support dynamic reconfiguration of subordinate processing nodes to add or subtract processing power of the user application software . during the development of the particular application , software tools executed on a host computer can configure the particular client device operating systems and libraries to form the executable code which will execute in the client device or the chip carriers thereof . this executable code , including operating systems and user applications , can be transferred to the client device hardware to form a configured system . after this configuration is set , the software tools executed on the host computer can download changes in the background to the initial configuration concurrently while the client device is executing other software . in one embodiment , these changes are coordinated with the client device hardware and software so as to not interfere with the current client device processing . fig1 above illustrates one embodiment of a pme which can be used as a client device . from the figure , it is evident that certain of the chip carriers are proximal to the input / output interfaces . these chip carriers , or others , can be designated module control processors ( mcps ) and loaded with mcp software to control the interaction of the pme with other devices . the mcp can also be configured to handle the configuration / reconfiguration of the other chip carriers on the pme . the mcp can also be configured to set up the communications paths between chip carriers and to initialize the user application software in the chip carriers . while , in one embodiment described above , these tasks are handled by a host computer , in another embodiment , they are instead ‘ off - loaded ’ to the mcp for additional flexibility . with this flexibility , the mcp ( s ) of the client device can direct their own reconfiguration by calling appropriate software reconfiguration routines . data passed to / from the pme communications paths are routed through the input / output portion of the mcps . in one embodiment , the data is passed directly to other chip carriers on the pme bypassing the internal function and memory of the mcp , whereas in another embodiment , the mcp captures the data , interprets the data , and then directs the data to the appropriate processing node or chip carrier . this capture , interpretation , and direction forms an intermediate level of task control within the client device . in some embodiments , multiple pmes operate together as a processing node . the module control processors within the multi - pme node can be configured to handle intermediate data transfer and reconfiguration control for the processing node . as mentioned above , the messages can be transmitted in a broadcasting fashion . broadcasting can be used , for example , to distribute software code and / or data to many carriers in a spider - type fashion to ‘ bulk load ’ groups of carriers . broadcasting , as described above , can be used to load software into many client devices without the need for the host to individually load each client device . in one embodiment , software for individual client devices is broadcast to all devices and each individual client device discards information not intended for the device . the broadcast software can address individual client devices using a unique identification number stored within each client device ( or chip carrier thereof ) during manufacture or testing . in one embodiment , bootstrapping is used to set up the communications paths to and through multiple client devices . after this is completed , information is broadcast to a number of devices and the client devices can begin processing . broadcasting can be used in the initial setup of devices or for upgrading portions of the devices . these broadcast techniques allow the host to transmit information to specifically identified client devices . as described above , processor nodes support distributed processing with additional features such as pre - processing , instruction processing , and post - processing . in one embodiment , a processor node is dynamically configurable to operate as a distributed processing system , whereas in another embodiment , a processor node is dynamically configured to operate in a traditional processing method as utilized by contemporary systems . distributed processing can be used to provide greater process transaction throughput by using more than one chip carrier of a processor node ( or more than one processor node ) to operate on data in a pipeline fashion . for example , using five hlccs forming a node could at any point in time operate on five or more different instructions simultaneously . in one embodiment , during a first clock period , an instruction is fetched by one chip carrier operating as an instruction fetch processor ( ifp ); during a second clock period , the instruction is interpreted by the ifp and other chip carriers operating as operand fetch processors ( ofps ) are directed where to fetch operands ; during a third clock period , the ofps fetch various operands ; during a fourth clock period , a chip carrier acting as an instruction processor ( ip ) performs the instruction directed by the ifp ; and during a fifth clock period , a chip carrier acting as an instruction result processor ( irp ) stores the data , from the ip , in the location directed by the ifp . fig1 illustrates a processor node with components designated as in the above example . the instruction fetch processor ( ifp ), in one embodiment , works in a look - ahead program timing mode and thus , out of sequence jumps ( branch ) to other locations can be anticipated in most cases and therefore reduce precious processing time . fig1 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of two chip carriers 1100 mounted on a substrate 1060 . the first of the two chip carriers 1100 includes a package base 1120 a , a lower die 1102 a , a ground tab 1103 a , an upper die 1101 a and a package cap 1110 a . the package base 1120 a is fused to the substrate 1060 with solder 1105 a . the lower die 1102 a is fused to the package base 1120 a with solder 1106 a . the ground tab 1103 a is electrically coupled both the package base 1120 a and the package cap 1110 a to receive ground potential . the ground tab 1103 a is also coupled to both the upper die 1101 a and the lower die 1102 a using solder balls ( or the like ). similarly , the second of the two chip carriers 1100 includes a package base 1120 b , a lower die 1102 b , a ground tab 1103 b , an upper die 1101 b and a package cap 1110 b . the package base 1120 b is fused to the substrate 1060 with solder 1105 b . the lower die 1102 b is fused to the package base 1120 b with solder 1106 b . the ground tab 1103 b is electrically coupled both the package base 1120 b and the package cap 1110 b to receive ground potential . the ground tab 1103 b is also coupled to both the upper die 1101 b and the lower die 1102 b using solder balls ( or the like ). with further reference to fig1 , one method of manufacturing such a chip carrier is as follows . first , align and reflow solder the lower die 1102 to the cavity of the carrier package base 1120 a . second , position a tab sheet over the package base 1120 a housing the lower die 1102 a . third , position the upper die 1101 a over the tab sheet and lower die assembly . fourth , reflow solder the upper die 1101 a to the tab sheet , the lower die 1102 a and the package cap 1110 a . in one embodiment , the upper die 1101 a is not soldered to the package cap 1110 a . fifth , reform the signal leads of the tab sheet for connection to neighboring devices so as to provide compensation of expansion and contraction due to temperature variations . sixth , place and cement the package cap 111 aa to the assembly providing a micro strip coaxial transmission path embedded in a dielectric insulator for each signal line . finally , solder the power and ground to the package cap 1110 a , package base 1120 a and tab sheet . those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above describes but one embodiment of manufacturing a stack and that other methods formed by removing , adding , or altering the above steps can be used . moreover , those skilled in the art will appreciate that specific connections to particular signal pins and connection pads have not been exhaustively described for the sake of brevity . fig1 is another cross sectional view of one embodiment of two chip carriers 1200 . the two chip carries 1200 are similar to and adapted from the two chip carriers 1100 illustrated in fig1 . accordingly , elements common to both chip carriers 1100 and 1200 share common reference indicia , and only differences between the two are described herein for the sake of brevity . specifically , the two chip carriers 1200 include first and second signal tabs 1115 a and 1115 b in place of the first and second ground tabs 1103 a and 1103 b illustrated in fig1 . the first signal tab 1115 a is coupled to a connection pad on the lower die 1102 a and is electrically shielded from the package base 1120 a and package cap 1110 a . similarly , the second signal tab 1115 b is coupled to a connection pad on the upper die 1101 b and is electrically shielded from the package base 1120 b and package cap 1110 b . the first and second signal tabs 1115 a and 1115 b are electrically connected with solder ball 1117 , which thereby creates a data path from the lower die 1102 a to the upper die 1101 b . moreover , those skilled in the art will appreciate that from the present disclosure that any combination of connections can be made between the dice 1101 a , 1102 a , 1101 b , 1102 b using signal tabs , and the scope of the claims is in no way limited by the example illustrated in fig1 . fig1 is a plan view of one embodiment of the substrate 1060 included in the pme illustrated in fig1 . in one embodiment , the substrate 1060 is conductive and includes a number of voltage connections arranged so as to provide at least one of power and ground levels to one or more chip carriers . for example , in one embodiment , in operation the substrate 1060 is at the same potential as electrical ground . the ground potential is established and maintained by ground vias , such as the first and second vias 1070 a and 1070 b . the first and second vias 1070 a and 1070 b , for example , are electrically coupled to the substrate 1060 . in the example illustrated in fig1 , the ground vias are interspersed between the power supply vias , such as the first , second and third power supply vias 1061 a , 1061 b , 1061 c . the power supply vias are electrically insulated from the substrate and are arranged so as to connect to insulated power lines located at the corners of the hexagonal chip carriers . moreover , while the substrate 1060 is specifically arranged for receiving and supporting hexagonally - shaped chip carriers , those skilled in the art will appreciate that in another embodiment , the ground and power vias can be arranged to accommodate other shapes of chip carriers , such as rectangular and square chip carriers . fig1 a is a plan view of one embodiment of an arrangement 1400 a of rectangular chip carriers arranged in a row - by - column manner , such that each chip carrier has four neighbors with which communication is potentially available . specifically , the arrangement 1400 a includes nine chip carriers 1401 a , 1401 b , 1401 c , 1401 d , 1401 e , 1401 f , 1401 g , 1401 h , 1401 i . the chip carrier 1401 e is in the center of a ring formed by the chip carriers 1401 a , 1401 b , 1401 c , 1401 d , 1401 f , 1401 g , 1401 h , 1401 i . however , since the chip carriers 1401 a , 1401 c , 1401 g , 1401 i are located diagonally away from the corners of chip carrier 1401 e , it is difficult for chip carrier 1401 e to establish direct communication with the chip carriers 1401 a , 1401 c , 1401 g , 1401 i . on the other hand , the chip carriers 1401 b , 1401 d , 1401 f , 1401 h are beside broad sides of the chip carrier 1401 e , and as such , it is relatively more convenient for the chip carrier 1401 e to establish direct communication with these neighboring chip carriers . fig1 b is a plan view of one embodiment of another arrangement 1400 b of rectangular chip carriers arranged in a brick pattern , such that each chip carrier has six neighbors with which communication is potentially available . specifically , the arrangement 1400 b includes nine chip carriers 1402 a , 1402 b , 1402 c , 1402 d , 1402 e , 1402 f , 1402 g , 1402 h , 1402 i . the chip carrier 1402 e is in the center of a ring formed by the chip carriers 1401 b , 1401 c , 1401 d , 1401 f , 1401 h , 1401 i . moreover , as result of the brick pattern arrangement , each of the chip carriers 1401 b , 1401 c , 1401 d , 1401 f , 1401 h , 1401 i is considered a neighbor to the chip carrier 1402 e . accordingly , in one embodiment the chip carrier 1402 e is able to establish direct communication with each of the chip carriers 1401 b , 1401 c , 1401 d , 1401 f , 1401 h , 1401 i without sending signals through other chip carriers or over a printed circuit board . fig1 is a signal flow diagram 1500 of one embodiment of a method of distributed computing . as described above , in one embodiment a chip carrier includes two integrated circuit dice , the two integrated circuit dice are arranged so that they face one another and are in communication with one another . as such , as described herein communication with a dual chip carrier includes communication with one or both of the integrated circuit dice included therein . specifically , fig1 depicts signaling to facilitate the establishment of a data tunnel between two chip carriers that each includes one or more integrated circuit dice . a resulting data tunnel may exist between two adjacent chip carriers or between two chip carriers that are separated by one or more other chip carriers . while the signal flow diagram 1500 of fig1 includes only three chip carriers 1501 , 1502 , 1503 , those skilled in the art will appreciate that fig1 is merely an illustrative example . those skilled in the art will also understand from the present disclosure that any number of chip carriers may be involved with transmitting , processing and responding to a service request and / or transmitting and / or processing data associated with a service request . turning to the example illustrated in fig1 , as indicated by block 1510 , the method includes the first chip carrier 1501 determining and / or generating a service request for the third chip carrier 1503 . given that the third chip carrier 1503 is not an immediate neighbor of the first chip carrier 1501 , the service request traverses the communication interface of the second chip carrier 1502 . to that end , as indicated signal 1511 , the method includes the first chip carrier transmitting a local packet including the service request to the second chip carrier 1502 . as indicated by signal 1512 , the method includes the second chip carrier 1502 responding to the first chip carrier 1501 by transmitting a “ transmission not - acknowledged ” ( tnack ) message which indicates that the local packet may not have been successfully received . as indicated by signal 1513 , if the local packet was successfully received , the method includes the second chip carrier 1502 transmitting a “ transmission acknowledged ” ( tack ) message to the first chip carrier 1501 , which negates the automatically transmitted tnack message . in one embodiment , the first chip carrier 1501 is configured wait for a tack message after first receiving a tnack message for a period of time before relying on the tnack message . in one embodiment , the chip carrier receiving a local packet transmits the tnack and tack messages back over the same physical connection that the local packet is received on , thereby freeing other signal pins on both chip carriers to communicate in parallel with the tnack and tack messages . in other words , the tnack and tack messages are received by the chip carrier that originally transmitted the local packet on a signal pin normally used for transmission . as such , signal pins on that chip carrier that are normally used for receiving signals are free for other communication . as indicated by signal 1514 , the method includes the second chip carrier 1502 transmitting the local packet to the third chip carrier 1503 . the second chip carrier 1502 may transmit the local packet before , during or after the second chip carrier transmits the tnack message and / or the tack message . additionally and / or alternatively , the second chip carrier 1502 retransmits portions of the local packet as they are received from the first chip carrier 1501 . as indicated by signal 1515 , the method includes the third chip carrier 1503 responding to the second chip carrier 1502 by transmitting a tnack message which indicates that the local packet may not have been successfully received . as indicated by signal 1516 , if the local packet was successfully received , the method includes the third chip carrier 1503 transmitting a “ transmission acknowledged ” tack message to the second chip carrier 1502 , which negates the automatically transmitted tnack message . in one embodiment , the second chip carrier 1502 is configured wait for a tack message after first receiving a tnack message for a period of time before relying on the tnack message . as indicated by block 1517 , the method includes the third chip carrier 1503 processing the service request originally sent by the first chip carrier 1501 . as indicated by block 1518 , the method includes the first and third chip carriers establishing a data tunnel through the second chip carrier 1502 . in one embodiment , in instances where the resulting data tunnel includes a path including one or more chip carriers ( e . g . the second chip carrier 1502 ) between the two chip carriers where the data tunnel terminates ( e . g . the first and third chip carriers 1501 , 1503 ), the data tunnel is established using the respective communication interfaces of the middle chip carriers without interfering with the primary function of the integrated circuits included on those middle chip carriers . in other words , each respective communication interface substantially routes data away from the primary functional units on the respective integrated dice that do not originate a service request and / or process the service request . as such , only the chip carrier at which a service request originates and the chip carrier in which the service request is processed substantially request , process , access , create and / or consider data traversing the data tunnel . in the example illustrated in fig1 , the communication interface of one or more of the dice included in the second chip carrier 1502 routes data away from the primary functional units included in the one or more of the dice , so that the computing operations of those functional units is substantially unaffected . fig1 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method of distributed computing . the illustrated method can be modified in a variety of ways . for example , in another embodiment , various portions of the illustrated method can be combined , can be rearranged in an alternate sequence , removed , or the like . specifically , fig1 illustrates a method of requesting remote processing of a service request . for example , with further reference to the signal flow diagram 1500 of fig1 , the flowchart of fig1 illustrates one method the first chip carrier 1501 may follow to establish a data tunnel with the third chip carrier 1503 . to that end , as represented by block 16 - 1 , the method includes determining a remote service requirement . in other words , an integrated circuit within one chip carrier determines through operation of software and / or firmware that data or service is required from another integrated circuit not located within the same chip carrier . as represented by block 16 - 2 , the method includes preparing a service request . as represented by block 16 - 3 , the method includes transmitting the service request to neighboring chip carrier . as represented by block 16 - 4 , the method includes waiting for an acknowledgement for a first period of time . if an acknowledgement message is not received during the first period ( to path from 16 - 4 ), as represented by block 16 - 5 , the method includes determining whether or not a fault threshold has been breached . in one embodiment , a fault threshold is a predetermined number . the predetermined number is representative of times that a service request can be sent to the same neighboring chip carrier without receiving an acknowledgement regarding the reception before the sending chip carrier ceases to transmit service requests to that particular neighboring chip carrier . if the fault threshold has not been breached ( no path from 16 - 5 ), the method includes looping back to repeat the transmission of the service request as represented by block 16 - 3 . on the other hand , if the fault threshold has been breached ( yes path from 16 - 5 ), as represented by block 16 - 6 , the method includes transmitting the service request to an alternate neighboring chip carrier . referring again to block 16 - 4 , if a tnack message is received within the first period of time ( tnack path from 16 - 4 ), as represented by block 16 - 7 , the method includes waiting for an acknowledgement for a second period of time . the second period of time can be the same or different than the first period of time discussed above . if an acknowledgement message is not received during the second period ( to path from 16 - 7 ), as again represented by block 16 - 5 , the method includes determining whether or not a fault threshold has been breached as discussed above . on the other hand , if a tack message is received within the second period of time ( tack path from 16 - 7 ), as represented by block 16 - 8 , the method includes waiting for a response to the service request for a third period of time . the third period of time may be dynamically set based on the estimated transmission delays and processing time for a particular service request . additionally and / or alternatively , the third period of time may be a random number or a predetermined fixed number or any other value useful for a particular arrangement of chip carriers . if a response message is not received during the third period ( to path from 16 - 8 ), as again represented by block 16 - 5 , the method includes determining whether or not a fault threshold has been breached as discussed above . on the other hand , if a response message is received within the third period of time ( tr path from 16 - 8 ), as represented by block 16 - 9 , the method includes receiving a response to the service request through a data tunnel . as represented by block 16 - 10 , the method includes providing confirmation of reception message and / or further service requests over the data tunnel to the servicing chip carrier . fig1 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method of distributed computing . the illustrated method can be modified in a variety of ways . for example , in another embodiment , various portions of the illustrated method can be combined , can be rearranged in an alternate sequence , removed , or the like . specifically , fig1 illustrates a method of receiving and processing a service request . for example , with further reference to the signal flow diagram 1500 of fig1 , the flowchart of fig1 illustrates one method the second and third chip carriers 1502 , 1503 may follow to establish a data tunnel back to the first chip carrier 1501 . to that end , as represented by block 17 - 1 , the method includes receiving a service request within a local packet . as represented by block 17 - 2 , the method includes transmitting a tnack message in response to receiving the local packet . if the packet was validly received , as represented by block 17 - 3 , the method includes transmitting a tack message to the chip carrier from which the local packet was received . as represented by block 17 - 4 , the method includes determining whether or not the service request is a request for local service . if it is determined that the service request is a request for local service ( yes path from 17 - 4 ), as represented by block 17 - 5 , the method includes processing the service request locally in order to generate a response to the service request . as represented by block 17 - 6 , the method includes establishing a data tunnel back to the requesting chip carrier . in one embodiment , the data tunnel traverses the same path that the service request traversed to the servicing chip carrier . in one embodiment , the data tunnel traverses a shorter and / or more efficient path . as represented by block 17 - 7 , the method includes transmitting a first response over the data tunnel to the requesting chip carrier . in another embodiment , the data tunnel is established before or while the service request is processed locally . referring again to block 17 - 4 , on the other hand , if it is determined that the service request is not a request for local service ( no path from 17 - 4 ), as represented by block 17 - 8 , the method includes transmitting the service request within a local packet to the next chip carrier in the path to the servicing chip carrier . as represented by block 17 - 9 , the method includes determining whether or not a transmission acknowledgement has been received . if a transmission acknowledgement has been received ( yes path from 17 - 9 ), as represented by block 17 - 10 the method concludes . on the other hand , if a transmission acknowledgment has not been received ( no path from 17 - 9 ), as represented by block 17 - 11 , the method includes determining whether or not a fault threshold has been breached . if the fault threshold has been breached ( yes path from 17 - 11 ), as represented by block 17 - 12 the method includes transmitting the local packet to an alternate neighbor . if the fault threshold has not been breached ( no path from 17 - 11 ), as represented by block 17 - 8 , the method includes retransmitting the local packet to the same chip carrier . fig1 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method of distributed computing . the illustrated method can be modified in a variety of ways . for example , in another embodiment , various portions of the illustrated method can be combined , can be rearranged in an alternate sequence , removed , or the like . specifically , fig1 illustrates a method of testing and dynamically reconfiguring a distributed computing system , such as the system 100 described above with reference to fig1 and 2 . as represented by block 18 - 1 , the method includes selecting a chip carrier for testing . as noted above , a chip carrier as described herein can be configured to house one or two integrated circuit dice . as such , by selecting a chip carrier , one or two separate integrated circuit dice are selected for simultaneous or individual testing depending on the particular configuration of the chip carrier selected . as represented by block 18 - 2 , the method includes indentifying neighboring chip carriers of the chip carrier selected for testing . in one embodiment , a subset of the neighboring chip carriers is identified . in one embodiment , all of the neighboring chip carriers are identified . as represented by block 18 - 3 , the method includes selecting a first neighboring chip carrier from which to transmit a test packet . as represented by block 18 - 4 , the method includes transmitting a test packet ( or test vector or the like ) from the selected neighbor to the chip carrier under test . as represented by block 18 - 5 , the method includes waiting to receive an acknowledgement for a first duration of time . in one embodiment , for example , the first duration is one of a predetermined duration , a duration randomly determined during operation , a duration determined based on expected processing time of the test packet . nevertheless , those skilled in the art will appreciate that the first duration can be set in any number of ways and the example provided herein merely illustrate particular possibilities for setting the first duration . if an acknowledgement is received during the first duration ( ack path from 18 - 5 ), as represented by block 18 - 6 , the method includes confirming communication access to the chip carrier under test . further , in one embodiment , the method further including testing the functionality of the one or two integrated circuit dice included in the chip carrier under test once communication access to the chip carrier has been confirmed . testing the functionality of a particular internal function module is dependent on the actual functionality of that particular internal function module . those skilled in the art will appreciate how to conduct such testing for a particular chip once communication access to the chip has been confirmed . if an acknowledgement is not received during the first duration ( to path from 18 - 5 ), as represented by block 18 - 7 , the method includes determining whether or not there are identified neighboring chip carriers that have not yet attempted to transmit a test packet to the chip under test . if there are one or more such neighboring chip carriers ( yes path from 18 - 7 ), as represented by block 18 - 8 , the method includes selecting an alternative neighboring chip carrier from the subset of one or more chip carriers that have not yet transmitted a test packet to the chip carrier under test . further , the method includes looping back to the portion of the method represented by block 18 - 4 so as to repeat the transmission of the test packet from the newly selected neighboring chip carrier . referring again to block 18 - 7 , if there are no more neighboring chip carriers that have yet to transmit a test packet ( no path from 18 - 7 ), as represented by block 18 - 9 , the method includes deeming the chip carrier under test to be in a failed state because none of the neighbors involved in the testing were able to confirm communication access with the chip carrier under test . as represented by block 18 - 10 , the method includes rerouting service requests and / or functions previously delegated to the chip carrier under test to alternate chip carriers where possible . in one embodiment , rerouting service requests and / or functions includes computer software that distributes service requests and / or delegates functions to operable chip carriers , taking into account the loss of capacity of chip carriers that are currently deemed to be in a failed state . fig1 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method of shifting to a sleep mode of operation in a distributed computing system . the illustrated method can be modified in a variety of ways . for example , in another embodiment , various portions of the illustrated method can be combined , can be rearranged in an alternate sequence , removed , or the like . specifically , fig1 illustrates a method of initializing a sleep mode operation . as represented by block 19 - 1 , the method includes at least one of powering up an internal function module ( referenced as f ( x ) in fig1 - 23 ) and resetting a sleep command flag internal to the internal function module . as represented by block 19 - 2 , the method includes enabling external communications interface ( eci ) receivers . in one embodiment , eci receivers are assumed to be in active state so long as the chip receives power . as represented by block 19 - 3 , the method includes a configuration control process ( ccp ) configuring an internal function module , an associated cross - point switch ( cps ), an associated local private memory ( lpm ), and an associated internal function interface ( ifi ). as represented by block 19 - 4 , the method includes configuring automatic sleep mode timeout periods . examples of sleep mode timeout periods are discussed in further detail below with reference to fig2 . fig2 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method of shifting to a sleep mode of operation in a distributed computing system . the illustrated method can be modified in a variety of ways . for example , in another embodiment , various portions of the illustrated method can be combined , can be rearranged in an alternate sequence , removed , or the like . in one embodiment , the method responds to an instruction that signals an orderly completion of some or all transactions of modules included on a chip so that one or more of the modules can safely enter an idle state . specifically , fig2 illustrates a method of directing an internal function module into a sleep mode of operation . as represented by block 20 - 1 , the method includes providing an internal function module with a command to enter a sleep mode of operation . as represented by block 20 - 2 , the method includes an eci decoding the sleep mode command . as represented by block 20 - 3 , the method includes sending the decoded command to a ccp . as represented by block 20 - 4 , the method includes the ccp decoding the sleep mode command destination . as represented by block 20 - 5 , the method includes determining whether or not the sleep mode command is applicable to the entire chip or merely a subset of particular modules included on the chip . if the sleep mode command is applicable to the entire chip ( yes path from 20 - 5 ), as represented by block 20 - 15 , the method includes completing the eci transaction . that is , each eci port is directed to enter sleep mode by the ccp . in one embodiment , the command originates from a different eci port than the particular eci port directed into the sleep mode . in another embodiment , the command originates from the same eci port directed to enter sleep mode or even the ccp itself . by completing the transaction on a particular eci port directed to enter sleep mode both ends of the transaction complete in a normal manner . on the other hand , if a eci port immediately entered the sleep mode the transaction would have been truncated and an error would be indicated and / or induced on the communicating partner of the eci port . as represented by block 20 - 16 , the method includes turning off the eci output clock . as represented by block 20 - 17 , the method includes placing the internal function module f ( x ) into sleep mode . as represented by block 20 - 18 , the method includes deactivating the internal function module clocks . as represented by block 20 - 19 , the method includes shutting down the ifi . as represented by block 20 - 20 , the method includes shutting down the ccp . in one embodiment , the various components discussed above are shutdown in the order presented herein . however , those skilled in the art will appreciate that the order presented is merely one example of the order in which various components on a chip can be placed into sleep mode . referring again to block 20 - 5 , if the sleep mode command is not applicable to the entire chip ( no path from 20 - 5 ), as represented by blocks 20 - 6 through 20 - 14 , the method includes determining which modules the sleep command is applicable to and shutting down those modules . for example , as represented by block 20 - 6 , the method includes determining whether or not the sleep command is applicable to the internal function module f ( x ). if the sleep command is applicable to the internal function module ( yes path from 20 - 6 ), as represented by block 20 - 7 , the method includes placing the internal function module into sleep mode and turning off the internal function module clocks . as represented by block 20 - 8 , the method includes determining whether or not the sleep command is applicable to the eci port . if the sleep command is applicable to the eci port ( yes path from 20 - 8 ), as represented by blocks 20 - 9 and 20 - 10 , the method includes completing the eci transaction and turning off the eci output clock . as represented by block 20 - 11 , the method includes determining whether or not the sleep command is applicable to the ifi . if the sleep command is applicable to the ifi ( yes path from 20 - 11 ), as represented by block 20 - 12 , the method includes shutting down the ifi . as represented by block 20 - 13 , the method includes determining whether or not the sleep command is applicable to the ccp . if the sleep command is applicable to the ccp ( yes path from 20 - 13 ), as represented by block 20 - 14 , the method includes shutting down the ccp . as represented by block 20 - 21 , after processing the portions of the method discussed above , the method includes providing an indication that the sleep mode of operation has been entered as directed . fig2 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method of reactivating an integrated circuit in a sleep mode of operation in a distributing computing system . the illustrated method can be modified in a variety of ways . for example , in another embodiment , various portions of the illustrated method can be combined , can be rearranged in an alternate sequence , removed , or the like . specifically , fig2 illustrates a method of directing a chip die into an active mode of operation that is wholly or partially in a sleep mode of operation . as represented by block 21 - 1 , the method includes providing a chip with a command to exit the sleep mode of operation . as represented by block 21 - 2 , the method includes an eci decoding the command . as represented by block 21 - 3 , the method includes determining whether the ccp is in a sleep mode of operation . if the ccp is currently in a sleep mode ( yes path from 21 - 3 ), as represented by block 21 - 4 , the method includes reactivating the ccp . on the other hand , if the ccp is already active ( no path from 21 - 3 ), as represented by block 21 - 5 , the method includes sending the decoded command to a ccp . as represented by block 21 - 6 , the method includes the ccp decoding the command destination ( s ). as represented by block 21 - 7 , the method includes determining whether or not the command is applicable to the entire chip or merely a subset of particular modules included on the chip . if the command is applicable to the entire chip ( yes path from 21 - 7 ), as represented by block 21 - 15 , the method includes activating the ifi . as represented by block 21 - 16 , the method includes activating the internal function module clock . as represented by block 21 - 17 , the method includes activating the internal function module . as represented by block 21 - 18 , the method includes activating the eci output clock . in one embodiment , the various components discussed above are activated in the order presented herein . however , those skilled in the art will appreciate that the order presented is merely one example of the order in which various components on a chip can be reactivated from a sleep mode of operation . referring again to block 21 - 7 , if the command is not applicable to the entire chip ( no path from 21 - 7 ), as represented by blocks 21 - 8 through 21 - 14 , the method includes determining which modules the command is applicable to and activating those modules . for example , as represented by block 21 - 8 , the method includes determining whether or not the command is applicable to the internal function module . if the command is applicable to the internal function module ( yes path from 21 - 8 ), as represented by blocks 21 - 9 and 21 - 10 , the method includes reactivating the internal function module clocks and the internal function module . as represented by block 21 - 11 , the method includes determining whether or not the command is applicable to the eci port . if the command is applicable to the eci port ( yes path from 21 - 11 ), as represented by blocks 21 - 12 , the method includes activating the eci output clock . as represented by block 21 - 13 , the method includes determining whether or not the command is applicable to the ifi . if the command is applicable to the ifi ( yes path from 21 - 13 ), as represented by block 21 - 14 , the method includes activating the ifi . as represented by block 21 - 19 after processing the portions of the method discussed above , the method includes providing an indication that the sleep mode of operation has been exited as directed . fig2 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method of shifting to a sleep mode of operation in a distributed computing system . the illustrated method can be modified in a variety of ways . for example , in another embodiment , various portions of the illustrated method can be combined , can be rearranged in an alternate sequence , removed , or the like . specifically , fig2 illustrates a method enabling a chip to sense conditions indicative of lower activity and automatically and autonomously enter a sleep mode of operation . in one embodiment , when one or more clock signals provided to a chip become unavailable the chip responds by transitioning into a reset state and powers down one or more functional blocks with the possible exception of the eci receivers . in one embodiment , even in a sleep mode of operation , the lpm and internal function module are provided with a keep - alive power supply in order to retain information stored in volatile memory . as represented by block 22 - 1 , the method includes configuring an automatic sleep mode sensing scheme . as represented by block 22 - 2 , the method includes determining whether externally provided clocks are no longer available . if it is determined that the external clocks are no longer available ( yes path from 22 - 2 ), as represented by block 22 - 12 , the method includes automatically deactivating a number of modules included on a chip , but maintaining active operation of the eci receivers . on the other hand , if the external clocks are available ( no path from 22 - 2 ), as represented by block 22 - 3 through 22 - 11 , the method includes determining which modules have a sufficiently low level of activity for a sufficiently long enough period of time to justify placing the modules individually into a sleep mode of operation . for example , as represented by block 22 - 3 , the method includes determining whether or not the internal function module is idle . if the internal function module is not idle ( no path from 22 - 3 ), in one embodiment it is assumed that entering a sleep mode of operation would be disruptive to ongoing computing by the chip . as such , as indicated by block 22 - 13 , the method terminates . on the other hand , if the internal function module is idle ( yes path from 22 - 3 ), as represented by block 22 - 4 , the method includes determining if a internal function module sleep timer has expired , indicating that the internal function module has been idle for at least as long as the initial value of the timer . if the timer has not expired ( no path from 22 - 4 ), as represented by block 22 - 13 , the method terminates . if the timer has expired ( yes path from 22 - 4 ), as represented by block 22 - 5 , the method includes deactivating the idle internal function module . as represented by block 22 - 6 , the method includes determining whether or not the ifi is idle . if the ifi is not idle ( no path from 22 - 6 ), in one embodiment it is assumed that entering a sleep mode of operation would be disruptive to ongoing computing by the chip . as such , as indicated by block 22 - 13 , the method terminates . on the other hand , if the ifi is idle ( yes path from 22 - 6 ), as represented by block 22 - 7 , the method includes determining if an ifi sleep timer has expired , indicating that the ifi has been idle for at least as long as the initial value of the timer . if the timer has not expired ( no path from 22 - 7 ), as represented by block 22 - 13 , the method terminates . if the timer has expired ( yes path from 22 - 7 ), as represented by block 22 - 8 , the method includes deactivating the idle ifi . as represented by block 22 - 9 , the method includes determining whether or not the ccp is idle . if the ccp is not idle ( no path from 22 - 9 ), in one embodiment it is assumed that entering a sleep mode of operation would be disruptive to ongoing computing by the chip . as such , as indicated by block 22 - 13 , the method terminates . on the other hand , if the ccp is idle ( yes path from 22 - 9 ), as represented by block 22 - 10 , the method includes determining if a ccp sleep timer has expired , indicating that the ccp has been idle for at least as long as the initial value of the timer . if the timer has not expired ( no path from 22 - 10 ), as represented by block 22 - 13 , the method terminates . if the timer has expired ( yes path from 22 - 10 ), as represented by block 22 - 11 , the method includes deactivating the idle ccp . and as represented by block 22 - 13 , the method terminates . fig2 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method of reactivating an integrated circuit in a sleep mode of operation in a distributing computing system . the illustrated method can be modified in a variety of ways . for example , in another embodiment , various portions of the illustrated method can be combined , can be rearranged in an alternate sequence , removed , or the like . specifically , fig2 illustrates a method of enabling a chip to sense conditions indicative of higher activity and automatically and autonomously exit a sleep mode of operation into an active state . in one embodiment , a chip is configured to sense and respond to a clock signal in accordance with one of three configurations . in a first configuration , the eci and cps are reactivated and other elements remain in a sleep mode of operation . in this configuration , the eci and cps have the ability to pass transmission from a device to another device as in a normal operation but without intervention by the ccp or the internal function module . in a second configuration , substantially the on - chip elements are reactivated except for the ifi and the internal functional module . in this configuration transmission test and test of the dual interface may be performed by a reactivation command of the ifi to test the operation and integrity of the ifi . in a third configuration , the entire chip is fully activated . as represented by block 23 - 1 , the method includes configuring an automatic sleep mode reactivation sensing scheme . as represented by block 23 - 2 , the method includes determining whether available externally provided clocks were previously available . if it is determined that the external clocks were not previously available ( no path from 23 - 2 ), as represented by block 23 - 9 , the method includes automatically reactivating a number of modules included on a chip that were previously placed into a sleep mode of operation . as represented by block 23 - 10 , the method includes initializing the reactivated modules on the chip . in one embodiment , initializing the reactivated modules on the chip includes setting the all the modules on the chip with predetermined values and / or biasing the modules to particular operating points . as represented by block 23 - 11 , the method includes enabling the eci output clocks . referring again to block 23 - 2 , if the external clocks were available ( yes path from 23 - 2 ), as represented by block 23 - 3 through 22 - 8 , the method includes determining which modules are in sleep mode and reactivating those modules . for example , as represented by block 23 - 3 , the method includes determining whether or not the ccp is in sleep mode . if the ccp is in sleep mode ( yes path from 23 - 3 ), as represented by block 23 - 4 , the method includes reactivating the ccp . as represented by block 23 - 5 , the method includes determining whether or not the ifi is in sleep mode . if the ifi is in sleep mode ( yes path from 23 - 5 ), as represented by block 23 - 6 , the method includes reactivating the ifi . as represented by block 23 - 7 , the method includes determining whether or not the internal function module is in sleep mode . if the internal function module is in sleep mode ( yes path from 23 - 7 ), as represented by block 23 - 8 , the method includes reactivating the internal function module . in one embodiment , the various components discussed above are activated in the order presented herein . however , those skilled in the art will appreciate that the order presented is merely one example of the order in which various components on a chip can be reactivated from a sleep mode of operation . the above description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use embodiments within the scope of the appended claims . various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art , and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the disclosure . thus , the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein . for example , a skilled artisan will recognize from the present disclosure that various methods of manufacture , design , and materials can be used to make the various components described herein . additionally , other combinations , omissions , substitutions and modifications will be apparent to the skilled artisan in view of the disclosure herein . it is contemplated that various aspects and features of the invention described can be practiced separately , combined together , or substituted for one another , and that a variety of combination and sub - combinations of the features and aspects can be made and still fall within the scope of the invention . furthermore , the systems described above need not include all of the modules and functions described in the preferred embodiments . accordingly , the present invention is not intended to be limited by the recitation of the preferred embodiments , but is to be defined by reference to the appended claims . it should be understood that any reference to an element herein using a designation such as “ first ,” “ second ,” and so forth does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements . rather , these designations may be used herein as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element . thus , a reference to first and second elements does not mean that only two elements may be employed there or that the first element must precede the second element in some manner . also , unless stated otherwise a set of elements may comprise one or more elements . those of skill in the art would understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques . for example , data , instructions , commands , information , signals , bits , symbols , and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages , currents , electromagnetic waves , magnetic fields or particles , optical fields or particles , or any combination thereof . those of skill would further appreciate that any of the various illustrative logical blocks , modules , processors , means , circuits , and algorithm steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware ( e . g ., a digital implementation , an analog implementation , or a combination of the two , which may be designed using source coding or some other technique ), various forms of program or design code incorporating instructions ( which may be referred to herein , for convenience , as “ software ” or a “ software module ), 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 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 disclosure . it is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of steps in any disclosed process is an example of a sample approach . based upon design preferences , it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure . the accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order , and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented . | 7 |
according to a preferred feature of the invention , 5 - 20 % of the waste water withdrawn from the sump of the stripping column used in step a ) are cooled behind said stripping column , the cooled waste water is fed to the top of the pressure de - acidification column used in step d ) and said waste water is used to scrub residual ammonia from the escaping acid gases . according to a further preferred feature of the invention , the overhead product of the stripping column used in step a ) is cooled to 50 °- 80 ° c and subsequently fed to the scrubbing column used in step b ) and liquid which has been condensed by said cooling is recycled to the stripping column used in step a ). in this way the water vapor content of the gases to the scrubbing column is decreased . the scrubbing liquor used in step b ) in the scrubbing section consists preferably of a dilute ammonium carbonate solution which contains a considerable surplus of ammonia and may also contain h 2 s and / or hcn . the temperature of this scrubbing liquor is suitably selected so that the scrubbing step is carried out at the required temperature . the measure adopted in accordance with the invention ensure that the ammonia withdrawn from the top of the scrubbing column will not be contaminated with h 2 s or hcn , as is the case in accordance with german patent 118 , 765 . part of the scrubbing liquor used in step b ) may be desirably obtained in that liquid ammonia used as a scrubbing liquor for the fine purification is mixed with water , preferably in an nh 3 : h 2 o weight ratio of 1 : 4 , and the resulting mixture is cooled to or below 40 ° c and is then conducted in a countercurrent to the ammonia vapors in the top portion of the scrubbing column used in step b ). according to another preferred feature of the invention , the sump product of the pressure de - acidification column used in step d ) is fed in part to the upper portion of the scrubbing column and in part to the top portion of the stripping column . the feed rate to the scrubbing column will depend on the rate which acid constituents are to be scrubbed off . any residual solvent enriched in the upper portion of the pressure de - acidification column may be removed by a separator , which may be included , if desired , in a side stream flow path , and optionally recycled to a preceding phenol extraction process . this modification of the invention may be particularly used if step d ) is carried out at the beginning of the process . according to a further preferred feature of the invention , air or oxygen , preferably air , is blown at a low rate into the sump of the pressure de - acidification column used in step d ) or into heat exchangers associated with the pressure de - acidification column . the rate of air or oxygen can easily be controlled so that the molar ratio of oxygen to hcn in the pressure de - acidification column is smaller than unity . another preferred feature of the invention resides in that 5 - 25 %, preferably 10 %, of the feed for the pressure de - acidification column are branched off and cooled to 20 °- 50 ° and are fed to said column in an intermediate portion thereof disposed above the inlet for the major part of the mixture to be processed and below the scrubbing section of the de - acidification column whereas the major part of the feed for the pressure de - acidification column , amounting to 75 - 95 % of said feed , is heated in a heat exchanger by means of the sump product of the pressure de - acidification column in depence on the pressure and concentrating of the feed solution . both variants of the process may be used , on principle , to process solutions in which the ( co 2 + h 2 s ) : nh 3 weight ratio is equal to unity or approximates unity . in the processing of solutions of the kind discussed here it may be possible to modify the process in a manner which is readily derived from the measures of the process according to the invention , e . g ., as regards the dimensioning of the columns described , the number of plates , and changes of the pressures described , in dependence on the concentrations of h 2 s and / or hcn if these are unusually high or unusually low . the conditions in the ammonia - stripping column used in step c ) are critical . it has been found that the conditions taught by the invention must be particularly strictly adhered to in said column , particularly in the processing of solutions having relatively high concentrations of h 2 s . at temperatures below 50 ° c , too much ammonia remains in the sump , and at top tempreatures above 80 ° c the h 2 s content of the gases recycled to the scrubbing column increases so suddenly that it is desirable to operate in the preferred range of 55 °- 70 ° c and under a pressure of 1 - 2 bars . if the weight ratio between the acid constituents and the ammonia is equal to or approximates unity , the selection of the process sequence will be governed by various considerations , which include the economy , the pressure level of the steam available , fluctuations of the consideration of the feed solutions and of the contents of inert constituents ( nitrogen ) introduced in preceding processing steps . for instance , when only low - pressure steam is available , it may not be desirable to supply the feed solution to the stripping column . if the concentrations fluctuate whereas the weight ratio is approximately constant , the feed solution is preferably fed to the pressure de - acidification column . the process is shown in fig7 of the drawing and will be described more fully in the following examples . the letters indicate the composition of the streams and the numbers designate the most important parts of the plant . the flow rates are stated in the examples in kilograms per hours . ______________________________________a feed solutionb waste waterc acid exhaust gasd ammoniae effluent from pressure de - acidification columnf effluent from nh . sub . 3 - stripping columng cooled branch stream from effluent from pressure de - acidification column ; this branch stream is fed to scrubbing columnh cooled branch stream from effluent from pressure de - acidification column ; this branch stream is fed to stripping columni overhead product of stripping columnk overhead product of scrubbing columnl nh . sub . 3 gas from fine scrubberm sump product from nh . sub . 3 fine scrubbero water fed to inert gas scrubberp effluent from inert gas scrubberq inert constituents withdrawn from inert gas scrubberr feed for nh . sub . 3 - stripping columns overhead product from nh . sub . 3 - stripping columnt part of aqeous scrubbing liquor ; this - part is fed to top of de - acidification columnu organic phase , solvents separated in pressure de - acidifier1 pressure de - acidification column ( d ) 2 stripping column ( a ) 3 scrubbing column ( b ) 4 nh . sub . 3 - stripping column ( c ) 5 nh . sub . 3 fine scrubber6 inert gas scrubber______________________________________ in the example which will be explained hereinafter , the ( co 2 + h 2 s ) : nh 3 weight ratio ≧ 1 . the gas water is heated from about 40 ° to 50 ° c by heat exchange with the bottom product of the de - acidifier up to about 90 ° to 120 ° c and is fed to the de - acidification column 1 . this gas water comes , e . g ., from the gas cooling step of a pressure gasification plant and has previously been subjected to dust -, tar - and oil - separating steps and has been dephenolated by an extraction with solvents . about 10 % of the gas water a may be cooled to 35 ° c and fed to an intermediate stage of the scrubbing section of the pressure de - acidification column 1 . the sump product ( f ) of the nh 3 - stripping column 4 is fed to the stripping section of the pressure de - acidification column 1 . the pressure de - acidification column 1 consists of a lower stripping section and an upper scrubbing section . the stripping section is heated with steam in the usual manner . a mixture of acid gases with admixtures of water vapor and ammonia escapes from the stripping section . in the overlying scrubbing section , water vapor and ammonia are removed from the acid gases leaving the stripping section by means of cooled scrubbing water or preferably by means of a cooled portion of the feed solution ( a ). the acid gases ( c ) leaving the scrubbing section of the de - acidification column are virtually free from h 2 o and nh 3 and may be fed , e . g ., to a sulfur - recovering plant . the sump product ( e ) of the pressure de - acidification column 1 contains virtually all ammonia which has been fed to the de - acidifier , also water and residual co 2 , h 2 s and hcn ( e ). the ratio of these residual components to the nh 3 content depends on the pressure , the number of plates , and the temperature in the column 1 . the sump product ( e ) from the de - acidification column 1 may be cooled , if desired , and is fed in part ( h ) to the stripping column ( 2 ) and in part ( g ) to the scrubbing column 3 . in stripping column 2 , which is supplied with heat , stream ( h ) is separated into waste water ( b + t + o ) and vapors ( i ), which are cooled at the top of the stripping column and then contain in addition to water vapor virtually all nh 3 , co 2 , and h 2 s which have been fed to the stripping column . these vapors ( i ) are fed to the lower portion of the scrubbing column 3 together with the overhead product ( s ) from the nh 3 - stripping column 4 . the scrubbing column 3 is fed at its top with the nh 3 - enriched liquors ( p + m ) and ( g ), the rate of which is so controlled that when the acid constituents ( h 2 s , hcn , and co 2 ) have been absorbed and h 2 o has been substantially condensed from the gases i and s the liquor r fed to the nh 3 - stripping column 4 always contains nh 3 in a substantial surplus . to dissipate the heat which becomes available , the scrubbing column is provided with circulating cooling stages . the overhead product ( k ) leaving the scrubbing column 3 does not contain more than 100 ppm h 2 s , 10 ppm hcn , and about 0 . 2 % co 2 and has an h 2 o content depending on the temperature at tha top of scrubbing column 3 . this water can be removed in a usual manner , e . g ., in that the vapors are compressed and cooled and then scrubbed in 5 with counterflowing liquid nh 3 whereby the content of acid gases is also further reduced . the purified nh 3 gas ( l ) may be compressed in further stages and may be liquefied by a suitable cooling step . alternatively , the fine scrubber 5 may be fed with nh 3 gas which has been compressed to a liquefaction pressure . the effluent ( m ) from the fine scrubber 5 is mixed with water from the inert gas scrubber 6 and is fed as nh 3 - water to the top of the scrubbing column 3 . the effluent ( r ) from the scrubbing column 3 is fed to the nh 3 - stripping column 4 , in which heat is supplied and surplus ammonia ( s ) is stripped off as an overhead product . the sump solution ( f ) of the nh 3 - stripping column 4 is pumped into the pressure de - acidification column 1 . this variant of the process can be diagrammatically represented by the column sequence 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 . in the processing of solutions having a ( co 2 + h 2 s ) : nh 3 weight ratio ≦ 1 , the columns are used in the sequence 2 , 3 , 4 , 1 . examples 1 - 6 were carried out using the flow diagram of fig7 and the results are set forth in tabular form in fig1 - 6 . | 2 |
due to the fact that , as the means for producing the earth connection of the printed circuit board , a metal sheet is arranged axially between the printed circuit board , which carries the electronic components for interference suppression , and the end plate , the metal sheet comprising a first contact element for connection with the housing and a second contact element for connection with conductor paths of the printed circuit board , it is possible to produce the earth connection by simply successively placing the metal sheet and the end plate onto the end plate of the dc motor . this results in a simple assembly without the necessity of subsequent fastening steps . in an embodiment of the present invention , the metal sheet can , for example , be a stamped and bent part comprising a two - dimensional base sheet which rests on the end plate and from the radial edge portion of which the first contact element extends substantially axially towards the housing and the second contact element extends substantially axially towards the printed circuit board . such a component can be produced at low cost and is suited for a simple spring - fix fastening of the second contact element to the printed circuit board . in an embodiment of the present invention , the first contact element can , for example , have a first , axially extending section protruding into a recess in the end plate , a second , radially extending section resting axially on a free end of the housing through the recess in the end plate , and a third , axially extending section that contacts the housing radially . a double connection of the metal sheet with the housing can thus be realized without having to use fastening means , since , by placing the printed circuit board , the radial section is pressed against the housing forming the earth and the third section extends along the housing so that , given a corresponding design , it is also possible to generate a radial clamping force . in an embodiment of the present invention , the metal sheet can , for example , have two first contact elements extending towards the housing so that the housing can be clamped between the two contact elements . the two first contact elements are arranged substantially radially opposite each other and contact the housing under a radially inward directed bias . the spring force required for this purpose can be generated either by choosing the distance between the two first contact elements slightly smaller than the diameter of the housing or by bending the contact elements by more than 90 ° relative to the base body so that , upon assembly , the contact elements must first be pushed slightly apart . a durable fastening is thus achieved without any additional components . in an embodiment of the present invention , the second contact element can , for example , be connected in an electrically conductive manner with the printed circuit board by an insulation displacement connection . besides the simplicity of obtaining such a connection , this connection also has a long - term durability . in an embodiment of the present invention , the end plate can , for example , comprise a central , axially extending cylindrical protrusion projecting through a central opening in the metal sheet , from which opening at least two noses extend towards the protrusion , the noses being in frictional engagement with a side wall of the protrusion . when the metal sheet is slipped on , a clamping connection with the end plate is thereby made via the noses so that an axial displacement of the metal sheet is largely excluded . the end plate has an off - center axially extending protrusion projecting through an opening in the metal sheet in order to also prevent the metal sheet from turning on the end plate and to correspondingly define the angular position of the same . this facilitates assembly . at least two interference - suppression chokes are arranged on the printed circuit board as electronic components for interference suppression purposes in order to provide the electromagnetic compatibility of the dc motor . bypass capacitors can be useful supplements to the circuit on the printed circuit board . a dc motor of such design , having an interference - suppression circuit , can be assembled with little effort by a simple plugging operation . a reliable earth connection of the interference - suppression components is at the same time provided . a fastening by soldering , welding , clips or screws can be omitted altogether , thereby reducing manufacturing and material costs . an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the drawings and will be described hereunder . fig1 shows a metal sheet 10 made by a stamping and bending process . it comprises a base sheet 12 with a central , substantially circular opening 14 that is enlarged on one side so that , in addition , an off - center opening 16 in the form of a rectangle extends from the circular opening 14 . from the radially inner edge of the base sheet 12 , four noses 18 extend radially inward into the circular opening 14 , mutually offset by 90 °. in the shown embodiment , a total of three contact elements 20 , 22 , 24 extend in the axial direction from a radially outer edge portion of the base sheet 12 . two first contact elements 20 , 22 are arranged offset substantially by 180 ° from each other and extending parallel to each other in a first axial direction . both first contact elements 20 , 22 have a first section 26 that extends axially and from which a second section 28 extends radially outward , the second section 28 thus being bent by 90 ° with respect to the first section 26 . from the second section 28 , a third section 30 extends in the same direction as the first section 26 , the third section 30 being bent by 90 ° relative to the second section 28 . the second contact element 24 extends axially from the base sheet 12 in the opposite direction . fig2 shows the position of the metal sheet 10 on a dc motor 32 . the dc motor 32 comprises a rotor ( not shown in the drawings ) which is arranged on a drive shaft 34 , as well as a stator , which are both arranged in a housing 36 that , in the shown embodiment , is designed as a pole tube . the housing 36 is made from an electrically conductive material that radially surrounds the stator and the rotor . the front side of the dc motor 32 , i . e ., the axial end from which the drive shaft 34 protrudes , is closed with an end plate 38 of plastic material . the axial end of the drive shaft 34 has a pinion 40 mounted thereon which meshes with a gear of a downstream gearing of an actuating device , for example . next to the drive shaft 34 , two connecting contacts 42 of the stator protrude outward through the end plate 38 . the end plate 38 is substantially circular in shape and has an axially extending cylindrical protrusion 44 , an off - center cuboid protrusion 46 of the same height being provided on one side thereof . two opposing recesses 48 are further formed in the radial end portion of the end plate 38 through which an axial end 50 of the housing 36 is respectively exposed . when the metal sheet 10 is pressed onto the end plate 38 , the cylindrical protrusion 44 extends through the central opening 14 in the metal sheet , the diameter of the opening being only slightly larger than the diameter of the cylindrical protrusion 44 so that the noses 18 make a frictional engagement with the side walls 52 of the cylindrical protrusion 44 . an axial displacement of the metal sheet 10 relative to the end plate 38 is thereby prevented . the off - center cuboid protrusion 46 serves to define the angular position of the metal sheet 10 on the end plate 38 , the off - center cuboid protrusion 46 having substantially the same shape as the off - center opening 16 in the metal sheet 10 through which the off - center cuboid protrusion 46 extends after the metal sheet 10 has been set in place . in this manner , the position of the two first contact elements 20 , 22 relative to the end plate 38 is also defined , the first sections 26 of the elements in this position engaging into the two recesses 48 in the radially outer portion of the end plate 38 . when the metal sheet 10 is pressed against the end plate 38 , the respective contact element 20 , 22 is also pressed with its radially extending second section 28 against the respective free end 50 of the housing 36 . the respective third section 30 should contact the housing 36 from radially outside . the contact elements 20 , 22 can be bent by slightly more than 90 ° at least in the transition from the second section 28 to the third section 30 to provide this contact . in such an embodiment , the third sections 30 are pre - tensioned to contact the housing 36 from outside under the action of a spring force . since they are arranged offset by 180 °, the housing 36 is loaded with the spring force in opposite directions so that the housing 36 is clamped between the first contact elements 20 , 22 . fig3 shows a printed circuit board 54 with a central opening 55 that is placed over the metal sheet 10 , the drive shaft 34 of the dc motor 32 , and the protrusions 44 , 46 of the end plate 38 extending through this opening . two interference - suppression chokes 56 arranged in parallel with each other , as well as three capacitors 58 arranged on the printed circuit board 54 , and are connected via conductor paths 60 . the interference - suppression chokes 56 and the capacitors 58 serve as components for interference suppression , i . e ., for improving the electromagnetic compatibility of the dc motor 32 . the interference - suppression wiring is formed on the printed circuit board 54 and comprises two strands by which the motor contacts 42 are respectively connected with a voltage source via an interference - suppression choke 56 . these two strands are connected with each other via a parallel connection of a capacitor 58 with a series connection of two capacitors 58 and a series connection of two resistors . a conductor path 60 directed to earth is branched off between the two capacitors 58 and the two resistors . the connection to earth , which is formed by the housing 36 , and to the dc motor 32 is effected through three passage openings 62 , 64 ( only two of which are shown in fig3 ) through which the connecting contacts 42 of the dc motor 32 and the second contact element 24 of the metal sheet 10 , respectively , extend from the side of the end plate 38 . at these passage openings 62 , 64 , an omega contact 66 is respectively formed which is connected with the conductor paths 60 of the printed circuit board 54 and clamps the second contact element 24 and the connecting contacts 42 in a manner known per se for electric connection . the metal sheet 10 serves as a means for making an earth connection for the printed circuit board and that thereby a reliable connection of the interference - suppression circuit to earth can be made without having to use additional components . additional assembly steps , in which screwing , welding , or soldering are required , can also be omitted , whereby the mechanical or thermal load during assembly is also reduced . it should be clear that the scope of protection is not restricted to the embodiment described . structural modifications of the metal sheet design or different wirings for interference suppression are of course possible without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims . reference should be had to the appended claims . | 7 |
the uits is a telephone service / system designed for utilization with a web - based phone loaded on any internet connected terminal device for establishing a call with any phone device . according to an embodiment , the internet connected terminal device is java - enabled . “ phone device ” is a broad expression which designates any equipment which allows a conversation between users ; examples include cellular phones , regular pstn phones , voip phones , wireless handheld devices like the blackberry device , personal digital assistants ( pdas ) and personal computers . the web - based phone is also included in the definition of a phone device . the front - end enabling technologies of the uits are the web application , referred to as the telephone web application and the web - based phone which is called , in one embodiment , the eggphone application . the telephone web application resides on an external server and is described in detail herein . the eggphone application resides on any java - enabled computing device and is described in detail herein . to engage in a telephone conversation the user uses a computing device equipped with a speaker , a microphone , and a broadband internet connection . according to other embodiments , the computing device also includes a display screen and / or any means for adapting the terminal device for use by the blind , deaf - mutes or persons having other disabilities . according to an embodiment , the uits maintains , for each user , a personal phone book , which may be accessed through the telephone web application or the eggphone application . for installation of the eggphone application on the java - enabled computer device , the user accesses the telephone web application using a java - enabled internet browser . using the telephone web application , the user downloads the eggphone application . once the eggphone application is loaded the user can make and receive calls or leave voicemail to other users . calls can be initiated either via the telephone web application or the loaded eggphone application . in some embodiments of the service , the eggphone application can be used exclusively to initiate calls without need for the browser or access to the website where the telephone web application resides . uits calls are initiated and controlled using the session initiation protocol ( sip ). calls can be between two eggphone application instances , but may also be bridged to other types of phone devices via the voip network such that one end of the conversation is a voicemail system , a regular landline or a mobile phone . when a user calls someone who is not available to answer the call , the call can be diverted to a voicemail system by a proprietary voip network and the caller will be able to record a voice message , which will be delivered to the recipient as an email attachment in wave audio file format . the interactions between a user &# 39 ; s eggphone application and telephone web application or between different instances of the eggphone application belonging to different users are managed through the back - end technologies of the proprietary voip network , which utilizes sip to originate and terminate voip calls and secure web services to communicate with the telephone web application . an objective of the uits is to provide users ubiquitous access to telephony features and functions from any java - enabled computing device . there are many possible implementations of the telephone web application and eggphone application that embody the intent of the uits . one example described herein is an application called hotline - me . another example is an application called telephone , which was developed for social networks like facebook and those supporting the opensocial standards . hotline - me and telephone are described in detail herein . fig6 is a functional block diagram according to an embodiment of the universal internet telephone system 600 : the telephone web application 602 is accessed through the one or more social networking sites 601 . the social networking site holds information concerning its users in user database 604 . this embodiment is sometimes referred to simply as telephone . fig6 shows the uits 600 which comprises : 1 . the telephone web application 602 which was developed using the social network standards - based web services and associated methods for accessing and contributing social user data 604 . 2 . the eggphone application 606 which is a sip user - agent ( softphone client ) developed in java ( i . e ., the web - based phone ). 3 . the proprietary voip network infrastructure 610 and associated services such as call routing , nat traversal , voicemail , etc . 4 . the store 608 which may be on a separate server or may be part of proprietary voip network infrastructure 610 , and which is accessible through the web and allows users to add paid services such as pstn calling and custom skins or ring - tones . the telephone web application 602 runs from within the user &# 39 ; s social network profile once it has been added by the user . it is hosted on a server within the proprietary voip network infrastructure 610 and served to the user &# 39 ; s browser via http . to make use of the telephone web application 602 , a social network user must add the application to his / her profile and then start the telephone , which will load a widget called eggphone application on the user &# 39 ; s computing device . the eggphone application is a java webstart application which downloads and automatically loads . it is intended to work on any internet - connected computing device ( mac , pc , linux , etc .) that supports java and is equipped with a speaker and a microphone . once loaded the eggphone application 606 remains resident on the user &# 39 ; s computing device and minimized in the system tray . when an incoming call arrives , the eggphone application 606 displays an eggphone incoming pop - up 500 ( see fig5 ) and gives the user the option to answer or let it go to voicemail . to make an outgoing call the user clicks on an icon associated with the user he / she wants to call . this icon can be in someone &# 39 ; s social network profile or in the caller &# 39 ; s personal phone book , which is available via the telephone web application 602 interface as well as on the eggphone application 606 . once the user clicks the icon , his / her resident eggphone application will display an eggphone main pop - up with the called party name and social network picture showed . the user can then click the send button to complete the call or the hang - up button to cancel . now turning to fig1 there is shown a screenshot 100 of a user &# 39 ; s computing device on which the telephone web 602 application is running . the eggphone application 606 runs on the user &# 39 ; s computer once it is downloaded via the social network telephone web application 602 . it communicates with the proprietary voip network 610 via sip to make and receive calls . now turning to fig2 there is illustrated an instance of the eggphone main pop - up 200 which is ready for use . now turning to fig3 there is illustrated the proprietary voip network infrastructure 610 . the proprietary voip network 610 transports sip traffic between eggphone end - points ( not shown ) ( i . e ., phone devices ) as well as receive call - control commands from the telephone web application on one of the application servers 402 . the sip proxy / registrar server 405 relays sip messages which are sent to the user &# 39 ; s eggphone application while the operations support servers 408 , which include web server 403 , are necessary for the operation of the uits . once the eggphone application is invoked by the user it can remain resident and minimized in the system tray . in this way the user can receive telephone calls without needing the browser or having to be logged in to his / her social network profile . if the user closes the eggphone application and forces it to exit or turns off the computing device , his / her calls will automatically be diverted to the voicemail system 614 ( see fig6 ). this user will be able to receive calls again once he / she invokes the eggphone application either through the telephone web application in their social network profile or by the eggphone application icon loaded on their computing device . since the eggphone application allows the user to both make and receive calls , it can be used exclusively thus eliminating the need for a browser or access to the social network web site where the telephone web application resides . turning to fig4 and to fig6 ; one way for the user to initiate a call is by clicking on the call now link 401 appearing in the contact information box of his personal phone book available through the telephone web application 602 residing on a telephone web application host server 402 . fig1 shows a screen shot 100 of such a situation . the steps of a method of setting up a call according to an embodiment of the invention are illustrated along with the system architecture shown in fig4 and are described below . 1 . after adding the telephone web application 602 to his / her social network profile the user downloads the eggphone application 606 . 2 . once downloaded , the eggphone application 606 sends a sip registration message to the proprietary voip network 610 . 3 . the user clicks on the call now link 401 associated with a contact in his personal address book , in this case accessed via the telephone web application 602 . 4 . the browser sends a call request in an http message that is processed by the telephone web application 602 . 5 . the telephone web application 602 collects the contact details and sends this information in a connection request to a web server 403 . 6 . the web server 403 relays the connection request to a sip switch 404 . 7 . the sip switch 404 creates a sip message ( e . g ., sip notify ) and forwards it to the sip proxy 405 for relay to the user &# 39 ; s eggphone application . 8 . the sip proxy / registrar server 405 identifies the address of the user &# 39 ; s registered eggphone application and relays the sip message to it . 9 . the eggphone application 606 receives the sip message and pops - up an eggphone incoming pop - up 500 ( fig5 ) with the display showing information about the intended called party . 10 . the user clicks on the send button to complete the call or the hang - up button to cancel . the eggphone application 606 , which must be running on the user &# 39 ; s computer , registers with the proprietary voip network infrastructure 610 in order to be able to receive sip messages . the messages received by the eggphone application 606 contains details about the contact the user wishes to call including their name , social network picture and sip address . the messages also contain authentication parameters that are required to complete the call . once the eggphone application 606 receives the call request it pops - up an eggphone incoming pop - up 500 ( fig5 ) and presents the user with the contact information and the option to click the send button to start the call or hang - up button to cancel . once the user clicks the send button , the web - based phone prepares and sends a sip invite message to the sip proxy / registrar 405 . the sip proxy / registrar 405 will call upon the sip switch 404 to authenticate / authorize the requesting user . once authorized the sip invite is routed by the sip proxy to the registered network address of the phone device being called . the call set up is then completed and eventually torn down according to the sip signalling protocol . once a user initiates a call he / she uses the computer &# 39 ; s speaker and microphone to converse with the other party . to receive a call a user must have an instance of the eggphone application 606 running on his / her computing device and be connected to the internet . there is no need to be logged in to the social network account . when the resident eggphone application 606 receives a sip invite , indicating an incoming call , there appears an eggphone incoming pop - up 500 ( fig5 ) call alert in the form of a small dialog box showing who the caller is and providing options to answer or let it go to voicemail . if the user clicks on the green send button the full eggphone main pop - up 200 skin appears and the two parties are connected . if on the other hand the user does nothing or clicks on the red hang - up button , the call is diverted to the voicemail system 614 . incoming calls are initiated by another user &# 39 ; s eggphone application 606 instance as described herein . in another embodiment of the uits ( i . e ., referred to earlier as hotline - me ), the telephone web application is accessed through a simple url and its only function is to launch a browser that downloads and invokes the eggphone application 606 to call a specific user . there is no personal phone book associated with this application . instead each url is associated with a specific user to be called via the eggphone application 606 . the url can be embedded in a web page , as part of a user &# 39 ; s email signature , as a hyperlink in a document , within a contact &# 39 ; s vcard or in any other place where a url can be invoked . this url links to a telephone web application 602 hosted on a web server 402 within the proprietary network 610 . once the eggphone application 606 launches the user clicks on the send button to initiate and set up the call as described herein . in this embodiment of the uits , the called party has options for how to answer the call . for example , they can answer it on their eggphone application 606 or another sip device registered with the proprietary network 610 , or they can have it forwarded to their landline , mobile phone or voicemail if the called party is not available to answer the call , the proprietary voip network 610 will divert that caller to voicemail system 614 where they will hear the called party &# 39 ; s greeting and can leave them a voice message which will be delivered as a voice - to - email attachment . when the conversation is finished , the caller clicks on the hang - up button , which causes the eggphone application to terminate the call and exit . nat traversal servers ; sip proxy / registrar servers ; softswitch ( routing , metering , etc ); provisioning servers ; telephone web application servers ; voicemail servers ; web servers ; voip gateways ( pstn connectivity ); and other operations support servers . a ) speaker & amp ; microphone ; b ) broadband internet connection ; c ) java virtual machine ; and d ) web browser ; internet ; telephone web application on social network ( e . g . facebook ); and java sip user agent ( eggphone ). now turning to fig7 , there is described a method 700 for setting up a call over the internet between a web - based phone and a phone device according to an embodiment of the invention . the web - based phone is loaded on a computing device is pre - registered on a sip server . method 700 comprises : on the computing device , selecting a link indicative of the phone device to be called ( step 702 ); using the link selection , preparing a message for requesting a call , the call request message comprising contact details of the phone device ( step 704 ); preparing a sip message using the contact details of the phone device ( step 706 ); based on the preregistration of the web - based phone , forwarding the sip message to the computing device ( step 708 ); the sip message activating the web - based phone on the computing device , the web - based phone presenting the user with the possibility to confirm an initiation of the call to the phone device and thereby setting up the call ( step 710 ). the above description is meant to be exemplary only , and one skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made to the embodiments described without department from the scope of the invention disclosed . modifications which fall within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art , in light of a review of this disclosure , and such modifications are intended to fall within the appended claims . | 7 |
fig3 shows a cross section of a bipolar transistor embodying the invention , the point of view being taken close to the emitter thereof . an emitter 9 is formed with a junction depth of x je by a known thermal diffusion method whereby impurities of a polycrystalline silicon film 11 are diffused in the substrate surface . a base 8 is formed below and around the emitter 9 with a base width w b ( distance between emitter - base junction and base - collector junction ). the base 8 is connected to a polycrystalline silicon film 10a for base diffusion . leader lines e ( 1 ), e ( 2 ) and e ( 3 ) indicate the routes along which electron carriers injected from the emitter 9 flow . of the electron carriers injected from the emitter 9 , those indicated by leader line e ( 1 ) flow perpendicularly from the emitter 9 to a collector 7 . the electron carriers indicated by leader line e ( 2 ) are those injected from the side wall and edge of the emitter 9 ; they expand by a distance b while flowing to the collector 7 . where the relations are not appropriate between the sum of the junction depth x je and the base width w b ( x je + w b ) on the one hand and the distance a on the other , it becomes difficult for the electron carriers indicated by leader lines e ( 2 ) and e ( 3 ), especially those pointed to by e ( 3 ), to flow to the collector 7 ; they tend to remain within the base 8 . the electron carriers indicated by leader line e ( 3 ) constitute a large time constant which prevents implementation of a high cut - off frequency f t . according to this applicant &# 39 ; s experiments , it became clear that a sufficiently long distance a ensures a high cut - off frequency f t . however , as shown in fig1 making the distance a longer tends to increase the area of the extrinsic base region 8 &# 39 ;, which is not desirable . to obtain a high cut - off frequency f t while the area of the extrinsic base region 8 &# 39 ; is minimized requires not only suitably determining the distance a ; it is also necessary to determine the respective values of x je , w b and distance a in a way that keeps appropriate relations therebetween . fig4 depicts how the distance a is related to the cut - off frequency f t , and fig5 illustrates how the distance a is related to the sum of the emitter junction depth and base width ( x je + w b ) wherein x je is 0 . 04 μm and w b 0 . 06 μm so that the sum of the two values is 0 . 1 μm , with a collector thickness x c used as a parameter . as shown in fig4 increasing the distance a raises the cut - off frequency f t until the latter is saturated when the distance a is 0 . 2 μm or longer . furthermore , the distance a is not dependent on the collector thickness x c . where the value x c ranges from 0 . 07 to 1 . 26 μm , a high cut - off frequency f t is obtained by setting the distance a to 0 . 2 μm or greater . fig5 shows how an optimum distance a is related to the sum of ( x je + w b ). in this figure , solid line &# 34 ; a &# 34 ; indicates the distance a at which the highest cut - off frequency f t is available with respect to the sum of ( x je + w b ). as illustrated , when the sum of ( x je + w b ) is more than 0 . 20 μm , making the distance a equal to that sum provides the highest cut - off frequency f t ; when the sum is 0 . 20 μm or less , setting the distance a to 0 . 20 μm provides the highest cut - off frequency . in practice , the cut - off frequency f t may be a little lower than its highest possible value . thus fig5 shows a region r representing a range of practically preferable distance a . staying within the region r ensures 80 percent or more of the highest possible cut - off frequency f t . in fig5 the region r encompasses a 20 - percent distance range on both sides of solid line &# 34 ; a &# 34 ;. it follows that when the sum of ( x je + v b ) is 0 . 2 μm or less , the distance a may be any value between 0 . 16 and 0 . 24 μm ; when the sum of ( x je + v b ) is more than 0 . 2 μm , the distance a may be made 0 . 8 to 1 . 2 times the sum . setting the respective values in this manner ensures a sufficiently high cut - off frequency f t while minimizing the increase of the distance a for high integration density . first embodiment : fig2 illustrates in cross - sectional format the semiconductor device which is the first embodiment of the invention . how this transistor is manufactured will now be described by referring to fig6 ( a ) through 6 ( k ). as shown in fig6 ( a ), a p - type substrate 1 with a resistivity of 20 ω . cm has a source of sb . thermal diffusion is carried out at 1175 ° c . for 45 minutes to form an n + buried layer 2 having a sheet resistance of 30 ω . cm and a junction depth of 1 . 20 μm . by using the known epitaxial growth method , silicon deposits are allowed to grow on the above - mentioned silicon substrate so that an n - type epitaxial layer 7 having a thickness of 0 . 50 μm is formed thereon . the layer is subjected to heat treatment in a dry oxide atmosphere to become an sio 2 film 35 having a thickness of 300 å . over the n + buried layer 2 , an si 3 n 4 film 30 with a thickness of 1 , 000 å is formed by the known cvd method . with the si 3 n 4 film 30 used as the mask , the whole thing is subjected to heat treatment at 1 , 000 ° c . for 40 minutes in a vapor atmosphere . the result is a silicon oxide film 6 with a thickness of 2 , 500 å . with the si 3 n 4 film 30 removed , the cvd method is used to form an si 3 n 4 film 31 with a thickness of 1 , 200 å , sio 2 film 32 with a thickness of 4 , 000 å and si 3 n 4 film 33 with a thickness of 1 , 200 å . trenches 37 , 38 and 39 reaching the n + buried layer 2 are formed by the known photolithography and dry etching methods . a photo - resist film 36 covering the trench 38 is used as the mask for dry etching so that the bottoms of the trenches 37 and 39 extend deeper than the n + buried layer 2 , as shown in fig6 ( b ). after an sio 2 film 5 with a thickness of 100 å is formed by the known thermal oxidation method , an si 3 n 4 film 31 is side - etched by thermal phosphating . at this point , the temperature is adjusted so as to attain the amount of side etching of 0 . 05 μm . an si 3 n 4 film 4 with a thickness of 100 å is formed by the cvd method . after this , the low - pressure cvd method is used to bury sio 2 portions 3a and 3b into the trenches 37 , 38 and 39 as depicted in fig6 ( d ). an sio 2 portion formed on top , not shown , is removed to provide a flat surface . then the buried sio 2 portion 3b is removed by wet etching , and the exposed portion of the si 3 n 4 film 4 is also removed likewise . thereafter , an sio 2 - ready etching solution is used to remove the sio 2 film 35 from a graft base contact region f . at this point , a region g of the silicon oxide film 6 is etched to make the film thinner . simultaneously , the sio 2 film 32 is side - etched . a polycrystalline silicon film with a thickness of 8 , 000 å is formed over the entire surface by the cvd method . with polycrystalline silicon portions 10a , 10b and 10c left intact in their concave areas , the polycrystalline silicon film on other areas are removed by dry etching to provide a flat surface . using a photo - mask , b + ions with a dose of 1e16 cm - 2 are injected at an acceleration voltage of 50 kev into the polycrystalline silicon portions 10a and 10b . then n 2 annealing is carried out at 900 ° c . for 10 minutes to form a graft base 40 with a thickness of 50 å , as illustrated in fig6 ( f ). the si 3 n 4 film 33 , sio 2 film 32 , si 3 n 4 film 31 and sio 2 film 35 are successively removed by the known etching method . thereafter , oxidation treatment is carried out in a vapor atmosphere at 800 ° c . to form an sio 2 film 34 with a thickness of 300 å . at this point , the surfaces of the polycrystalline silicon portions 10a , 10b and 10c are also oxidized to form a silicon oxide film 13 . then bf 2 + ions are injected at an acceleration voltage of 20 kev to form the base 8 . an si 3 n 4 film 41 with a thickness of 1 , 500 å is formed by the known cvd method and , as shown in fig6 ( i ), the film 41 is removed by anisotropic etching , leaving the perpendicular wall portions thereof intact . this exposes the sio 2 film 13 on the side walls of the b - doped polycrystalline silicon portions 10a and 10b as well as of the undoped polycrystalline silicon portion 10c . after a region h of the silicon oxide film 6 shown in fig6 ( g ) is removed by photolithography and dry etching , p + ions are injected to form an n + layer in a region i , as depicted in fig6 ( h ). with the sio 2 film 34 removed from a region j , the polycrystalline silicon film 11 doped with a large amount of as is formed over the surface . after the whole surface is covered with a photo - resist coat , it is dry - etched to become a flat surface . then the si 3 n 4 film 41 is removed by etching to form a construction with the polycrystalline silicon portions 10a , 10b and 10c projecting , as shown in fig6 ( i ). a photo - resist mask 36b is formed ( indicated by broken line ), and the exposed portions of the as - doped polycrystalline silicon film 11 are removed by dry etching . an sio 2 film 12 with a thickness of 2 μm is formed by the known cvd method , as illustrated in fig6 ( j ). after a photo - resist film , not shown , is formed , the whole surface is subjected to dry etching so that the sio 2 film 12 is reduced to a thickness of about 0 . 10 μm . at the same time , the surfaces of the as - doped polycrystalline silicon film 11 , b - doped polycrystalline silicon portions 10a and 10b , and undoped polycrystalline silicon portion 10c are exposed and are etched a little more . then annealing is performed at 890 ° c . for 20 minutes so that as particles are diffused from the as - doped polycrystalline silicon film 11 into the base 8 to form the emitter 9 , as shown in fig6 ( k ). this provides a transistor having an emitter junction depth of 400 å and a base width of 600 å . thereafter , prior art processes are used to form an sio 2 film 18 , contact holes , and electrodes 14 , 15 and 16 , thereby completing the semiconductor device illustrated in fig2 . the bipolar transistor produced as the first embodiment of the invention has the emitter junction depth x je and base width w b of 0 . 04 μm and 0 . 06 μm , respectively , the sum of both being 0 . 10 μm , as stated above . with this embodiment , the distance a is 0 . 20 μm . the emitter measures 0 . 5 by 1 . 85 μm 2 . the region c , or what is known as the silicon island , measures 0 . 9 by 2 . 25 μm 2 . the epitaxial layer 7 has a thickness x c of 0 . 15 μm , and the cut - off frequency f t is 40 ghz . the base - collector capacitance c tc is 1 . 33 ff . the second embodiment of the invention is a modified version of the first embodiment , the modification being that the distance a between the emitter 9 and the isolation region is set to 0 . 16 μm , with the other dimensions left the same as in the first embodiment . this reduces the area of the region c of this semiconductor device to 0 . 82 by 2 . 17 μm 2 , with the frequency f t dropped to 32 ghz and the capacitance c tc lowered by 12 percent . the third embodiment of the invention is also a modified version of the first embodiment , the modification being that the distance a between the emitter 9 and the isolation region is set to 0 . 24 μm , with the other dimensions left the same as in the first embodiment . as the area of the region c is made greater than in the first embodiment , the capacitance c tc becomes larger by 13 percent than in that embodiment , whereas the cut - off frequency f t is set to 40 ghz . that is , the capacitance c tc is smaller by 35 percent than with conventional semiconductor devices of the comparable class . the fourth embodiment of the invention is also a modified version of the first embodiment , the modification being that the surface region of the polycrystalline silicon portions 10a and 10b is replaced by a w ( tungsten ) silicide coating , with the other aspects left the same as in the first embodiment . that is , the manufacturing processes shown in fig6 ( a ) through 6 ( k ) are carried out first , followed by the formation of a w film over the polycrystalline silicon portions 10a and 10b . after heat treatment , the polycrystalline silicon portions 10a and 10b are coated with w silicide over their surfaces so that the resistance of these portions is reduced to 1 / 10 or less of that of the comparable prior art device . this leads to a lowered base resistance and a 20 percent improvement of the ring oscillator speed . fig7 illustrates in cross sectional format the second embodiment of the invention , the point of view being taken close to the emitter thereof and its surroundings . except for these portions , the fifth embodiment is virtually the same as the semiconductor depicted in fig2 . as shown fig7 the side wall of the emitter 9 is covered with the sio 2 film 12 so as to prevent the outflow of carriers from the wall . this makes it possible to eliminate the trapped carriers indicated by leader line e ( 3 ) in fig3 . with the fifth embodiment , shortening the distance a down to 0 . 05 μm still affords the same cut - off frequency f t as when the distance a is 0 . 20 μm . whereas the area of the region c is as small as 0 . 90 by 2 . 25 μm 2 in the first embodiment , that area is made smaller still in the fifth embodiment : down to 0 . 60 by 1 . 95 μm 2 . this results in a 43 percent reduction in the capacitance c tc . the absence of the side wall for the emitter junction in the fifth embodiment lowers by half the capacitance c tc ( 15 . 4 f f ) in the first embodiment . with the fifth embodiment , a reduced junction depth of the graft base 40 enhances the current amplification factor and dielectric strength thereof . when the transistor is an upward operation , the characteristics thereof are affected by a ratio of s b / s e , s e being the base area and s e the emitter area thereof in effect in downward operation . the fifth embodiment provides an improved s b / s e ratio of 0 . 79 , whereas the ratio is 0 . 45 for the first embodiment . the s e / s b ratio is illustratively discussed in ieee , trans . electron devices , ed - 22 ( 1975 ), pp . 145 - 152 . how the fifth embodiment is manufactured will now be described . using a p - type substrate , the processes shown in fig6 ( a ) through 6 ( i ) are carried out in the same manner as with the first embodiment . there are some exceptions : the si 3 n 4 film 31 for side etching in fig6 ( c ) is 0 . 02 μm in thickness , and the si 3 n 4 film 41 in fig6 ( g ) has a thickness of 0 . 03 μm . then the sio 2 film 34 is etched , followed by the n - type epitaxial film 7 being etched deep enough in the next process to form an emitter layer in a concave shape . the processes of fig6 ( j ) and 6 ( k ) are performed next to complete the semiconductor device depicted in fig7 . in the fifth embodiment , the distance a is set to 0 . 05 μm . even if the distance a is 0 . 10 μm , or 0 . 20 μm as in the first embodiment , covering the side wall of the emitter with an insulating film reduces the capacitance c tc . in this manner , the distance between emitter and isolation region is optimized so that a high , stable cut - off frequency may be obtained and that the bipolar transistor may operate at high speed . where the base layer and emitter layer are formed through self - alignment with respect to the isolation region , the emitter layer is precisely positioned where needed so as to reduce the area of the extrinsic base region on the substrate plane . fig8 shows a cross section of the representative planar structure bipolar transistor . in fig8 reference numeral 21 is a p - type silicon substrate ; 22 is an n + buried layer ; 24 is a collector ; 25 is a base ; 26 is an emitter ; 32 is a p - type isolation region ; 33 is an isolation film ; 34 , 35 and 36 are an electrode each ; and 37 is a collector tapping region . as can be seen from fig8 the prior art bipolar transistor has its n + buried layer 22 forming the most flat structure immediately under the emitter 26 . the current gain of transistors generally drops in proportion to the frequency thereof . as is known , the frequency at which a transistor ceases its amplifying operation is called a cut - off frequency f t . the cut - off frequency represents high frequency characteristics of the transistor , and is expressed by taking a reciprocal number of a time τ in which the amount of charge q accumulated in the transistor is released with the collector current i c thereof . that is , to improve the high frequency characteristics therefore requires reducing the amount of the accumulated charge q and increasing the collector current i c . conventional measures to boost the operating speed of the transistor have typically involved minimizing the nonessential regions thereof and lowering the amount of charge therein . one such measure is illustratively proposed as a transistor construction disclosed by japanese patent laid - open no . 56 - 1556 . the sixth embodiment provides a construction whereby the collector current is raised without any increase in the amount of the accumulated charge , thus improving high frequency characteristics . when practiced , the sixth embodiment is a semiconductor device placed in a first conductivity type semiconductor substrate . the semiconductor device comprises a first region of a second conductivity type which is the opposite of the first conductivity type , a second region of the first conductivity type , a third region of the second conductivity type containing impurities at low concentration , and a fourth region of the second conductivity type containing impurities at high concentration . in this semiconductor device , a first boundary surface between the first and second regions , a second boundary surface between the second and third regions , and a third boundary surface between the third and fourth regions have a substantially constant curvature each . the distance to the second boundary surface is substantially equal to that to the first boundary surface , and the distance to the third boundary surface also is substantially equal to that to the second boundary surface . in operation , the collector current of the transistor is determined by the degree of diffusion of the electrons as they are injected from the emitter and collected to the collector . this diffusion current flows as the electrons diffuse striving to become uniform in concentration . therefore , the greater the degree of diffusion , the larger the diffusion current . fig9 contains a set of views showing how ideal transistors are constructed , fig9 ( a ) illustrates a block construction in which npn impurities are distributed in one direction , the construction being uniform in two other directions . fig9 ( b ) depicts a cylindrical construction in which the npn impurity distribution is taken cylindrically , the construction being uniform in the other direction . fig9 ( c ) shows a spherical construction in which npn impurities are distributed spherically . these are called a d - dimensional construction each , the value &# 34 ; d &# 34 ; being 1 for the construction in fig9 ( a ), 2 for that in fig9 ( b ) and 3 for that in fig9 ( c ). fig1 and 11 show theoretical results obtained by calculating some of the characteristics of these ideal constructions by use of a computer . fig1 illustrates how current gain is related to collector current , and fig1 depicts how cut - off frequency behaves with respect to collector current in these constructions . as shown in these figures , the greater the value &# 34 ; d &# 34 ;, the higher the current gain and the cut - off frequency . the current gain is given by simplified analysis as follows : where , xb and xe are the base thickness and emitter thickness , respectively . the time constant in effect when d = 1 and d = 3 is approximated by the expression : fig1 plots the above function . as indicated , a speed about twice as fast is acquired if xb / xe is 1 or greater . in can be seen from the expression ( 4 ) that the time constant becomes one third when xb / xe is allowed to approach its higher limit . this means that a triple operating speed is available . the transistor characteristics improve with a higher dimension &# 34 ; d &# 34 ; because the collector current gets larger while the amount of the accumulated charge remains virtually constant , as stated earlier . the analysis above reveals that building a transistor construction in which the electrons injected from the emitter are allowed to diffuse as wide as possible boosts the transistor characteristics . fig1 is a cross section of a transistor constructed based on the above - mentioned concept . in fig1 , only the emitter and its surroundings are indicated , and the remaining regions are omitted because they are substantially identical to those of the prior art transistor shown in fig8 . the highly concentrated n - type layer 22 is formed on the low concentration p - type substrate 21 so as to grow an epitaxial layer . after this , a film 28 is formed and , by ion injection from above , a high concentration n - type layer 23 is formed . after a polycrystalline silicon film 29 containing a large amount of p - type impurities is formed , a high concentration p - type layer 27 is formed by diffusing impurities from the film 29 . then follows the formation of the sio 2 film 30 and the polycrystalline silicon film 31 containing a large amount of n - type impurities . the base 25 and the emitter 26 are formed by diffusing impurities from the film 31 . the transistor of fig1 is characterized by the fact that the emitter 25 has an approximately equal distance to the base 25 and to the high concentration n - type layer 23 . what follows is a detailed description of how the embodiment in fig1 is manufactured by reference to fig1 ( a ) through 14 ( f ). the description will proceed by specifically referring to each of these figures . the high concentration n - type layer 22 is conventionally formed on the surface of the low concentration p - type substrate 21 . this sixth embodiment utilizes a p - type silicon substrate with a resistivity of 30 ω . cm to which sb ions are injected and diffused to form an n - type layer 22 having a sheet resistance of 40 ω . cm 2 . the sb ions are injected by prior art lithography using a photo - resist mask so that the n + layer 22 is partially formed on the surface of the substrate 21 , as with the prior art example shown in fig8 . the sb ion injection is carried out to apply a dose of 2 × 15 15 / cm 2 with an acceleration energy level of 100 kev in a nitrogen atmosphere at 1 , 175 ° c . for 60 minutes . thereafter , the n - epitaxial layer 24 is allowed to grow all over the substrate . with the sixth embodiment , the n - layer 24 develops a thickness of 1 μm . the surface of the silicon substrate 21 is oxidized to form a thin sio 2 film 38 on which an si 3 n 4 film 39 is deposited . with the sixth embodiment , the sio 2 film 38 and si 3 n 4 film 39 are 50 nm and 120 nm thick , respectively . the si 3 n 4 film 39 is patterned by prior art lithography . after this , the si 3 n 4 film 39 is used as the mask for oxidizing the surface of the silicon substrate 21 , thereby forming the sio 2 film 28 . with the sixth embodiment , the film 28 is 300 nm thick . after removal of the si 3 n 4 film 39 , an si 3 n 4 film 42 and an sio 2 film 40 are deposited over the entire surface . with the sixth embodiment , the si 3 n 4 film 42 and the sio 2 respectively measure 120 nm and 700 nm in thickness when deposited . the photo - resist film 41 is used as the mask for subjecting the sio 2 film 40 to isotropic etching . at this point , the patterning of the photo - resist film involves forming as small a hole as possible so that a concave - shaped hole is produced on the sio 2 film 40 thereunder . with the sixth embodiment , a plane pattern of 0 . 3 μm × 0 . 3 μm is used to subject the sio 2 film 40 to 600 nm deep wet etching in the presence of hydrofluoric acid . after removal of the photo - resist film 41 , the sio 2 film 40 is used as the mask for injecting phosphorus ions . this transfers the cross - sectional shape of the sio 2 film 40 as the impurity distribution pattern onto the epitaxial layer 24 . as a result of this , the n - type layer 23 is formed with its center made deep and its circumference shallow . with the sixth embodiment , the phosphorum ion injection is performed for a dose of 1 × 10 14 / cm 2 with an acceleration energy level of 500 kev . after removal of the sio 2 film 40 , si 3 n 4 film 42 and sio 2 film 38 , the polycrystalline silicon film 29 is deposited over the entire surface . after this , boron ions are injected onto the surface to turn the polycrystalline silicon film 29 into a p - type low resistance layer . with the sixth embodiment , the depositing of a polycrystalline silicon layer 200 nm thick is followed by boron ion injection for a dose of 5 × 15 15 / cm 2 with an acceleration energy level of 50 kev . in addition , the sio 2 film 30 is deposited . thereafter , the boron ions are diffused from the polycrystalline silicon film 29 by heat treatment to form the p - type layer 27 . the diffusion for the sixth embodiment is carried out at 950 ° c . for 30 minutes . at the center of the transistor , the sio 2 film 30 , polycrystalline silicon film 29 and monocrystalline silicon layer 24 are anisotropically etched by lithography in the perpendicular direction . with the sixth embodiment , the sio 2 film 30 develops a thickness of 300 nm when deposited , and the monocrystalline silicon layer 24 is etched to a depth of 150 nm . an sio 2 film 43 is deposited over the entire surface . then anisotropic etching is performed to leave only the side wall of the film 43 intact . the etching is followed by the depositing of the polycrystalline silicon film 31 . with the sixth embodiment , the sio 2 film 43 is 200 nm thick , and the polycrystalline silicon film 31 also has a thickness of 200 nm . then boron ions are injected into the polycrystalline silicon film 31 , and the ions are diffused therefrom to form the base 25 . furthermore , arsenic ions are injected into the polycrystalline silicon film 31 , and the ions are likewise diffused therefrom to form the emitter 26 . with the sixth embodiment , the boron ion injection is performed with an acceleration energy level of 30 kev for a dose of 2 × 10 14 / cm 2 followed by heat treatment at 950 ° c . for 20 minutes . the arsenic ion injection is carried out with an acceleration energy level of 80 kev for a dose of 2 × 10 16 / cm 2 followed by heat treatment at 950 ° c . for 20 minutes . after this , the polycrystalline silicon film 31 is patterned so as to produce the construction of fig1 . fig1 shows a cross section of the sixth embodiment in its entirety . as illustrated , deep trenches 44 filled with an insulating substance are used to insulate adjacent transistor collectors from one another . reference numerals 34 , 35 and 36 designate a base electrode , an emitter electrode and a collector electrode , respectively . fig1 is a cross section of a seventh embodiment of the invention . in this construction , the emitter 26 is formed in a corner of a monocrystalline silicon island , and the collector is tapped from the center 46 of the island . this embodiment makes it possible to minimize the collector and its outlet , thereby approximately doubling the concentration of integration in chip design . in this manner , the current gain and cut - off frequency of the bipolar transistor as embodied according to the invention are twice to three times those of the comparable prior art transistor . this advantage translates into 1 . 5 to 2 times the operating speed for integrated circuits which can in turn implement faster mainframe computers and other improved applications . it is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments , it is evident that many alternatives , modifications and variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description . accordingly , it is intended that the present invention embrace all such alternatives , modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims . | 7 |
referring now to the drawings , and in particular to fig1 and 2 which should be read in conjunction with each other , fig1 is a vertical cross - sectional view of a light bulb in a socket having the slow socket 10 of the present invention installed therein . fig2 is a horizontal cross - sectional view of slow socket 10 of fig1 taken along the line 2 -- 2 of fig1 fig3 through 6 are detailed views of various sections supplementary to fig1 and 2 . the invention is a slow - acting switch 10 which is installed in a light bulb socket 12 to allow electrical current to build up gradually when a light is turned on by activating its normal switch 14 . activation can be accomplished either with a chain mechanism 16 ( as shown in ( fig1 and 2 ) or by a pushbutton mechanism 18 ( as shown in fig7 and 8 ). in both embodiments , the actuating spring and cam mechanism to be described hereinafter which operate the electrical circuit and constitute the basis of slow socket switch 10 are identical . referring first to the chain operated embodiment illustrated in fig2 it is shown in fig1 that slow socket switch 10 can be adopted for use with a conventional light bulb socket 12 consisting of a cylindrical outer body which is threaded on its interior sidewall and into which a light bulb can be screwed . this cylindrical socket 12 has one terminal 37 from which the electric current flows to the bulb through the interior sidewall 11 which is in contact with the threaded surface of the bulb . the actuating mechanism of slow socket switch 10 to be described controls the opening and closing of the central contact of the bulb . in fig2 it is seen that there is a disc rotor 20 which can rotate about an axis through its center with respect to the base of the housing 21 as can be seen in fig1 and 6 . rotor 20 is fabricated out of a suitable plastic material having the required strength and durability . a spiral wire spring 22 is placed around the rotor 20 , as shown in fig3 . spring 22 tends to impart a counter clockwise motion to rotor 20 . referring back to fig2 in the position shown slow socket switch 10 is in its &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; position and full current would be flowing to the bulb . a notched cam 24 is provided and mounted about a pin 26 which is spring mounted ( the spring 25 in fig4 ) so that the notched cam 24 tends to rotate in the clockwise direction . the motion of the spring for controlling notched cam 24 can occur only up to the point at which the left side of notched cam 24 is stopped by a resistance wall 27 . notched cam 24 is fabricated out of a similar plastic to that of rotor 20 , and its spring 25 , a flat wire spring shown in fig3 is similarly mounted below its base . notched cam 24 has a specially contoured notch 28 running along its interior perimeter edge , as illustrated in fig2 . the shape of notch 28 is critical to the operation of slow socket switch 10 , and its function will become clearer from the description below . a conducting rotor arm 30 , preferrably of copper alloy , is provided . rotor arm 30 is an elongated bar which has a transverse pin 32 at one end . pin 32 rides in notch 28 in the perimeter of cam 24 . the other end of rotor arm 30 slides back and forth in a bearing 34 mounted on top of disc 20 , such that rotor arm bearing 34 rotates as rotor disc 20 rotates . thus , as the pin 32 of the rotor arm 30 moves in notch 28 of cam 24 , the other end of rotor arm 30 moves back and forth in rotor arm bearing 34 . the inside surface wall 27 is embedded with a resistive material over a horizontal arc of approximately 90 ° . if the rotor is presumed to occupy &# 34 ; nine o &# 39 ; clock &# 34 ; position in the socket housing 12 in fig2 then the resistive material covers approximately the &# 34 ; nine &# 34 ; to &# 34 ; twelve o &# 39 ; clock &# 34 ; position . current can be assumed to enter the housing at the position of screw and nut terminal 38 , at the &# 34 ; nine o &# 39 ; clock &# 34 ; position , and then reaches to the corner 39 from which the resistive lining 27 begins . it should also be noted that the same kind of resistive lining could be embedded along the left bottom surface of cam 24 for smooth and slow turn - off operation of slow socket switch 10 if desirable . however , a slow turn - off operation is not so important as much as a slow turn - on operation for reduced filament fatique . more will be discussed later on the selection of resistive material . rotor arm 30 is electrically connected to the central contact of a light bulb through the axis of rotor 20 and through spring panel 40 , as shown in fig4 . to turn switch 10 to its off position 29 , the operator would pull chain 16 , causing rotor 20 and rotor arm 30 to turn about their axis against the resistive force of spring 22 . as the rotor pin 32 moves in the notch 28 of cam 24 , the electrical contact with the corner 39 is broken and the light slowly goes off . at the end of pulling action rotor pin 32 comes to rest in the &# 34 ; idle &# 34 ; region 29 , of notch 28 , approximately half - way to its maximum possible rotation angle . to turn switch 10 to its on position , the operator pulls chain 16 which causes rotor arm pin 32 to continue to move in notch 28 , until it reaches its maximum possible clockwise rotation . at this point the operator releases chain 16 and the rotor pin begins to travel back along the upper portion of the notch 28 , in response to the force of spring 22 . this motion is resisted by the counter force of return spring 26 under notched cam 24 , which forces the notched cam 24 against the side wall 27 . this resistance slows the rate at which rotor arm 30 and its pin 32 can complete their traversal of notch 28 in cam 24 . as rotor pin 32 move along between cam 24 and wall 27 , current begins to flow in the light bulb circuit , and this current gradually increases in magnitude as the distance between the corner 39 and pin 32 of rotor arm 30 decreases . when pin 32 hits the corner 39 , the circuit is complete and slow socket switch is now in the &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; position illustrated in fig2 . fig3 and 4 illustrate modifications required for a pushbutton switch . reading fig3 and 4 together , when lever 18 is in its &# 34 ; down &# 34 ; position , it compresses spring 42 which pulls a string 44 around a fixed pin 46 . this is analogous to the action of pulling chain 16 , as described previously . when the operator releases lever 18 , spring 42 can expand and rotor arm 30 can move in a counterclockwise direction due to the force of spring 22 . it may thus be seen that the present invention provides a novel means to permit the slow build up of electrical current when closing a switch . while several embodiments have been illustrated and described , it is apparent that many variations may be made in the particular form and procedure without departing from the scope of claims . | 7 |
referring to fig1 an artificial tree such as a christmas tree 12 includes a base 14 having a generally cylindrical shape , a sectional support member 16 , and a cap 18 . the sectional support member 16 is secured to the center of the base 14 and extends vertically above the base 14 . the cap 18 is positioned atop and secured to the support member 16 . the length of support member 16 determines the height of the fully assembled tree . a decorative light string 20 runs alternately between and the base and the cap as will be described in greater detail below . three holes 22 are positioned approximately equidistantly and extend through the base 14 , in order to provide a way to secure the base to the ground with stakes , as described in more detail below . the base 14 is preferably hollow , to permit insertion of sand , water , or a similar heavy material , thereby weighting the base to provide further support and resistance to tipping of the tree from wind or other forces . a port 58 permits access to the hollow interior for the insertion of the weighting material . addition of such material will reduce the likelihood of the tree being blown over by wind or knocked over by other forces . [ 0018 ] fig2 provides a more detailed view of the base 14 , support member 16 , and cap 18 prior to assembly . in the illustrated embodiment , a threaded socket 24 is provided on the top and at the center of the base 14 . a first section 16 a of support member 16 has a threaded lower end 26 that may be screwed into the threaded socket 24 in the base 14 . the upper end of section 16 a has a threaded socket 28 . a second section 16 b of the support member is constructed identically to section 16 a and has a threaded lower end 30 and a threaded socket 32 at its upper end . additional sections may be added to further increase the length of the section 16 and thereby increase the overall height of the assembled tree . by varying the number of sections , the height of the tree may be easily adjusted to create a pleasing effect for the location at which it is erected . a cap 18 includes a threaded protrusion 34 that is screwed into the threaded socket 32 of section 16 b or the topmost section if additional sections are present . in a preferred embodiment , each section 16 a , 16 b , etc . is approximately 2 feet long . the addition of additional sections permits assembly of a tree that varies in height , e . g ., 4 ′, 6 ′, 8 ′, or taller at the discretion of the assembler . it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that the use of threads to make the described connections is but one of many well - known methods that may be used . for example , the lower support member 16 a may be inserted directly into a hole in the base and the cap protrusion 34 may be inserted directly into an unthreaded socket 32 of support member 16 b . by manufacturing the pieces to close tolerances , they can be made to fit tightly to make a wedge connection more secure . similarly , adjacent sections of the support member 16 may be connected by constructing them of two diameters , a portion of the member having a smaller diameter being designed to fit securely into a portion of the adjacent member having a larger diameter . bases 14 of different diameters may be provided depending on the desired height of the tree . a base of around 3 feet in diameter for example is suitable for an 8 foot tree . referring to fig3 and 6 , the base 14 is preferably constructed of a strong but lightweight material such as synthetic abs plastic , and has a top 35 and a bottom 37 . a plurality of slots 36 are equally spaced around the circumference of the base . each slot extends vertically downwardly from the top 35 of the base 14 through a lip 38 that extends outwardly from the circumference of the base . within each slot 36 is an elongated section 40 that makes the interior of slot 36 wider than its exterior and has a generally t - shape . as is explained more fully below , the slots 36 receive light string segments 22 that extend between the circumference of the base and the cap . [ 0022 ] fig4 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a cap 18 having a plurality of indented segments 44 around its periphery . between each indented segment 44 is a protruding segment 46 having an upwardly extending lip 48 . light string segments 20 may each be a separate light string , but in a preferred embodiment , each segment will be a part of a single light string . the single string may be a plurality of conventional christmas tree light strings connected in series . in a preferred embodiment , a single light string is connected to the base at an arbitrary first slot 36 b ( fig3 ) that , for purposes of description , will be called the origination point . the string then extends upwardly to the cap and loops downwardly back to the next slot 36 c . the string continues under the lip 38 to the next slot 36 d and then upwardly to the cap . the light string again loops over the cap and downwardly to slot 36 e . the light string continues in this manner around the circumference of base 14 until it reaches a termination point when it reaches slot 36 a after extending downward from cap 18 . [ 0024 ] fig5 and 6 illustrate how the light string is secured to the base at slots 36 a and 36 b . an elastic band 50 has two loops 52 a and 52 b . the band 50 is constructed to fit securely between the two adjacent slots 36 a and 36 b of base 14 . only one band 50 is required for tree assembly . a first hook 54 a , or similar attachment device , connects one end of the light string 20 to the loop 52 a . a rubber sleeve 56 is preferably installed on light string 20 and has a hook 54 b which is attached to loop 52 b . pulling the light string 20 through the sleeve when it is hooked to the loop 52 b tensions the string . the method of assembling the artificial tree begins by screwing a first sectional support member 16 a into socket 24 of base 14 . a second ( and third , fourth , etc .) sectional support member is screwed together with the first member depending upon the desired height of the finished tree . for example , three two - foot sectional support members would be screwed together for a six foot tree and four sectional support members would be screwed together for an eight foot tree . the cap 18 is screwed onto the topmost sectional support member to complete the basic support structure of the tree . the lights string is then attached to the base and support as set forth above to define the shape of the tree . christmas light strings are well known in the art and a wide variety of colors , sizes and models may be used advantageously with the support structure described above . such strings come in varying lengths and may be connected end - to - end to make longer strings . assembly of the tree does not require a specific length of light string , and the length selected need not be predetermined according to the height of the tree . while the preferred forms and embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described , it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without deviating from the inventive concepts set forth above . | 0 |
reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the present invention , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings . the operating system component of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a multiprogramming operating system that can support terminal connections for multiple users . in a presently preferred embodiment , up to 200 processes can run concurrently , each with up to four gigabytes of virtual memory . the operating system component of the present invention also preferably supports linux apis and can run , in a secure environment , most object or binary programs compiled on linux without requiring modification of such object or binary programs . in addition , the present invention preferably provides an x - windows graphical user interface ( gui ) outside the trusted security functions ( tsf ), which can be made available at a console for work by untrusted users . a preferred embodiment of the present invention also permits network connectivity by building tcp / ip and ethernet protocols ( 10baset / 100baset ) into the tsf , while also supporting the implementation of network servers ( e . g ., smtp , http , and the like ) outside of the tsf . in an embodiment of the present invention expected to pass common criteria evaluation , attachments within the same network must currently be single - level , while multiple networks can each be at different levels . a preferred embodiment of the present invention implements all currently accessible windows on a given display at the same security level . although a preferred embodiment of the present invention does not support multi - level cut - and - paste due to security concerns and possible processor overhead , it should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that such functionality can be implemented without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present invention . a preferred embodiment of the present invention implements a trusted path mechanism , preferably implemented as a secure attention key ( sak ), for execution of commands at other security levels . such commands are preferably entered through a trusted command interface . initiation of the trusted path causes suspension of the gui , and absolutely isolates the trusted command interface from the gui environment . a preferred embodiment of the present invention is based around a combination of a multilevel secure operating system and a customized intel x86 hardware base . the operating system component of the present invention preferably provides mandatory access control that allows for both a security ( mac ) and integrity ( mic ) policy . the mandatory security policy enforced by a preferred embodiment of the present invention is reflective of the bell and lapadula security model , as described in d . bell and l . lapadula ; “ secure computer systems : mathematical foundation ,” esd - tr - 73 - 278 , vol . 1 , mitre corp , 1973 , the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety . beyond the minimal requirements for a tcsec b3 or common criteria system , a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a mandatory integrity policy ( which is required by medium - and high - robustness profiles ), an extra subtype policy , and a familiar , linux - like operating environment . by way of example , without intending to limit the present invention , the integrity model of a preferred embodiment of the present invention can be used for advanced virus protection . the mandatory integrity policy is reflective of the biba integrity model , as described in biba , k . j ., “ integrity considerations for secure computer systems ”, esd - tr 76 - 372 , mitre co ., april 1977 , the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety . in addition to mandatory access control , a preferred embodiment of the present invention also implements discretionary access control ( dac ) and provides user identification and authentication means needed for user id - based policy enforcement . a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a policy mechanism , called “ subtypes ,” which can be used in a customer - specific way in conjunction with mac , mic , and dac controls . in this embodiment , each device , process , and file system object has a subtype attribute . each process has 3 lists of accessible subtypes , one for each the aforementioned device , process and file system object types . in order to access an object of one of those types , a process must have the object &# 39 ; s subtype on its own subtype list . these four mechanisms ( dac , mac , mic and subtype ) can be used in various application designer chosen combinations to restrict or permit access to various data objects , processes , devices and the like . a particular file , for example , might be restricted by a selection of these access controls to being changeable only by a process of a certain classification but even beyond that , by only a certain group and even by a certain user . the tsf exhibits several strong architectural characteristics , including : minimization , layering , abstraction , and data hiding . as used herein , minimization refers to an operating system design technique wherein non - critical non - security functionality is kept apart from the tsf to reduce overall system complexity . this can allow humans to successfully evaluate complex data processing programs and systems . layering , as used herein , refers to an operating system design technique wherein the tsf employs a modularized design with “ layers ” used as an organizing principle . this provides clearly defined interfaces , individual layer testing , facilitates a locking hierarchy , and points out the layers of data abstraction , as data which is more abstract would be at higher layers . abstraction , as used herein , refers to an operating system design technique wherein more complex data structures are built from less complicated ones . abstraction is used to hide unneeded or undesired details which may be appropriate at one layer of the operating system from processes or modules which operate within a higher layer . data hiding , as used herein , refers to an operating system design technique wherein the scope of data is minimized . data which is hidden is visible to only those modules for which visibility is necessary . data hiding is used to force the use of abstraction . the tsf makes use of hardware features to provide process separation and tsf isolation and has been designed and implemented to resist penetration . the system design is based on a formal security model and other high - level design documentation . unlike most modem operating systems , the operating system component of the present invention has preferably been architected around security . thus , every level of the system , including each database , application , user , terminal , and process , has a level of security associated with it . as illustrated in fig3 the operating system portion of a preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes an architecture referred to as “ rings of isolation ” ( also referred to as “ domains ”), in which the inner rings cooperate to provide security functionality , and the outer rings depend on the inner rings for proper functioning . the multi - domain architecture illustrated in fig3 prevents terminals from simultaneously connecting to processes at different mac levels . to connect to a process with a different level , a user must first disconnect , or the operating system must disconnect the user , from any processes currently running . the operating system is essentially tamperproof due to this domain architecture and process isolation . in fact , a preferred embodiment of the present invention is so secure that even processes are restricted by domain privileges , and are allowed to send messages only to those other processes that have the same or lesser domain privileges . all of these conventions are enforced within the system itself . by way of example , without intending to limit the present invention , domain 0 of fig3 which represents the security kernel and which operates at the system &# 39 ; s highest level of security , is inaccessible by users . input / output device drivers reside at this level , thereby preventing unauthorized access to the device drivers . in addition to enforcing security using the domain architecture described above , a preferred embodiment of the present invention further separates administrator and operator roles using an integrity policy . the system enforces the “ principle of least privilege ” ( i . e ., users should have no more authorization than that required to perform their functions ) for administrator and operator roles . all actions performed by privileged ( and normal ) users can be audited . the audit log is protected from modification using integrity and subtype mechanisms . the operating system component of a preferred embodiment of the present invention also provides an alarm mechanism to detect any accumulation of events that indicate an imminent violation of the security policy , such as a series of unsuccessful logins or inaccurate passwords . individual accountability is provided with an auditing capability . data scavenging is prevented through object reuse ( i . e ., residual data ) prevention mechanisms . the multilevel security features of a preferred embodiment of the present invention &# 39 ; s tsf enforce trusted labeling , a mandatory access control policy , and a mandatory integrity control policy that enable the system to allow users with different clearances and needs - to - know to simultaneously store and process information that exists at different classification levels or sensitivities and / or in different need - to - know categories or compartments . authorized users can process information at its actual sensitivity level , helping to eliminate the arbitrary over - classification of information that often occurs in system - high operations . with respect to an embodiment of the present invention deployed or evaluated using the common criteria , the present invention is preferably designed to meet eal 5 assurance requirements , with portions of the eal 6 and eal 7 requirements also met . for the most part , these eal requirements are similar to the orange book ( i . e ., tcsec ) b3 assurance requirements . the security functionality required for b3 is preferably achieved , but the exact set of functional requirements met by a preferred embodiment of the present invention will depend on the protection profiles put forward by customers . as illustrated in fig1 a system that is rated as a class b3 system provides a tcb / tsf that provides the security features required by the tcsec . the ncsc &# 39 ; s guidance for applying the dod tcsec in specific environments ( known as “ the yellow book ”, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety ) includes a “ security index matrix for open security environments ”. by way of clarification , the terms open and closed indicate the strictness of security controls in the system &# 39 ; s development environment , not its operational environment . fig2 shows the minimum tcsec rating a system should have to allow users within a given range of authorizations to access data within a given range of classifications . the wider the range of classifications , the higher the rating the system needs to assure it will protect data . class b1 systems ( e . g ., compartmented - mode workstations ) provide too little assurance for many multilevel processing scenarios in which data ranges from unclassified to secret , or from secret to top secret / sci compartmented . the operating system component of the present invention preferably comprises a trusted computing base ( tcb ) and trusted security functions ( tsf ), which enforce security policy , and untrusted commands , which generally provide user interfaces familiar to unix and / or linux users . a preferred embodiment of the present invention leverages the pentium ® or xeon ™ cpu &# 39 ; s four - domain chip architecture to reinforce the operating system component &# 39 ; s mandatory security and integrity access control policies by physically isolating security domains in hardware , thereby preventing system processes from tampering with each other . the multi - domain cpu architecture restricts access to segments , pages , and instructions . as illustrated in fig3 there are four levels : domain 0 to domain 3 , with domain 0 being the most privileged level . the cpu also provides multiple checks for protection violations within memory references . as illustrated in fig3 non - tsf processes and tsf processes are mapped into the multi - domain cpu architecture in the same manner . both types of processes map to the same domain 0 kernel , domain 1 trusted system services , and domain 2 operating system services . more information on the processes in each domain follows . the most privileged domain , the security kernel contains most of the reference monitor that enforces system security policy . small and well structured to enable complete security evaluation , testing , and verification , the kernel provides basic os services . such services include , but are not limited to , resource management , process scheduling , interrupt and trap handling , auditing , and mandatory and discretionary access policy enforcement for processes and device objects . to facilitate such enforcement , i / o device drivers preferably reside in domain 0 . domain 0 processes cannot be directly called or modified by users . tss provides networking , i / o , file system management , and file system object discretionary access policy enforcement for both trusted and untrusted system processes and applications . the tss environment is controlled by the security kernel , which enforces mandatory security , mandatory integrity , and subtype control on the tss and all other operations . domain 1 processes cannot be directly called or modified by users . oss provides apis expected by applications written for linux or using linux tools . oss also provides proprietary apis to help manage and use trusted aspects of a preferred embodiment of the present invention . oss translates the apis into trusted operating system primitives provided by the kernel and tss . oss also manages some application signals and process groups . due to the security architecture of a preferred embodiment of the present invention , applications can interface with only the oss portion of the tsf — they cannot call tss or the kernel directly . if a process is running at low integrity and has no privileges , it is considered untrusted . these untrusted applications include the user commands and tools that are familiar to linux / unix users . both trusted and untrusted applications execute in domain 3 , and can only execute in domain 3 . trusted software includes all security - relevant functions that operate as independent services ( e . g ., a security map editor ). some trusted software functions may bypass the tsf &# 39 ; s mandatory and / or discretionary controls , e . g ., to enable high - integrity users to establish / modify the file system hierarchy to accommodate use of high - integrity nodes . trusted software functions are available to system operators and administrators for security - related housekeeping , including , but not limited to user registration / removal , password assignment , system installation / configuration , and privileged tasks not supported by other operating system components . a few trusted software functions , such as application session start - up , are available to domain 3 users . also included as an optional part of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a software development environment that enables developers to write their own untrusted applications . typically , “ c ” is the programming language used for such untrusted applications , although other languages and shells supported by linux could be used . untrusted commands and programs are distributed with the operating system for administration of the system . a preferred embodiment of the present invention implements trusted databases which contain sensitive user and group access , session control , and print queue information which is protected from unauthorized modification by unprivileged processes . trusted databases can be manipulated only by user - developed trusted processes , or trusted editors used by system / security administrators . to enforce the mandatory access policies that make a preferred embodiment of the present invention multilevel secure , the operating systems component implements a reference monitor . the reference monitor enforces authorized access relationships between system subjects such as trusted and untrusted processes acting on a user &# 39 ; s behalf to perform accesses , or the like , and system objects , such as file system objects , devices , semaphores , sockets , processes , and the like . trusted system subjects are used mainly for functions that manipulate the system &# 39 ; s trusted databases or perform strictly controlled circumventions of the tsf &# 39 ; s mandatory and / or discretionary access rules . a typical example of a trusted process is a regrader ( reclassifier / relabeller ) process in a trusted guard . except for those few processes that must update a trusted database or bypass the operating system component &# 39 ; s access controls , untrusted subjects can be relied upon to perform most application functions . a reference monitor compares each attempt by a subject to reference , or access , an object against a list of reference types ( including read , write , and / or execute ) the subject is authorized to perform on that object . the reference monitor &# 39 ; s access validation mechanism is invoked for every reference by a subject to an object , thus preventing any unauthorized accesses . to ensure its integrity , the reference monitor &# 39 ; s access control / validation mechanism is programmed to be tamperproof . the reference monitor is implemented in the tsf , which derives from the intel cpu &# 39 ; s multi - domain isolation mechanisms the absolute separation of the reference monitor from domain 2 and domain 3 functions and applications running on the system . all software processes on the present invention are preferably isolated from one another by the security kernel &# 39 ; s enforcement of the bell - lapadula security and biba integrity rules . processes may only access information they dominate , and the entire tsf is protected from unauthorized tampering via the following mechanisms : domain isolation protects code and data in the kernel from modification by processes in any other domain and protects the code and data in each domain from modification by users / processes in any less privileged domain . the system &# 39 ; s mandatory integrity mechanism sets integrity levels of tsf program files , databases , and most trusted software processes to operator or higher and excludes untrusted users ( subjects ) from the tsf by limiting their maximum integrity to less than that of tsf objects . trusted software processes ( like most applications ) keep their working data in process - local data areas that cannot be shared by other processes or accessed by untrusted software . the kernel prevents any process from directly accessing another process &# 39 ; program text and local data and prevents untrusted processes from modifying trusted processes and their data . in a preferred embodiment , before a terminal can communicate with the tsf , the operator must press the secure attention key ( sak ), which temporarily disconnects the terminal from any untrusted processor processes . this ensures that the user is communicating with the tsf , not with an untrusted process spoofing a tsf process . any unlocked terminal used by trusted software is protected from untrusted software and other users &# 39 ; processes by a terminal - unique device subtype . when a user enters the tsf via the secure path , the secure server detaches the terminal &# 39 ; s subtype from all untrusted processes associated with the session . terminal access to untrusted processes is restored only after the user explicitly exits the trusted environment . subtypes are used like tokens ; to access an object on the system , a subject must possess the object subtype for that object . the system &# 39 ; s subtype mechanism is used by the kernel to restrict access to processes , trusted databases , and devices . as described above , the primary use of subtypes is to provide control over the trusted path ; when the sak is pressed , the server changes the subtype of the terminal to prevent any untrusted process from accessing it . subtypes are also used by the file system management ( fsm ) process to assure that fsm gets exclusive access to the file object . when it accesses the file object , fsm resets the subtype to one to which only fsm has access . after it finishes processing the file , fsm resets the file to its original subtype . finally , subtypes are used to protect the system &# 39 ; s trusted databases , by giving only trusted programs the appropriate subtypes needed to access the databases . each object in a preferred embodiment of the present invention is referenced by a unique identifier , and has its own set of access and status information ( including subtypes ) to implement non - hierarchical mandatory access controls based on need - to - know , and mandatory and discretionary access attributes . an object &# 39 ; s mandatory access information includes its mandatory security and integrity levels and categories or compartments ; this information provides the basis on which the kernel makes mandatory access control decisions related to the object . subjects in a preferred embodiment of the present invention can only reference objects according to the ncsc - approved bell - lapadula formal mathematical model of computer security policy . this policy is implemented by a set of security rules designed to protect data from unauthorized access . briefly , the mathematical model operates as follows : simple security : subject may read or execute object only when subject &# 39 ; s security level dominates objects . security * property : subject may write object only when object &# 39 ; s security level dominates subjects . the present invention &# 39 ; s security * property implementation preferably allows subject to write object only when subject and object are at the same security level . this prevents lower level subjects from writing higher - level objects they cannot later access . a preferred embodiment of the present invention supports 16 hierarchical security classifications and 64 independent non - hierarchical “ need - to - know ” security categories / compartments . a preferred embodiment of the present invention enforces k . j . biba &# 39 ; s integrity policy , a corollary to the bell - lapadula model , which enforces the system &# 39 ; s mandatory integrity rules . just as the system &# 39 ; s mandatory security rules protect information from unauthorized disclosure , the system &# 39 ; s mandatory integrity rules protect information from unauthorized modification . the system &# 39 ; s mandatory integrity policy enables the security administrator or developer to establish highly protected execution domains in which executables may read the files they need while those files remain protected from modification by unauthorized logic or malicious code . a preferred embodiment of the present invention presently supports 8 hierarchical rolebased integrity classifications and 16 independent non - hierarchical need to - know integrity categories / compartments . briefly , the integrity model operates as follows : simple integrity : subject may read or execute object ( e . g ., data file ) only when object &# 39 ; s integrity level dominates subjects . integrity * property : subject may write object only when subject &# 39 ; s integrity level dominates object &# 39 ; s . the present invention &# 39 ; s integrity * property preferably allows a subject to write an object only when the subject and object integrity levels are the same , preventing higher - integrity subjects from writing lower - integrity objects ( which could be considered trustworthy by other software ) they cannot later access . the present invention preferably enforces a discretionary access policy whereby access to an object is assigned by the object &# 39 ; s owner according to the identity of subjects associated with the object and / or groups to which those subjects belong . an object &# 39 ; s discretionary access information includes up to at least 7 user and group identifiers ( including the object &# 39 ; s owning user and owning group ), and their individual read , write , and execute permissions . read , write and execute permissions are also provided for “ world ”. access modes : subject may access object in only those mode ( s ) granted by object &# 39 ; s owner . each object is assigned read , write , execute permissions for object &# 39 ; s owner , owner &# 39 ; s group ( s ), members of other groups allowed by owner , and all others (“ world ” permissions ). the tsf enforces the following series of rules to determine whether a subject should be granted discretionary access to an object : if subject has entry in system &# 39 ; s access control list , use those permissions ; if not , if subject &# 39 ; s group is same as object &# 39 ; s group , use specified group permissions ; if not , if subject &# 39 ; s group exists in acl , use group acl permissions ; if not , processes , devices , and file system objects are controlled by subtype in addition to the mandatory and discretionary controls . subtypes are non - hierarchical . they can employed by trusted applications to separate applications ( e . g ., such as stages in a guard ), even if those applications run with the same owner and at the same mandatory level . systems that enforce a mandatory security policy may still allow unintended signaling channels , or illicit information flows , that are counter to the mandatory security policy . such signaling channels and illicit flows are commonly known as covert channels . by way of example , without intending to limit the present invention , a classic covert channel is created using the file system , such as by having a malicious process at a low security level attempt to create a file . in such an example , if the file creation attempt is successful , that is deemed equivalent to a “ 1 ”, and where the file creation attempt fails , that is deemed equivalent to a “ 0 ”. a high security process can control whether the file creation attempt is successful by filling up the file system or portion thereof . thus , a string of bits can be effectively communicated from the high security process to the low security process by repeating this sequence over and over , with the high security process removing a file when it wants the low security process &# 39 ; s creation attempt to succeed . such a communications means can be highly effective , and can be used to circumvent mandatory security policies or the like . covert channels are generally difficult to use , and low assurance systems are not required to document or reduce them . however , a preferred embodiment of the present invention is designed to be high assurance and to offer protection in highly hostile environments , therefore the present invention preferably incorporates mechanisms to reduce the number and capacity ( i . e ., speed ) of covert channels , and potential covert channels are documented . mechanisms employed in a preferred embodiment of the present invention which help to protect against covert channel use include , but are not limited to , introducing timing delays and obscuring status values in situations which might be used as a covert channel . a preferred embodiment of the present invention preferably leverages the significant processing power and internal architecture of the intel “ prestonia ” xeon ™ 2 + ghz cpus to improve performance . fig4 provides more detail on a preferred standard hardware configuration of the present invention , including hardware peripherals which the operating system component of a preferred embodiment of the present invention will support . a preferred embodiment of the present invention can be embodied in tower case or rack mounted configurations , or in high density , tempest , and zone embodiments . careful configuration control and testing are applied to assure delivery of a consistent , reliable , and secure product . trusted applications on a previous embodiment of the present invention have significantly aided in the maturation of multilevel security ( mls ) to the point where mls systems are being deployed widely in operational configurations at low risk and with significant payoff . numerous certification and accreditation efforts have been completed of now - operational trusted applications — several developed by applicants — that use the previous embodiment as their high - assurance platform . many of these applications are trusted guards designed to allow the strictly controlled sharing of information among networks operating at different sensitivity levels ( e . g ., classifications ) and / or “ needs - to - know ” ( categories or compartments ). a preferred embodiment of the present invention can also be designed to be backward compatible with these older trusted applications . however , two “ enabling technologies ” for building trusted guard applications for present invention , the datasync guard and the standard automated guard environment ( sage ), have also been developed . with the operating system component of a preferred embodiment of the present invention , the development of trusted applications is much easier . applications can be created entirely on “ real ” linux systems , created entirely on an embodiment of the present invention implemented as a development system , or created partially on both . in any of these development environments , an entirely new and richer set of rapidly evolving development tools are available to the programmer and designer . the customizable datasync guard ™ represents a new generation of trusted guard application , the first - ever tcp / ip socket - based high assurance guard . the datasync guard strictly enforces the security policies governing the connection - oriented transfer of data between systems that reside on separate system - high networks at different classification ( or sensitivity ) levels . the datasync guard achieves near - real - time data transfers . originally conceived to enable the reliable synchronization of databases operating at different sensitivity levels , the datasync guard is communications protocol independent , and can handle ascii , html , xml , well - formed binary and other data flowing between any two systems that can transfer their data over socket connections to the guard . by replacing “ store and forward ” file transfer protocols with tcp / ip sockets as its data transfer mechanism , and performing most of its processing in ram which eliminates the need to write to or read from disk or resynchronize the file system each time data are passed from one guard subroutine to another , the datasync guard reduces the latency delay of transactions during data throughput . in a presently preferred embodiment , the datasync guard can support complex filter profiles to mediate data transfers among databases on up to four different single - level system - high networks . the datasync guard can filter ascii and / or well - formed binary data , checking both the correct formatting of the header of the database transaction , and performing security checks on the content of each data element . the datasync guard can implement multiple “ if - then - else ” actions and sophisticated dirty word / clean word searches . the standard automated guard environment ( sage ™) is a set of design concepts , interface definitions , executable code , and accreditation documentation . sage is a development environment for building connectionless ( store - and - forward ) trusted guards , alternatively referred to as trusted gateways . sage minimizes the coding required to implement trusted guards by providing the common elements ( processes , libraries , etc .) that most guards require . sage eases certification and accreditation of these guards by minimizing the guard &# 39 ; s tssf . sage provides a well - structured framework within which programmers can build trusted guard applications more quickly and easily than developing those applications “ from scratch ”. the general objective of a sage guard is to securely , automatically , and efficiently allow a restricted flow of data between two systems or networks with different security characteristics . while the security policy can be customized by the guard developer , sage has been designed to accurately enforce that policy and to protect data from unauthorized disclosure or modification while the data resides on a preferred embodiment of the present invention . sage has been developed in standard ansi c and documented using trusted software principles to ease the burden of accreditation . several sage guards have already been accredited , including guards for the united states department of defense , the united states state department , and the united states air force . while the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof . thus , it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents . | 6 |
unless otherwise stated , the following terms used in the specification and claims have the meanings given below : the term “ alkyl ” means straight chain or branched hydrocarbon radical consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms , containing no unsaturation , having from one to three carbon atoms , and which is attached to the rest of the molecule by a single bond . exemplary “ alkyl ” groups include methyl , ethyl , n - propyl , iso - propyl and the like . the term “ cycloalkyl ” means non - aromatic mono cyclic ring of 3 to 8 carbon atoms . exemplary “ cycloalkyl ” groups include cyclopropyl , cyclobutyl , cyclopentyl and the like . the term “ heterocyclyl ” means non - aromatic mono cyclic ring of 2 to 7 carbon atoms , whose ring structures include 1 to 3 heteroatoms , these additional atoms may be repeated more than once in ring . exemplary “ heterocyclyl ” groups include pyrrolidinyl , piperidinyl , piperazinyl , morpholinyl and the like . the phrase “ pharmaceutically acceptable salts ” indicates that the substance or composition must be compatible chemically and / or toxicologically , with the other ingredients comprising a formulation , the mammal being treated therewith . the phrase “ therapeutically effective amount ” is defined as an amount of a compound of the present invention that ( i ) treats the particular disease , condition or disorder ( ii ) eliminates one or more symptoms of the particular disease , condition or disorder ( iii ) delays the onset of one or more symptoms of the particular disease , condition or disorder described herein . commercial reagents were utilized without further purification . room temperature refers to 25 - 40 ° c . unless otherwise stated , all mass spectra were carried out using esi conditions . 1 h - nmr spectra were recorded at 400 mhz on a bruker instrument . deuterated chloroform , methanol or dimethylsulfoxide was used as solvent . tms was used as internal reference standard . chemical shift values are expressed in parts per million ( 6 ) values . the following abbreviations are used for the multiplicity for the nmr signals : s = singlet , bs = broad singlet , d = doublet , t = triplet , q = quartet , qui = quintet , h = heptet , dd = double doublet , dt = double triplet , tt = triplet of triplets , m = multiplet . chromatography refers to column chromatography performed using 100 - 200 mesh silica gel and executed under nitrogen pressure ( flash chromatography ) conditions . in order to use the compounds of formula ( i ) in therapy , they will normally be formulated into a pharmaceutical composition in accordance with standard pharmaceutical practice . the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be formulated in a conventional manner using one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipent . the pharmaceutically acceptable excipient is carrier or diluent . thus , the active compounds of the invention may be formulated for oral , intranasal or parenteral ( e . g ., intravenous , intramuscular or subcutaneous ). such pharmaceutical compositions and processes for preparing same are well known in the art ( the science and practice of pharmacy , d . b . troy , 21st edition , williams & amp ; wilkins , 2006 ). the dose of the active compounds can vary depending on factors such as the route of administration , age and weight of patient , nature and severity of the disease to be treated and similar factors . therefore , any reference herein to a pharmacologically effective amount of the compounds of general formula ( i ) refers to the aforementioned factors . the compounds of formula ( i ) can be prepared by scheme i & amp ; scheme ii as shown below the compound of formula ( 1 ) is coupled with compound of formula ( 2 ) using dehydrating agent to form compound of formula ( i ). the dehydrating agent is selected from group consisting of aluminium phosphate , calcium oxide , cyanuric chloride , n , n ′- dicyclohexylcarbodiimide , iron ( iii ) chloride , orthoformic acid , phosphorus pentoxide or phosphoryl chloride and more preferably selected dehydrating agent is phosphoryl chloride . the compounds of formula ( 1 ) and formula ( 2 ) may be prepared by using preparations 1 to 9 or commercially available or can be prepared by conventional methods or by modification , using known process . the compound of formula ( 1 ) is coupled with compound of formula ( 2 ) in suitable solvent to form compound of formula ( 4 ). the compound of formula ( 4 ) is cyclized in presence of dehydrating agent to form compound of formula ( i ). in the first step of the above preparation , the solvent is selected from group consisting of ethanol , tetrahydrofuran , dichloromethane , dichloroethane , toluene , dimethylformamide , dimethyl sulfoxide , 1 , 4 - dioxan , tetrahydrofuran , triethylamine , toluene , pyridine , ethyl acetate , dichloromethane and the like or a mixture thereof and more preferably selected solvents are dichloromethane and triethylamine . in the second step of the above preparation , the dehydrating is selected from group consisting of aluminium phosphate , calcium oxide , cyanuric chloride , n , n ′- dicyclohexylcarbodiimide , iron ( iii ) chloride , orthoformic acid , phosphorus pentoxide or phosphoryl chloride and more preferably selected dehydrating agent is phosphoryl chloride . the compounds of formula ( 1 ) and formula ( 2 ) may be prepared by using preparations 1 to 9 or commercially available or can be prepared by conventional methods or by modification , using known process . if necessary , pharmaceutically acceptable salts for compounds of formula ( i ) may be prepared conventionally by reaction with the appropriate acid or acid derivative . suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts will be apparent to those skilled in the art and include those described in j . pharm . sci ., 1977 , 66 , 1 - 19 , such as acid addition salts formed with inorganic acids e . g . hydrochloric , hydrobromic , sulfuric , nitric or phosphoric acid and organic acids e . g ., succinic , maleic , acetic , fumaric , citric , malic , tartaric , benzoic , p - toluic , p - toluenesulfonic , benzenesulfonic acid , methanesulfonic or naphthalenesulfonic acid . the most preferred salts of compounds of formula ( i ) are oxalate , tartarate , fumarate , methane sulfonate , hydrochloride and sulfate . based on the clinical development of the compound we will select the salt form of the compound and effective dose . oxalate salt is most preferable salt for the free base compound of example 3 and example 4 . fumarate salt is most preferable salt for the free base compound of example 1 . from free base compounds of examples 1 - 74 , the person skilled in art can easily prepare all preferred salts of this invention based on the clinincal development of the compound . the novel compounds of the present invention were prepared according to the following experimental procedures , using appropriate materials and conditions . to a stirred solution of 4 - aminosalicylic acid ( 50 grams , 326 . 7 mmol ) in methanol ( 375 ml ) at 0 ° c . was added concentrated sulfuric acid ( 99 . 7 ml , 1 . 87 mmol ) maintaining temperature of the reaction below 20 ° c . the reaction mixture was gradually heated to reflux and upon completion of the reaction after 6 hours it was cooled to ice bath temperature and basified with aqueous sodium hydroxide solution ( 10 . 0 n , 214 . 5 ml ). the white precipitate that formed was filtered , washed with water , ether and dried under vacuum to obtain methyl 4 - amino - 2 - hydroxy benzoate ( 50 . 70 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 10 . 76 ( bs , 1h ), 7 . 43 ( d , j = 8 . 6 hz , 1h ), 6 . 13 ( bs , 2h ), 6 . 10 ( dd , j = 8 . 6 , 2 . 0 hz , 1h ), 5 . 99 ( d , j = 2 . 0 hz , 1h ), 3 . 79 ( s , 3h ); a solution of methyl 4 - amino - 2 - hydroxy benzoate ( 50 . 7 grams , 303 . 6 mmol , obtained in above step ) in ethyl acetate ( 750 ml ) was added to a stirred solution of water ( 250 ml ) and sodium bicarbonate ( 34 . 9 grams , 415 . 5 mmol ) cooled at 0 ° c . followed by acetyl chloride ( 29 . 7 ml , 415 . 5 mmol ) over a period of 15 minutes . the reaction mixture was gradually warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2 hours . the two layers were separated and the organic layer was washed with brine , dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to obtain methyl 4 - acetylamino - 2 - hydroxy benzoate ( 63 . 5 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 10 . 86 ( bs , 1h ), 7 . 78 ( d , j = 8 . 6 hz , 1h ), 7 . 23 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 16 ( bs , 1h ), 7 . 10 ( d , j = 8 . 6 hz , 1h ), 6 . 13 ( bs , 1h ), 3 . 92 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 19 ( s , 3h ); mass ( m / z ): 208 ( m − h ) + . to a stirred solution of methyl 4 - acetylamino - 2 - hydroxy benzoate ( 61 . 4 grams , 294 . 0 mmol , obtained in above step ) in dichloroethane ( 12 l ) was added n - chlorosuccinimide ( 58 . 8 grams , 441 mmol ) and the reaction mixture was refluxed for 3 hours . the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure ; the solid compound thus precipitated was diluted with water ( 1 . 0 l ) and filtered . the crude product was diluted with a 1 : 9 mixture ( methanol and dichloromethane ) and washed with brine . the organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure to obtain methyl 4 - acetylamino - 5 - chloro - 2 - hydroxy benzoate ( 67 . 7 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 10 . 49 ( bs , 1h ), 9 . 47 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 75 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 72 ( s , 1h ), 3 . 85 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 16 ( s , 3h ); to a stirred solution of methyl 4 - acetylamino - 5 - chloro - 2 - hydroxy benzoate ( 30 grams , 123 . 2 mmol , obtained in above step ) in dimethylformamide ( 246 ml ) was added potassium carbonate ( 42 . 5 grams , 308 mmol ). the reaction mixture was cooled to 0 ° c . and propargyl bromide ( 22 . 3 ml , 150 . 3 mmol ) was added over a period of 15 minutes . the reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 5 hours before being dumped in ice cold water . the solids precipitated were filtered and the crude product was dissolved in a 1 : 9 mixture ( methanol : dichloromethane ) and washed with brine solution . the organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to obtain the title compound ( 25 . 2 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 9 . 60 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 91 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 76 ( s , 1h ), 4 . 82 ( s , 2h ), 3 . 77 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 61 ( s , 1h ), 2 . 15 ( s , 3h ); mass ( m / z ): 282 , 284 ( m + h ) + . a stirred solution of methyl 4 - acetylamino - 5 - chloro - 2 -( prop - 2 - ynyloxy ) benzoate ( 25 grams , 88 . 8 mmol , obtained in above step ) in dowtherm a ( 127 ml ) was heated to 220 ° c . for 3 hours . the reaction mixture was cooled to 60 - 70 ° c . and dumped in hexane . the solids precipitated were filtered and washed with hexane to obtain methyl 5 - acetylamino - 6 - chloro - 2h - chromene - 8 - carboxylate ( 16 . 2 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 9 . 77 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 58 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 42 ( d , j = 10 . 1 hz , 1h ), 6 . 04 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 83 ( s , 2h ), 3 . 78 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 06 ( s , 3h ); to a solution of methyl 5 - acetylamino - 6 - chloro - 2h - chromene - 8 - carboxylate ( 20 . 5 grams , 72 . 9 mmol , obtained in above step ) in ethanol ( 300 ml ) was added pd / c ( 10 % w / w , 8 . 6 grams ). the hydrogen gas pressure was applied using balloon pressure . the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 hours and filtered through a pad of celite . the filtrate was concentrated to dryness to obtain methyl 5 - acetylamino - 6 - chloro chroman - 8 - carboxylate ( 18 . 88 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 9 . 65 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 55 ( s , 1h ), 4 . 16 ( t , j = 4 . 5 hz , 2h ), 3 . 76 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 58 ( t , j = 6 . 3 hz , 2h ), 2 . 05 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 87 ( m , 2h ); mass ( m / z ): 284 , 286 ( m + h ) + . to methyl 5 - acetylamino - 6 - chloro chroman - 8 - carboxylate ( 18 . 88 grams , 66 . 6 mmol , obtained in above step ), aqueous sodium hydroxide solution ( 1 . 4 n , 475 ml ) was added and the reaction mixture was refluxed for 6 hours . the reaction mixture was acidified with 2n hydrochloride at 0 ° c . and the precipitated product was filtered and dried under vacuum to yield 5 - amino - 6 - chloro chroman - 8 - carboxylic acid ( 14 . 07 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 11 . 8 ( bs , 1h ), 7 . 48 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 74 ( bs , 2h ), 4 . 09 ( t , j = 4 . 6 hz , 2h ), 2 . 43 ( t , j = 6 . 4 hz , 2h ), 1 . 91 ( m , 2h ); mass ( m / z ): 228 , 230 ( m + h ) + . to a stirred solution of 5 - amino - 6 - chloro chroman - 8 - carboxylic acid ( 13 . 5 grams , 59 . 34 mmol , obtained in above step ) in methanol ( 68 ml ) cooled at 0 ° c ., conc sulphuric acid ( 18 . 10 ml ) was added drop wise . the reaction mixture was gradually warmed to room temperature and stirred for 4 hours . the reaction mixture was cooled to 0 ° c ., diluted with water ( 202 ml ) and basified with sodium hydroxide ( 10 m , 57 . 9 ml ). the product that precipitated was filtered and dried under vacuum to obtain methyl 5 - amino - 6 - chloro chroman - 8 - carboxylate ( 10 . 5 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 75 ( s , 1h ), 4 . 37 ( bs , 2h ), 4 . 24 ( t , j = 5 . 0 hz , 2h ), 3 . 83 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 49 ( t , j = 6 . 6 hz , 2h ), 2 . 10 ( m , 2h ); to a stirred solution of methyl 5 - amino - 6 - chloro chroman - 8 - carboxylate ( 10 . 0 grams , 41 . 4 mmol , obtained in above step ) in ethanol ( 82 ml ), hydrazine hydrate ( 31 . 05 ml ) was added . the reaction temperature was gradually increased to reflux and the reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature for 5 hours . the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure , the crude mass was dissolved in 10 % methanol in dichloromethane and washed with water , brine , dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to obtain 5 - amino - 6 - chloro - chroman - 8 - carboxylic acid hydrazide ( 9 . 3 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 8 . 85 ( bs , 1h ), 7 . 56 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 59 ( bs , 2h ), 4 . 43 ( bs , 2h ), 4 . 18 ( t , j = 4 . 8 hz , 2h ), 2 . 45 ( t , j = 6 . 5 hz , 2h ), 1 . 93 ( m , 2h ); to a stirred solution of indazole - 3 - carboxilic acid ( 80 . 5 grams , 0 . 497 mmol , obtained in above step ) in methanol ( 2 l ) cooled at 0 ° c . was added thionyl chloride ( 120 ml , 1 . 59 mmol ) over a period of 1 hour . the reaction temperature was gradually raised and the reaction mixture was refluxed for 5 hours . the volatiles were removed and the crude mass was diluted with dichloromethane , washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate , dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to obtain the title compound ( 80 . 2 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 13 . 2 ( bs , 1h ), 8 . 23 ( d , j = 8 . 2 hz , 1h ), 7 . 86 ( d , j = 8 . 4 hz , 1h ), 7 . 48 ( t , j = 7 . 4 hz , 1h ), 7 . 35 ( t , j = 7 . 6 hz , 1h ), 4 . 09 ( s , 3h ); to a stirred solution of methyl 1h - indazol - 3 - yl carboxylate ( 80 . 0 grams , 0 . 454 mmol , obtained in above step ) in dry dimethylformamide ( 500 ml ) at 0 ° c ., sodium hydride ( 60 % in mineral oil , 23 . 7 grams , 0 . 592 mmol ) was added portion wise over a period of 30 minutes . the reaction mixture was gradually warmed to room temperature and stirred for 45 minutes before cooling it again to 0 ° c . to the reaction , isopropyliodide ( 55 ml , 0 . 545 mmol ) was added and was stirred at room temperature for 4 hours . the reaction mixture was poured into crushed ice , stirred for 10 minutes and extracted with ethyl acetate ( 2 × 250 ml ). the combined organic layer was washed with water ( 2 × 500 ml ), brine , dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to get the crude mass which was purified by silica gel column to obtain methyl 1 - isopropyl - 1h - indazol - 3 - yl carboxylate ( 40 . 0 grams ). yield : 40 %. 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 8 . 24 ( d , j = 8 . 1 hz , 1h ), 7 . 52 ( d , j = 8 . 4 hz , 1h ), 7 . 43 ( t , j = 7 . 2 hz , 1h ), 7 . 31 ( t , j = 7 . 6 hz , 1h ), 4 . 96 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 04 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 66 ( d , j = 6 . 7 hz , 6h ); mass ( m / z ): 219 ( m + h ) + . to a stirred solution of methyl 1 - isopropyl - 1h - indazol - 3 - yl carboxylate ( 40 . 0 grams , 183 . 5 mmol , obtained in above step ) in ethanol at room temperature hydrazine hydrate ( 130 ml , 2 . 56 mmol ) was added . the reaction mixture was refluxed for 2 hours . the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the crude mass was diluted with dichloromethane , washed with water , brine , dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to obtain the title compound ( 37 . 52 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 8 . 35 ( d , j = 8 . 1 hz , 1h ), 8 . 16 ( bs , 1h ), 7 . 47 ( d , j = 8 . 4 hz , 1h ), 7 . 41 ( t , j = 7 . 0 hz , 1h ), 0 . 28 ( t , j = 7 . 4 hz , 1h ), 4 . 87 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 09 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 60 ( d , j = 6 . 6 hz , 61 - 1 ); to a stirred solution of 4 - amino - 5 - chloro - 2 , 3 - dihydro benzofuran - 7 - carboxylic acid ( chem . pharm . bull . 1998 , 46 ( 1 ), 42 - 52 ; 3 . 93 g , 18 . 4 mmol ) in methanol ( 36 . 8 ml ), cooled at 0 ° c ., thionyl chloride ( 6 . 0 ml ) was added . the reaction mixture was gradually warmed to room temperature and was heated to reflux for 2 hours . the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure ; the crude mass was diluted with aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and was extracted with ethyl acetate . the combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and the solvent was removed under vacuum to obtain methyl 4 - amino - 5 - chloro - 2 , 3 - dihydro benzofuran - 7 - carboxylate ( 3 . 89 grams ). yield : 92 . 9 % 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 7 . 43 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 06 ( bs , 2h ), 4 . 60 ( t , j = 8 . 8 hz , 2h ), 3 . 68 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 97 ( t , j = 8 . 8 hz , 2h ); to a stirred solution of methyl 4 - amino - 5 - chloro - 2 , 3 - dihydro benzofuran - 7 - carboxylate ( 3 . 88 grams , 17 . 07 mmol , obtained in the above step ) in ethanol ( 34 . 1 ml ), hydrazine hydrate ( 11 . 5 ml , 236 . 2 ) was added . the reaction temperature was gradually increased to reflux and the reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature for 5 hours . the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure , the crude mass was triturated with plenty of ether and pentane to obtain 4 - amino - 5 - chloro - 2 , 3 - dihydro benzofuran - 7 - carboxylic acid hydrazide ( 3 . 76 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 8 . 35 ( bs , 1h ), 7 . 44 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 85 ( s , 2h ), 4 . 68 ( t , j = 8 . 7 hz , 2h ), 4 . 43 ( bs , 2h ), 3 . 0 ( t , j = 8 . 7 hz , 2h ); to a stirred solution of 8 - amino - 7 - chloro - 2 , 3 - dihydro - benzo [ 1 , 4 ] dioxine - 5 - carboxylic acid ( journal of medicinal chemistry , 1993 , 36 , 4121 ; 2 . 2 grams , 9 . 58 mmol ) in methanol ( 38 . 3 ml ), cooled at 0 ° c . thionyl chloride ( 2 . 78 ml ) was added . the reaction mixture was gradually warmed to room temperature and then heated to reflux for 3 hours . the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure ; the crude mass was diluted with aq . sodium bicarbonate solution and extracted with ethyl acetate . the combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and the solvent was removed under vacuum to obtain the title compound ( 2 . 12 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 52 ( s , 1h ), 4 . 47 ( bs , 2h ), 4 . 45 - 4 . 30 ( m , 4h ), 3 . 84 ( s , 3h ). to a stirred solution of methyl 8 - amino - 7 - chloro - 2 , 3 - dihydro - benzo [ 1 , 4 ] dioxine - 5 - carboxylate ( 2 . 1 grams , 8 . 6 mmol , obtained in the above step ) in ethanol ( 34 . 4 ml ), hydrazine hydrate ( 6 . 2 ml , 129 . 3 mmol ) was added . the reaction temperature was gradually increased to reflux and the reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature for 5 hours . the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure , the crude mass was triturated with plenty of ether and pentane to obtain 8 - amino - 7 - chloro - 2 , 3 - dihydro benzo [ 1 , 4 ] dioxane - 5 - carboxylic acid hydrazide ( 2 . 1 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 8 . 80 ( bs , 1h ), 7 . 27 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 40 ( bs , 2h ), 4 . 46 ( bs , 2h ), 4 . 40 - 4 . 25 ( m , 4h ); mass ( m / z ): 244 . 1 , 246 . 1 ( m + h ) + . to a stirred solution of 1 - cyclopropyl - 4 - piperidone ( alfa aesar , 3 . 0 grams , 21 . 5 mmol ) in a mixture of 1 , 2 - dimethoxyethane ( 72 ml ) and ethanol ( 2 . 2 ml ) cooled at 0 ° c ., was added p - toluenesulfonylmethylisocyanide ( 5 . 45 grams , 27 . 95 mmol ). solid potassium tertiary butoxide ( 5 . 54 grams , 49 . 45 mmol ) was added over a period of 1 hour . the reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature for additional 1 hour and gradually warmed to room temperature . after stirring for 2 hours at this temperature , it was cooled to 0 ° c ., diluted with brine and ethyl acetate . the organic layer was separated , dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to obtain crude product , which was purified by slica gel column to yield 1 - cyclopropyl piperidine - 4 - carbonitrile ( 1 . 32 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 2 . 82 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 63 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 49 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 98 - 1 . 78 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 70 - 1 . 58 ( m , 1h ), 0 . 50 - 0 . 40 ( m , 2h ), 0 . 40 - 0 . 35 ( m , 2h ); a mixture of 1 - cyclopropyl piperidine - 4 - carbonitrile ( 1 . 32 grams , 8 . 8 mmol , obtained in the above step ) and hydrochloric acid ( 6 n , 35 . 2 ml ) was refluxed for 3 hours . the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure ; the traces of water were removed by co distilling with toluene . the crude product thus obtained was triturated with ether several times and dried under vacuum to obtained 1 - cyclopropyl piperidine - 4 - carboxylic acid ( 2 . 02 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 12 . 54 ( bs , 1h ), 10 . 79 ( bs , 1h ), 3 . 50 - 3 . 40 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 18 - 3 . 0 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 78 - 2 . 65 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 55 - 3 . 45 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 10 - 1 . 85 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 20 - 1 . 10 ( m , 2h ), 0 . 80 - 0 . 70 ( m , 2h ); mass ( m / z ): 170 ( m + h ) + . to a stirred mixture of 1 - cyclopropyl piperidine - 4 - carboxylic acid ( 10 . 0 grams , 48 . 6 mmol , obtained in above step ) in dichloromethane ( 198 ml ) cooled at 0 ° c . was added dry dimethyl formamide ( 2 ml ) followed by drop wise addition of oxalyl chloride ( 12 . 5 ml , 145 . 8 mmol ). the reaction mixture was gradually warmed to room temperature and stirred for 1 hour . the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the crude 1 - cyclopropyl piperidine - 4 - carbonyl chloride ( 11 . 0 grams ). this crude product was used in the next reaction without purification . 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 10 . 66 ( bs , 1h ), 3 . 50 - 3 . 42 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 40 - 3 . 30 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 15 - 3 . 0 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 80 - 2 . 65 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 10 - 1 . 80 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 15 - 1 . 08 ( m , 2h ), 0 . 80 - 0 . 70 ( m , 2h ); to a stirred solution of 1 - boc - 4 - piperidone ( 2 . 0 grams , 10 . 03 mmol ) in benzene ( 40 ml ) at room temperature was added wittig reagent ( 5 . 23 grams , 15 mmol ). the reaction mixture was refluxed for 10 hours and the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure to obtain a crude mass which was purified by silica gel column chromatography to obtain t - butyl 4 - ethoxycarbonylmethylene piperidine - 1 - carboxylate ( 2 . 05 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 5 . 71 ( s , 1h ), 4 . 16 ( q , 2h ), 3 . 55 - 3 . 45 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 94 ( t , j = 5 . 7 hz , 2h ), 2 . 28 ( t , j = 5 . 6 hz , 2h ), 1 . 47 ( s , 9h ), 1 . 28 ( t , j = 7 . 1 hz , 3h ); to a stirred solution of t - butyl 4 - ethoxycarbonylmethylene piperidine - 1 - carboxylate ( 2 . 05 grams , 7 . 62 mmol , obtained in above step ) in ethanol ( 30 ml ) at room temperature was added pd / c ( 10 wt %, 600 mg ). hydrogen balloon pressure was applied on the reaction for 5 hours . the reaction mixture was filtered through a pad of celite and the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure to obtain t - butyl - 4 - ethoxycarbonylmethyl piperidine - 1 - carboxylate ( 1 . 98 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 4 . 20 - 4 . 0 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 83 - 2 . 65 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 23 ( d , j = 6 . 8 hz , 2h ), 2 . 0 - 1 . 88 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 75 - 1 . 68 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 45 ( s , 914 ), 1 . 26 ( t , j = 7 . 0 hz , 3h ), 1 . 25 - 1 . 05 ( m , 2h ); mass ( m / z ): 272 ( m + h ) + . to a stirred solution of t - butyl 4 - ethoxycarbonylmethyl piperidine - 1 - carboxylate ( 1 . 98 grams , 7 . 3 mmol , obtained in the above step ) in isopropyl alcohol ( 5 ml ) cooled at 0 ° c ., was added a solution of dry isopropanolic hydrogen chloride (˜ 3 n , 15 ml ). the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours . the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the crude product was triturated with ether several times , dried under vacuum to obtain piperidin - 4 - yl acetic acid ethyl ester ( 1 . 57 grams ) 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 4 . 03 ( q , 2h ), 3 . 23 - 3 . 15 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 86 - 2 . 78 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 24 ( d , j = 6 . 8 hz , 2h ), 2 . 0 - 1 . 85 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 81 - 1 . 72 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 40 - 1 . 25 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 14 ( t , j = 6 . 9 hz , 3h ); a mixture of cyclobutanone ( 0 . 3 ml , 3 . 94 mmol ) in acetic acid ( 0 . 19 ml , 3 . 28 mmol ) was added to a stirred solution of piperidin - 4 - yl acetic acid ethyl ester ( 562 mg , 3 . 28 mmol , obtained in above step ) in dichloromethane cooled at 0 ° c . solid sodium triacetoxyborohydride ( 1 . 39 grams , 7 . 2 mmol ) was added portion wise over a period of 15 minutes . the reaction mixture was gradually warmed to room temperature and stirred for 16 hours . the reaction mixture was cooled to 0 ° c . and basified with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution ( ph : 7 . 5 ). the two layers were separated , the organic layer was washed with brine , dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure to obtain ( 1 - cyclobutyl piperidin - 4 - yl ) acetic acid ethyl ester ( 652 mg ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 4 . 13 ( q , 2h ), 2 . 90 - 2 . 82 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 75 - 2 . 62 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 22 ( d , j = 6 . 9 hz , 2h ), 2 . 10 - 1 . 95 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 95 - 1 . 80 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 80 - 1 . 60 ( m , 7h ), 1 . 35 - 1 . 20 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 27 ( t , j = 7 . 1 hz , 3h ); to a stirred mixture of ( 1 - cyclobutyl piperidin - 4 - yl ) acetic acid ethyl ester ( 652 . 9 mg , 2 . 90 mmol , obtained in above step ), tetrahydrofuran ( 6 ml ) and water ( 6 . 0 ml ) cooled at 0 ° c . lithium hydroxide monohydrate ( 133 mg , 3 . 19 mmol ) was added in a single lot . the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours . the reaction mixture was cooled again to 0 ° c . and acidified with 2n hydrochloric acid to ph : 2 - 3 . the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the traces of water were removed by azeotropic distillation with toluene to obtain ( 1 - cyclobutyl piperidin - 4 - yl ) acetic acid ( 747 . 9 mg ). 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 12 . 25 ( bs , 1h ), 10 . 98 ( bs , 1h ), 3 . 56 - 3 . 45 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 30 - 3 . 20 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 10 - 3 . 0 ( m , 0 . 5h ), 2 . 90 - 2 . 82 ( m , 0 . 5h ), 2 . 75 - 2 . 60 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 40 - 2 . 30 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 22 ( d , j = 6 . 9 hz , 1h ), 2 . 17 ( d , j = 6 . 8 hz , 1h ), 2 . 15 - 2 . 08 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 95 - 1 . 75 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 74 - 1 . 65 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 65 - 1 . 50 ( m , 2h ); mass ( m / z ): 198 ( m + h ) + . to a stirred solution of ethyl isonipecotate ( 22 . 0 grams , 140 mmol ) in acetonitrile ( 250 ml ) at room temperature was added cesium carbonate ( 97 grams , 298 mmol ) followed by 1 - bromo - 3 - methoxypropane ( 20 ml , 154 mmol ) and the reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 4 hours . the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and filtered through a small pad of celite . the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure to obtain ethyl 1 -( 3 - methoxy propyl ) piperidin - 4 - carboxylate ( 31 . 0 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 4 . 12 ( q , 2h ), 3 . 41 ( t , j = 6 . 4 hz , 2h ), 2 . 90 - 2 . 85 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 38 ( t , j = 7 . 4 hz , 2h ), 2 . 34 - 2 . 20 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 05 - 1 . 93 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 92 - 1 . 85 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 80 - 1 . 70 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 23 ( t , j = 7 . 1 hz , 3h ); to a stirred mixture of ethyl 1 -( 3 - methoxy propyl ) piperidin - 4 - carboxylate ( 33 . 0 grams , 144 . 1 mmol , obtained in the above step ), tetrahydrofuran ( 200 ml ) and water ( 200 ml ) was added lithium hydroxide monohydrate ( 6 . 1 grams , 144 . 1 mmol ). the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours before being diluted with ethylacetate . the two layers were separated and the aqueous layer was acidified to ph : 3 - 4 with concentrated hydrochloric acid and the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure to obtain 1 -( 3 - methoxy propyl ) piperidin - 4 - carboxylic acid ( 35 . 0 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 3 . 30 ( t , j = 6 . 4 hz , 2h ), 3 . 19 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 80 - 2 . 70 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 25 ( t , j = 7 . 5 hz , 2h ), 2 . 15 - 2 . 05 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 92 - 1 . 82 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 78 - 1 . 70 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 68 - 1 . 57 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 55 - 1 . 43 ( m , 2h ); to a stirred solution of ethyl 3 - benzyl - 2 , 4 - dioxo - 3 - aza bicyclo [ 3 . 1 . 0 ] hexane - 6 - carboxylate ( synlett , 1996 , 1097 ; 5 . 0 grams , 18 . 3 mmol ) in tetrahydrofuran ( 74 ml ) cooled at 0 ° c ., bh 3 - dms ( 2n solution in tetrahydrofuran 36 ml , 73 . 2 mmol ) was added over a period of 30 minutes . the reaction temperature was gradually raised to reflux for 6 hours . after cooling the reaction mixture to 0 ° c ., it was quenched by adding aqueous ammonium chloride solution and was extracted with ethyl acetate . the combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure . the crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography to obtain ethyl 3 - benzyl - 3 - aza bicyclo [ 3 . 1 . 0 ] hexane - 6 - carboxylate ( 2 . 8 grams ) 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 40 - 7 . 20 ( m , 5h ), 4 . 14 ( q , 2h ), 3 . 61 ( s , 2h ), 3 . 05 ( d , j = 9 . 0 hz , 2h ), 2 . 44 ( d , j = 8 . 7 hz , 2h ), 2 . 14 ( t , j = 2 . 6 hz , 1h ), 1 . 97 ( s , 2h ), 1 . 28 ( t , j = 7 . 1 hz , 3h ) + . to a stirred solution of ethyl 3 - benzyl - 3 - aza bicyclo [ 3 . 1 . 0 ] hexane - 6 - carboxylate ( 2 . 0 grams , 8 . 1 mmol , obtained in the above step ) in methanol ( 20 ml ), palladium hydroxide ( 468 mg ) was added . the reaction mixture was applied with hydrogen pressure using hydrogen balloon . the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours and filtered through a small pad of celite . the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure to obtain ethyl 3 - aza bicyclo [ 3 . 1 . 0 ] hexane - 6 - carboxylate ( 1 . 22 grams ) yield : 96 %. 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 4 . 11 ( q , 2h ), 3 . 11 ( d , j = 11 . 6 hz , 2h ), 2 . 98 ( d , j = 11 . 7 hz , 2h ), 2 . 02 ( s , 2h ), 1 . 49 ( t , j = 3 . 0 hz , 1h ), 1 . 24 ( t , j = 4 . 2 hz , 31 - 1 ); a mixture of cyclobutanone ( 157 mg , 2 . 19 mmol ) in acetic acid ( 0 . 11 ml , 1 . 56 mmol ) was added to a stirred solution of ethyl 3 - aza bicyclo [ 3 . 1 . 0 ] hexane - 6 - carboxylate ( 243 mg , 1 . 56 mmol , obtained in the above step ) in dichloromethane , cooled at 0 ° c . solid sodium triacetoxy borohydride ( 727 mg , 3 . 43 mmol ) was added portion wise over a period of 15 minutes . the reaction mixture was gradually warmed to room temperature and stirred for 16 hours . the reaction mixture was cooled to 0 ° c . and basified with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution ( ph : 7 . 5 ). the two layers were separated , the organic layer was washed with brine , dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure to obtain ethyl 3 - cyclobutyl - 3 - aza bicyclo [ 3 . 1 . 0 ] hexane - 6 - carboxylate ( 219 mg ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 4 . 11 ( q , 2h ), 3 . 10 - 2 . 90 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 34 ( d , j = 8 . 8 hz , 2h ), 2 . 04 ( s , 1h ), 1 . 93 ( s , 2h ), 2 . 0 - 1 . 80 ( m , 3h ), 1 . 80 - 1 . 55 ( m , 3h ), 1 . 25 ( t , j = 7 . 1 hz , 3h ); mass ( m / z ): 210 . 2 ( m + h ) + . to a stirred mixture of ethyl 3 - cyclobutyl - 3 - aza bicyclo [ 3 . 1 . 0 ] hexane - 6 - carboxylate ( 218 mg , 1 . 04 mmol , obtained in the above step ), tetrahydrofuran ( 2 ml ) and water ( 2 . 0 ml ) cooled at 0 ° c ., lithium hydroxide monohydrate ( 133 mg , 3 . 19 mmol ) was added in a single lot . the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours . the reaction mixture was cooled again to 0 ° c . and acidified with 2n hydrochloric acid to ph : 2 - 3 . the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the traces of water were removed by azeotropic distillation with toluene to obtain 3 - cyclobutyl - 3 - aza bicyclo [ 3 . 1 . 0 ] hexane - 6 - carboxylic acid ( 180 mg ). 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 2 . 98 - 2 . 86 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 78 ( d , j = 8 . 5 hz , 2h ), 2 . 20 ( d , j = 8 . 1 hz , 2h ), 1 . 90 - 1 . 80 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 82 - 1 . 68 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 65 - 1 . 55 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 49 ( s , 2h ), 1 . 42 ( s , 1h ); to the stirred solution of piperidin - 4 - one hydrochloride ( 2 . 0 g , 14 . 7 mmol ) in dcm ( 60 ml ) cooled at 0 ° c ., was added triethylamine ( 5 . 15 ml , 36 . 75 mmol ) and ethylchloroformate ( 1 . 59 ml , 16 . 6 mml ). the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours before being diluted with water . the two layers were separated , the organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure to obtain ethyl 4 - oxo - piperidine - 1 - carboxylate ( 3 . 14 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 4 . 22 ( q , 2h ), 3 . 79 ( t , j = 6 . 0 hz , 2h ), 2 . 48 ( t , j = 6 . 0 hz , 2h ), 1 . 31 ( t , j = 7 . 1 hz , 3h ); a mixture of ethyl 4 - oxo piperidine - 1 - carboxylate ( 3 . 14 grams , 18 . 3 mmol , obtained in the above step ) in acetic acid ( 1 . 05 ml , 18 . 3 mmol ) was added to a stirred solution of ethyl isonipecotate ( 2 . 87 ml , 18 . 3 mmol ) in dichloromethane ( 10 ml ) cooled at 0 ° c . solid sodium triacetoxy borohydride ( 11 . 6 grams , 54 . 9 mmol ) was added portion wise over a period of 15 minutes . the reaction mixture was gradually warmed to room temperature and stirred for 16 hours . the reaction mixture was cooled to 0 ° c . and basified with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution ( ph 7 . 5 ). the two layers were separated , the organic layer was washed with brine , dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure . the crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography to obtain [ 1 , 4 ′] bipiperidinyl - 4 , 1 ′- dicarboxylic acid diethyl ester ( 5 . 51 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 5 . 60 - 5 . 10 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 35 - 4 . 15 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 20 - 4 . 08 ( m , 4h ), 3 . 98 - 3 . 85 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 20 - 3 . 10 ( m , 114 ), 3 . 10 - 3 . 0 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 86 - 2 . 70 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 60 - 2 . 50 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 48 - 2 . 35 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 10 - 2 . 0 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 98 - 1 . 85 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 60 - 1 . 43 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 32 - 1 . 22 ( m , 6h ); to a stirred mixture of [ 1 , 4 ′] bipiperidinyl - 4 , 1 ′- dicarboxylic acid diethyl ester ( 5 . 51 grams , 17 . 67 mmol ), tetrahydrofuran ( 34 ml ) and water ( 34 ml ) cooled at 0 ° c ., lithium hydroxide monohydrate ( 742 . 0 mg , 17 . 67 mml ) was added . the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours , diluted with ethyl acetate . the two layers were separated , the aqueous layer was acidified with 2n hydrochloric acid to ph : 3 - 4 and the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure to obtain [ 1 , 4 ′] bipiperidinyl - 4 , 1 ′- dicarboxylic acid 1 ′- ethyl ester ( 5 . 0 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 12 . 53 ( bs , 114 ), 11 . 16 ( bs , 1h ), 4 . 15 - 3 . 98 ( m , 4h ), 3 . 47 - 3 . 35 ( m , 3h ), 3 . 0 - 2 . 90 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 90 - 2 . 65 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 60 - 2 . 50 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 18 - 2 . 08 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 05 - 1 . 94 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 60 - 1 . 50 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 16 ( t , = 7 . 0 hz , 3h ); to a stirred solution of 5 - amino - 6 - chloro chroman - 8 - carboxylic acid hydrazide ( 8 . 0 grams , 33 . 1 mmol , obtained in preparation 1 ) in dichloromethane ( 200 ml ) cooled at 0 ° c ., was added triethylamine ( 13 . 9 ml , 99 . 9 mmol ) and a solution of 1 - cyclopropylpiperidine - 4 - carbonyl chloride ( 11 . 0 grams ) in dichloromethane ( 200 ml ). the reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 16 hours before diluting it with water ( 160 ml ). the two layers were separated , the organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure to obtain the title compound ( 10 . 5 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 10 . 16 ( d , j = 3 . 2 hz , 1h ), 9 . 64 ( d , j = 3 . 2 hz , 1h ), 7 . 58 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 73 ( bs , 2h ), 4 . 21 ( t , j = 4 . 7 hz , 2h ), 3 . 0 - 2 . 88 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 46 ( t , j = 6 . 5 hz , 2h ), 2 . 30 - 2 . 20 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 18 - 2 . 05 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 0 - 1 . 90 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 70 - 1 . 60 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 60 - 1 . 42 ( m , 3h ), 0 . 42 - 0 . 35 ( m , 2h ), 0 . 30 - 0 . 22 ( m , 2h ); mass ( m / z ): 393 , 395 ( m + h ) + . to n -( 1 - cyclopropyl piperidine - 4 - carbonyl )- n ′-( 5 - amino - 6 - chloro chroman - 8 - carbonyl ) hydrazine ( 10 . 5 grams , 26 . 7 mmol , obtained in the above step ) was added phosphoryl chloride ( 53 . 5 ml ). the reaction temperature was gradually raised to 120 ° c . the reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature for 1 h , cooled to room temperature and triturated with hexanes ( 3 × 100 ml ). the crude reaction was diluted with 10 % aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and extracted with a 1 : 9 mixture of methanol in dichloromethane . the organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the crude product was purified by silica gel column to obtain 6 - chloro - 8 -[ 5 -( 1 - cyclopropyl piperidin - 4 - yl )-[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] oxadiazol - 2 - yl ] chroman - 5 - yl amine ( 8 . 8 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 66 ( s , 1h ), 4 . 35 ( bs , 2h ), 4 . 28 ( t , j = 5 . 0 hz , 2h ), 3 . 18 - 3 . 10 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 08 - 2 . 93 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 53 ( t , j = 6 . 6 hz , 2h ), 2 . 40 - 2 . 30 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 18 - 2 . 05 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 0 - 1 . 87 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 70 - 1 . 60 ( m , 1h ), 0 . 50 - 0 . 40 ( m , 4h ); a suspension of 6 - chloro - 8 -[ 5 -( 1 - cyclopropyl piperidin - 4 - yl )-[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] oxadiazol - 2 - yl ] chroman - 5 - yl amine ( 14 grams , 37 . 3 mmol , obtained in the above step ) in ethanol ( 280 ml ) was heated to reflux until clear solution obtained . the mixture was cooled to room temperature and fumaric acid ( 4 . 32 grams , 37 . 3 mmol ) was added . the reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 1 hour . the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the furmarate salt , thus obtained , was recrystallized from isopropanol to obtain 6 - chloro - 8 -[ 5 -( 1 - cyclopropyl piperidin - 4 - yl )-[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] oxadiazol - 2 - yl ] chroman - 5 - yl amine hemi fumarate ( 14 . 0 grams ). 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 7 . 48 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 60 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 75 ( s , 2h ), 4 . 13 ( t , j = 4 . 8 hz , 2h ), 3 . 0 - 2 . 90 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 52 - 2 . 42 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 40 - 2 . 30 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 01 - 1 . 90 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 75 - 1 . 62 ( m , 3h ), 0 . 48 - 0 . 40 ( m , 2h ), 0 . 35 - 0 . 28 ( m , 2h ); mass ( m / z ): 375 , 377 ( m + h ) + . to the ( 1 - cyclobutyl piperidin - 4 - yl ) acetic acid ( 725 mg , 3 . 52 mmol , obtained in preparation 4 ) was added phosphoryl chloride ( 4 ml ). the mixture was stirred for 15 minutes and 5 - amino - 6 - chloro - chroman - 8 - carboxylic acid hydrazide ( 500 mg , 2 . 0 mmol ) was added . the reaction mixture was gradually heated to reflux for 30 minutes . the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature , triturated with hexanes ( 2 × 20 ml ) and the crude mass was basified with aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution . the basified mixture was extracted with 10 % methanol in dichloromethane . the organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure and was purified by silica gel column to obtain 6 - chloro - 8 -[ 5 -( 1 - cyclobutyl piperdin - 4 - ylmethyl )-[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] oxadiazol - 2 - yl ] chroman - 5 - yl amine ( 250 mg ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 68 ( s , 1h ), 4 . 35 ( bs , 2h ), 4 . 28 ( t , j = 5 . 0 hz , 2h ), 2 . 93 - 2 . 88 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 83 ( d , j = 6 . 9 hz , 2h ), 2 . 73 - 2 . 62 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 54 ( t , j = 6 . 6 hz , 2h ), 2 . 20 - 2 . 10 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 08 - 2 . 0 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 95 - 1 . 65 ( m , 9h ), 1 . 48 - 1 . 35 ( m , 2h ); mass ( m / z ): 403 , 405 ( m + h ) + . to a stirred solution of 6 - chloro - 8 -[ 5 -( 1 - cyclobutyl piperdin - 4 - yl methyl )-[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] oxadiazol - 2 - yl ] chroman - 5 - yl amine ( 175 . 7 mg , 0 . 436 mmol , obtained in the above step ) in methanol ( 2 ml ), l (+)- tartaric acid ( 65 . 4 mg , 0 . 436 mmol ) was added . the reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hour at room temperature and the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure to obtain a crude mass which was triturated several times with solvent ether to obtain 6 - chloro - 8 -[ 5 -( 1 - cyclobutyl piperdin - 4 - yl methyl )-[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] oxadiazol - 2 - yl ] chroman - 5 - yl amine l (+)- tartarate ( 206 . 2 mg ) 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 7 . 46 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 79 ( bs , 2h ), 4 . 12 ( t , j = 4 . 7 hz , 2h ), 4 . 06 ( bs , 2h ), 3 . 20 - 3 . 10 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 10 - 3 . 0 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 84 ( d , j = 6 . 7 hz , 2h ), 2 . 48 ( t , j = 7 . 6 hz , 2h ), 2 . 33 - 2 . 15 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 10 - 2 . 0 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 0 - 1 . 85 (, 5h ), 1 . 85 - 1 . 72 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 70 - 1 . 58 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 45 - 1 . 30 ( m , 2h ); mass ( m / z ): 403 , 405 ( m + h ) + . to the mixture of 1 - isopropyl - 1h - indazole - 3 - carboxylic acid hydrazide ( 15 . 0 grams , 68 . 8 mmol ) and 1 -( 3 - methoxy propyl )- piperidine - 4 - carboxylic acid hydrochloride ( 20 . 9 grams , 88 . 2 mmol , obtained in preparation 7 ) cooled at 0 ° c . was added phosphoryl chloride ( 130 ml ). the reaction temperature was gradually raised to 100 ° c . and stirred was 2 hours . upon completion of the reaction , it was cooled to 0 ° c . and triturated with hexanes ( 3 × 250 ml ). the crude product was basified with aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and extracted with 5 % methanol in dichloromethane . the combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure . the crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography to obtain 1 - isopropyl - 3 -{ 5 -[ 1 -( 3 - methoxy propyl ) piperidin - 4 - yl ]-[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] oxadiazol - 2 - yl }- 1h - indazole ( 15 . 78 grams ) 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 8 . 35 ( d , j = 8 . 1 hz , 1h ), 7 . 53 ( d , j = 8 . 5 hz , 1h ), 7 . 47 ( t , j = 7 . 0 hz , 1h ), 7 . 33 ( t , j = 7 . 4 hz , 1h ), 5 . 05 - 4 . 90 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 44 ( t , j = 6 . 4 hz , 2h ), 3 . 35 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 15 - 2 . 97 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 48 ( t , j = 7 . 3 hz , 2h ), 2 . 26 - 2 . 02 ( m , 6h ), 1 . 88 - 1 . 75 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 67 ( d , j = 6 . 7 hz , 6h ); to a stirred solution of 1 - isopropyl - 3 -{ 5 -[ 1 -( 3 - methoxy propyl ) piperidin - 4 - yl ]-[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] oxadiazol - 2 - yl }- 1h - indazole ( 12 . 55 grams , 32 . 7 mmol , obtained in the above step ) in 2 - propanol ( 200 ml ); oxalic acid ( 4 . 12 grams , 32 . 7 mmol ) was added . after stirring at room temperature for 1 hour the reaction was further diluted with 2 - propanol and refluxed for 2 hours . the crystalline product which was precipitated after cooling the reaction mixture to room temperature was filtered , dried under vacuum to obtain 1 - isopropyl - 3 -{ 5 -[ 1 -( 3 - methoxy propyl ) piperidin - 4 - yl ]-[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] oxadiazol - 2 - yl }- 1h - indazole oxalate salt ( 16 . 4 grams ) 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 8 . 18 ( d , j = 8 . 1 hz , 1h ), 7 . 90 ( d , j = 8 . 5 hz , 1h ), 7 . 54 ( t , j 7 . 4 hz , 1h ), 7 . 38 ( t , j = 7 . 7 hz , 1h ), 5 . 23 - 5 . 10 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 50 - 3 . 40 ( m , 3h ), 3 . 37 ( t , j = 5 . 9 hz , 2h ), 3 . 23 ( s , 314 ), 3 . 10 - 2 . 96 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 35 - 2 . 25 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 18 - 2 . 02 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 94 - 1 . 85 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 53 ( d , j = 6 . 6 hz , 6h ); to the mixture of 1 - isopropyl - 1h - indazole - 3 - carboxylic acid hydrazide ( 120 mg , 0 . 55 mmol ) and ( 1 - cyclobutyl piperidin - 4 - yl ) acetic acid hydrochloride ( 147 mg , 0 . 74 mmol , obtained in preparation 6 ) cooled at 0 ° c ., was added phosphoryl chloride ( 1 . 5 ml ). the reaction temperature was gradually raised to 100 ° c . and stirred was 2 hours . upon completion of the reaction , it was cooled to 0 ° c . and triturated with hexanes ( 3 × 25 ml ). the crude product was cooled to 0 ° c ., basified with aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and extracted with 5 % methanol in dichloromethane . the combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure . the crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography to obtain 3 -[ 5 -( 1 - cyclobutyl piperidin - 4 - yl methyl )-[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] oxadiazol - 2 - yl ]- 1 - isopropyl - 1h - indazole ( 62 mg ) 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 8 . 37 ( d , j = 8 . 1 hz , 1h ), 7 . 54 ( d , j = 8 . 5 hz , 1h ), 7 . 48 ( t , j = 6 . 9 hz , 1h ), 7 . 35 ( t , j = 7 . 5 hz , 1h ), 5 . 08 - 4 . 92 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 93 ( d , j = 7 . 1 hz , 2h ), 2 . 92 - 2 . 87 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 74 - 2 . 62 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 10 - 1 . 93 ( m , 3h ), 1 . 92 - 1 . 82 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 80 - 1 . 65 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 68 ( d , j = 6 . 7 hz , 6h ), 1 . 52 - 1 . 40 ( m , 2h ); to a stirred solution of 3 -[ 5 -( 1 - cyclobutyl piperidin - 4 - yl methyl )-[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] oxadiazol - 2 - yl ]- 1 - isopropyl - 1h - indazole ( 62 mg , 0 . 16 mmol , obtained in the above step ) in 2 - propanol ( 5 . 0 ml ), l (+)- tartaric acid ( 26 mg , 0 . 16 mmol ) was added . after stirring at room for 1 hour the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the crude product was triturated several times with ether to obtain 3 -[ 5 -( 1 - cyclobutyl piperidin - 4 - yl methyl )-[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] oxadiazol - 2 - yl ]- 1 - isopropyl - 1h - indazole l (+)- tartarate salt ( 81 mg ) 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 8 . 18 ( d , j = 8 . 1 hz , 1h ), 7 . 90 ( d , j = 8 . 5 hz , 1h ), 7 . 54 ( t , j 7 . 4 hz , 1h ), 7 . 38 ( t , j = 7 . 6 hz , 1h ), 5 . 22 - 5 . 10 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 11 ( s , 2h ), 3 . 30 - 3 . 20 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 20 - 3 . 05 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 0 ( d , j = 6 . 8 hz , 2h ), 2 . 45 - 2 . 30 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 10 - 1 . 90 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 90 - 1 . 80 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 78 - 1 . 65 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 50 - 1 . 40 ( m , 2h ); to 3 - cyclobutyl - 3 - aza bicyclo [ 3 . 1 . 0 ] hexane - 6 - carboxylic acid ( 74 mg , 0 . 40 mmol , obtained in preparation 8 ) was added phosphoryl chloride ( 1 ml ). the mixture was stirred for 15 minutes and 5 - amino - 6 - chloro chroman - 8 - carboxylic acid hydrazide ( 80 mg , 0 . 33 mmol ) was added . the reaction mixture was gradually heated to reflux for 1 hour . the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature , triturated with hexanes ( 2 × 20 ml ) and the crude mass was basified with aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution . the basified mixture was extracted with 10 % methanol in dichloromethane the organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure and was purified by silica gel column to obtain 6 - chloro - 8 -[ 5 -( 3 - cyclobutyl - 3 - aza bicyclo [ 3 . 1 . 0 ] hex - 6 - yl )-[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] oxadiazol - 2 - yl ] chroman - 5 - yl amine ( 18 mg ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 64 ( s , 1h ), 4 . 33 ( bs , 2h ), 4 . 27 ( t , j = 5 . 3 hz , 2h ), 3 . 20 - 3 . 0 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 70 - 2 . 60 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 53 ( t , j = 6 . 4 hz , 2h ), 2 . 48 - 2 . 35 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 20 - 2 . 10 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 0 - 1 . 90 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 90 - 1 . 80 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 80 - 1 . 60 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 30 - 1 . 20 ( m , 1h ). to a stirred solution of 6 - chloro - 8 -[ 5 -( 3 - cyclobutyl - 3 - aza bicyclo [ 3 . 1 . 0 ] hex - 6 - yl )-[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] oxadiazol - 2 - yl ] chroman - 5 - yl amine ( 18 mg , 0 . 05 mmol , obtained in the above step ) in 2 - propanol ( 3 ml ), oxalic acid ( 6 . 0 mg , 0 . 05 mmol ) was added . after stirring at room temperature for 1 hour the reaction was further diluted with 2 - propanol and refluxed for 2 hours . the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the crude product which was obtained was triturated with ether , dried under vacuum to obtain 6 - chloro - 8 -[ 5 -( 3 - cyclobutyl - 3 - aza bicyclo [ 3 . 1 . 0 ] hex - 6 - yl )-[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] oxadiazol - 2 - yl ] chroman - 5 - yl amine oxalate salt ( 21 . 2 mg ) 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 7 . 47 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 80 ( bs , 2h ), 4 . 28 ( t , j = 5 . 3 hz , 2h ), 3 . 80 - 3 . 55 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 30 - 3 . 20 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 70 - 2 . 60 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 60 - 2 . 40 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 30 - 2 . 05 ( m , 411 ), 2 . 0 - 1 . 90 ( m , 3h ), 1 . 90 - 1 . 70 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 30 - 1 . 20 ( m , 1h ); mass ( m / z ): 387 . 1 , 389 . 2 ( m + h ) + . to the [ 1 , 4 ′] bipiperidinyl - 4 , 1 ′- dicarboxylic acid 1 ′- ethyl ester ( 372 mg , 1 . 02 mmol , obtained in preparation 9 ) was added phosphoryl chloride ( 3 . 2 ml ). the mixture was stirred for 15 minutes and 8 - amino - 7 - chloro - 2 , 3 - dihydro benzo [ 1 , 4 ] dioxane - 5 - carboxylic acid hydrazide ( 200 mg , 0 . 82 mmol ) was added . the reaction mixture was gradually heated to reflux for 1 hour . the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature , triturated with hexanes ( 2 × 50 ml ) and the crude mass was basified with aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution . the basified mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate . the organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure and was purified by silica gel column to obtain 4 -[ 5 -( 8 - amino - 7 - chloro - 2 , 3 - dihydro benzo [ 1 , 4 ] dioxan - 5 - yl )-[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] oxadiazol - 2 - yl ]-[ 1 , 4 ′] bipiperidinyl - 1 ′- carboxylic acid ethyl ester ( 110 mg ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 42 ( s , 1h ), 4 . 50 - 4 . 36 ( m , 6h ), 4 . 33 - 4 . 20 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 12 ( q , 2h ), 3 . 03 - 2 . 92 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 83 - 2 . 70 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 55 - 2 . 42 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 42 - 2 . 30 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 15 - 2 . 06 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 04 - 1 . 90 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 86 - 1 . 78 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 55 - 1 . 40 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 26 ( t , j = 7 . 1 hz , 3h ); step ( ii ): preparation of 4 -[ 5 -( 8 - amino - 7 - chloro - 2 , 3 - dihydro benzo [ 1 , 4 ] dioxin - 5 - yl )-[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] oxadiazol - 2 - yl ]-[ 1 , 4 ′] bipiperidinyl - 1 ′- carboxylic acid ethyl ester oxalate salt to a stirred solution of 4 -[ 5 -( 8 - amino - 7 - chloro - 2 , 3 - dihydro benzo [ 1 , 4 ] dioxin - 5 - yl )-[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] oxadiazol - 2 - yl ]-[ 1 , 4 ′] bipiperidinyl - v - carboxylic acid ethyl ester ( 100 mg , 0 . 20 mmol , obtained in the above step ) in ethanol ( 3 ml ), oxalic acid ( 23 mg , 0 . 18 mmol ) was added . after stirring at room temperature for 1 hour the reaction was further diluted with 2 - propanol and refluxed for 2 hours . the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the crude product obtained was triturated with ether and dried under vacuum to obtain 4 -[ 5 -( 8 - amino - 7 - chloro - 2 , 3 - dihydro benzo [ 1 , 4 ] dioxin - 5 - yl )-[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] oxadiazol - 2 - yl ]-[ 1 , 4 ′] bipiperidinyl - 1 ′- carboxylic acid ethyl ester oxalate salt ( 115 mg ) 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 7 . 29 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 66 ( bs , 2h ), 4 . 33 ( s , 4h ), 4 . 15 - 4 . 05 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 03 ( q , 2h ), 3 . 40 - 3 . 15 ( m , 4h ), 3 . 10 - 2 . 90 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 90 - 2 . 70 ( m , 214 ), 2 . 26 - 2 . 18 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 08 - 1 . 90 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 58 - 1 . 42 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 17 ( t , j = 7 . 0 hz , 3h ); mass ( m / z ): 492 . 1 , 494 . 3 ( m + h ) + . to 1 -( tetrahydro pyran - 4 - yl ) piperidine - 4 - carboxylic acid ( 168 . 2 mg , 0 . 58 mmol ) was added phosphoryl chloride ( 1 . 76 ml ). the mixture was stirred for 15 minutes and 4 - amino - 5 - chloro - 2 , 3 - dihydro benzofuran - 7 - carboxylic acid hydrazide ( 101 . 2 mg , 0 . 0 . 44 mmol , obtained in preparation 3 ) was added . the reaction mixture was gradually heated to reflux for 2 hours . the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature , triturated with hexanes ( 2 × 20 ml ) and the crude mass was basified with aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution . the basified mixture was extracted with 10 % methanol in dichloromethane . the organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure . the residual mass was purified by silica gel column to obtain 5 - chloro - 7 -{ 5 -[ 1 -( tetrahydro pyran - 4 - yl ) piperidin - 4 - yl ]-[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] oxadiazol - 2 - yl }- 2 , 3 - dihydro benzofuran - 4 - yl amine ( 23 . 5 mg ). 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 64 ( s , 1h ), 4 . 84 ( t , j = 8 . 7 hz , 2h ), 4 . 31 ( bs , 2h ), 4 . 10 - 4 . 0 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 39 ( t , j = 11 . 4 hz , 2h ), 3 . 10 ( t , j = 8 . 7 hz , 2h ), 3 . 10 - 2 . 95 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 62 - 2 . 50 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 45 - 2 . 25 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 20 - 1 . 95 ( m , 4h ), 1 . 88 - 1 . 75 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 75 - 1 . 60 ( m , 2h ); step ( ii ): preparation of 5 - chloro - 7 -{ 5 -[ 1 -( tetrahydro pyran - 4 - yl ) piperidin - 4 - yl ]-[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] oxadiazol - 2 - yl }- 2 , 3 - dihydro benzofuran - 4 - yl amine oxalate salt to a stirred solution of 5 - chloro - 7 -{ 5 -[ 1 -( tetrahydro pyran - 4 - yl ) piperidin - 4 - yl ]-[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] oxadiazol - 2 - yl }- 2 , 3 - dihydro benzofuran - 4 - ylamine ( 20 . 4 mg , 0 . 05 mmol ) in ethanol ( 2 ml ), oxalic acid ( 6 . 0 mg , 0 . 05 mmol ) was added . after stirring at room temperature for 1 hour the reaction was further diluted with 2 - propanol and refluxed for 2 hour ; the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the crude product obtained was triturated with ether , dried under vacuum to obtain 5 - chloro - 7 -{ 5 -[ 1 -( tetrahydro pyran - 4 - yl ) piperidin - 4 - yl ]-[ 1 , 3 , 4 ] oxadiazol - 2 - yl }- 2 , 3 - dihydro benzofuran - 4 - ylamine oxalate salt ( 22 . 5 mg ). 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 7 . 49 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 04 ( s , 2h ), 4 . 68 ( t , j = 8 . 7 hz , 2h ), 4 . 0 - 3 . 90 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 40 - 3 . 20 ( m , 5h ), 3 . 0 ( t , = 8 . 7 hz , 2h ), 2 . 35 - 2 . 20 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 10 - 1 . 90 ( m , 511 ), 1 . 70 - 1 . 57 ( m , 3h ); mass ( m / z ): 405 . 1 , 407 . 2 ( m + h ) + . the compounds of examples 8 - 49 were prepared by following the procedures as described in examples 1 to 7 , with some non - critical variations 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 9 . 92 ( bs , 1h ), 7 . 49 ( s , 1h ), 4 . 13 ( bs , 2h ), 3 . 70 ( t , j - 5 . 0 hz , 2h ), 3 . 54 ( t , j = 5 . 5 hz , 2h ), 3 . 38 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 10 2 . 95 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 60 ( t , j = 5 . 5 hz , 2h ), 2 . 54 ( t , j = 6 . 6 hz , 2h ), 2 . 30 - 2 . 13 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 15 - 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 67 ( s , 1h ), 4 . 35 ( s , 2h ), 4 . 28 ( t , j = 4 . 8 hz , 2h ), 3 . 05 - 2 . 90 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 54 ( t , j = 6 . 5 hz , 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 7 . 48 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 79 ( s , 2h ), 4 . 14 ( t , j = 4 . 8 hz , 2h ), 4 . 12 ( s , 2h ), 3 . 12 - 2 . 92 ( m , 5h ), 2 . 70 - 4 . 13 ( t , j = 4 . 8 hz , 2h ), 4 . 10 ( s , 2h ), 3 . 30 - 3 . 15 ( m , 2h ), ( t , j = 4 . 8 hz , 2h ), 4 . 05 ( s , 2h ), 3 . 25 - 3 . 05 ( m , 6h ), ( bs , 4h ), 3 . 34 ( t , j = 6 . 0 hz , 2h ), 3 . 30 - 3 . 22 ( m , 1h ), ( t , j = 4 . 8 hz , 2h ), 3 . 10 - 2 . 90 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 47 ( t , j = 8 . 0 4 . 13 ( t , j = 4 . 6 hz , 2h ), 4 . 0 ( s , 2h ), 3 . 25 - 3 . 08 ( m , 3h ), 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 69 ( s , 1h ), 4 . 35 ( bs , 2h ), 4 . 28 ( t , 4 . 21 ( s , 2h ), 4 . 13 ( t , j = 4 . 5 hz , 2h ), 4 . 10 - 3 . 95 ( m , 4 . 13 ( t , j = 4 . 8 hz , 2h ), 4 . 07 ( s , 2h ), 2 . 90 ( t , j = 7 . 2 hz , 2h ), 2 . 85 - 2 . 70 ( m , 6h ), 2 . 47 ( t , j = 6 . 5 hz , 2h ), 2 . 08 - ( m , 4h ), 2 . 47 ( t , j = 6 . 7 hz , 2h ), 2 . 10 - 1 . 88 ( m , 7h ), ( m , 3h ), 2 . 58 ( s , 1h ), 2 . 46 ( t , j = 6 . 6 hz , 2h ), 2 . 42 ( s , 4h ), 2 . 55 ( s , 1h ), 2 . 46 ( t , j = 6 . 9 hz , 2h ), 2 . 32 ( s , 2h ), 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 65 ( s , 1h ), 4 . 33 ( s , 2h ), 4 . 27 ( t , 2h ), 3 . 15 - 1 . 90 ( m , 5h ), 2 . 49 ( t , j = 6 . 6 hz , 2h ), 2 . 30 - 3h ), 3 . 05 ( t , j = 8 . 8 hz , 2h ), 2 . 90 - 2 . 70 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 30 - 4 . 33 ( s , 4h ), 3 . 50 - 3 . 40 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 37 ( t , j = 5 . 8 hz , 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 49 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 03 ( s , 2h ), 4 . 68 ( t , 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d6 ): δ 8 . 17 ( d , j = 8 . 1 hz , 1h ), 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 8 . 35 ( d , j = 8 . 1 hz , 1h ), 7 . 53 ( d , 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 8 . 33 ( d , j = 8 . 2 hz , 1h ), 7 . 52 ( d , j = 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 8 . 35 ( d , j = 8 . 16 hz , 1h ), 7 . 53 ( d , 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ8 . 35 ( d , j = 8 . 1 hz , 1h ), 7 . 53 ( d , 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 8 . 35 ( d , j = 8 . 1 hz , 1h ), 7 . 53 ( d , j = 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 8 . 35 ( d , j = 8 . 17 hz , 1h ), 7 . 53 ( d , 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 8 . 35 ( d , j = 9 . 39 hz , 1h ), 7 . 53 ( d , 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 8 . 15 ( d , j = 8 . 2 hz , 1h ), 7 . 89 ( d , 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 8 . 34 ( d , j = 8 . 1 hz , 1h ), 7 . 52 ( d , j = 3 . 10 - 3 . 0 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 73 ( s , 1h ), 2 . 41 ( d , j = 8 . 3 hz , 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 8 . 14 ( d , j = 8 . 1 hz , 1h ), 7 . 89 1 h - nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ 8 . 34 ( d , j = 8 . 1 hz , 1h ), 7 . 52 ( d , j = 2 . 77 ( s , 1h ), 2 . 48 ( d , j = 8 . 6 hz , 2h ), 2 . 20 ( s , 2h ), 1 . 67 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 8 . 18 ( d , j = 8 . 03 hz , 1h ), 7 . 90 ( m , 2h ), 1 . 54 ( d , j = 6 . 4 hz , 6h ), 1 . 22 - 1 . 15 ( m , 2h ); 1 h - nmr ( dmso - d 6 ): δ 8 . 18 ( d , j = 8 . 1 hz , 1h ), 7 . 9 ( d , a stable cho cell line expressing recombinant human 5 - ht 4 receptor and pcre - luc reporter system was used for cell - based assay . the assay offers a non - radioactive based approach to determine binding of a compound to gpcrs . in this specific assay , the level of intracellular cyclic amp which is modulated by activation or inhibition of the receptor is measured . the recombinant cells harbor luciferase reporter gene under the control of camp response element . the above cells were grown in 96 well clear bottom white plates in hams f12 medium containing 10 % fetal bovine serum ( fbs ). prior to the addition of compounds or standard agonist , cells were serum starved overnight . increasing concentrations of test compounds were added in optimem medium to the cells . the incubation was continued at 37 ° c . in co 2 incubator for 4 hours . medium was removed and cells were washed with phosphate buffered saline . the cells were lysed and luciferase activity was measured in a luminometer . luminescence units were plotted against the compound concentrations using graphpad software . ec 50 values of the compounds were defined as the concentration required in stimulating the luciferase activity by 50 %. male wister rats ( 225 ± 25 grams ) were used as an experimental animal . three to five animals were housed in each cage . two days prior to dosing day , male wister rats ( 225 - 250 grams ) were anesthetized with isoflurane for surgical placement of jugular vein catheter . animals were fasted over night before oral dosing ( p . o ) and food pellets were allowed 2 hours post dosing , whereas intravenous dosing food and water were provided as ad libitum . three rats were dosed with compounds of formula ( i ) ( 10 mg / kg ) orally and intravenously ( 05 mg / kg ). at each time point blood was collected through jugular vein and immediately replenish with an equivalent volume of normal saline from freely moving rats . collected blood was transferred into a labeled eppendr off containing 10 μl of heparin as anticoagulant . typically blood samples were collected as following time points : pre dose , 0 . 08 ( only i . v . ), 0 . 25 , 0 . 5 , 1 , 2 , 4 , 6 , 8 , and 24 hours post dose ( n = 3 ). blood was centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 10 minutes . plasma was prepared and stored frozen at − 20 ° c . until analysis . the concentrations of the compounds of formula ( i ) were quantified in plasma by qualified lc - ms / ms method using suitable extraction technique . the compounds of formula ( i ) were quantified in the calibration range around 2 - 2000 ng / ml in plasma . study samples were analyzed using calibration samples in the batch and quality control samples spread across the batch . pharmacokinetic parameters c max , t max , auc t , t 1 / 2 and bioavailability were calculated by non - compartmental model using standard non - compartmental model by using winnonlin 5 . 0 . 1 or phoenix winnonlin 6 . 2 version software package . male wister rats ( 225 ± 25 grams ) were used as an experimental animal . three animals were housed in each cage . animals were given water and food ad libitum throughout the experiment , and maintained on a 12 hours light / dark cycle . brain penetration was determined in discrete manner in rats . one day prior to dosing day , male wistar rats ( 225 - 250 grams ) were acclimatized . after acclimatization the rats were grouped according to the weight in each group , 3 animals were kept in individual cage and allowed free access to food and water . at each time point ( 0 . 50 , 1 , and 2 hours ) n = 3 animals were used . the compounds of formula ( i ) was suitably preformulated and administered orally at ( free base equivalent ) 10 mg / kg . blood samples were removed via , cardiac puncture by using isoflurane anesthesia the animals were sacrificed to collect brain tissue . plasma was separated and brain samples were homogenized and stored frozen at − 20 ° c . until analysis . the concentrations of the nce compound in plasma and brain were determined using lc - ms / ms method . the compounds of formula ( i ) were quantified in plasma and brain homogenate by qualified lc - ms / ms method using suitable extraction technique . the compounds of formula ( i ) were quantified in the calibration range of 1 - 500 ng / ml in plasma and brain homogenate . study samples were analyzed using calibration samples in the batch and quality control samples spread across the batch . extent of brain - plasma ratio was calculated ( c b / c p ). the cognition enhancing properties of compounds of this invention were estimated by using this model . male wister rats ( 230 - 280 grams ) were used as experimental animals . four animals were housed in each cage . animals were kept on 20 % food deprivation before one day and given water ad libitum throughout the experiment and maintained on a 12 hours light / dark cycle . also the rats were habituated to individual arenas for 1 hour in the absence of any objects . one group of 12 rats received vehicle ( 1 ml / kg ) orally and another set of animals received compound of the formula ( i ) either orally or i . p ., before one hour of the familiar ( t1 ) and choice trial ( t2 ). the experiment was carried out in a 50 × 50 × 50 cm open field made up of acrylic . in the familiarization phase , ( t1 ), the rats were placed individually in the open field for 3 minutes , in which two identical objects ( plastic bottles , 12 . 5 cm height × 5 . 5 cm diameter ) covered in yellow masking tape alone ( a1 and a2 ) were positioned in two adjacent corners , 10 cms from the walls . after 24 hours of the ( t1 ) trial for long - term memory test , the same rats were placed in the same arena as they were placed in t1 trial . choice phase ( t2 ) rats were allowed to explore the open field for 3 minutes in presence of one familiar object ( a3 ) and one novel object ( b ) ( amber color glass bottle , 12 cm high and 5 cm in diameter ). familiar objects presented similar textures , colors and sizes . during the t1 and t2 trial , explorations of each object ( defined as sniffing , licking , chewing or having moving vibrissae whilst directing the nose towards the object at a distance of less than 1 cm ) were recorded separately by stopwatch . sitting on an object was not regarded as exploratory activity , however , it was rarely observed . t1 is the total time spent exploring the familiar objects ( a1 + a2 ). t2 is the total time spent exploring the familiar object and novel object ( a3 + b ). the object recognition test was performed as described by ennaceur , a ., delacour , j ., 1988 , a new one - trial test for neurobiological studies of memory in rats — behavioural data , behav . brain res ., 31 , 47 - 59 . the cognition enhancing properties of compounds of this invention were estimated by using this model . radial arm maze consists of a central hub of 45 cm diameter . each arm was of dimension 42 . 5 × 15 × 24 cm . the maze was elevated to a height of 1 m above the ground . the animals were place on a restricted diet until they reached approximately 85 % of their free feeding weight . during this diet restriction period animals were habituated to the novel feed ( pellets ). once the rats reached approximately 85 % of their free feeding weight rats were habituated to the maze on the 1 st & amp ; 2 nd day . the animals that did not eat the pellets were rejected from the study . animals were randomized on day 2 . on the subsequent days the treatment was given as per the allotment . each animal was introduced into the maze individually for a period of 10 minutes . the arms were baited only once and the animal had to learn the rule that repeated arm entries would not be rewarded . the trial ended once the rat had visited 16 arms or 10 minutes were over or all the pellets were eaten . the arm entries were recorded using the software . once the trial was over the rat was removed and the maze was cleaned using soap water . | 2 |
the present invention generally relates to dispensers for cartons . the present invention can be used , for example , in cartons that contain articles or other products such as , for example , food and beverages . the articles can also include beverage containers such as , for example , cans , bottles , pet containers , or other containers such as those used in packaging foodstuffs . for the purposes of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the present invention , the following detailed description describes generally cylindrical beverage containers as disposed within the carton embodiments . in this specification , the relative terms “ lower ,” “ bottom ,” “ upper ” and “ top ” indicate relative orientations determined in relation to fully erected cartons . fig1 is a plan view of the interior side of a blank 8 used to form a carton 150 ( illustrated in fig2 a and 2b ) according to a first embodiment of the invention . the blank 8 comprises a bottom panel 10 foldably connected to a first side panel 20 at a first transverse fold line 21 , a top panel 30 foldably connected to the first side panel 20 at a second transverse fold line 31 , and a second side panel 40 foldably connected to the top panel 30 at a third transverse fold line 41 . an adhesive flap 50 can be foldably connected to the second side panel 40 at a fourth transverse fold line 51 . the blank 8 may include a handle 36 in the top panel 30 . the bottom panel 10 is foldably connected to a first bottom end flap 12 and a first bottom exiting end flap 14 . the first side panel 20 is foldably connected to a first side end flap 32 and a first side exiting end flap 34 . the top panel 30 is foldably connected to a top end flap 32 and a top exiting end flap 34 . the second side panel 40 is foldably connected to a second side end flap 42 and a second side exiting end flap 44 . when the carton 150 is erected , the end flaps 12 , 22 , 32 , 42 close one end of the carton 150 , and the exiting end flaps 14 , 24 , 34 , 44 close an exiting end of the carton 150 . the end flaps 12 , 22 , 32 , 42 may extend along a first marginal area of the blank 8 , and may be foldably connected at a first longitudinal fold line 62 that extends along the length of the blank 8 . the exiting end flaps 14 , 24 , 34 , 44 may extend along a second marginal area of the blank 8 , and may be foldably connected at a second longitudinal fold line 64 that also extends along the length of the blank 8 . the longitudinal fold lines 62 , 64 may be , for example , substantially straight , or offset at one or more locations to account for blank thickness or for other factors . the carton blank 8 includes a dispenser pattern 70 that defines a corner dispenser 100 in an upper corner of the erected carton 150 ( illustrated in fig2 a and 2b ). the dispenser pattern 70 extends across the first side panel 20 , the top panel 30 , and across the exiting end flaps 24 , 34 , 44 . a portion of the perimeter of the dispenser pattern 70 is defined by a first tear line 72 , a tear second line 74 , a third tear line 76 , and a fourth tear line 78 , all of which may be contiguous or substantially contiguous with one another . a fifth tear line 80 of the dispenser pattern 70 is formed in the exiting end flap 44 . the first tear line 72 extends in what may be a substantially straight line transversely across the blank 8 from an edge of the first side exiting end flap 24 , across the longitudinal fold line 64 , and into the first side panel 20 . the first tear line 72 divides the first side exiting end flap 24 into a first tear away section 88 and an end retainer section 90 . the first tear line 72 also defines a side retainer section 92 in the first side panel 20 . the second tear line 74 extends obliquely along at least a majority of its length through the first side panel 20 and connects to the third tear line 76 . the third tear line 76 may extend in a generally arcuate path along at least a majority of its length across the top panel 30 , and turns to extend to the second longitudinal fold line 64 . the fourth tear line 78 extends from the second longitudinal fold line 64 , adjacent to an end of the third tear line 76 , to an exterior edge of the top exiting end flap 34 . the fourth tear line 78 may be substantially straight . the fifth tear line 80 extends in an ell - shape or dogleg shape from a top edge of the second side exiting end flap 44 to an end edge of the flap 44 . the fifth tear line 80 defines a tear away section 96 and end retainer sections 95 , 98 in the second side exiting end flap 44 , and can include two orthogonal or substantially orthogonal sections . an access flap 82 can be defined in the first side panel 20 by a dogleg - shaped or ell - shaped access cut or tear line 84 that extends between the first tear line 72 and the second tear line 74 , and a fold line 86 about which the access flap 82 may pivot or otherwise deform inwardly . alternatively , the access flap 82 can be omitted and an access opening or aperture can be defined by the lines 84 , 86 . multiple access flaps may , for example , be included in the dispenser pattern 70 at selected locations within the dispenser pattern . the first through fifth tear lines 72 , 74 , 76 , 78 , 80 of the dispenser pattern 70 can be continuous or substantially continuous tear lines formed by , for example , scores , creases , cuts , gaps , cut / creases , perforations , offset cuts , and combinations thereof . if cuts are used to form the dispenser pattern tear lines 72 , 74 , 76 , 78 , 80 , the cuts may be interrupted by , for example , one or more breachable nicks . the access flap 82 can generally be disposed in any position along the first side panel 20 , the exiting end flaps 24 , 34 , or the top panel 30 . the access flap 82 can be designed to provide easy initial access for opening of the dispenser 100 , and may therefore be formed from a continuous cut 84 , a cut interrupted by nicks , and / or other easily breachable lines of disruption . the dimensions and shape of the blank 8 may be selected to accommodate the characteristic dimensions of an article or articles to be accommodated within the carton 150 . for example , the top panel 30 can have a width w 1 that generally corresponds to or slightly exceeds a height h c of containers c ( fig2 a and 2b ) to be held within the carton 150 . the first and second side panels 20 , 40 can have , for example , heights h 1 that generally correspond to or slightly exceed an integral multiple of a largest or characteristic diameter d c of the containers c . for example , if the containers c are to be stacked in two rows ( illustrated in fig2 b ) in the carton 150 , the height h 1 of the carton 150 can be slightly greater than twice the containers &# 39 ; c largest or characteristic diameter d c . if multiple generally cylindrical containers c , such as beverage containers , are to be accommodated , it may be expected that the containers will share at least one substantially equal common largest diameter d c . the end retainer section 90 in the first side exiting end flap 24 can have , for example , a height h 2 in the range of , for example , about 20 - 110 % of the characteristic dimension or diameter d c of the containers c . the end retainer section 98 in the second side end flap 44 can also have a height h 2 . the second tear line 74 can extend generally at an angle α that is in the range of , for example , about 30 - 80 degrees with respect to the second transverse fold line 31 . the second and third tear lines 74 , 76 can extend into the panels 20 , 30 a depth of d 1 in the range of , for example , about 90 - 300 % of the characteristic dimension or diameter d c . the carton 150 may be erected from the blank 8 by gluing or otherwise adhering the adhesive flap 50 ( shown in fig1 ) to the inner side of the bottom panel 10 so that the bottom panel 10 , the first side panel 20 , the top panel 30 , and the second side panel 40 may be opened or set up to form a generally tubular sleeve . the ends of the generally tubular sleeve may be closed , for example , by folding and adhering the end flaps 12 , 22 , 32 , 42 and the exiting end flaps 14 , 24 , 34 , 44 . containers c or other articles , for example , may be loaded into the sleeve in a conventional manner at any time before one or both ends of the carton are closed by the end flaps 12 , 22 , 32 , 42 , 14 , 24 , 34 , 44 . fig2 a and 2b are perspective views of the carton 150 erected from the blank 8 illustrated in fig1 . in the erected carton 150 , the end flaps 12 , 22 , 32 , 42 form an end panel 130 and the exiting end flaps 14 , 24 , 34 , 44 form an exiting end panel 120 . the dispenser pattern 70 forms a corner dispenser 100 that extends across the corner existing at the intersection of the exiting end panel 120 , the top panel 30 , and the first side panel 20 . the carton dispenser 100 includes a dispenser flap 110 that may be either wholly or partially removed in order to open the carton 150 . the dispenser flap 110 extends in the three planes occupied by the exiting end panel 120 , the top panel 30 , and the first side panel 20 . opening of the carton dispenser 100 to place the carton 150 in a dispensing configuration will be discussed below with reference to fig3 - 6 . referring to fig3 , opening of the dispenser 100 may be initiated by inserting a finger , fingers , tool , or other object into the carton 150 at the access flap 82 . the access flap 82 may be , for example , defined by the cut line 84 to allow for ease of insertion . the cut line 84 can be , for example , a continuous cut , or a cut interrupted by nicks . other lines of disruption in the carton 150 may also be used to form the access flap 82 . alternatively , an access opening or aperture may be provided at the location of the flap 82 . referring to fig4 , the dispenser 100 may be opened by pulling the dispenser flap 110 outwardly and / or upwardly and tearing the carton 150 along the first and second tear lines 72 , 74 . referring to fig5 and 6 , the dispenser 100 is fully opened by tearing the carton along the third , fourth and fifth tear lines 76 , 78 , 80 to remove the dispenser flap 110 and thereby form a dispenser opening 112 . the lower end of the dispenser opening 112 is defined by a lower edge 114 ( fig6 ) extending across the remainder of the exiting end panel 120 and the first side panel 20 . the lower edge of the dispenser opening 114 is the top edge of the horizontally extending end retainer wall 90 and side retainer wall 92 . fig7 and 8 are a partial perspective and a schematic side view , respectively , of the carton 150 in the fully opened or dispensing configuration . in the exemplary embodiment , the carton 150 encloses twelve 12 ounce beverage containers c arranged in the carton 150 in a two row and six column ( 2 × 6 ) configuration ( shown in fig2 b ). in fig7 and 8 , one container c has been removed through the dispenser opening 112 . in the dispensing configuration , containers c may be withdrawn from the upper corner of the opened carton 150 through the dispenser opening 112 . in general , with the dispenser flap 110 removed , a container or containers c adjacent to the dispenser opening 112 can be easily accessed and removed from the carton 150 . referring to fig7 , the end retainer section 90 in the first side end flap 24 and the side retainer section 92 in the first side panel 20 can have a height h 2 in the range of about 20 - 110 % of the container characteristic dimension or diameter d c , which may be sufficient to prevent a bottom or lower row of containers c from rolling out of the exiting end of the carton 150 . referring to fig7 and 8 , the vertically extending end retainer section 95 in the exiting end panel 120 may extend across the full height of the exiting end of the carton 150 to prevent containers c from inadvertently rolling out of the carton . as shown in fig8 , the height of the lower edge 114 of the dispenser opening 112 may be high enough to prevent containers c from escaping through the side of the opened carton 150 . also , the dispenser opening 112 may extend downwardly in the exiting end panel 120 such that containers c in a bottom or lower row may also be easily accessible by hand . referring to fig7 and 8 , the depth d 1 that the corner dispenser 100 extends into the top and side panels 30 , 20 may be selected so that a container c in the top row of containers c may be easily pulled through the dispenser opening 112 , as well as containers c in a bottom or lower row adjacent to the exiting end panel 120 . the depth d 1 may also be selected so that containers c further back in the carton 150 may be removed from the carton through the dispenser opening 112 . for example , the depth d 1 can be selected so that containers c two , three , four or more columns back in the carton 150 may be accessed through the dispenser opening 112 . fig7 and 8 illustrate the dispenser flap 110 completely separated from a remainder of the carton 150 . a user may optionally choose to leave a portion of the dispenser pattern 70 intact , and thus create a hingedly attached dispenser flap 110 . for example , referring to fig5 , the dispenser flap 110 has been separated from the first side panel 20 , the top panel 30 , and a portion of the exiting end panel 120 , but at least a portion of the tear lines 78 , 80 in the exiting end panel 120 have not been torn . opening of the dispenser 100 can be halted at this point at the discretion of the user . the dispenser flap 110 therefore remains pivotably attached at one or both of the tear lines 78 , 80 . the user has the option of completely removing the dispenser flap 110 at a later time , or , partially or wholly reclosing the dispenser flap 110 about the hinge tear lines 78 , 80 . the hinged attachment could alternatively be formed , for example , along the first side panel 20 or the top panel 30 . a carton 150 as illustrated in fig2 a and 2b accommodates twelve 12 ounce beverage cans having a container diameter d c of about 2½ in and a height h c of about 4 13 / 16 in . the containers are arranged in two rows , six columns of cans to each row ( 2 × 6 configuration , as shown in fig2 b ). the carton has a height h 1 of about 5 7 / 32 in . and a width w 1 of about 4 27 / 32 in . the distance d 1 is about 130 % of container diameter d c . the height h 2 of the lower edge 114 of the dispenser opening is about 60 % of container diameter d c , and the height h 3 ( shown in fig1 ) is about 140 % of container diameter d c . the lines 74 , 76 are tear lines and the longitudinal fold lines 62 , 64 are cut / crease lines . the fold lines 21 , 31 , 41 , 51 are crease lines and the lines 72 , 78 , 80 are tear lines formed from offset cut / space lines . according to the above embodiments , articles may be easily removed from the open upper corner of a carton when the carton dispenser is opened . the corner opening provides visibility of the articles inside the carton without entirely exposing all of the articles . the corner dispenser generally may be formed by perforations or cut lines , which are of such dimensions to provide access to cans or other articles in the carton , without unnecessarily weakening the panel or panels in which the corner dispenser is formed . after the removal of the dispenser flap , the remaining portions of the carton at the exiting end and in the first side panel prevent articles , and specifically the next article in the columns or rows of articles adjacent to the exiting end , from inadvertently falling or rolling out of the carton . thus , the articles are securely retained inside the carton until selectively removed . for purposes of illustration , the present invention is generally disclosed in the context of paperboard cartons or packages sized and dimensioned to contain cylindrical beverage containers . the cartons illustrated in the drawing figures are sized to accommodate containers in a two row configuration with multiple columns of containers included in each row , although the present invention is not limited to any specific size or dimension . for example , the present invention would work satisfactorily if sized and shaped to hold containers in alternative arrangements , such as 3 × 4 , 4 × 3 , 2 × 4 , 2 × 5 , 4 × 6 , 4 × 5 , 3 × 6 , 5 × 6 , etc . if a carton according to the present invention is designed to accommodate three rows of containers , the height h 2 of the lower edge of the dispenser opening may be selected to , for example , extend across or at least partially block the second or intermediate row of containers c . the height h 2 may be also be lower , for example , and the dimensions of the end retainer wall 95 and / or the profile of the second tear line 74 extending through the first side panel 20 may be changed in order to secure the bottom and / or intermediate rows of containers when the dispenser is placed in the dispensing configuration . if four or more rows of containers are to be accommodated , the height of the lower edge of the dispenser opening , the depth d 1 , and other dimensions of the blank can be further adjusted in order to provide a desired accessibility for the various rows . the present invention can be used in cartons that include various features , including additional opening features that provide easy access to the articles , and tilt features that position the articles at the front end of the carton . one of ordinary skill will recognize that the corner dispenser according to the present invention can be disposed in any upper corner of a carton . further , although not shown in the figures , it is understood that a carton according to the present invention could include spaced corner dispensers on each side of one end of the exiting end of the carton . in such a scenario , a remaining portion of the exiting end would provide the stop or retention feature in the exiting end . corner dispensers could also be provided at opposite ends of a carton . the blanks according to the present invention can be , for example , formed from coated paperboard and similar materials . for example , the interior and / or exterior sides of the blanks can be coated with a clay coating . the clay coating may then be printed over with product , advertising , price coding , and other information or images . the blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on the blanks . the blanks may also be coated with , for example , a moisture barrier layer , on either or both sides of the blanks . in accordance with the above - described embodiments , the blanks may be constructed of paperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper . the blanks can also be constructed of other materials , such as cardboard , hard paper , or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the dispensers to function at least generally as described above . the blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet - like materials at selected panels or panel sections . in accordance with the above - described embodiments of the present invention , a fold line can be any substantially linear , although not necessarily straight , form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong . more specifically , but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present invention , fold lines include : a score line , such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife , or the like , which creates a crushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness ; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness , and / or a series of cuts that extend partially into and / or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness ; and various combinations of these features . in situations where cutting is used to create a fold line , typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a manner that might cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the fold line to be a tear line or other line of disruption . the above embodiments may be described as having one or panels adhered together by glue during erection of the carton embodiments . the term “ glue ” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carton panels in place . the foregoing description of the invention illustrates and describes the present invention . additionally , the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the invention , but it is to be understood that the invention is capable of use in various other combinations , modifications , and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein , commensurate with the above teachings , and / or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art . | 1 |
an aspect of the present invention provides a portable spirometer that may be easily carried and is capable of easily measuring a breath flow . another aspect of the present invention provides a portable spirometer that may be used for a medical treatment and a telemedicine . still another aspect of the present invention provides a portable spirometer that may expend a relatively low amount of power and effectively perform wired and wireless communication . according to an aspect of the present invention , there is provided a portable spirometer , including a small breathing tube for measuring a unidirectional flow , to which a breath flow of a patient is inputted , a breath signal processing unit to generate a breath signal from the breath flow , remove noise contained in the breath signal , and amplify a signal level so as to generate a target signal for analysis , a breath signal analysis unit to analyze the target signal for analysis to calculate a diagnosis parameter , and a display unit to display an analysis result of the breath signal . the small breathing tube for measuring a unidirectional flow may include a circular tube including an entrance , formed by disposable paper or plastic , to be brought into contact with the mouth of the patient , and an outlet opposing the entrance , and a sensing path formed to be adjacent to the outlet of the circular tube and to pass through the circular tube from an upper portion to be extended to a lower portion outside of the circular tube , and formed to have a tubular shape in which the upper portion is closed and the lower portion is open . the sensing path may have multiple sampling holes for measuring a flow separated by a predetermined interval along a lengthwise direction at an entrance side of the circular tube , on a breathing route of the circular tube . the portable spirometer may further include a power controller to block a power supply to the breath signal processing unit and the breath signal analysis unit in response to the small breathing tube for measuring a unidirectional flow being removed . the portable spirometer may further include a wireless communication unit to wired - exchange data with an external device , a wired communication unit to wiredly exchange data with the external device , and a communication mode selector to inactivate one of the wireless communication unit and the wired communication unit in response to the same device being connected to the wireless communication unit and the wired communication unit . the portable spirometer may further include a connection controller to inactivate the breath signal analysis unit , and control so that the target signal for analysis does not pass through the breath signal analysis unit and is transmitted to the external device through the wireless communication unit or the wired communication unit in response to the wireless communication unit or the wired communication unit being connected to the external device . the portable spirometer may further include a storage unit to store the analysis result of the breath signal , wherein the display unit displays data corresponding to a highest lung capacity measurement value in data stored in the storage unit in response to power being turned on . the diagnosis parameter may include at least one of a peak expiratory flow rate ( pef ), a first second forced expiratory volume ( fev 1 . 0 ), a forced vital capacity ( fvc ), and fev 1 . 0 / fvc . according to embodiments of the present invention , it is possible to provide a portable spirometer that may be easily carried and is capable of easily measuring a breath flow . according to embodiments of the present invention , it is possible to provide a portable spirometer that may be used for a medical treatment and a telemedicine . according to embodiments of the present invention , it is possible to provide a portable spirometer that may expend a relatively low amount of power and effectively perform wired and wireless communication . fig1 illustrates a configuration of a portable spirometer according to an embodiment of the present invention . fig2 illustrates a configuration of a portable spirometer according to another embodiment of the present invention . fig3 illustrates a cross - sectional view of a small breath tube , for measuring a unidirectional flow , of fig1 or fig2 . reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings , wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout . the embodiments are described below in order to explain the present invention by referring to the figures . fig1 illustrates a configuration of a portable spirometer according to an embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig1 , a portable spirometer 100 may include a small breathing tube for measuring a unidirectional flow 110 , a breath signal processing unit 120 , a breath signal analysis unit 130 , and a display unit 140 . the portable spirometer 100 may further include a storage unit 150 . the small breathing tube for measuring a unidirectional flow 110 may receive an input of a breath flow of a patient . the small breathing tube for measuring a unidirectional flow 110 may be detachable , and may be formed by disposable paper or plastic . the small breathing tube for measuring a unidirectional flow 110 may further include a breath detection sensor ( not shown ). in this instance , the breath detection sensor may detect a temperature or a pressure of the breath flow , and generate a breath flow signal . the breath signal processing unit 120 may generate a breath signal from the breath flow or the breath flow signal , remove noise contained in the breath signal , and amplify a signal level so as to generate a target signal for analysis . the breath signal processing unit 120 may include a filter unit 121 and a signal level amplifier 123 . the filter unit 121 may remove noise contained in the breath signal , and the signal level amplifier 123 may amplify a signal level of the breath signal from which noise is removed . the breath signal , from which noise is removed , having an amplified signal level may correspond to the target signal for analysis . according to an embodiment , the breath signal processing unit 120 may further include a differential pressure sensor ( not shown ) to generate an electric signal by detecting a dynamic pressure . the breath signal analysis unit 130 may analyze the target signal for analysis to calculate a diagnostic parameter . the breath signal analysis unit 130 may include a target signal for analysis receiver 131 and a calculator 133 . the target signal for analysis receiver 131 may receive the target signal for analysis . the calculator 133 may calculate a volume , a velocity , and the like of the breath flow . in this instance , the diagnosis parameter may include at least one of a peak expiratory flow rate ( pef ), a first second forced expiratory volume ( fev 1 . 0 ), a forced vital capacity ( fvc ), and fev 1 . 0 / fvc . a general calculation scheme may be used as a calculation scheme for a volume , a velocity , and the like of the breath flow . the display unit 140 may display an analysis result of the breath signal . the display unit 140 may display a result of analysis of the breath signal , or display high / moderate / low of the volume of the breath flow . the storage unit 150 may store the result of analysis of the breath signal . according to an embodiment , the storage unit 150 may include a mobile storage medium . the portable spirometer 100 may display , on the display unit 140 , data corresponding to a highest lung capacity measurement value in data stored in the storage unit 140 in response to power being turned on . when measuring of a lung capacity is performed a several times after power is turned on , the portable spirometer 100 may display a highest value , and may operate in a standby state after a predetermined period of time . according to an embodiment , the portable spirometer 100 may include a processor to control various operations of the portable spirometer 100 . fig2 illustrates a configuration of a portable spirometer according to another embodiment of the present invention . a portable spirometer 200 illustrated in fig2 may be suitable as a portable type , and may include components for realizing a telemedicine and expending a low amount of power . reference numbers of fig2 illustrate components performing the same function and operation as reference numbers of fig1 . thus , further descriptions of components having the same reference number as those of fig1 will be omitted for conciseness and ease of description . the portable spirometer 200 may include all components of the portable spirometer 100 , and include a small breathing tube for measuring unidirectional flow 110 , a body portion 201 , a user interface unit 203 , a display unit 140 , and an audio output unit 205 . the body portion 201 may include a breath signal processing unit 120 , a breath signal analysis unit 130 , a power controller 260 , a communication unit 270 , and a connection controller 280 . in response to the small breathing tube for measuring unidirectional flow 110 being detached , the power controller 260 may block a power supply to the breath signal processing unit 120 and the breath signal analysis unit 130 . in response to the small breathing tube for measuring unidirectional flow 110 being detached , the portable spirometer 200 may perform an operation other than a lung capacity measurement . thus , to reduce power from being wastefully expended , the power controller 260 may block a power supply to the breath signal processing unit 120 and the breath signal analysis unit 130 in response to the small breathing tube for measuring unidirectional flow 110 being detached . the power controller 260 may include a mechanical switch , a transistor , a soft switch , and the like . the communication unit 270 may exchange data with an external device . that is , the communication unit 270 may transmit data stored in a storage unit 140 to a personal computer ( pc ), and the like , or transmit a target signal for analysis to an external device . the communication unit 270 may include a wireless communication unit 271 , a wired communication unit 273 , and a communication mode selector 275 . the wireless communication unit 271 may wirelessly exchange data with an external device . the wireless communication unit 271 may perform wireless communication with a mobile phone , a laptop computer , a pc , and the like using a wireless interface of short distance communication such as bluetooth communication , infrared - ray communication , a wireless local area network ( lan ), and the like . the wired communication unit 273 may wirelessly exchange data with the external device . to achieve this communication , the wired communication unit 273 may include a connector , a cable connecting terminal , a universal serial bus ( usb ), and the like . the communication mode selector 275 may inactivate one of the wireless communication unit 271 and the wired communication unit 273 in response to the same device being connected to the wireless communication unit 271 and the wired communication unit 273 . to achieve this communication , the communication mode selector 275 may include a unit to detect whether the same device is connected to the wireless communication unit 271 and the wired communication unit 273 , and a unit to connect the portable spirometer 200 and the external device via one of the wireless communication unit 271 and the wired communication unit 273 according to a predetermined scheme in response to the same device being detected to be connected to the wireless communication unit 271 and the wired communication unit 273 . in this instance , the predetermined scheme may be determined based on a selection of a user or a communication state . the communication mode selector 275 may determine whether the same device is connected to the wireless communication unit 271 and the wired communication unit 273 using identification ( id ) information received from the external device . in response to determining a residual quantity of a battery ( not shown ) included in the portable spirometer 200 to be inadequate , the communication mode selector 275 may control the communication unit 270 to perform wired communication thus expending less power when compared to wireless communication . the connection controller 280 may inactivate the breath signal analysis unit , and control so that the target signal for analysis does not pass through the breath signal analysis unit and is transmitted to the external device through the wireless communication unit or the wired communication unit in response to the wireless communication unit or the wired communication unit being connected to the external device . that is , in response to a communication state being set between the portable spirometer 200 and the pc , the connection controller 280 may perform a function for analyzing a breath signal through software installed in the pc , thereby reducing an amount of power expended and performing a relatively accurate measurement . the user interface 203 may include a button or a keypad to be operated by a user . the audio output unit 205 may inform a patient that a measurement is completed by outputting a mechanical sound in response to a breath flow being input at an amount greater than or equal to a predetermined amount . fig3 illustrates a cross - sectional view of a small breath tube for measuring a unidirectional flow of fig1 or fig2 . referring to fig3 , a small breathing tube for measuring a unidirectional flow 110 may be formed by disposable paper or plastic , and may include a circular tube 310 that includes an entrance 312 to be brought into contact with the mouth of a patient , and an outlet 313 opposing the entrance 312 , and a sensing path 330 formed to be adjacent to an outlet of the circular tube 310 , and formed to have a relatively thin stick type circular tube having an internal diameter of about 1 millimeter ( mm ). the sensing path 330 may be formed to be adjacent to the outlet side of the circular tube 310 , within a tolerance of about 5 mm , and be formed to have a relatively thin stick type circular tube having an internal diameter of about 1 mm that passes through the circular tube 310 from an upper portion of the circular tube 310 to be extended to a lower portion outside of the circular tube 310 . the upper portion of the sensing path 330 may be closed , and the lower portion of the sensing path 330 may be open . multiple sampling holes 331 for measuring a flow separated by a predetermined interval along a lengthwise direction may be formed at one side of the sensing path 330 formed inside of the circular tube 310 , that is , at an entrance side of the circular tube 310 . the circular tube 310 may have a length of about 35 mm and a diameter of about 15 mm , and a fluid resistance may be nearly absent in an inside of the circular tube 310 corresponding to a breathing route of the small breathing tube for measuring a unidirectional flow 110 since only the sensing path 330 corresponding to the relatively thin stick type circular tube having an internal diameter of about 1 mm may be present . a total of three sampling holes 331 formed at one side of the sensing path 330 ( that is , the entrance side of the circular tube 310 ) may be located on a central axis of a flow and at positions apart from the central axis by ± 2 . 5 mm . a length of the circular tube 310 included in the small breathing tube for measuring a unidirectional flow 110 may be set to 35 mm , which may correspond to a minimum length , so that a patient may breathe easily with the circular tube 310 in a mouth , and the sensing path 330 for measuring a velocity of the flow may be inserted into the circular tube 310 . in response to the length of the circular tube 310 being set , a diameter of the circular tube 310 and a location at which the sensing path 330 is formed may be determined according to the set length . in this instance , a diameter of the small breathing tube for measuring a unidirectional flow 110 may be manufactured , so as to satisfy a standard of american thoracic society ( ats ). ats advises that a maximum value of a fluid resistance of a clinical spirometer be about 1 . 5 cmh2o / λ / sec , a maximum value of a fluid resistance of a spirometer for self - diagnosis be about 2 . 5 cmh2o / λ / sec , and a maximum breath flow value ( f ) to be measured be about 14 λ / sec . the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention may be recorded in computer - readable media including program instructions to implement various operations embodied by a computer . the media may also include , alone or in combination with the program instructions , data files , data structures , and the like . the media and program instructions may be those specially designed and constructed for the purposes of the present invention , or they may be of the well - known variety and available to those having skill in the computer software arts . examples of computer - readable media include magnetic media such as hard disks , floppy disks , and magnetic tape ; optical media such as cd rom discs and dvd ; magneto - optical media such as optical discs ; and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and perform program instructions , such as read - only memory ( rom ), random access memory ( ram ), flash memory , and the like . examples of program instructions include both machine code , such as produced by a compiler , and files containing higher level code that may be executed by the computer using an interpreter . the described hardware devices may be configured to act as one or more software modules in order to perform the operations of the above - described embodiments of the present invention . although a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described , the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments . instead , it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention , the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents . it is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed . | 0 |
several illustrative implementations will now be described with respect to the accompanying drawings , which form a part hereof . while particular implementations , in which one or more aspects of the disclosure may be implemented , are described below , other implementations may be used and various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure or the spirit of the appended claims . implementations of a computer vision based application are described . a mobile device being held by a user may be affected by vibrations from the user &# 39 ; s hand and artifacts of light changes within the environment . the computer vision based application may uniquely detect and differentiate objects that are closer to the mobile device , allowing for simplified cv processing resulting in a substantial power savings for the mobile device . further , due to the power savings , this may allow for an always - on operation . an always - on operation may be beneficial for detecting hand gestures as well as facial tracking and detection , all of which are increasingly popular for gaming and mobile device applications . implementations of the computer vision based application may use edges within an image for cv processing , eliminating the need to search for landmark points . basic algebraic formulas can be implemented directly in silicon , allowing for a low - cost , low - power 3 - d mapping method that does not require reconstruction and scanning . a sensor may include a sensor array of a plurality of sensor elements . the sensor array may be a 2 - dimensional array that includes sensor elements arranged in two dimensions , such as columns and rows , of the sensor array . each of the sensor elements may be capable of generating a sensor reading based on environmental conditions . fig1 illustrates an example sensor 100 comprising a plurality of sensor elements arranged in a 2 - dimensional array . in fig1 , the illustration of the sensor 100 represents 64 ( 8 × 8 ) sensor elements in the sensor array . in various implementations , the shape of the sensor elements , the number of sensor elements and the spacing between the sensor elements may vastly vary , without departing from the scope of the invention . sensor elements 102 represents example sensor elements from a grid of 64 elements . in certain implementations , the sensor elements may have in - pixel circuitry coupled to the sensor element . in some instances , the sensor element and the in - pixel circuitry together may be referred to as a pixel . the processing performed by the in - pixel circuitry coupled to the sensor element may be referred to as in - pixel processing . in some instances , the sensor element array may be referred to as the pixel array , the difference being that the pixel array includes both the sensor elements and the in - pixel circuitry associated with each sensor element . however , for the purposes of the description herein , the terms sensor element and pixel may be used interchangeably . fig2 a illustrates an example pixel 200 with a sensor element 202 and in - pixel circuitry 204 . in certain implementations , the in - pixel circuitry 204 may be analog circuitry , digital circuitry or any combination thereof . in certain implementations , the sensor element array may have dedicated cv computation hardware implemented as peripheral circuitry ( computation structure ) coupled to a group of sensor elements . such peripheral circuitry may be referred to as on - chip sensor circuitry . fig2 b illustrates an example peripheral circuitry ( 206 and 208 ) coupled to the sensor element array 100 . furthermore , as shown in fig3 , in certain implementations , the sensor element array may have dedicated cv computation hardware implemented as dedicated cv processing module 304 coupled to the sensor element array 100 and implemented using an application specific integrated circuit ( asic ), field programmable gate array ( fpga ), embedded microprocessor , or any similar analog or digital computing logic for performing aspects of the disclosure . it should be noted , that at least in certain implementations , the dedicated cv processing module 304 may be in addition to an application processor 306 and not instead of the application processor 306 . for example , the dedicated cv processing module 304 may process and / or detect computer vision features . whereas the application processor 306 may receive indications of these detected computer vision features and pattern match against previously stored images or reference indicators to determine macro - features , such as smiles , faces , objects , etc . in addition , the application processor 306 may be relatively vastly more complex , compute intensive , power intensive and responsible for executing system level operations , such as operating system , implement the user interface for interacting with the user , perform power management for the device , manage memory and other resources , etc . the application processor 306 may be similar to processor ( s ) 1010 of fig1 . furthermore , in certain implementations , the sensor array may have peripheral circuitry coupled to a group of sensor elements or the sensor array . in some instances , such peripheral circuitry may be referred to as on - chip sensor circuitry . fig2 b illustrates example peripheral circuitry ( 206 and 208 ) coupled to the sensor array 100 . fig4 illustrates an example implementation for a sensing apparatus comprising light sensors . several techniques may be employed for acquiring an image or a sequence of images , such as a video , using one or more cameras coupled to a computing device . the example implementation of fig4 illustrates a light sensor using an event - based camera . a light sensor may be used in an image or video camera for acquiring image data . event based camera sensors may be configured to acquire image information based on an event . in one implementation , the event - based camera may comprise a plurality of pixels , as shown in fig1 . each pixel may comprise a sensory element and in - pixel circuitry . each pixel 400 may be configured to acquire image data based on an event detected at the pixel . for example , in one implementation , a change in the environmental conditions perceived at any given pixel may result in a voltage change beyond a threshold and may result in an event at the pixel . in response to the event , the logic associated with the pixel may send the sensor element reading to the processor for further processing . referring to fig4 , each pixel 400 may include a photo diode and dynamic vision sensors ( dvs ) circuitry 404 , as shown in fig4 . dvs circuitry 404 may also be referred to as event detection circuitry . event detection circuitry detects a change in the environmental conditions and generates an event indicator . if an event is detected , sensor reading is sent out to a processor when the intensity of the pixel changes beyond a threshold . in some instances , the location of the sensor element 402 at which the event was detected along with a payload is sent to a computer system for further processing . in one implementation , the payload may be the intensity voltage , the change in the intensity voltage or the polarity ( sign ) of the change in the intensity voltage . in some instances , event based cameras may result in a substantially lower amount of data being transferred to a processor for further processing , as compared to traditional frame based cameras , resulting in power savings . referring to fig5 , each pixel generates a sensor reading using the sensor element and digitizes ( i . e ., converts the data from analog to digital using an adc converter 550 ) the sensor reading . in one implementation , the digital result of a previous sensor read may be stored in the column parallel sram 530 for each pixel . the results stored in the column parallel sram 530 may be used by the comparator to compare and trigger an event , based on a comparison between the current sensor reading and a previous sensor reading . the digitized sensor reading may be sent to the processor for further image processing using cv operations 560 . referring additionally to fig6 , a technology baseline or protocol for an event - based camera in the context of aer ( activity event representation ) is shown . as illustrated , the protocol is event driven where only active pixels transmit their output . a particular event is described by a timestamp t which describes the time when an event has occurred , the coordinates ( x , y ) which define where the event has occurred in a two - dimensional pixel array , and the polarity p of the contrast change ( event ) which is encoded as an extra bit and can be on or off ( up or down ) representing a fractional change from dark to bright or vice - versa . in general , aer applies asynchronous , concurrent detection of changes in the focal plane to generate edges with minimal power consumption . it is though affected by arbitration noise ( due to a global event arbitration scheme that limits the accuracy of depth map reconstruction due to jitter and spatial temporal inefficiencies ) and requires relatively high - numbers of events to reconstruct the image . for example , the series of graphs depicted in fig6 show pixel intensity , frame - based sampling , event - based voltage , and event - based events . implementations described herein rest upon the idea of increasing aer processing gain in both hardware and software to , among other things , eliminate arbitration noise and reduce i / o by providing information compression though a local arbitration process . more specifically , the thrust of the implementations described herein relate to an optics architecture for on - focal or in - focal plane stereo processing , in order to generate a 3d reconstruction of an object . further , the use of aer processing can result in lower processing power and lower processing time by giving the location of pixels intensities that crossed a certain threshold . the current state of global event arbitration schemes are not efficient . aer processing applies asynchronous and concurrent detection of changes in the focal plane to generate edges with minimal power consumption . it is affected by arbitration noise and requires a high - number of events to reconstruct the image . further , jitter and spatial temporal inefficiencies limit the accuracy of aer based depth maps . referring to fig7 , a first example imaging device 602 and a second example imaging device 604 are shown in accordance with the disclosure . in practice , lensing elements 606 a - b mounted to package 608 ( e . g ., mobile device or terminal ) separated by parallax distance d capture and focus rays 610 a - b onto corresponding first reflective elements 612 a - b . since lensing elements 606 a - b are separated by distance d , those elements “ see ” a different field of view and thus enable the parallax stereoscopic or 3d imaging of the disclosure ( discussed further below ). first reflective elements 612 a - b redirect rays 610 a - b to corresponding second reflective elements 614 a - b , which in turn redirect rays 612 a - b onto corresponding image sensor 616 a - b . in general , each image sensor 616 a - b may be considered a sensor array of a plurality of sensor elements , similar to that described above in connection with fig1 - 5 . the difference between imaging devices 602 , 604 lies in the shape or form of first and second reflective elements 612 , 614 , whereby upon comparison of the two it may be understood that curved mirrors are utilized instead of planar mirrors / prisms . the example architectures of fig7 enable the parallax stereoscopic or 3d imaging of the present disclosure by collecting and focusing rays 610 a - b emanating / reflecting from a source or object so that the same impinges upon image sensors 616 a - b at particular locations — which may be considered course “ spots ” on image sensors 616 a - b . for example , consider the scenario in which the source or object is face 618 as shown in fig6 . in this example , rays 610 a impinge upon image sensor 616 a to form first spot 620 , and rays 610 b impinge upon image sensor 616 b to form second spot 622 . by comparing coordinate values ( x , y ) of particular features of spots 620 , 622 , relative depth information may be derived , in the form of disparities , and then a 3d reconstruction of face 618 may be obtained . for example , with reference to first spot 620 assume the tip of the nose of face 618 is determined to be at position ( x1 , y ), and with reference to second spot 622 assume the tip of the nose of face 618 is determined to be at position ( x2 , y ). in this example , the delta or difference [ x1 − x2 ] may be leveraged to derive relative depth information associated with the tip of the nose of face 618 , and in turn this process may be performed at a particular granularity to obtain a 3d reconstruction of face 618 ( i . e ., relative depth information may be obtained for a large number features of face 618 that which may be used to reconstruct same ). as mentioned above , by comparing coordinate values ( x , y ) of particular features of spots 620 , 622 , relative depth information may be derived , in the form of disparities , and then a 3d reconstruction of face 618 ( for example ) may be obtained . the derivation of depth information is shown graphically in fig8 in chart 702 . the algorithm for obtaining the depth map can be described in shorthand terms : δ ( similarity , continuity )= δ ( polygon )= depth map . the polygons may be enabled when a change occurs in the focal plane . in essence , the algorithm functions by matching the size of all polygons , computing the depth map , transferring data to the co - processor , and disabling polygons . a mathematical difference between two ( spatial ) signals may be leveraged to quantify depth , and is shown in fig9 , whereby geometric model 802 may be leveraged to derive relative depth information . the mathematical relation as applied to the geometrical model 802 can be expressed as : where b = distance between lensing elements ; f = focal length , dl = distance from object to first lensing element , and dr = distance from object to second lensing element . some example values for the geometrical model 802 can be where b = 30 mm , b = 2 mm , 150 mm ≧ r ≦ 1000 mm , and px = 0 . 03 mm ( where px is the disparity ). also shown in fig9 is chart 804 that illustrates the inverse relationship between disparity and distance to an object . as can be seen by chart 804 , the disparity decreases as the distance to the object increases . also as mentioned above , the thrust of the invention relates to an optics architecture for on - focal or in - focal plane stereo processing . it is contemplated that the geometry and components or materials of the imaging devices 602 , 604 may be designed / selected so as to achieve optimal and increasingly accurate parallax stereoscopic or 3d imaging . for example , lensing elements 606 a - b may be configured and / or arranged to rotate off - axis ( e . g ., through angle b as shown in fig7 ), on - command , to achieve optimal field of view . additionally , as shown in fig7 , two lensing elements 606 a - b are shown . when imaging devices 602 , 604 are viewed from perspective a ( see fig7 ) lensing elements 606 a - b may be considered to be positioned at “ 12 ” and “ 6 ” on a clock face . it is contemplated that an additional set of lensing elements 606 c - d ( not shown ) may be positioned at “ 3 ” and “ 9 ” on a clock face so that lensing elements 606 a - d are mounted to imaging devices 602 , 604 offset 90 degrees ( arc ) from one another . in this example , additional image sensors and reflective elements may be incorporated into imaging devices 602 , 604 to achieve optimal and increasingly accurate parallax stereoscopic or 3d imaging . further , it can be appreciated that the use of more than two ( e . g ., multiples of two ) imaging elements can be used ( e . g ., four image sensors including corresponding reflective elements , lensing elements , etc .). in other words , there may be 2 * n imaging elements wherein n is a positive integer . it can be appreciated that by the virtue of the light propagating horizontally within the device , a planar format is achieved . this can be advantageous in devices where thinness is desirable ( e . g ., mobile devices and smartphones ). since mobile devices are meant to be easily transported by a user , they typically do not have much depth but have a decent amount of horizontal area . by using 2 * n imaging elements , the planar format can be fit within a thin mobile device . the stereoscopic nature of the implementations described herein allow for depth determination and a wider field of view from the camera &# 39 ; s viewpoint . example dimensions of such an embedded system in a mobile device include , but are not limited to , 100 × 50 × 5 mm , 100 × 50 × 1 mm , 10 × 10 × 5 mm , and 10 × 10 × 1 mm . fig1 illustrates an implementation of a mobile device 1005 , which can utilize the sensor system as described above . it should be noted that fig1 is meant only to provide a generalized illustration of various components , any or all of which may be utilized as appropriate . it can be noted that , in some instances , components illustrated by fig1 can be localized to a single physical device and / or distributed among various networked devices , which may be disposed at different physical locations . the mobile device 1005 is shown comprising hardware elements that can be electrically coupled via a bus 1006 ( or may otherwise be in communication , as appropriate ). the hardware elements may include a processing unit ( s ) 1010 which can include without limitation one or more general - purpose processors , one or more special - purpose processors ( such as digital signal processing ( dsp ) chips , graphics acceleration processors , application specific integrated circuits ( asics ), and / or the like ), and / or other processing structure or means . as shown in fig1 , some implementations may have a separate dsp 1020 , depending on desired functionality . the mobile device 1005 also can include one or more input devices 1070 , which can include without limitation a touch screen , a touch pad , microphone , button ( s ), dial ( s ), switch ( es ), and / or the like ; and one or more output devices 1015 , which can include without limitation a display , light emitting diode ( led ), speakers , and / or the like . the mobile device 1005 might also include a wireless communication interface 1030 , which can include without limitation a modem , a network card , an infrared communication device , a wireless communication device , and / or a chipset ( such as a bluetooth ™ device , an ieee 302 . 11 device , an ieee 302 . 15 . 4 device , a wifi device , a wimax device , cellular communication facilities , etc . ), and / or the like . the wireless communication interface 1030 may permit data to be exchanged with a network , wireless access points , other computer systems , and / or any other electronic devices described herein . the communication can be carried out via one or more wireless communication antenna ( s ) 1032 that send and / or receive wireless signals 1034 . depending on desired functionality , the wireless communication interface 1030 can include separate transceivers to communicate with base transceiver stations ( e . g ., base stations of a cellular network ) access point ( s ). these different data networks can include various network types . additionally , a wwan may be a code division multiple access ( cdma ) network , a time division multiple access ( tdma ) network , a frequency division multiple access ( fdma ) network , an orthogonal frequency division multiple access ( ofdma ) network , a single - carrier frequency division multiple access ( sc - fdma ) network , a wimax ( ieee 802 . 16 ), and so on . a cdma network may implement one or more radio access technologies ( rats ) such as cdma2000 , wideband - cdma ( w - cdma ), and so on . cdma2000 includes is - 95 , is - 2000 , and / or is - 856 standards . a tdma network may implement global system for mobile communications ( gsm ), digital advanced mobile phone system ( d - amps ), or some other rat . an ofdma network may employ lte , lte advanced , and so on . lte , lte advanced , gsm , and w - cdma are described in documents from 3gpp . cdma2000 is described in documents from a consortium named “ 3rd generation partnership project 2 ” ( 3gpp2 ). 3gpp and 3gpp2 documents are publicly available . a wlan may also be an ieee 802 . 11x network , and a wpan may be a bluetooth network , an ieee 802 . 15x , or some other type of network . the techniques described herein may also be used for any combination of wwan , wlan and / or wpan . the mobile device 1005 can further include sensor ( s ) 1040 . such sensors can include , without limitation , one or more accelerometer ( s ), gyroscope ( s ), camera ( s ), magnetometer ( s ), altimeter ( s ), microphone ( s ), proximity sensor ( s ), light sensor ( s ), and the like . additionally or alternatively , the sensor ( s ) 1040 may include one or more components as described in fig1 - 5 . for example , the sensor ( s ) 1040 can include sensor array 100 , and the scanning array 100 can be connected to peripheral circuitry 206 - 208 , as described elsewhere in this disclosure . the application processor 306 of fig3 can include a microprocessor dedicated to the sensor system shown in fig3 , and this microprocessor may send events to the processing unit ( s ) 1010 of the mobile device 1005 . implementations of the mobile device may also include an sps receiver 1080 capable of receiving signals 1084 from one or more sps satellites using an sps antenna 1082 . such positioning can be utilized to complement and / or incorporate the techniques described herein . the sps receiver 1080 can extract a position of the mobile device , using conventional techniques , from sps svs of an sps system , such as gnss ( e . g ., global positioning system ( gps )), galileo , glonass , compass , quasi - zenith satellite system ( qzss ) over japan , indian regional navigational satellite system ( irnss ) over india , beidou over china , and / or the like . moreover , the sps receiver 1080 can be used various augmentation systems ( e . g ., an satellite based augmentation system ( sbas )) that may be associated with or otherwise enabled for use with one or more global and / or regional navigation satellite systems . by way of example but not limitation , an sbas may include an augmentation system ( s ) that provides integrity information , differential corrections , etc ., such as , e . g ., wide area augmentation system ( waas ), european geostationary navigation overlay service ( egnos ), multi - functional satellite augmentation system ( msas ), gps aided geo augmented navigation or gps and geo augmented navigation system ( gagan ), and / or the like . thus , as used herein an sps may include any combination of one or more global and / or regional navigation satellite systems and / or augmentation systems , and sps signals may include sps , sps - like , and / or other signals associated with such one or more sps . the mobile device 1005 may further include and / or be in communication with a memory 1060 . the memory 1060 can include , without limitation , local and / or network accessible storage , a disk drive , a drive array , an optical storage device , a solid - state storage device , such as a random access memory (“ ram ”), and / or a read - only memory (“ rom ”), which can be programmable , flash - updateable , and / or the like . such storage devices may be configured to implement any appropriate data stores , including without limitation , various file systems , database structures , and / or the like . the memory 1060 of the mobile device 1005 also can comprise software elements ( not shown ), including an operating system , device drivers , executable libraries , and / or other code , such as one or more application programs , which may comprise computer programs provided by various implementations , and / or may be designed to implement methods , and / or configure systems , provided by other implementations , as described herein . in an aspect , then , such code and / or instructions can be used to configure and / or adapt a general purpose computer ( or other device ) to perform one or more operations in accordance with the described methods . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that substantial variations may be made in accordance with specific requirements . for example , customized hardware might also be used , and / or particular elements might be implemented in hardware , software ( including portable software , such as applets , etc . ), or both . further , connection to other computing devices such as network input / output devices may be employed . with reference to the appended figures , components that can include memory can include non - transitory machine - readable media . the term “ machine - readable medium ” and “ computer - readable medium ” as used herein , refer to any storage medium that participates in providing data that causes a machine to operate in a specific fashion . in implementations provided hereinabove , various machine - readable media might be involved in providing instructions / code to processing units and / or other device ( s ) for execution . additionally or alternatively , the machine - readable media might be used to store and / or carry such instructions / code . in many implementations , a computer - readable medium is a physical and / or tangible storage medium . such a medium may take many forms , including but not limited to , non - volatile media , volatile media , and transmission media . common forms of computer - readable media include , for example , magnetic and / or optical media , punch cards , paper tape , any other physical medium with patterns of holes , a ram , a prom , eprom , a flash - eprom , any other memory chip or cartridge , a carrier wave as described hereinafter , or any other medium from which a computer can read instructions and / or code . the methods , systems , and devices discussed herein are examples . various implementations may omit , substitute , or add various procedures or components as appropriate . for instance , features described with respect to certain implementations may be combined in various other implementations . different aspects and elements of the implementations may be combined in a similar manner . the various components of the figures provided herein can be embodied in hardware and / or software . also , technology evolves and , thus , many of the elements are examples that do not limit the scope of the disclosure to those specific examples . it has proven convenient at times , principally for reasons of common usage , to refer to such signals as bits , information , values , elements , symbols , characters , variables , terms , numbers , numerals , or the like . it should be understood , however , that all of these or similar terms are to be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels . unless specifically stated otherwise , as is apparent from the discussion above , it is appreciated that throughout this specification discussions utilizing terms such as “ processing ,” “ computing ,” “ calculating ,” “ determining ,” “ ascertaining ,” “ identifying ,” “ associating ,” “ measuring ,” “ performing ,” or the like refer to actions or processes of a specific apparatus , such as a special purpose computer or a similar special purpose electronic computing device . in the context of this specification , therefore , a special purpose computer or a similar special purpose electronic computing device is capable of manipulating or transforming signals , typically represented as physical electronic , electrical , or magnetic quantities within memories , registers , or other information storage devices , transmission devices , or display devices of the special purpose computer or similar special purpose electronic computing device . terms , “ and ” and “ or ” as used herein , may include a variety of meanings that also is expected to depend at least in part upon the context in which such terms are used . typically , “ or ” if used to associate a list , such as a , b , or c , is intended to mean a , b , and c , here used in the inclusive sense , as well as a , b , or c , here used in the exclusive sense . in addition , the term “ one or more ” as used herein may be used to describe any feature , structure , or characteristic in the singular or may be used to describe some combination of features , structures , or characteristics . however , it should be noted that this is merely an illustrative example and claimed subject matter is not limited to this example . furthermore , the term “ at least one of ” if used to associate a list , such as a , b , or c , can be interpreted to mean any combination of a , b , and / or c , such as a , ab , aa , aab , aabbccc , etc . having described several implementations , various modifications , alternative constructions , and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the disclosure . for example , the above elements may merely be a component of a larger system , wherein other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the invention . also , a number of steps may be undertaken before , during , or after the above elements are considered . accordingly , the above description does not limit the scope of the disclosure . it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches . based upon design preferences , it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged . further , some steps may be combined or omitted . the accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order , and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented . the previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein . various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art , and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects . moreover , nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public . | 7 |
fig1 , to which reference will be made firstly , shows in a very schematic manner a simplified structure of a blowing device implementing the principal arrangements of the invention applied to a device provided with three solenoid valves ( respectively pre - blowing , blowing , exhaust ). the blowing device , denoted in its entirety by the reference numeral 1 , comprises a body 2 having an axial bore 3 in which may be displaced , under the action of generally pneumatic control means ( not shown ), a mobile element or mobile nozzle 4 in the form of a tubular rod of which one part ( not shown ) may be designed in the shape of a piston . for clarification , the mutual arrangement of the body 2 and of the mobile nozzle 4 may , for example , be of the type shown in fig1 of the document fr 2 764 544 . at its lower end 5 , the mobile nozzle 4 is formed in any desired manner to be able to be functionally and sealingly connected to the neck 6 or mouth of a blank 7 of a container ( shown here in the form of a preform ); in the example shown , the lower end 5 is designed , when the mobile nozzle 4 is lowered , to cap the neck 6 of the blank 7 in a sealed manner and to be brought to bear against the flange 8 located at the base of said neck ; the lower end 5 could also be designed to be brought to bear sealingly against the lip or edge 8 a of the neck 6 , or even be shaped as a bell surrounding the neck 6 remotely and bearing sealingly against the face of the mold , beyond which the neck 6 and the flange 8 project . in a conventional manner , the mobile nozzle 4 in the form of a tubular rod surrounds an elongating rod 9 which is coaxial thereto and which itself may be axially displaced , during blowing , for mechanically driving the base of the blank 7 according to a known technique . the elongating rod 9 is maintained in a coaxial position by guide members , not shown in this figure . the diameter of the elongating rod 9 is less than that of the inner face of the mobile nozzle 4 so as to define an annular axial passage 10 designed for the supply of pre - blowing fluid and blowing fluid and for the discharge of said fluid at the end of the molding process . for controlling the supply and discharge of the pre - blowing / blowing fluid , at least three respective solenoid valves are provided for connecting the annular passage 10 to one respective source of fluid at moderate pressure ( typically 7 × 10 5 pa ) for the pre - blowing , a source of fluid at high pressure ( typically 40 × 10 5 pa ) for the blowing and an exhaust for discharging the pre - blowing / blowing fluid . in the arrangements currently known , the solenoid valves were arranged on the outside of the body 2 , either remotely thereto ( document fr 2 764 544 ) or flat against an external face thereof . according to the invention , these solenoid valves are incorporated in the body 2 . as shown schematically in fig1 , the upper part 11 of the body 2 is produced in the form of a part which is thicker than previously and at least three housings are made there to accommodate the three respective solenoid valves , namely : a housing 12 designed to accommodate the pre - blowing solenoid valve and brought into communication with the annular passage 10 by a radial conduit 13 ; a housing 14 designed to accommodate the blowing solenoid valve and brought into communication with the annular passage 10 by a radial conduit 15 ; a housing 16 designed to accommodate the exhaust solenoid valve and brought into communication with the annular passage 10 by a radial conduit 17 . in the simplified drawing given in fig1 , only the housings of the solenoid valves are shown , whilst the solenoid valves themselves are not shown ( concrete examples thereof will be given below ). in the example of fig1 , the housings 12 , 14 and 16 are schematized in the form of rotating cylindrical housings with axes substantially parallel to the axis of the aforementioned bore 3 . nevertheless , other arrangements are possible and examples will be given below . so that at the end of blowing the blowing fluid is discharged very rapidly and so that the mold might be opened as quickly as possible in view of increased functioning speed , it is desirable that the exhaust conduit be oversized , as shown for the radial conduit 17 . after blowing , the fluid which is discharged is still at a significant pressure and may be recuperated to be directed toward a source of fluid at moderate pressure ( for example for the pre - blowing ). in this case , a fourth housing is provided in the body 2 to receive a solenoid valve for recycling ( which is actuated after blowing , whilst the exhaust solenoid valve is actuated last for the elimination of the remainder of the blowing fluid ). it could be provided that each housing 12 , 14 , 16 is machined so as to define , directly in the body 2 , the chamber of the solenoid valve adapted to accommodate the mobile core forming the opening / closing valve member . such a solution certainly offers the advantage of optimal structural simplification . this solution may have an additional advantage which will be examined below . nevertheless , this solution also leads to restrictions for maintenance : in the event of problems with a solenoid valve , it is the whole of the relevant part of the body 2 , even the body 2 in its entirety , which has to be dismantled , even replaced . a longer time for maintenance and increased costs result . to avoid these drawbacks , it may therefore prove more advantageous as a whole to resort to solenoid valve cartridges , available in the form of a module adapted to be positioned in a respective housing or to be easily and rapidly withdrawn therefrom . this solution is , therefore , particularly economical for maintenance . it will be noted that the housings 12 , 14 , 16 are designed to receive the respective solenoid valve itself ( i . e . the chamber accommodating the mobile core forming the valve member and the seat thereof ), the cover of the solenoid valve bearing externally against the face of the mold , whilst the control device of the solenoid valve remains outside the housing : a concrete example of the arrangement will be indicated below . fig2 a , 2b and 2 c show a concrete embodiment implementing a variant of the arrangements of fig1 . in this concrete embodiment , the housings 12 , 14 ( fig2 a ) and 16 ( fig2 b ) are arranged radially around the bore 3 , such that the body 2 may be produced in a much more compact form in the axial direction . furthermore , the manufacture of the body is simplified and the access to the solenoid valves for maintenance is easier . fig2 a , 2b and 2 c clearly show the guide means , integral with the body 2 , of the elongating rod which comprise a tubular guide part 18 interposed between the elongating rod 9 which is inside thereof and the mobile nozzle 4 which is outside thereof . the housing 12 which extends radially to the base of the body 2 accommodates a solenoid valve cartridge 19 . the solenoid valve cartridge 19 comprises a housing 20 defining a chamber 21 accommodating a mobile core 22 or piston . the housing 20 defines , in the chamber 21 , a seat 23 adapted to receive in sealing abutment the head of the mobile core 22 forming the valve member . the wall of the housing 20 is perforated by at least one aperture 24 communicating with a conduit 25 for supplying pre - blowing fluid at moderate pressure , said conduit 25 passing through the body 2 substantially parallel to the bore 3 . a cover 26 for closing the housing 20 of the solenoid valve is fixed to the wall of the body 2 . the control device ( not shown in these figures ), generally of the pneumatic type , may be mounted on this cover 26 . the housing 20 of the solenoid valve cartridge 19 comprises , at its end turned radially inwards , a hole aligned with the respective aforementioned radial conduit 13 , perforated in the base of the housing 12 and opening out into the bore 3 , these two aligned holes together constituting a radial conduit denoted in its entirety by the reference numeral 31 . the housing 14 which extends radially opposite the housing 12 , being diametrically opposed thereto , accommodates an identical solenoid valve cartridge , with an identical arrangement to that disclosed above , connected to a conduit 27 for supplying blowing fluid at high pressure . the housing 16 ( fig2 b ) which extends radially by being offset by 90 ° relative to the aforementioned housings 12 and 14 , accommodates an identical solenoid valve cartridge , with an identical arrangement to that disclosed above , with the exception that the chamber 21 of the solenoid valve cartridge is shown ( by way of example ) in connection with a silencer device 28 ; the communication apertures 24 may , in this case , have a larger section and / or be of greater number . the silencer device 28 is shown in the form of a double - walled tubular element defining an elongated annular chamber . said tubular element is fitted onto a projecting cylindrical part of the body 2 defining the housing 16 ; its external wall is perforated by a multiplicity of exhaust holes . the solenoid valve control device ( not shown ) may be mounted on the body 2 inside the silencer device 28 or even mounted at the free end of the silencer device . the blowing device 1 is shown in fig2 a and 2b in the non - functioning position , the pre - blowing solenoid valves ( housing 12 ) and blowing solenoid valves ( housing 14 ) being closed and the exhaust solenoid valve ( housing 16 ) being open , the mobile nozzle 4 and the elongating rod 9 being retracted . in fig2 c ( which is a view similar to that of fig2 a ) the blowing device 1 is shown in a first position , ready for pre - blowing , but the pre - blowing solenoid valve ( housing 12 ) is not yet actuated . in this first position , only the mobile nozzle 4 has been actuated and brought into position on the neck 6 of the blank 7 which it caps in a sealed manner by bearing against the flange 8 . in this position , radial apertures 29 distributed over the periphery of the mobile nozzle 4 , are exposed by the tubular guide part 18 of the guide means and establish a link between the volume defined by the blank 7 and the lower end of the mobile nozzle 4 , on the one hand , and , on the other hand , an annular counterbore 30 which is made in the face of the bore 3 and into which the conduits 31 , for communicating with the three respective solenoid valves , open . in fig3 a concrete variant of the blowing device 1 of fig2 a - 2c is shown in plan view . the design of the assembly remains substantially similar to that disclosed above ( the control devices 32 being shown in this case in position on the covers 26 of the solenoid valves ) with the exception , however , that a supplementary solenoid valve is provided for recycling the residual pressurized fluid at the end of the blowing step , in place of the single exhaust solenoid valve shown in fig2 b . to this end , the body 2 comprises two parallel housings 16 a , 16 b , respectively connected by two respective conduits 17 a , 17 b , no longer directly to the bore 3 , but to the radial conduits 13 and 15 , respectively , associated with the housings 12 and 14 . in a very schematic manner , a further variant of a blowing device implementing the arrangements according to the invention is shown in fig4 . in this fig4 , only the body 2 is shown with the bore 3 , in addition to the three housings 12 , 14 , 16 which communicate with the bore 3 by respective radial conduits 13 , 15 and 17 and which are designed to accommodate the pre - blowing , blowing and exhaust solenoid valves respectively . this variant differs from that of fig1 by the arrangement of housings 12 , 14 and 16 which are not parallel to the bore 3 , but which are transverse to said bore and also differs from those of fig2 a - 2c and 3 by the fact that the housings are not radial , but offset laterally to the bore 3 . this arrangement , as those of fig2 a - 2c and 3 , allows the height of the body 2 to be markedly reduced and maintains the bore 3 in a central position in the body . if necessary , a fourth housing may be provided for a recycling solenoid valve ; nevertheless , this arrangement requires free access to be available to the four sides of the body 2 , which may not be possible in certain configurations of the device . an advantage with this compact configuration lies in the fact that it may be implemented not in the body supporting the mobile nozzle 4 but directly in the bell - shaped end of a bell nozzle ( type of nozzle shown in fig1 of the document fr 2 764 544 ): the body 2 shown in fig4 is thus the body of the bell arranged according to the invention . the arrangements according to the invention lead to a very marked reduction in the dead volume , and thus to a very significant reduction in the volume of pressurized fluid required for the pre - blowing / blowing of a container . for clarification , in a conventional blowing device having a dead volume in the order of 186 cm 3 , the implementation of integrated solenoid valves in the body of the blowing device may make it possible to conceive reducing the dead volume to approximately 18 cm 3 , namely a remarkable saving of 168 cm 3 . if the arrangement shown in fig2 a is considered with each solenoid valve arranged radially relative to the central bore 3 , it is possible to reduce further the dead volume constituted by the conduit 31 forming the communication through the lateral wall of the body defining the bore 3 and the end wall of the housing 20 of the solenoid valve . in fig5 , only one part ( the part located on the left ) of fig2 a is reproduced , showing a single solenoid valve , with the difference that the mobile core 22 is , in this case , mounted directly in the housing 14 , machined to this end , according to a configuration mentioned above . in this case , the chamfered conical edge of the front face 34 of the mobile core 22 cooperates with an annular tapered seat 33 which is formed at the end , turned towards the inside , of the housing 14 , by being machined directly in the body 2 . the conicity of the seat 33 may thus be such that the front face 34 of the piston is flush with the lateral wall of the bore 3 . this front face 34 may preferably be curved inwards so as to be within the continuity of said lateral wall of the bore 3 . the conduit 27 may thus open out as near as possible to the seat 33 , such that due to this arrangement , the dead volume downstream of the mobile core 22 , between the conduit 27 and the bore 3 , may be very significantly reduced . | 1 |
in a preferred embodiment of the invention , the metal hydroxide salt described above is located in the image - receiving layer . in another preferred embodiment , m can be two different metal ions such as zinc and tin . in another preferred embodiment , the metal hydroxide salt described above is in a particulate form . in another preferred embodiment , a is greater than 0 . 5 and b is less than 1 . 5 . in yet still another preferred embodiment of the invention , a p − is an organic anion such as r — coo − , r — o − , r — so 3 − , r — oso 3 − or r — o — po 3 − where r is an alkyl or aryl group . in another preferred embodiment , a p − is an inorganic anionic such as i − , cl − , br − , f − , clo 4 − , no 3 − , co 3 2 − or so 4 2 − . the particle size of the salt described above is less than about 5 μm , preferably less than about 1 μm . m 2 + hydroxide salts can be synthesized from a variety of synthetic routes , such as addition of base to metal salts , reacting a metal salt with a metal oxide or through ion exchange . some of the m 2 + hydroxide salts form layered structures and are commonly referred to as hydroxy double salts . however , m 2 + hydroxides can also exist as polycationic nanoparticles . it is possible to control particle size , shape and structure of m 2 + hydroxide salts using appropriate anions or metal ions or synthetic routes . examples of m 2 + useful in the invention include zinc , magnesium , barium , calcium , tin , nickel , cobalt and copper . specific examples of m 2 + hydroxide salts include zinc hydroxy double salts such as zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( a p − ), wherein a p − is cl , br , nitrate , acetate or propionate . in a preferred embodiment of the invention , the image - receiving layer is porous and also contains a polymeric binder in an amount insufficient to alter the porosity of the porous receiving layer . in another preferred embodiment , the polymeric binder is a hydrophilic polymer such as poly ( vinyl alcohol ); poly ( vinyl pyrrolidone ), gelatin , cellulose ethers , poly ( oxazolines ), poly ( vinylacetamides ), partially hydrolyzed poly ( vinyl acetate / vinyl alcohol ), poly ( acrylic acid ), poly ( acrylamide ), poly ( alkylene oxide ), sulfonated or phosphated polyesters and polystyrenes , casein , zein , albumin , chitin , chitosan , dextran , pectin , collagen derivatives , collodian , agar - agar , arrowroot , guar , carrageenan , tragacanth , xanthan , rhamsan and the like . in still another preferred embodiment of the invention , the hydrophilic polymer is poly ( vinyl alcohol ), hydroxypropyl cellulose , hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose , or a poly ( alkylene oxide ). in yet still another preferred embodiment , the hydrophilic binder is poly ( vinyl alcohol ). in addition to the image - receiving layer , the recording element may also contain a base layer , next to the support , the function of which is to absorb the solvent from the ink . materials useful for this layer include particles , polymeric binder and / or crosslinker . the support for the inkjet recording element used in the invention can be any of those usually used for ink jet receivers , such as resin - coated paper , paper , polyesters , or microporous materials such as polyethylene polymer - containing material sold by ppg industries , inc ., pittsburgh , pa . under the trade name of teslin ®, tyvek ® synthetic paper ( dupont corp . ), and oppalyte ® films ( mobil chemical co .) and other composite films listed in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 244 , 861 . opaque supports include plain paper , coated paper , synthetic paper , photographic paper support , melt - extrusion - coated paper , and laminated paper , such as biaxially oriented support laminates . biaxially oriented support laminates are described in u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 853 , 965 ; 5 , 866 , 282 ; 5 , 874 , 205 ; 5 , 888 , 643 ; 5 , 888 , 681 ; 5 , 888 , 683 ; and 5 , 888 , 714 , the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference . these biaxially oriented supports include a paper base and a biaxially oriented polyolefin sheet , typically polypropylene , laminated to one or both sides of the paper base . transparent supports include glass , cellulose derivatives , e . g ., a cellulose ester , cellulose triacetate , cellulose diacetate , cellulose acetate propionate , cellulose acetate butyrate ; polyesters , such as poly ( ethylene terephthalate ), poly ( ethylene naphthalate ), poly ( 1 , 4 - cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate ), poly ( butylene terephthalate ), and copolymers thereof ; polyimides ; polyamides ; polycarbonates ; polystyrene ; polyolefins , such as polyethylene or polypropylene ; polysulfones ; polyacrylates ; polyetherimides ; and mixtures thereof . the papers listed above include a broad range of papers , from high end papers , such as photographic paper to low end papers , such as newsprint . in a preferred embodiment , polyethylene - coated paper is employed . the support used in the invention may have a thickness of from about 50 to about 500 μm , preferably from about 75 to 300 μm . antioxidants , antistatic agents , plasticizers and other known additives may be incorporated into the support , if desired . in order to improve the adhesion of the ink - receiving layer to the support , the surface of the support may be subjected to a corona - discharge treatment prior to applying the image - receiving layer . coating compositions employed in the invention may be applied by any number of well known techniques , including dip - coating , wound - wire rod coating , doctor blade coating , gravure and reverse - roll coating , slide coating , bead coating , extrusion coating , curtain coating and the like . known coating and drying methods are described in further detail in research disclosure no . 308119 , published december 1989 , pages 1007 to 1008 . slide coating is preferred , in which the base layers and overcoat may be simultaneously applied . after coating , the layers are generally dried by simple evaporation , which may be accelerated by known techniques such as convection heating . in order to impart mechanical durability to an ink jet recording element , crosslinkers which act upon the binder discussed above may be added in small quantities . such an additive improves the cohesive strength of the layer . crosslinkers such as carbodiimides , polyfunctional aziridines , aldehydes , isocyanates , epoxides , polyvalent metal cations , and the like may all be used . to improve colorant fade , uv absorbers , radical quenchers or antioxidants may also be added to the image - receiving layer as is well known in the art . other additives include inorganic or organic particles , ph modifiers , adhesion promoters , rheology modifiers , surfactants , biocides , lubricants , dyes , optical brighteners , matte agents , antistatic agents , etc . in order to obtain adequate coatability , additives known to those familiar with such art such as surfactants , defoamers , alcohol and the like may be used . a common level for coating aids is 0 . 01 to 0 . 30 % active coating aid based on the total solution weight . these coating aids can be nonionic , anionic , cationic or amphoteric . specific elements are described in mccutcheon &# 39 ; s volume 1 : emulsifiers and detergents , 1995 , north american edition . the ink receiving layer employed in the invention can contain one or more mordanting species or polymers . the mordant polymer can be a soluble polymer , a charged molecule , or a crosslinked dispersed microparticle . the mordant can be non - ionic , cationic or anionic . the coating composition can be coated either from water or organic solvents , however water is preferred . the total solids content should be selected to yield a useful coating thickness in the most economical way , and for particulate coating formulations , solids contents from 10 - 40 % are typical . ink jet inks used to image the recording elements of the present invention are well - known in the art . the ink compositions used in ink jet printing typically are liquid compositions comprising a solvent or carrier liquid , dyes or pigments , humectants , organic solvents , detergents , thickeners , preservatives , and the like . the solvent or carrier liquid can be solely water or can be water mixed with other water - miscible solvents such as polyhydric alcohols . inks in which organic materials such as polyhydric alcohols are the predominant carrier or solvent liquid may also be used . particularly useful are mixed solvents of water and polyhydric alcohols . the dyes used in such compositions are typically water - soluble direct or acid type dyes . such liquid compositions have been described extensively in the prior art including , for example , u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 381 , 946 ; 4 , 239 , 543 and 4 , 781 , 758 , the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference . although the recording elements disclosed herein have been referred to primarily as being useful for ink jet printers , they also can be used as recording media for pen plotter assemblies . pen plotters operate by writing directly on the surface of a recording medium using a pen consisting of a bundle of capillary tubes in contact with an ink reservoir . the dye used for testing was a magenta colored ink jet dye having the structure shown below . to assess dye stability on a given substrate , a measured amount of the ink jet dye and solid particulates or aqueous colloidal dispersions of solid particulates ( typically about 10 %- 20 . 0 % by weight solids ) were added to a known amount of water such that the concentration of the dye was about 10 − 5 m . the solid dispersions containing dyes were carefully stirred and then spin coated onto a glass substrate at a speed of 1000 - 2000 rev / min . the spin coatings obtained were left in ambient atmosphere with fluorescent room lighting ( about 0 . 5 klux ) kept on at all times during the measurement . the fade time was estimated by noting the time required for complete disappearance of magenta color as observed by the naked eye or by noting the time required for the optical absorption to decay to less than 0 . 03 of the original value . the results are shown in table 1 . inorganic particles of al 2 o 3 , sio 2 , zno , zn ( oh ) 2 , laponite and montmorillonite were purchased from commercial sources as fine particles or as colloidal particulate dispersions and were used to evaluate the stability of ink jet dyes in comparison with the materials employed in the present invention . the particulates were then coated and tested as described above . i - 1 . 81 . 5 g of zno ( 1 . 0 mol ) ( j . t . baker co .) was suspended in 100 ml of distilled deionized water . to this suspension , 148 . 5 g of zn ( no 3 ) 2 . 6h 2 o ( 0 . 5 mol ) dissolved in 500 ml of distilled deionized water was added rapidly ( within 5 - 10 min .). the resultant suspension was stirred vigorously for five days at 60 ° c . the final product , zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( no 3 ) 2 . 2h 2 o , was filtered and washed with copious amounts of distilled water and air dried . the final product was dispersed in distilled water and used for evaluating the stability of ink jet dyes as described above . i - 2 . 162 . 8 g of zno ( 2 . 0 mol ) ( j . t . baker co .) was suspended in 200 ml of distilled deionized water . to this suspension , 219 . 5 g of zn ( ch 3 coo ) 2 . 6h 2 o ( 1 . 0 mol ) dissolved in 500 ml of distilled deionized water was added rapidly ( within 5 - 10 min ). the resultant suspension was stirred vigorously 36 h at 60 ° c . the final product , zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( ch 3 coo ) 2 . 2h 2 o was filtered and washed with copious amounts of distilled water and air dried . the final product was dispersed in distilled water and used for evaluating the stability of ink jet dyes as described above . i - 3 . 40 . 6 g of zno ( 0 . 5 mol ), ( alfa aesar co . ), 325 mesh powder , was suspended in 50 ml of distilled deionized water . to this suspension , 35 . 5 g of zncl 2 ( 0 . 26 mol ) dissolved in 250 ml of distilled deionized water was added rapidly ( within 5 - 10 min .). the resultant suspension was stirred vigorously for two days at room temperature . the final product , zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( cl ) 2 . 2h 2 o , was filtered and washed with copious amounts of distilled water and air dried . the final product was dispersed in distilled water and used for evaluating the stability of ink jet dyes as described above . i - 4 . 40 . 6 g of zno ( 0 . 5 mol ), ( alfa aesar co . ), 325 mesh powder , was suspended in 50 ml of distilled deionized water . a separate solution was made by dissolving 70 . 0 g of zn ( no 3 ) 2 ( 0 . 0235 ml ) and 4 . 5 g of co ( no 3 ) 2 ( 0 . 0015 mol ) in 250 ml of distilled deionized water . the mixed metal nitrate solution was filtered and then added rapidly to this suspension of zno . the final reaction mixture was vigorously stirred for two days at room temperature . the product , ( zn 5 - x , co x )( oh ) 8 ( no 3 ) 2 . 2h 2 o : was filtered and washed with copious amounts of distilled water and air dried . the final product was dispersed in distilled water and used for evaluating the stability of ink jet dyes as described above . i - 5 . 20 . 35 g of zno ( 0 . 25 mol ), ( jt baker co .) was suspended in 50 ml of distilled deionized water . to this suspension , 23 . 1 g of zinc sulfate mono hydrate ( 0 . 128 mol ) dissolved in 125 ml of distilled deionized water was added rapidly ( within 5 - 10 min .). the resultant suspension , 3zn ( oh ) 2 . znso 4 . 4h 2 o , was stirred vigorously for two days at room temperature . the final product was dispersed in distilled water and used for evaluating the stability of ink jet dyes as described above . i - 6 . fine particles of [ zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( no 3 ) 2 ]. xh 2 o ( 5 . 0 g , 0 . 008 mol ) were suspended in 200 ml of distilled water . to this suspension 4 . 0 g of 1 - napthalene sulfonic acid sodium salt ( 0 . 017 mol ) was added while vigorously stirring the suspension at 60 ° c . the stirring was continued for 2 days and the final product , zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( napthalene sulfonate ), was filtered and washed with copious amounts of acetone and air dried . the final product was dispersed in distilled water and used for evaluating the stability of ink jet dyes as described above . i - 7 . fine particles of [ zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( no 3 ) 2 ]. xh 2 o ( 5 . 0 g , 0 . 008 mol ) were suspended in to 200 ml of distilled water . to this suspension 2 . 5 g of salicylic acid ( 0 . 0018 mol ) was added at room temperature and the reaction mixture was stirred for 2 days . the final product of this reaction is a physical mixture of hydroxy double salt containing nitrate and salicylate anions , [ zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( salicylate ) y ] x [ zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( no 3 )] 1 - x . the final product was dispersed in distilled water and used for evaluating the stability of ink jet dyes as described above . the above results show that the salts employed in the elements of the present invention provide superior image stability to ink jet dyes against fade changes as compared to the control elements . a coating composition was prepared from 70 . 0 wt . % of an aqueous colloidal suspension ( 15 . 8 wt . % solids ) of zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( ch 3 coo ) 2 . 2h 2 o , 2 . 0 wt . % poly ( vinyl alcohol ) ( gohsenolt gh - 17 from nippon gohsei co . ), and 28 . 0 wt . % water . the relative proportion of zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( ch 3 coo ) 2 . 2h 2 o to pva is therefore 85 / 15 by weight . the solution was coated onto a base support comprised of a polyethylene resin coated photographic paper stock , which had been previously subjected to corona discharge treatment , using a calibrated coating knife , and dried to remove substantially all solvent components to form the ink receiving layer . this element was prepared the same as element 1 except that the coating composition was 73 . 5 wt . % of an aqueous colloidal suspension ( 15 . 0 wt . % solids ) of zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( cl ) 2 . 2h 2 o , 2 . 0 wt . % poly ( vinyl alcohol ) ( gohsenol ® gh - 17 from nippon gohsei co . ), and 24 . 5 wt . % water . ( the relative proportion of zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( cl ) 2 . 2h 2 o to pva is therefore 85 / 15 by weight ). this element was prepared the same as element 1 except that the coating composition was 14 . 8 wt . % zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( no 3 ) 2 . 2h 2 o , 0 . 83 wt . % poly ( vinyl alcohol ) ( gohsenol ® gh - 23 from nippon gohsei co . ), 1 . 48 wt . % dowfac 2a1 ® surfactant , and 82 . 9 wt . % water ( the relative proportion of zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( no 3 ) 2 . 2h 2 o to pva is therefore 95 / 5 by weight ). this element was prepared the same as element 1 except that the coating composition was 14 . 0 wt . % of an aqueous colloidal suspension of zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( ch 3 coo ) 2 . 2h 2 o ( 15 . 8 wt . % solids ), and 22 . 0 wt . % silica ( a 40 wt . % aqueous colloidal suspension of nalco2329 ® ( 75 nm silicon dioxide particles ) from nalco chemical co . ), 2 . 0 wt . % poly ( vinyl alcohol ) ( gohsenol ® gh - 17 from nippon gohsei co . ), and 62 . 0 wt . % water . ( the relative proportion of zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( ch 3 coo ) 2 . 2h 2 o to silica is 20 / 80 and that of ( zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( ch 3 coo ) 2 . 2h 2 o - silica ) particles to pva is therefore 85 / 15 by weight ). this element was prepared the same as element 1 except that the coating composition was 14 . 0 wt . % of an aqueous colloidal suspension of zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( ch 3 coo ) 2 . 2h 2 o ( 15 . 8 wt . % solids ), 22 wt . % fumed alumina ( 40 wt . % alumina in water , cab - o - sperse ® pg003 from cabot corporation ), 2 . 0 wt . % poly ( vinyl alcohol ) ( gohsenol ® gh - 17 from nippon gohsei co . ), and 62 . 0 wt . % water . ( the relative proportion of zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( ch 3 coo ) 2 . 2h 2 o to alumina is 20 / 80 and that of ( zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( ch 3 coo ) 2 . 2h 2 o - alumina ) particles to pva is therefore 85 / 15 by weight )). this element was prepared the same as element 1 except that the coating composition was 14 . 5 wt . % of an aqueous colloidal suspension of zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( cl ) 2 . 2h 2 o ( 15 . 0 wt . % solids ), 22 . 0 wt . % silica ( a 40 wt . % aqueous colloidal suspension of nalco2329 ® ( 75 nm silicon dioxide particles ) from nalco chemical co . ), 2 . 0 wt . % poly ( vinyl alcohol ) ( gohsenol ® gh - 17 from nippon gohsei co . ), and 61 . 5 wt . % water . ( the relative proportion of zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( cl ) 2 . 2h 2 o to silica is 20 / 80 and that of ( zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( cl ) 2 . 2h 2 o - silica ) particles to pva is therefore 85 / 15 by weight ). this element was prepared the same as element 1 except that the coating composition was 14 . 5 wt . % of an aqueous colloidal suspension of zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( cl ) 2 . 2h 2 o ( 15 . 0 wt . % solids ), 22 . 0 wt . % fumed alumina ( 40 wt . % alumina in water , cab - o - sperse ® pg003 from cabot corporation ), 2 . 0 wt . % poly ( vinyl alcohol ) ( gohsenol ® gh - 17 from nippon gohsei co . ), and 61 . 5 wt . % water . ( the relative proportion of zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( cl ) 2 . 2h 2 o to alumina is 20 / 80 and that of ( zn 5 ( oh ) 8 ( cl ) 2 . 2h 2 o - alumina ) particles to pva is therefore 85 / 15 by weight ) this element was prepared the same as element 1 except that the coating composition was 34 . 0 wt . % of silica ( a 40 wt . % aqueous colloidal suspension of nalco2329 ® ( 75 nm silicon dioxide particles ) from nalco chemical co . ), 2 . 4 wt . % poly ( vinyl alcohol ), ( gohsenol ( t gh - 23 from nippon gohsei co . ), and 63 . 6 wt . % water . ( the relative proportions of silica to pva are 85 / 15 ). this element was prepared the same as element 1 except that the coating composition was 34 . 0 wt . % of a fumed alumina solution ( 40 wt . % alumina in water , cab - o - sperse ® pg003 from cabot corporation ), 2 . 4 wt . % poly ( vinyl alcohol ), ( gohsenol ® gh - 23 from nippon gohsei co . ), and 63 . 6 wt . % water . ( the relative proportions of alumina to pva are 85 / 15 ). the above elements were printed using a lexmark z51 ink jet printer and a cyan inkjet ink , prepared using a standard formulation with a copper phthalocyanine dye ( clariant direct turquoise blue frl - sf ), and a magenta ink , prepared using a standard formulation with dye 6 from u . s . pat . no . 6 , 001 , 161 . the red channel density ( cyan ) patches and green channel density ( magenta ) patches at d - max ( the highest density setting ) were read using an x - rite ® 820 densitometer . the printed elements were then subjected to 1 day exposure to a nitrogen flow containing 5 ppm ozone , in the dark . the density of each patch was read after the exposure test using an x - rite ® 820 densitometer . the % dye retention was calculated as the ratio of the density after the exposure test to the density before the exposure test . the results for cyan and magenta d - max are reported in table 2 . although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments for the purpose of illustration , it is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . | 8 |
fig2 is a schematic block diagram of a hard disk drive . the hard disk drive 31 is connected to a host computer 32 and records data supplied from the host computer 32 on a recording medium , such as a magnetic disk 33 in response to a write request from the host computer 32 . the hard disk drive 31 reads the data recorded on the magnetic disk 33 in response to a read request from the host computer 32 and supplies the data to the host computer 32 . the hard disk drive 31 includes the magnetic disk 33 , first and second motors m 1 and m 2 , a head device 34 , a signal processing circuit 35 , a servo circuit 36 , a microprocessor unit ( mpu ) 37 , a memory device ( ram ) 38 , a hard disk controller ( hdc ) 39 , and an interface circuit 40 . each of the circuits 35 to 40 is connected via a bus 41 . the magnetic disk 33 is driven by the first motor m 1 at a constant rotational speed . the movement of the head device 34 in the radial direction of the magnetic disk 33 is controlled by the second motor m 2 . the head device 34 reads the information recorded on the magnetic disk 33 and supplies an analog read signal rd to the signal processing circuit 35 . the signal processing circuit ( called a read / write channel ic ) 35 samples the analog read signal rd and converts the analog read signal rd to a digital read signal . the signal processing circuit 35 also decodes the digital read signal . the servo circuit 36 receives the digital read signal from the signal processing circuit 35 , and based on servo information contained in the digital read signal , controls the second motor m 2 to move the head device 34 and also controls the first motor m 1 for rotating the magnetic disk 33 at a constant speed . the mpu 37 analyzes a read / write command supplied from the host computer 32 in accordance with a program prestored in the ram 38 and supplies a control signal to the hdc 39 . the hdc 39 controls the signal processing circuit 35 and the servo circuit 36 in accordance with the control signal from the mpu 37 . the hdc 39 receives a data signal decoded from the signal processing circuit 35 , performs ecc ( error correcting code ) processing on the decoded data in a sector unit , and supplies error corrected data to the interface circuit 40 . the interface circuit 40 converts the error corrected data from the hdc 39 to data conforming to a predetermined communication protocol and supplies read data to the host computer 32 . fig3 is a schematic block diagram of the signal processing circuit 35 . the signal processing circuit 35 includes the analog - to - digital converter ( adc ) 11 , a decision feedback equalizer ( dfe ) 51 , a feedback loop control circuit 52 , a pll phase error detection circuit 53 , a timing recovery pll ( tr - pll ) 54 , and a sequence control circuit 55 . the dfe 51 includes a forward ( fw ) filter ( prefilter ) 61 , an adder 62 , a shift register 63 , a feedback ( fb ) filter ( feedback filter ) 64 , and a switch 65 . the adc 11 samples the analog signal read from the recording medium 33 in accordance with a clock signal supplied from the tr - pll 54 and converts the analog read signal rd to a digital read signal . the fw filter 61 receives the digital read signal from the adc 11 and waveform - shapes the digital read signal in response to a read gate signal rg supplied from the sequence control circuit 55 so that the s / n ratio of the digital read signal is maximized . the fw filter 61 is a digital filter having a predetermined transfer characteristic . the adder 62 receives the filtered digital read signal s 11 from the fw filter 61 and a feedback signal s 12 from the fb filter 64 and adds the filtered digital read signal s 11 and an inverse signal of the feedback signal s 12 . in other words , the adder 62 functions as a subtractor that subtracts the feedback signal s 12 from the filtered digital read signal s 11 . the adder 62 further compares the calculation result and a reference voltage ref ( not illustrated ) and supplies a decision signal s 13 of either “ 1 ” or “ 0 ” to the shift register 63 . the shift register 63 samples the decision signal s 13 in accordance with the clock signal clk and stores the sampling data . hence , the shift register 63 stores plural pieces of sampled bit data . the data ( decision signal s 13 ) stored in the first - bit register of the shift register 63 is output from the shift register 63 as a reproduction data signal . the output data is the data recorded on a recording medium , representing the data stored on the recording medium 33 . in this manner , the dfe 51 reproduces the data stored on the recording medium 33 . after the reproduction data signal is decoded , it is supplied to the hdc 39 . the fb filter 64 receives the sampling data from the shift register 63 , eliminates inter - code interference contained in the sampling data , and supplies the feedback signal s 12 to the adder 62 via the switch 65 . the pll phase error detection circuit ( hereinafter referred as the detection circuit ) 53 receives a control signal k 4 from the feedback loop control circuit 52 , the addition signal s 13 from the adder 62 , and first and second reference signals ref 1 and ref 2 , detects an error between the phase of the read signal and the phase of the clock signal clk generated by the tr - pll 54 , and supplies a control signal k 1 to the tr - pll 54 in accordance with the detection result . the first reference signal ref 1 has a value preset based on the ideal preamble read signal rd at a specific point where the signal s 11 changes from 0 to 1 or from 1 to 0 . the second reference signal ref 2 has a value preset based on the ideal preamble read signal rd at a specific point of the decision signal s 13 from the adder 62 after the feedback loop has been closed . the value of the second reference signal ref 2 is preferably less than the value of the first reference signal ref 1 . the tr - pll 54 generates the clock signal clk having a phase that is substantially coincident with the phase of the read signal rd in accordance with the control signal k 1 from the detection circuit 53 and supplies the clock signal clk to the shift register 63 and the adc 11 . the shift register 63 samples the decision signal s 13 supplied from the adder 62 in accordance with the clock signal clk ( bit transfer rate of the read signal rd ) and stores the sampling data ( recording data of the magnetic disk 33 ). the feedback loop control circuit ( hereinafter referred as the loop control circuit ) 52 receives the sampling data signal from the shift register 63 and the filtered digital signal s 11 from the fb filter 61 and controls the switch 65 ( feedback loop of the dfe 51 ), the detection circuit 53 , and the tr - pll 54 in response to an enable signal enb . the loop control circuit 52 specifies a control point based on the sampling data signal from the shift register 63 and monitors the value of the filtered digital signal s 11 and the value of the feedback signal s 12 at the control point . the loop control circuit 52 controls the feedback loop , the phase comparison gain of the detection circuit 53 , and the tr - pll 54 based on the monitoring result at the control point . the loop control circuit 52 calculates an “ fw - fb ” value by subtracting the value of the feedback signal s 12 ( fb ) from the value of the filtered digital signal s 11 ( fw ). the loop control circuit 52 further specifies a control point where the sampling data signal changes from 0 to 1 or from 1 to 0 and preferably always monitors at the control point whether the “ fw - fb ” value is within a predetermined range . when the “ fw - fb ” value is within the predetermined range , a control signal k 2 is supplied to the switch 65 . the switch 65 ( feedback loop of the dfe 52 ) is turned on / off in accordance with the control k 2 . the “ fw - fb ” value at the control point indicates the direction ( leading or delay ) of a phase shift . in other words , when the direction of the phase of the sampling data signal at the control point is substantially coincident with the direction of the phase indicated by the “ fw - fb ” value , the feedback loop is closed . in this manner , the pseudo lock of the tr - pll 54 is prevented by the loop control circuit 52 . the “ fw - fb ” value at the control point corresponds to the amount of phase shift . the loop control circuit 52 closes the feedback loop in accordance with the amount of phase shift without waiting for the input of the predetermined number of data pieces as the prior art . accordingly , control is started sooner , and the read time is shortened . the loop control circuit 52 supplies a control signal k 3 to the tr - pll 54 based on the monitoring result . the tr - pll 54 starts the phase matching of the clock signal clk in response to the control signal k 3 from the loop control circuit 52 when the feedback loop is closed . accordingly , the phase matching time of the tr - pll 54 is shortened . the loop control circuit 52 supplies the control signal k 4 to the detection circuit 53 based on the monitoring result . the detection circuit 53 performs a phase comparison with a higher phase comparison gain than that during normal operation in response to the control signal k 4 . in other words , the tr - pll 54 supplies the control signal k 4 to the tr - pll 54 so that the amount of control of the tr - pll 54 that corresponds to the phase error increases ( the amount of control of phase matching increases ). this shortens the phase matching time of the tr - pll 54 . the loop control circuit 52 includes an adder 66 and a comparator 67 . the adder 66 receives the filtered digital signal s 11 and the feedback signal s 12 and adds the filtered digital signal s 11 and the inverse signal of the feedback signal s 12 . in other words , the adder 66 functions as a subtractor that subtracts the feedback signal s 12 from the filtered digital signal s 11 . the comparator 67 receives an operation result value “ fw - fb ” from the adder 66 and the sampling data from the shift register 63 and compares the operation result value and decision values min and max . the decision values min and max are prestored in the comparator 67 . the decision value min is the minimum value in the predetermined range , and the decision value max is the maximum value in the predetermined range . the comparator 67 determines whether the operation result value “ fw - fb ” is within the range set by the decision values min and max and outputs the control signals k 2 to k 4 based on the decision result . the detection circuit 53 receives the control signal k 4 and the first and second reference signals ref 1 and ref 2 . the first and second reference signals ref 1 and ref 2 correspond to the phase comparison gain . as described above , the value of the second reference signal ref 2 is preferably less than the value of the first reference signal ref 1 . accordingly , the phase comparison gain using the first reference signal ref 1 is higher than the phase comparison gain using the second reference signal ref 2 . the detection circuit 53 detects a phase error using the first and second reference signals ref 1 and ref 2 and supplies the pulse signal ( control signal ) k 1 , which corresponds to the phase error , to the tr - pll 54 . the tr - pll 54 includes a loop filter 68 and a voltage - controlled oscillator ( vco ) 69 . the loop filter 68 receives the pulse signal k 1 from the detection circuit 53 , smoothes the pulse signal k 1 , and supplies a direct current voltage signal k 11 to the vco 69 . in other words , the loop filter 44 raises and drops the voltage of the direct current voltage signal k 11 in accordance with the phase difference signal k 1 between the addition signal s 13 and the clock signal clk . the vco 69 outputs the clock signal clk having a frequency which corresponds to the direct current voltage signal k 11 to the adc 11 , the detection circuit 53 , and the shift register 63 . in other words , the vco 69 performs phase matching in accordance with the direct voltage signal k 11 so that the frequency of the clock signal clk is substantially coincident with the frequency of the read signal rd . the sequence control circuit 55 receives a read control signal from the mpu 37 and is activated in response to the read control signal . the activated sequence control circuit 55 supplies the read gate signal rg to the fw filter 61 in accordance with the predetermined read sequence , supplies the enable signal enb to the loop control circuit 52 , and supplies a control signal tr to the detection circuit 53 and the loop filter 68 . referring now to fig4 and 5 , the operation of the signal processing circuit 35 will be described . fig4 is a flowchart describing the operation of the signal processing circuit 35 . fig5 is a timing chart of the operation of the signal processing circuit 35 . first , when a control signal is supplied from the mpu 37 to the sequence control circuit 55 , a read gate signal rg high is supplied to the fw filter 61 at a time t 1 ( step 1 ). the fw filter 61 filters the digital read signal from the adc 11 in response to the read gate signal rg high and supplies the filtered data signal s 11 to the adder 62 . at this time , the loop control circuit 52 supplies the control signals k 2 to k 4 to the switch 65 , the loop filter 68 , and the detection circuit 53 in order to open the feedback loop and to turn off the pll control ( step 2 ). thus , the digital read signal s 11 of the preamble data output from the fw filter 61 is supplied to the shift register 63 via the adder 62 , and the code bit of the preamble data is stored in the shift register 63 . subsequently , an enable signal enb high is supplied from the sequence control circuit 55 to the loop control circuit 52 at a time t 2 ( step 3 ). the loop control circuit 52 supplies the control signal k 4 to the detection circuit 53 in response to the enable signal enb high . the detection circuit 53 supplies the control signal k 1 , which corresponds to a phase error , to the loop filter 68 in response to the control signal k 4 using the first reference signal ref 1 and the decision signal s 13 ( step 4 ). the loop filter 68 sets a filter constant , which corresponds to feedback loop open , in response to the control signal k 1 ( fb - off setting ). the control signal k 1 is generated by the high phase comparison gain of the detection circuit 53 in accordance with the control from the loop control circuit 52 . accordingly , the amount of control ( e . g . high level pulse width , or duty ratio ) of the control signal k 1 is relatively high . the loop filter 68 smoothes the control signal k 1 and supplies the direct current voltage signal k 1 to the vco 69 . at this time , because the amount of control of the control signal k 1 is relatively high , the loop filter 68 supplies the direct current voltage signal k 11 to the vco 69 for a longer time than the normal operation . accordingly , the vco 69 performs the phase matching of the clock signal clk in a shorter time than for a normal operation . thus , the tr - pll 54 quickly performs the phase matching of the clock signal clk based on the phase difference between the addition signal s 13 ( code decision result or reproduction result ) of the adder 62 and the clock signal clk . subsequently , the comparator 67 of the loop control circuit 52 compares the operation result “ fw - fb ” value of the adder 66 and the decision values min and max and determines whether the “ fw - fb ” value is within a range specified by the decision values min and max at the predetermined control point ( step 5 ). when the “ fw - fb ” value is not within the range , the loop control circuit 52 repeats step 5 in the predetermined control point until the “ fw - fb ” value is within the range . when the “ fw - fb ” value is within the predetermined range at the time t 3 , the comparator 67 supplies the control signal k 2 high to the switch 65 . the switch 65 is turned on in response to the control signal k 2 high , and the feedback loop is closed ( step 6 ). the detection circuit 53 receives the control signal k 4 , which corresponds to the control signal k 2 high , from the comparator 67 and detects an error using the second reference signal ref 2 and the decision signal s 13 . the loop filter 68 receives the control signal k 3 , which corresponds to the control signal k 2 high , from the comparator 67 and sets a constant that corresponds to feedback loop close ( fb - on setting ). thus , the tr - pll 54 performs the normal phase matching operation ( step 7 ). at time t 4 when a predetermined period has elapsed from the time t 3 , the sequence control circuit 55 supplies a control signal tr high to the detection circuit 53 and the loop filter 68 ( step 8 ). the tr - pll 54 controls a pll loop in response to the control signal tr high ( tr con ). the detection circuit 53 updates or follows up the phase error detection in response to the control signal tr using the second reference signal ref 2 and the decision signal s 13 . the loop filter 68 sets a loop constant that corresponds to the follow - up operation ( follow - up setting ) ( step 9 ). this loop constant corresponds to a sink byte ( sb ) and recording data ( data ) read following the preamble data . the value of the loop constant changes the frequency of the clock signal clk to a predetermined value . next , the sequence control circuit 55 supplies the sink byte detection signal to the mpu 37 when the sink byte ( sb ) is detected . the mpu 37 handles the bit data supplied from the signal processing circuit 35 following the sink byte as recording data in accordance with the sink byte detection signal and processes the recording data ( step 10 ). ( 1 ) in the embodiment , the digital read signal s 11 and the feedback signal s 12 are monitored by the loop control circuit 54 , and the feedback loop is controlled based on the monitoring result . accordingly , the pseudo lock of the timing recovery pll 54 , which performs the phase matching of the clock signal clk using the digital read signal s 11 and the feedback signal s 12 , is prevented . ( 2 ) the minimum decision value min and the maximum decision value max in the predetermined range are prestored in the comparator 67 . at the specific control point of the sampling data of the shift register 63 , when the difference between the digital read signal s 11 and the feedback signal s 12 is within the predetermined range , the feedback loop is closed . at this time , the value of the addition signal output from the adder 66 is substantially the same as the value of the decision signal s 13 output from the adder 62 . accordingly , when the feedback loop is closed , the value of the decision signal s 13 is within the predetermined range . this sets a desired initial value in the shift register 63 and suppresses the excess response of the feedback loop . as a result , the phase matching time of the tr - pll 54 is shortened . ( 3 ) the amount of the preamble data recorded on the magnetic disk 33 is reduced by shortening the phase matching time of the tr - pll 54 . this allows the recording area of the recording data and the recording density of the magnetic disk 33 to be increased . it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention . therefore , the present examples and embodiment are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein , but may be modified within the scope and equivalence of the appended claims . | 7 |
fig2 a to 2 g are cross - sectional diagrams illustrating a method for manufacturing a floating body transistor in a semiconductor memory apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig2 a , a gate pattern 203 including a gate electrode and a hard mask for protecting the gate electrode is formed over a silicon active region 201 . impurities are doped between the gate patterns 203 to form a lightly doped drain ( ldd ) ( not shown ). according to an embodiment , a semiconductor memory apparatus including a floating body transistor is preferably fabricated with a silicon - on - insulator ( soi ) wafer including a lower insulating oxide layer 202 and the silicon active region 201 formed over the lower insulating oxide layer 202 . referring to fig2 b , an interlayer dielectric ( ild ) oxide film 204 is formed over the resulting structure including the gate pattern 203 . referring to fig2 c , to form a self - aligned contact ( sac ), the ild oxide film 204 is preferably etched with a landing plug contact mask , thereby obtaining a contact hole 205 . an ild oxide film 204 a preferably remains in a place having no contact hole 205 . a partial upper portion of the silicon active region 201 is exposed between gate patterns 203 . the silicon active region 201 is preferably etched deeper than in conventional art . referring to fig2 d , an oxide film 206 is formed on the gate pattern exposed by the contact hole 205 , the silicon active region 201 , and the residual ild oxide film 204 a . referring to fig2 e , the oxide film 206 is preferably blanket - etched like an etching process for forming a spacer at sidewalls of a conventional gate pattern , thereby removing the oxide film 206 formed over the ild oxide film 204 a , the gate pattern 203 , and the silicon active region 201 . after the blanket - etch process , the oxide film 206 considered as a spacer , remains on sidewalls of the ild oxide film 204 a , the gate pattern 203 , and the silicon active region 201 . the silicon active region 201 exposed between the oxide films 206 that remain on the sidewalls of the gate pattern 203 is preferably etched until the lower insulating oxide layer 202 is exposed , thereby obtaining a landing plug forming region 207 . the silicon active region 201 that remains in the bottom of the gate pattern 203 is formed in the shape of a trapezoid . that is , the lower portion is broader than the upper portion in the silicon active region 201 . this shape of the silicon active region 201 is obtained generally when a material deposited between conventional fine patterns is deeply etched . thus , in the invention , it is not necessary to perform an additional etch process to prevent sidewalls of the silicon active region 201 from being tilted . the lower insulating oxide layer 202 is preferably exposed so that the silicon active region 201 that remains in the lower portion of each gate pattern 203 is separated . if the sidewall inclination of the silicon active region 201 is reduced , the volume of the floating body becomes larger . referring to fig2 f , after the oxide film 206 that remains on the gate pattern 203 , the silicon active region 201 , and the ild film 204 a is removed , an ion - implanting process is performed on the lower portion of the silicon active region 201 corresponding to the lower region of the floating body , thereby obtaining a local doping region 208 . ion - impurities are halo - doped on the lower portion of the silicon active region 201 by tilt ion - implantation or slant implanting . the halo - implant area can be described as a region doped with impurities in source and drain regions of the transistor to prevent a punch - through phenomenon that may occur when a distance between a source and a drain becomes shorter as the size of the transistor becomes smaller . through this process , the silicon active region 201 formed as a floating body in the lower portion of the gate pattern 203 preferably has an a lower portion formed to be broader than its upper portion , thereby preventing the punch - through phenomenon that occurs in the lower region of the silicon active region 201 having a low impurity concentration . furthermore , ions are implanted into the lower portion of the silicon active region 201 by tilt ion - implantation , thereby preventing the punch - through phenomenon . referring to fig2 g , the landing plug forming region 207 is filled with a conductive material , preferably with polysilicon , thereby forming a landing plug 209 . the polysilicon in the process of forming the landing plug 209 is diffused horizontally into the silicon active region 201 , thereby obtaining a diffusion plug 210 . in the conventional art , referring to fig1 e , the polysilicon 109 of high concentration is deposited over the landing plug 108 formed in the silicon active region 101 . the landing plug 108 is diffused into the lower insulating oxide layer 102 through thermal treatment performed at a high temperature , thereby separating the floating bodies of the transistor from each other through the diffusion plug 110 . that is , the diffusion plug 110 is formed as the polysilicon 109 of high concentration and the landing plug 108 is subjected to a thermal treatment performed at a high temperature . however , in the embodiment of the present invention , because the floating bodies of the transistor are separated previously , the process for forming the landing plug 108 through ion - implantation is not required . moreover , the polysilicon for forming the landing plug 209 is not required to have a high concentration . also , except for a thermal treatment for depositing the polysilicon , it is not necessary to perform a diffusion process , for example , a thermal treatment performed at a high temperature , for diffusion of the landing plug 209 . as described above , in an embodiment , to form a landing plug , the silicon active region 201 is etched in the two steps , so that the lower portion of the silicon active region 201 used as a floating body is preferably formed to be broader than the upper portion of the silicon active region 201 , thereby preventing the punch - through phenomenon that occurs in the floating body . the silicon active region 201 is preferably etched until the lower insulating oxide layer 202 is exposed , so that it is possible to separate the floating bodies between each transistor without reducing the thickness of the silicon active region 201 . furthermore , the landing plug 209 is formed deep to the lower insulating oxide layer 202 , and the silicon active region 201 in the landing plug region 207 is removed , so that the ion - implanting process for forming the landing plug 209 is not required . the junction area between the silicon active region 201 , which is a floating body , and the landing plug 209 increases because the landing plug 209 is formed in contact with the lower insulating oxide layer 202 , thereby reducing junction resistance . the inclination of the side surface of the trapezoidal silicon active region 201 located in the lower portion of the gate pattern 103 increases the effect of the tilt implantation . although there is a limit in the tilt angle of the ion - implantation process due to the gate pattern 103 having a narrow interval , the limit of the tilt angle of the ion - implantation process increases corresponding to the inclination degree of the side surface of the silicon active region 201 . as a result , the floating transistor in the semiconductor memory apparatus fabricated according to the embodiment of the present invention to prevent the punch - through phenomenon can be formed to have a smaller size . that is , as the size of the floating body transistor is reduced , the increased possibility of the punch - through phenomenon occurrence can be decreased , so that it is possible to manufacture a smaller - sized floating body transistor . a semiconductor memory apparatus fabricated by the above - described method includes a floating body transistor that has a floating body , where the lower portion is broader than the upper portion , under a gate pattern as a cell transistor . although a unit cell in a conventional semiconductor memory apparatus includes a transistor and a capacitor , a unit cell of the semiconductor memory apparatus includes a floating body transistor without a capacitor . when the delivered data is “ 1 ”, the floating body transistor stores holes generated by hot carriers , and amplifies data using a difference in the amount of charges flowing through a channel of the transistor depending on the holes stored in the floating body when the data is “ 0 ” and “ 1 ”. specifically , the local doping region 208 having a high implanted ion impurity concentration is formed in the lower portion of the floating body in the semiconductor memory apparatus . the floating body is formed in the silicon active region 201 of the soi wafer including the lower insulating oxide layer 202 and the silicon active region 201 . both sides of the floating body preferably contact conductive materials , which are connected to a bit line and a source line . particularly , the side surface of the floating body in the semiconductor memory apparatus obtained through the twice etching process is sloped . moreover , the lower portion of the floating body is formed to be broader than the upper portion , thereby preventing the punch - through phenomenon between source and drain regions located at both sides of the floating body . the above embodiments of the present invention are illustrative and not limiting . various alternatives and equivalents are possible . the invention is not limited by the type of deposition , etching polishing , and patterning steps described herein . nor is the invention limited to any specific type of semiconductor device . for example , the present invention may be implemented in a dynamic random access memory ( dram ) device or a non - volatile memory device . while the present invention has been described with respect to the specific embodiments , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims . | 7 |
in fig4 an exemplary multicolor electrographic reproduction apparatus 10 is shown schematically . in the reproduction apparatus 10 , a transport web 516 is driven and in turn drives the it &# 39 ; s ( 508 b , 508 c , 508 m , 508 y ) and imaging member pc &# 39 ; s ( 503 b , 503 c , 503 m , 503 y ). the imaging member pc &# 39 ; s are engaged with the it &# 39 ; s by flexible members 1 a , 1 b , 1 c and 1 d ( see fig1 - 3 ) according to this invention . the it &# 39 ; s ( 508 b , 508 c , 508 m , 508 y ) are constructed as shown in aforementioned rimai et al . and zaretsky et al . patents to be compliant , so that when engaged against the imaging members , the compliant layer or elastomer deforms creating a defined transfer nip . a variety of imaging defects , including color shifts and other registration errors , occur if the angular speed ( ω it ) of the it and the angular speed ( ω pc ) of the pc vary relative to each other when the image is transferred to the it or written to the pc . the relation of the angular speed between the pc and the it is called the speed ratio ( c ). the speed ratio ( c ) is defined through : c = ω pc ω it ( 1 ) in order to prevent image defects , it is therefore desirable to reduce and / or eliminate any changes in the speed ratio ( c ). the speed ratio equation can be expanded into the following equation : c = ω pc ω it = r it r pc × ( 1 + s × e ) ( 2 ) where r pc is the radius of the pc ( 503 ), r it is the radius of the undeformed it drum ( 508 ), e is an engagement factor representing the interference between the pc and it drums and s is a constant factor representing speed ratio sensitivity . this factor s is a function of the diameters of the pc and it and the thickness and the material properties of the it compliant blanket . the interference between the pc and it drums ( factor e ) is primarily determined by the pc and it runout . the runout is defined as the deviation of the radius of the pc , or the it , from the selected radius as a function of the angular position . the most common way , in the prior art , to mount an it and respective pc is with the axis of the drums mounted at a constant spacing . in such an arrangement , any change in runout will result in a change in interference and engagement , which can cause toner transfer artifacts . for the configuration of the reproduction apparatus 10 of fig4 the value for speed ratio sensitivity ( s ) is between 33 / m and 40 / m depending on the material and geometric properties ( thickness , for example ) of the it compliant blanket . if this speed ratio sensitivity ( s ) is smaller than 1 / r pc , the speed ratio c will increase with an increase of the pc drum radius due to runout . the speed ratio c will decrease if s is larger than 1 / r pc . in the specific case of the exemplary reproduction apparatus 10 , the speed ratio sensitivity ( s ) is roughly three times larger than 1 / r pc . that means that the larger the pc radius is , the smaller the speed ratio c is . another known way of mounting an it and respective pc is to engage the it and the pc with constant force . that means that the pc and the it are engaged with a constant force and the distance between the centers of the two drums is constantly changing proportional to the changes in runout while the drums are rotating . in the constant force case , where the engagement between it and pc is constant , the speed ratio c is only a function of the two radii because the engagement is not changing ( see equation 2 above with e = constant ). in between the constant spacing and the constant force engagement it / pc mounting methods is the flexible engagement according to this invention . one of the two drum centers is fixed in space and the other one is engaged with a defined spring constant . the nominal engagement is achieved with a defined spring engagement 12 ( see fig1 ). the equation from above can be expanded to : c = ω pc ω it = r it r pc [ 1 + e [ s [ 1 ( 1 k f + 1 k s ) - 1 + 1 k bd ] - 1 k bd ] ] ( 3 ) where k f is the stiffness of a flexure spring ( 1 a , 1 b ) in z - direction , k bd is the stiffness ( in n / mm ) of the it blanket ( 13 ) engaged against the pc ( 503 ) and k s is the combined stiffness of all other parts in the it mount , in the z - direction , that add flexibility to the drum engagement . k bd is given by the blanket material properties and the drum geometry as well . k s is mainly given by the design of the respective shafts 4 and 5 . in the ideal case , the speed ratio c is constant and the only parameter than can be changed freely is the stiffness k f of the flexure springs . the ideal case is given by the following equation : s [ 1 ( 1 k f + 1 k s ) - 1 + 1 k bd ] - 1 k bd = 1 r pc solving for k f : ( 4 ) k f = k s k bd ( s k s rpc - k bd - k s ) ( 5 ) for the configuration of the exemplary embodiment , the flexure stiffness has been determined to be a stiffness k f of 1360 n / mm - 1500 n / mm . when the stiffness of the flexure is adapted perfectly to the exemplary configuration , the errors in the speed ratio ( c ) can be reduced by 50 %- 90 %. the flexure is especially effective for the reduction of pc runout . the effects of pc runout on the speed ratio c can be reduced by 90 %. the higher the pc runout is , the more effective the flexure is in reducing the runout effect . the effects of the it runout on the speed ratio can be reduced by 40 - 60 %. overall , the engagement changes when using the flexure mount are smaller than the engagement changes in the constant spacing configuration , but larger than in the constant force case . in the preferred embodiment of the flexure spring according to this invention , the flexure spring is configured as a “ parallel spring ”. a parallel spring is the combination of two leaf springs ( see front flexure in fig1 and 2 , items 1 a and 1 b , and rear flexure in fig3 items 1 c and 1 d ). the ends of the leaf springs 1 a , 1 b on the right side are rigidly connected by the parts 7 and 8 a , 8 b , and the ends on the left are rigidly connected by the parts 9 a , 9 b and 11 . the parts 1 a , 1 b , 7 , 8 a , 8 b , 9 a , 9 b and 11 form a rectangular frame with two rigid sides ( parts 7 and 11 ) and two flexible sides ( leaf springs 1 a , 1 b ). the two rigid sides can only move parallel to each other . since one end of this frame ( part 11 ) is mounted in a fixed location , the other side ( part 7 ) has only one degree of freedom left . part 7 can only move up and down , in the z direction , controlled by the stiffness of the flexures ( leaf springs 1 a , 1 b ). there are two parallel spring assemblies , one in the front and one in the back of the reproduction apparatus 10 , each supporting one end of the it shaft 5 . the it shaft 5 is supported in the bearings 6 , which are in turn supported in the parts 7 a , 7 b , respectively in the front and back of the reproduction apparatus 10 . as an alternative assembly , it can , of course , in certain circumstances be advantageous to reverse the setup and mount the it in a fixed manner , and to provide a similar flexible mount for the pc . fig2 and 3 respectively show the integration of the leaf springs 1 a , 1 b , and 1 c , 1 d into an it mount . the parts 11 a , 11 b and 11 c , 11 d are respectively mounted , in any suitable manner , to the frame of the reproduction apparatus ( shown in fig4 ), and as such have a fixed location during operation . a safety gap ( designated by numerals 14 a , 14 b , respectively in fig2 and 3 ) is provided between the parts 7 a and 8 b , and between the parts 7 b and 8 c respectively . the safety gap is determined to provide only a maximum allowable deflection of the springs 1 a , 1 b , and 1 c , 1 d , in the − z direction . at any larger deflection of the leaf springs , the parts 7 a and 11 b , and the parts 7 b and 11 e come into physical contact and prevent the flexures from further deformation . similarly , in the + z direction the parts 11 b and 11 e are respectively engaged by parts 8 a and 8 d to prevent significant deformation of the flexures . the front flexures 1 a , 1 b , and the rear flexures 1 c , and 1 d are preferably made out of spring steel , but other materials such as , for example , aluminum or brass as well as glass or carbon fiber reinforced plastic can be used . for the parts 7 a , 7 b , 11 a , 11 b , 11 c , and 11 e , cast iron , aluminum as well as glass or carbon fiber reinforced plastic can , for example , be used . the dimensions of the flexure springs in the preferred embodiment are selected to be 55 mm by 21 . 6 mm by 2 . 5 mm ( flexing length , between parts 9 a , 9 b and between parts 9 c , 9 d , respectively , by width by thickness ). of course , these selected dimensions can vary greatly , depending on the spring material and the space available . in general the length can vary from 10 mm - 150 mm , the width from 3 mm - 50 mm and the thickness from 0 . 1 mm - 8 mm . as discussed above , fig4 shows an exemplary image forming reproduction apparatus designated generally by the numeral 10 the reproduction apparatus 10 is in the form of an electrophotographic reproduction apparatus , and more particularly a color reproduction apparatus wherein color separation images are individually formed in each of four colors . the color separation images are transferred in register to a receiver member as such receiver member is moved through the apparatus while supported on a transport web 516 . the exemplary apparatus features four substantially similar color modules ( 591 b , 591 c , 591 m , 591 y ). each of the four color modules ( 591 b , 591 c , 591 m , 591 y ) is of similar construction except that , as shown , one transport belt 516 operates with all the modules , a receiver member being transported by the belt 516 from module to module and each module having a different color image developer associated therewith . the elements in fig4 that are similar from module to module have similar reference numbers with a suffix of b , c , m , and y , referring to the color module to which it is associated . four receiver members or sheets 512 a , 512 b , 512 c , and 512 d are shown simultaneously receiving images from the different modules , it being understood , as noted above , that each receiver member may receive one color image from each module , and that up to four color images can be received by each receiver member . the movement of the receiver member with the belt 516 is such that each color image transferred to the receiver member at the transfer nip of each module must be transferred so as to be registered with the previous color transfer so that a four - color image formed on the receiver member has the colors in registered superposed relationship on the receiver member . the receiver members are then sent seriatim to a fusing station ( not shown ) to fuse or fix the dry toner images to the respective receiver members . the belt is reconditioned by providing charge to both surfaces using , for example , opposed corona chargers 522 , 523 , which neutralize charge on the surfaces of the belt . each color module includes a primary image forming member , for example a drum 503 b , 503 c , 503 m , and 503 y , respectively . each drum 503 b , 503 c , 503 m , and 503 y has a photoconductive surface , upon which a pigmented marking particle image ( or alternatively , a series of different color marking particle images ) is formed . in order to form images , the outer surface of the drum is uniformly charged by a primary charger such as a corona charging device 505 b , 505 c , 505 m , and 505 y , respectively , or other suitable charger such as roller chargers , brush chargers , etc . the uniformly charged surface is exposed by suitable exposure device , such as , for example , an led exposure device 506 b , 506 c , 506 m , and 506 y , respectively , or a laser or other electro - optical exposure device , or even an optical exposure device . the exposure device selectively alters the charge on the photoconductive surface of the drum to create an electrostatic image corresponding to an image to be reproduced . the electrostatic image is developed by application of pigmented marking particles to the latent image bearing a photoconductive drum by a development station 581 b , 581 c , 581 m , and 581 y , respectively . the development station is a particular color of pigmented toner marking particles associated respectively therewith . thus , the modules create a series of different color marking particle images ( color separation images ) on the respective photoconductive drums . each marking particle image is transferred to an outer surface of a respective secondary ( or intermediate transfer ) member , for example , an intermediate transfer roller ( itr ) 508 b , 508 c , 508 m , and 508 y , respectively . after transfer , residual marking particles and dust are cleaned from the surface of the photoconductive drum by a suitable cleaning device 504 b , 504 c , 504 m , and 504 y , respectively , to prepare the surface for reuse for forming subsequent toner images . a single color - marking particle image , respectively formed on the outer surface of the intermediate transfer member drum ( one identified as numeral 542 b in fig4 and the others not identified ), is transferred to a receiver member , is fed sequentially into a nip between the intermediate image transfer member drums and a transfer backing roller 521 b , 521 c , 521 m , and 521 y , respectively . the transfer backing rollers are suitably electrically biased by power supply 552 to induce the charged toner particle image to transfer to the receiver member . the receiver member is fed from a suitable receiver member supply ( not shown ) and moves serially into each of the nips 510 b , 510 c , 510 m , and 510 y where it receives the respective marking particle image . the receiver member exits the last nip and is transported by a suitable transport mechanism ( not shown ) to a fuser ( not shown ) where the marking particle image is fixed to the receiver member by application of heat and / or pressure . a detack charger 524 may be provided to deposit a neutralizing charge on the receiver member to facilitate separation of the receiver member from the belt 516 . the receiver member with the fixed marking particle image is thereafter transported to a remote location for operator retrieval . the itr is cleaned by a cleaning device 511 b , c , m and y to prepare it for reuse . in view of the above description , it is readily apparent that , with the use of the invention of the flexible mounts for the compliant intermediate transfer member , in the preferred embodiment , there is a significant reduction in engagement sensitivity of speed ratio to runout of the photoconductor drum and the associated intermediate transfer drum . this is desired for accurate color registration of the individual color separation images one on another to form an accurate reproduction , which is substantially defect free . further , the engagement variation is greatly reduced compared to the described constant spacing configuration . this leads to a more constant nip width , which is important for a constant image quality at the image transfer from the photoconductor drum to the associated intermediate transfer drum . 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 . | 6 |
compounds of the present invention can be made according to the schematic procedure shown or other methods using commercially available starting materials , intermediates and reagents . starting materials , reagents and solvents can be obtained from chemical suppliers such as aldrich , baker and eastman chemical companies , or they may be prepared by techniques known in the art . ## str3 ## wherein x = halogen , oso 2 ch 3 z and r are as described above . ## str4 ## wherein a =--( cr 3 ═ cr 4 ) m -- and i n , z , r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , r 4 and q are as described above . the following examples will further illustrate the compounds used in the present invention . to a solution of 2 - decanol ( 5 . 0 ml , 26 . 0 mmol ) in dry ch 2 cl 2 ( 52 ml ) under an n 2 atmosphere was added diisopropylethylamine ( 5 . 6 ml , 32 . 1 mmol ). the reaction flask was immersed in an ice / water bath . after stirring for 10 minutes , methanesulfonyl chloride ( 2 . 8 ml , 36 . 1 mmol ) was added via syringe over a period of 10 minutes . after stirring for 3 hrs , the reaction was diluted with cold ch 2 cl 2 ( 200 ml ) and poured into cold 5 % aqueous hcl ( 100 ml ). the layers were separated and the organic phase washed with cold 5 % aqueous hcl ( 50 ml ) followed by brine ( 2 × 50 ml ). the ch 2 cl 2 layer was dried ( na 2 so 4 ), filtered and evaporated in vacuo at 25 ° c . the resulting light yellow oil was pumped under reduced pressure for 2 hrs to provide 2 - methanesulfonyloxydecane ( 6 . 5 g , 93 . 5 %) as a light yellow oil . without further purification , the above product ( 6 . 5 g , 24 . 3 mmol ) was dissolved in 50 ml dry n , n - dimethylformamide ( dmf ) with stirring . 4 - iodophenol ( 4 . 8 g , 21 . 8 mmol ) and potassium carbonate ( 3 . 4 g , 24 . 6 mmol ) were then added to the reaction flask which was immersed in an oil bath and heated to 57 ° c . over a period of 0 . 5 hr . afar stirring for 14 hrs under an n 2 atmosphere at 57 ° c ., 1 h nmr spectral analysis indicated about half of the mesylate was present . the temperature of the oil bath was increased to 66 ° c . and stirring continued . after an additional 21 hrs , 1 h nmr spectral analysis indicated that less than 5 % of the mesylate remained . after stirring for a total of 37 hrs , the reaction was allowed to cool and filtered through a pad of celite with washings of dmf to a total volume of 250 ml . the dmf layer was extracted with hexanes ( 3 × 100 ml ) and then diluted with 0 . 1m aqueous sodium hydroxide . ( 250 ml ). the mixed dmf / aqueous phase was extracted with hexanes ( 2 × 100 ml ). the combined hexane washings were washed successively with 1m aqueous sodium hydroxide ( 2 × 200 ml ), water ( 2 × 200 ml ) and brine ( 2 × 200 ml ), dried ( na 2 so 4 ), filtered , and evaporated in vacuo to provide a light yellow oil . this product was further purified by flash column chromatography ( silica , hexanes ) to yield 2 -( 4 - iodophenoxy )- decane ( 4 . 05 g , 51 . 6 %) as a clear oil . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . fab / ms : m + , 360 . calculated for c 16 h 25 io : c , 53 . 34 ; h , 6 . 99 ; i , 35 . 22 . found : c , 53 . 47 , h , 6 . 99 ; i , 35 . 43 . the 2 - methanesulfonyloxypentadecane was prepared as follows : the mesylate of 2 - pentadecanol was prepared from 2 - pentadecanol ( 25 g , 109 mmol ), methanesulfonylchloride ( 11 . 8 ml , 152 mmol ) and diisopropyl - ethylamine ( 22 . 8 ml , 131 mmol ) as previously described in 95 % yield . to a solution of 2 - methanesulfonyloxypentadecane ( 15 . 5 g , 48 . 1 mmol ) in dry dmf ( 200 ml ) was added triiodophenol ( 22 . 6 g , 47 . 9 mmol ) and potassium carbonate ( 6 . 6 g , 47 . 8 mmol ). the reaction flask was immersed in an oil bath which was heated to 85 ° c . over a period of 0 . 5 hr . the reaction was stirred under n 2 atmosphere for 16 hrs . at the end of this period the reaction was processed as for example 1 except at 4 times the volumes to provide a brown residue . flash column chromatography ( silica , hexanes ) provided 2 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenoxy ) pentadecane ( 19 . 2 g , 58 . 8 %) as a white solid . mp : 56 °- 58 ° c . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . calculated for c 21 h 33 i 3 o : c , 36 . 97 ; h , 4 . 88 ; i , 55 . 81 . found : c , 36 . 89 , h , 4 . 80 ; i , 55 . 85 . the 2 - methanesulfonyloxydecane ( 14 . 8 g , 62 . 6 mmol ), 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenol ( 29 . 7 g ) 62 . 9 mmol ) and potassium carbonate ( 8 . 7 g , 63 . 0 mmol ) were reacted in dmf ( 210 ml ) as per 2 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenoxy )- pentadecane except at an oil bath temperature of 72 ° c . for 88 hrs . the reaction was processed as for 2 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenoxy )- pentadecane to provide a light brown residue . flash column chromatography ( silica , hexanes ) provided 2 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenoxy )- decane ( 29 . 1 g , 75 . 9 %) as a white solid . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . calculated for c 16 h 23 i 3 o : c , 31 . 40 ; h , 3 . 79 ; i , 62 . 20 . found : c , 31 . 50 , h , 3 . 75 ; i , 62 . 37 . a mixture of 3 . 00 g ( 8 . 24 mmol ) of 1h , 1h , 2h , 2h - perfluorooctanol and 1 . 28 g ( 9 . 89 mmol ) of n , n - diisopropylethylamine in 12 ml of dry dichloromethane was placed under nitrogen and cooled to 0 ° c . methanesulfonyl chloride ( 1 . 04 g , 9 . 06 mmol ) was added dropwise via syringe and the resulting solution was stirred at 0 ° c . for 1 . 5 hrs . the mixture was partitioned between 100 ml of dichloromethane and 100 ml of 1m hcl . the dichloromethane layer was then washed with water ( 100 ml ) and brine ( 100 ml ). the solution was dried over na 2 so 4 and concentrated in vacuo to afford 3 . 28 g ( 90 %) of the mesylate as a white solid . a mixture of 2 . 11 g ( 4 . 77 mmol ) of the above mesylate , 1 . 50 g ( 3 . 18 mmol ) of 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenol and 0 . 75 g ( 5 . 41 mmol ) of potassium carbonate in 5 ml of dry dmf was stirred and heated to 80 ° c . under nitrogen for 40 hrs . the mixture was cooled and partitioned between 100 ml of ethyl acetate and 100 ml of 1m hcl . the ethyl acetate layer was then washed with water ( 50 ml ) and brine ( 25 ml ). the brown solution was dried over na 2 so 4 and concentrated in vacuo to yield a brown solid ( 1 . 89 g ). the brown solid purified by flash chromatography ( silica gel , hexanes ) affording 1 . 35 g ( 52 %) of the pure product . mp : softens at 55 °- 58 ° c ., melts at 63 ° c . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . fab / ms : ( m + 1 ) + 818 . calculated for c 14 h 6 f 13 i 3 o : c , 20 . 56 ; h , 0 . 74 . found : c , 20 . 75 ; h , 0 . 69 . a mixture of 0 . 540 g ( 1 . 00 mmol ) of 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodo - 3 - trifluoromethyl phenol , 0 . 691 g ( 5 . 00 mmol ) of potassium carbonate and 0 . 212 g ( 1 . 10 mmol ) of 1 - bromooctane in 3 ml of dry acetonitrile was heated to reflux under nitrogen and stirred for 3 . 5 hrs . the mixture was cooled and partitioned between 50 ml of water and 75 ml of ethyl acetate . the ethyl acetate layer was then washed with brine ( 20 ml ), dried over na 2 so 4 and concentrated in vacuo to 0 . 645 g of yellow oil . the oil was purified by flash chromatography on 25 g of silica gel with hexane as the eluent to give 0 . 498 g ( 76 %) of a colorless oil which crystallized to a white solid on standing . mp . 39 °- 42 ° c . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . fab / ms : ( m - 1 ) + 651 . calculated for c 15 h 18 f 3 i 3 o : c , 27 . 63 ; h , 2 . 78 ; i , 58 . 34 . found : c , 28 . 11 ; h , 2 . 78 ; i , 57 . 11 . the 2 - methanesulfonyloxynonane ( 22 . 8 g , 102 mmol ), triiodophenol ( 48 . 8 g , 103 mmol ) and potassium carbonate ( 14 . 2 g , 103 mmol ) were reacted in dmf ( 206 ml ) as per 2 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenoxy ) pentadecane except at an oil bath temperature of 82 ° c . for 14 hrs . the reaction was processed as for 2 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenoxy ) pentadecane to provide a light brown oil . flash column chromatography ( silica , hexanes ) provided 2 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenoxy ) nonane ( 40 . 8 g , 68 . 0 %). title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . calculated for c 15 h 21 i 3 o : c , 30 . 13 ; h , 3 . 54 ; i , 63 . 66 . found : c , 30 . 52 , h , 3 . 49 ; i , 63 . 47 . 2 - ethyl - bromohexane ( 10 . 4 g , 53 . 0 mmol ), triiodophenol ( 25 . 5 g , 54 . 0 mmol ) and potassium carbonate ( 7 . 5 g , 54 . 3 mmol ) were reacted in dry dmf ( 110 ml ) at 77 ° c as for 2 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenoxy ) butane . after stirring for 20 hrs , the reaction was cooled , diluted with dmf , filtered through a pad of celite and evaporated in vacuo . the resulting residue was taken up in etoac ( 500 ml ), washed with water ( 200 ml ), 1n aqueous sodium hydroxide ( 200 ml ), water ( 2 × 200 ml ) and brine ( 200 ml ), dried ( na 2 so 4 ), filtered and evaporated . flash column chromatography ( silica , hexanes ) provided 2 - ethyl - 1 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenoxy )- hexane ( 22 . 8 g , 73 . 7 %) as a clear viscous oil . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . calculated for c 14 h 19 i 3 o : c , 28 . 79 ; h , 3 . 28 ; i , 65 . 19 . found : c , 29 . 13 , h , 3 . 24 ; i , 65 . 05 . a mixture of 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenol ( 0 . 78 g , 1 . 65 mmol ) and potassium carbonate ( 0 . 25 g , 1 . 82 mmol , 1 . 1 eq ) in 5 ml of dimethylformamide was heated at 60 ° c . for 1 hr , cooled and then 3 , 3 - diphenylpropyl bromide ( 0 . 5 g , 1 . 82 mmol ) was added . after stirring for 30 minutes at room temperature the mixture was heated at 60 ° c . for 24 hrs . the mixture was then cooled , poured into water and the crude product was isolated by ethyl acetate extraction . the product was purified by silica gel chromatography ( 2 . 5 % ethyl acetate - hexanes ) followed by recrystallization from hexanes to give 0 . 53 g ( 48 %) of a solid . mp : 120 °- 121 ° c . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . calculated for c 21 h 17 i 3 o : c , 37 . 87 ; h , 2 . 57 ; i , 57 . 66 . found : c , 37 . 95 ; h , 2 . 60 ; i , 57 . 11 . the mesylate of 3 - nonanol was prepared in the usual manner form 3 - nonanol ( 7 . 5g , 52 mmol ), diisopropyl ethylamine ( 11 . 7 ml , 67 mmol ) and methane sulfonyl chloride ( 4 . 8 ml , 62 mmol ) in dry ch 2 cl 2 ( 104 ml ). the mesylate of 3 - nonanol ( 11 . 5 g , 51 . 9 mmol ), triiodophenol ( 24 . 5 g , 51 . 9 mmol ) and potassium carbonate ( 7 . 18 g , 51 . 9 mmol ) were reacted in dry dmf ( 200 ml ) as per 2 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenoxy )- pentadecane except at an oil bath temperature of 87 ° c . for 16 hrs . the reaction was processed as for 2 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenoxy )- pentadecane to provide a light brown oil . flash column chromatography ( silica , hexanes ) provided 3 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenoxy )- nonane ( 20 . 9 g , 67 %) as a clear viscous oil . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . fab / ms m + 598 . calculated for c 15 h 21 i 3 o : c , 30 . 13 ; h , 3 . 54 ; i , 63 . 66 . found : c , 30 . 54 , h , 3 . 51 ; i , 63 . 58 . 2 - methanesulfonyloxyundecane was prepared as described for 2 - methanesulfonyloxydecane from 2 - undecanol ( 30 . 0 ml , 144 mmol ), methanesulfonylchloride ( 15 . 5 ml , 200 mmol ) and diisopropylethylamine ( 30 . 8 ml , 177 mmol ) in dry ch 2 cl 2 ( 240 ml ). after stirring for 3 . 5 hrs , the reaction was processed as previously stated but at 4 times the volumes to provide 2 - methanesulfonyloxyundecane ( 31 . 35 g , 95 %). the above product ( 31 . 3 g , 136 . 7 mmol ) was reacted with 4 - iodophenol ( 30 . 1 g , 136 . 8 mmol ), and potassium carbonate ( 18 . 9 g , 136 . 7 mmol ) in dmf ( 270 ml ) at 80 ° c . as for 2 -( 4 - iodophenoxy ) decane . after stirring for 13 hrs , the reaction was analyzed by 1 h nmr indicating that the reaction was about 66 % complete . the temperature of the oil was increased 84 ° c . after an additional 34 hrs , 1 h nmr spectral analysis indicated that the reaction was complete . the reaction was processed as for 2 -( 4 - iodophenoxy )- decane except at 2 times the volume to give a light yellow oil . this product was further purified by flash column chromatography ( silica , hexanes ) to give 2 -( 4 - iodophenoxy )- undecane ( 16 . 1 g , 31 %) as a clear oil . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . fab / ms : m + , 374 . calculated for c 17 h 27 io : c , 54 . 55 ; h , 7 . 27 ; i , 33 . 90 . found : c , 54 . 75 , h , 7 . 32 ; i , 33 . 97 . a mixture of 2 - iodophenol ( 8 . 0 g , 36 . 4 mmol ), milled potassium carbonate ( 5 . 5 g , 39 . 9 mmol , 1 . 1 eq ) and 1 - bromocyclopentane bromide ( 3 . 9 ml , 36 . 4 mmol ) in 25 ml of n , n - dimethylformamide was heated at 120 ° c . for 1 . 1 hrs and cooled . the mixture was poured into water and extracted twice with ether . the ether layer was dried over magnesium sulfate , filtered , and concentrated to give an oil . the crude product was dissolved in ethyl acetate and filtered through a short pad of silica gel . the filtrate was redried over magnesium sulfate , filtered and concentrated under vacuum to give 10 g ( 95 %) of product as an oil . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . calculated for c 11 h 13 io : c , 45 . 85 ; h , 4 . 55 ; i , 44 . 04 . found : c , 45 . 78 ; h , 4 . 51 ; i , 43 . 88 . using the same procedure as in the preparation of 2 - iodophenoxycyclopentane , 3 - iodophenoxycyclopentane was prepared in 68 % yield from 3 - iodophenol ( 9 . 9 g , 45 . 4 mmol ), potassium carbonate ( 6 . 9 g , 49 . 9 mmol , 1 . 1 eq ) and cyclopentyl bromide ( 5 . 4 ml , 49 . 9 mmol , 1 . 1 eq ). the crude product was isolated by ethyl acetate extraction and filtration through a pad of basic alumina affording the pure product as an oil after concentration under high vacuum . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . calculated for c 11 h 13 io : c , 45 . 85 ; h , 4 . 55 ; i , 44 . 04 . found : c , 46 . 03 ; h , 4 . 46 ; i , 44 . 12 . a mixture of 3 , 5 - dimethyl - 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenol ( 4 . 0 g , 8 mmol ), cyclopentyl bromide ( 1 . 0 ml , 9 . 6 mmol , 1 . 2 eq ), and potassium carbonate ( 1 . 33 g , 9 . 6 mmol , 1 . 2 eq .) in n , n - dimethylformamide ( 30 ml ) was stirred at room temperature overnight . the mixture was poured into water and extracted first with ethyl acetate and then dichloromethane . the combined organic extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate and stripped to give a gum . the crude product was dissolved in ethyl acetate and filtered through a pad of silica gel and then through a pad of basic alumina . the filtrates were combined , concentrated and the product was then isolated ( 56 % yield ) by silica gel chromatography ( hexanes ) to give a viscous oil which solidified under high vacuum . mp . 68 °- 80 ° c . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . calculated for c 13 h 15 i 3 o : c , 27 . 49 ; h , 2 . 66 ; i , 67 . 03 . found c , 27 . 76 ; h , 2 . 62 ; i , 65 . 65 . the 2 - methanesulfonyloxypentadecane was prepared from 2 - pentadecanol ( 25 g , 109 mmol ), methanesulfonylchloride ( 11 . 8 ml , 152 mmol ) and diisopropylethylamine ( 22 . 8 ml , 131 mmol ) as previously described in 95 % yield . the 2 - methanesulfonyloxypentadecane ( 34 . 4 g , 102 mmol ) was reacted with 4 - iodophenol ( 22 . 7 g , 103 mmol ) and potassium carbonate ( 14 . 3 g , 103 mmol ) in dmf ( 200 ml ) as per 2 -( 4 - iodophenoxy ) decane except that the temperature of the oil bath was maintained at 80 ° c . for 15 hrs and increased to 86 ° c . with stirring for an additional 24 hrs . at the end of this period , nmr spectral analysis indicated that the reaction was complete . the reaction mixture was processed as for 2 -( 4 - iodophenoxy ) decane except with four times the volumes to provide a light yellow oil . flash column chromatography ( silica , hexanes ) yielded 2 -( 4 - iodophenoxy ) pentadecane ( 18 . 9 g , 43 . 0 %) as a clear oil . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . fab / ms : m + , 430 . calculated for c 21 h 35 io : c , 58 . 47 ; h , 8 . 41 ; i , 29 . 42 . found : c , 58 . 91 , h , 8 . 36 ; i , 29 . 26 . using the procedure described for 2 - iodophenoxycyclopentane , 4 - iodophenoxycyclopentane was prepared in 80 % yield from 4 - iodophenol ( 4 . 0 g , 18 . 2 mmol ), cyclopentyl bromide ( 1 . 95 ml , 18 . 2 mmol , 1 eq ) and potassium carbonate ( 2 . 76 g , 20 mmol , 1 . 1 . eq ) in 25 ml of dimethylformamide after ether extraction and filtration through basic alumina . the pure product was obtained as a solid ( mp 50 °- 52 ° c .) after crystallization from hexanes . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . calculated for c 11 h 13 io : c , 45 . 85 ; h , 4 . 55 ; i , 44 . 04 . found : c , 45 . 90 ; h , 4 . 48 ; i , 44 . 13 . milled , anhydrous potassium carbonate ( 14 . 2 g , 103 mmol , 1 . 2 eq ) was added in portions to a stirred solution of 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenol ( 40 . 5 g , 85 . 8 mmol ) in 50 ml of dry ( 4a sieves ) dimethylformamide at room temperature . after stirring for 20 minutes , cyclopentyl bromide ( 12 ml , 112 mmol , 1 . 3 eq ) in dimethylformamide ( 20 ml ) was added and the viscous mixture was gradually heated to 130 ° c . under argon for approximately 45 minutes . after cooling , the mixture was filtered and the collected solid was washed with chloroform . the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to give 50 g of an amber oil the crude oily product was partitioned between ethyl acetate ( 300 ml ) and water ( 500 ml ); the organic layer was dried over magnesium sulfate and passed through a short pad of silica gel . the filtrate was treated with decolorizing carbon , filtered , and stripped to give an amber oil . the oil was dried at 60 ° c . under high vacuum to give 40 . 4 g ( 87 %) of product . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . ms : m + 540 ; calculated for c 11 h 11 i 3 o : c , 24 . 47 ; h , 2 . 05 ; i , 70 . 51 . found : c , 24 . 42 ; h , 1 . 98 ; i , 70 . 58 . a stirred mixture of 36 . 2 g ( 0 . 08 mol ) of 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenol , 12 . 5 g ( 0 . 08 mol ) of bromomethylcyclopentane [ noller and adams , j . org . chem ., 48 , 1080 - 9 ( 1926 )] and 10 . 6 g ( 0 . 08 mol ) of milled anhydrous potassium carbonate in 100 ml dry dimethylformamide was heated at 100 ° c . under argon for 3 . 5 hrs . the mixture was cooled and concentrated in vacuo . the resulting residue was combined with 100 ml of ice - cold water and the oily product was extracted with ethyl acetate ( 3 × 100 ml ). the combined ethyl acetate extracts were dried ( mgso 4 ) and concentrated in vacuo to a dark oil . the oil was purified by chromatography ( neutral alumina eluted by hexanes ) to yield 24 . 0 g ( 57 %) of the desired product as an oil . bp : 220 °- 5 ° c ./ 1 atm . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . fab / ms : m + 553 ; calculated for c 12 h 13 i 3 o : c , 26 . 02 ; h , 2 . 37 ; i , 68 . 73 . found : c , 26 . 33 ; h , 2 . 37 ; i , 68 . 47 . methanesulfonyl chloride ( 2 . 72 ml , 35 . 1 mmol , 1 . 1 eq ) was added dropwise over a period of several minutes to a cooled ( ice / methanol ) and stirred solution of 2 - cyclopentylethanol ( 3 . 64 g , 31 . 9 mmol ) and triethylamine ( 6 . 23 ml , 47 . 9 mmol , 1 . 5 eq ) in 200 ml of dry ( 4a molecular sieves ) dichloromethane under an argon atmosphere . after stirring for several minutes , a white precipitate formed and the mixture was stirred an additional 30 minutes . the reaction mixture was washed successively with water , 10 % aqueous hydrochloric acid , saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate , saturated sodium chloride and then dried over magnesium sulfate . the organic layer was filtered and concentrated under vacuum to give 5 . 87 g ( 95 %) of the methanesulfonate ester as a pale yellow liquid which was stored in the cold and used without further purification . 1 h - nmr ( 300 mhz ) spectral data was consistent with the desired product . ci / ms : m + 193 . to a stirred mixture of 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenol ( 20 . 36 g , 43 . 2 mmol ) and milled anhydrous potassium carbonate ( 7 . 2 g , 52 . 2 mmol ) in 75 ml of dry dimethylformamide was added dropwise over 10 minutes , a solution of 2 - cyclopentylethylmethanesulfonate ( 8 . 2 g , 42 . 7 mmol ) in 10 ml of dimethylformamide . the mixture was heated at 65 ° c . under argon overnight and the solvent was then removed under vacuum . the resulting amber residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate ( 200 ml ) and water ( 30 ml ). the aqueous layer was further extracted with ethyl acetate ( 2 × 250 ml ) and the combined ethyl acetate extracts were treated with decolorizing carbon , dried over magnesium sulfate and passed through a short pad of basic alumina . the filtrate was evaporated under vacuum to give 17 . 5 g ( 73 %) of the desired product as an amber oil . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . fab / ms : m + 568 ; calculated for c 13 h 15 i 3 o : c , 27 . 49 ; h , 2 . 66 ; i , 67 . 03 . found : c , 27 . 42 ; h , 2 . 62 ; i , 66 . 74 . a mixture of triiodophenol ( 17 . 3 g , 36 . 8 mmol ), farnesyl bromide ( 10 g , 35 mmol ) and potassium carbonate ( 5 . 0 g , 36 . 2 mmol , 1 . 05 eq ) in 40 ml of n , n - dimethylformamide was heated at 80 °- 100 ° c . for 3 hrs . the mixture was cooled and poured into water whereupon an oil precipitated after briefly stirring rapidly . the bulk of the water was decanted and the residue was take up in dichloromethane . the organic layer was washed with water , dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered through a pad of silica gel . the combined filtrate was concentrated under vacuum leaving the crude farnesyl ether derivative which was purified by silica gel chromatography ( hexanes / ethyl acetate 9 : 1 ) to give the desired product as an oil in 41 % yield . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . calculated for c 21 h 27 i 3 o : c , 37 . 36 ; h , 3 . 88 ; 1 , 56 . 39 . found : c , 37 . 68 ; h , 3 . 95 ; i , 55 . 97 . to a stirred solution of citronellol ( 4 . 5 g , 28 . 8 mmol ) and triethylamine ( 5 . 2 ml , 34 . 6 retool , 1 . 2 eq ) in dichloromethane ( 50 ml ) cooled to 0 ° c . was added dropwise , a solution of methanesulfonyl chloride ( 2 . 46 ml , 28 . 8 mmol ) in dichloromethane ( 50 ml ). the solution was stirred for 1 hr at 0 ° c . under nitrogen and then water was added . the dichloromethane layer was dried over magnesium sulfate after washing with saturated aqueous sodium chloride and then concentrated in vacuo to give an oil . 1 h - nmr ( 300 mhz ) spectrum of the oil indicated the desired methanesulfonate ester . the methanesulfonate ester was added to a stirred mixture of 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenol ( 13 . 6 g , 28 . 8 mmol ) and potassium carbonate ( 4 . 0 g , 28 . 8 mmol ) in dimethylformamide ( 50 ml ). the mixture was heated to 100 ° c . for 30 minutes and cooled to room temperature . the crude product was isolated by partitioning the reaction mixture between water and dichloromethane . the organic layer was concentrated under vacuum to give an oil . the oil was purified by flashing through basic alumina with hexanes to give the desired product in 15 % yield as a light - sensitive oil . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . calculated for c 16 h 21 i 3 o : c , 31 . 50 ; h , 3 . 47 ; i , 62 . 41 . found : c , 31 . 71 ; h , 3 . 41 ; i , 62 . 30 . using the procedure described for the synthesis of ( e )-( 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenoxy )- 3 , 7 - dimethyl - 2 , 6 - octadiene , ( e )- 1 -( 3 , 5 - dimethyl - 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodo - phenoxy )- 3 , 7 - dimethyl - 2 , 6 - octadiene was prepared in 37 % yield from 3 , 5 - dimethyl - 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenol ( 2 . 0 g , 4 . 0 mmol ), geranyl bromide ( 0 . 87 g , 4 . 0 mmol ) and potassium carbonate ( 0 . 55 g , 4 . 0 mmol ) in 20 ml of dimethylformamide . recrystallization from hexanes afforded analytically pure product . mp 65 °- 66 ° c . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . calculated for c 18 h 23 i 3 o : c , 33 . 99 ; h , 3 . 64 ; i , 59 . 85 . found : c , 34 . 15 ; h , 3 . 58 ; i , 59 . 84 . a mixture of triiodophenol ( 10 . 0 g , 21 . 2 mmol ), milled potassium carbonate ( 3 . 1 g , 22 . 5 mmol , 1 . 06 eq ) and geranyl bromide ( 4 . 0 ml , 20 . 2 mmol ) in dimethyl formamide ( 25 ml ) was heated to 50 ° c . for 2 hrs and cooled . the mixture was poured into 300 ml of water and extracted with ethyl acetate . the ethyl acetate extract was filtered through a short pad of silica gel , then alumina , eluting with ethyl acetate - hexanes ( 1 : 1 ). the eluent was concentrated under high vacuum to give the product in 87 % yield as an oil . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . calculated for c 16 h 19 i 3 o : c , 31 . 61 ; h , 3 . 15 ; i , 62 . 61 . found : c , 31 . 84 ; h , 3 . 06 ; i , 62 . 60 . a mixture of triiodophenol ( 1 . 0 g , 2 . 1 mmol ) and potassium carbonate ( 0 . 35 g , 2 . 54 mmol , 1 . 2 eq ) in 4 ml of dimethylformamide was heated at 70 ° c . for 1 hr and then cooled to room temperature . 1 - bromo - 3 - octyne was added in a single portion and the mixture was stirred for 1 hr . the reaction mixture was poured into water and the precipitated solids were collected by filtration . the collected solid was recrystallized from methanol to give 0 . 39 g ( 32 %) of desired product . mp 45 ° c .- 49 ° c . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . calculated for c 14 h 15 i 3 o : c , 28 . 99 ; h , 2 . 61 ; i , 65 . 64 . found : c , 28 . 92 ; h , 2 . 49 ; i , 65 . 67 . to a cooled solution of 4 - octyn - 2 - ol ( 5 . 0 g , 39 . 6 mmol ) in pyridine ( 40 ml ) at - 10 ° c . ( ice / salt ) was added dropwise methanesulfonyl chloride ( 4 . 6 ml , 59 . 4 mmol , 1 . 5 eq .) and the solution was stirred for 2 . 5 hrs . the reaction mixture was poured into water ( 25 ml ) and extracted with dichloromethane . the organic layer was washed with 2n aqueous hydrochloric acid , saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate and dried over magnesium sulfate . the organic layer was filtered and evaporated to give an oil ( 8 . 48 g , quantitative yield ) which was stored in the freezer and used without further purification . 1 h - nmr ( 300 mhz ) spectral data was consistent with the desired methanesulfonate ester . a mixture of 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenol ( 10 . 9 g , 23 . 1 mmol ) and potassium carbonate ( 3 . 51 g , 25 . 4 mmol ) in dimethylformamide ( 45 ml ) was heated at 70 ° c . for 2 . 5 hrs and a solution of ( 4 - octyn - 2 - yl )- methanesulfonate ( 6 . 12 g , 30 . 0 mmol , 1 . 3 eq .) in a minimum amount of dimethylformamide was added . the mixture was then heated to 110 ° c . overnight . after cooling the reaction mixture was poured into water and extracted with ethyl acetate . the organic layer was washed with water several times and dried over magnesium sulfate , filtered and concentrated to an oil . silica gel chromatography ( 1 % ethyl acetate hexanes ) gave 6 . 48 g , ( 48 %) of the product as a yellow - orange oil . additional filtration through silica gel gave colorless material . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . calculated for c 14 h 15 i 3 o : c , 28 . 99 ; h , 2 . 61 ; 1 , 65 . 64 . found : c , 29 . 23 ; h , 2 . 53 ; i , 65 . 45 . triphenylphosphonium dibromide ( 36 . 8 g , 87 . 2 mmol ) was suspended in diethyl ether at - 20 ° c . and a solution of 3 - octyne - 1 - ol ( 10 . 0 g , 79 . 2 mmol ) was added dropwise over a twenty minute period . the mixture was allowed to stir overnight . the mixture was poured into ice - water and solids precipitated which were collected by filtration . the organic layer was separated , washed with 1n aqueous sodium hydroxide , water and dried over magnesium sulfate . the organic layer was then filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give a residue which was taken up in hexanes , filtered to remove undissolved material and concentrated to give 1 - bromo - 3 - octyne as an orange oil ( 14 . 2 g , 96 %). 1 h nmr ( 300 mhz ) spectral data were consistent with the desired bromide ( plus a trace of triphenylphosphine ), and the crude product was used directly in the next step . a mixture of 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenol ( 1 . 0 g , 21 mmol ) and potassium carbonate ( 351 mg , 2 . 54 mmol ) in dimethylformamide ( 4 ml ) was heated at 60 ° c . for 1 hour and then 1 - bromo - 3 - octyne ( 0 . 4 g , 2 . 1 mmol ) was added . after heating for an additional hour the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 72 hours . the reaction was poured into water and the precipitated solids were collected to give the crude product . the crude product was recrystallized from methanol to give 0 . 24 g ( 50 %) of the octynyl ether , mp 79 °- 81 ° c . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . calculated for c 14 h 15 i 3 o : c , 28 . 99 ; h , 2 . 61 ; 1 , 65 . 64 . found : c , 29 . 05 ; h , 2 . 53 ; i , 65 . 92 . a stirred mixture of 70 . 8 g ( 0 . 15 mol ) of 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenol , 39 . 0 g ( 0 . 15 mol ) of diethyl bromomalonate and 20 . 7 g ( 0 . 15 mol ) of milled anhydrous potassium carbonate in 200 ml of dry dimethylformamide was heated at 100 ° c . under argon for 5 hours . the mixture was cooled and concentrated in vacuo . the resulting residue was combined with 300 ml of ice - cold water and the oily product was extracted with ethyl acetate ( 1 × 300 ml ), 3 × 100 ml ). the combined ethyl acetate extracts were dried ( mgso 4 ) and concentrated in vacuo to a dark oil . the oil was purified by chromatography ( eluted by hexanes to 20 % diethyl ether in hexanes ) to yield 60 . 2 g ( 64 %) of product as a light cream - colored solid . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . fab / ms : m + 631 ; calculated for c 13 h 13 i 3 o 5 : c , 24 . 79 ; h , 2 . 08 ; i , 60 . 44 . found : c , 25 . 07 ; h , 2 . 00 ; i , 60 . 09 . a stirred solution of 18 . 8 g ( 0 . 1 mol ) of diisopropyl malonate in 100 ml carbon tetrachloride was cooled in an ice bath and 15 . 8 g ( 0 . 1 mol ) bromine was added dropwise over a 90 minute period . the ice bath was removed and the reaction stirred at room temperature for 20 hours . the reaction solution was concentrated in vacuo and the resulting residue distilled to yield 16 . 1 g ( 76 %) of the bromomalonate i [ h . p . gallus and a . k . macbeth , j . chem . soc ., 1937 , 1810 - 12 ] as a dear colorless liquid ; bp 51 °- 2 ° c ./ 0 . 1 mm hg . ci / ms : mh + 26 . 1 h - nmr ( 300 mhz ) spectral data was consistent with the desired structure . using the same procedure as for 2 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenoxy )- 1 , 3 - propanedioic acid , diethyl ester , but substituting methylene chloride for ethyl acetate in the aqueous extraction , 2 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenoxy )- 1 , 3 - propanedioic acid , diisopropyl ester was prepared from 8 . 6 g ( 0 . 03 mol ) of malonate i , 107 g ( 0 . 03 mol ) of 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenol , 4 . 5 g ( 0 . 03 mol ) of milled anhydrous potassium carbonate and 30 ml of dimethylformamide in 69 % yield as a tan oil ; bp & gt ; 65 ° c ./ 0 . 65 mm hg after chromatography ( hexanes to 5 % ether in hexanes ). title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . fab / ms : mh + 659 . calculated for c 15 h 17 i 3 o 5 : c , 27 . 38 h , 2 . 60 ; i , 57 . 86 . found : c , 27 . 45 ; h , 2 . 56 ; i , 57 . 82 . a stirred solution of 40 . 0 g ( 0 . 18 mol ) of 3 - iodophenol , 33 . 6 ml ( 0 . 18 mol ) of diethyl bromomalonate and 27 . 63 g ( 0 . 2 moles ) of milled anhydrous potassium carbonate in 250 ml dry n , n - dimethylformamide was heated at 110 °- 120 ° c . under argon for 14 hours . the mixture was cooled and concentrated in vacuo . the resulting residue was combined with 600 ml of ice - cold water and the oily product was extracted with ethyl acetate ( 4 × 150 ml ). the combined ethyl acetate extracts were dried ( mgso 4 ) and concentrated in vacuo to an orange oil . the orange oil was purified by chromatography ( eluted by 5 % methylene chloride in hexanes to 50 % methylene chloride in hexanes ) to yield 8 . 1 g ( 8 . 5 %) of the desired product as a tan oil . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . fab / ms : m + 524 . calculated for c 16 h 14 i 2 o 4 : c , 36 . 67 h , 2 . 69 ; i , 48 . 43 . found : c , 36 . 92 ; h , 2 . 65 ; i , 48 . 24 . to a solution of ethyl 5 - oxo - hexanoate ( 23 . 8 g , 150 mmol ) in thf ( 270 ml ) was added methanol ( 30 ml ). the reaction flask was immersed in an ice / water bath and sodium borohydride ( 2 . 3 g , 60 . 8 mmol ) was added . the reaction was stirred for 16 hrs with warming . at this point more sodium borohydride ( 2 . 3 g , 60 . 8 mmol ) was added to the reaction flask . after a period of 2 hrs , the reaction was poured into a stirred mixture of crushed ice ( 250 g ), saturated aqueous ammonium hydroxide ( 250 ml ) and ether ( 500 ml ). after stirring for 2 hrs , the organic phase was separated . the aqueous phase was extracted with etoac ( 2 × 200 ml ). the organic washings were dried ( na 2 so 4 ), filtered an evaporated in vacuo to provide a light yellow solid ( 22 . 2 g ). the product was purified by flash column chromatography ( silica , 1 : 4 , ethylacetate : hexanes ) to give ethyl 5 - hydroxyhexanoate ( 20 . 3 g , 85 %) as a white solid . ethyl 5 - methanesulfonyloxy hexanoate was prepared as previously described from ethyl - 5 - hydroxy - hexanoate ( 20 . 9 g , 130 mmol ), mesyl chloride ( 14 . 0 ml , 180 mmol ) and diisopropylethylamine ( 27 . 2 ml , 157 mmol ) in 95 % yield . ethyl 5 - 5 - methanesulfonyloxy ( 33 . 3 g , 124 mmol ), 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenol ( 58 . 5 g , 124 mmol ) and potassium carbonate ( 17 . 1 g , 124 mmol ) were reacted in dmf ( 242 ml ) at 82 ° c . as described for 2 -( 4 - iodophenoxy ) decane . after stirring for 21 hrs , the reaction was processed as for 2 -( 4 - iodophenoxy ) decane except at five times the volumes to produce a viscous yellow oil ( 87 . 4 g ). this product was further purified by flash column chromatography ( silica , hexanes ) to give ethyl - 5 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenoxy )- hexanoate ( 40 . 0 g , 50 . 0 %) as a viscous oil . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . calculated for c 14 h 17 i 3 o 3 : c , 27 . 39 ; h , 2 . 79 ; i , 62 . 01 . found : c , 27 . 65 , h , 2 . 72 ; i , 62 . 21 . a flask containing ethyl 5 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenoxy ) hexanoate ( 16 . 3 g , 26 . 5 mmol ) was charged with dry dichloromethane ( 133 ml ). the reaction flask was fitted with an addition funnel , put under an atmosphere of n 2 and placed in a dry ice / acetone bath . the addition funnel was charged with a solution of dibal - h in hexanes ( 1 . 0m , 58 . 5 ml , 58 . 5 mmol ) which was added to the stirred reaction mixture over a period of 0 . 5 h . after stirring at - 78 ° c . for 2 . 5 hrs , the addition funnel was charged with dibal - h solution ( 20 ml , 20 mmol ) which was added to the reaction over a period of 0 . 25 hr . after stirring for 1 hr , the dry ice / acetone bath was replaced with an ice / water bath . after 1 hr , the dry ice / acetone bath was replaced and the reaction was quenched by the slow addition of ch 3 oh ( 5 ml ). the reaction mixture was poured into a stirred mixture of etoac ( 600 ml ) and saturated aqueous rochelle &# 39 ; s salt ( 400 ml ). after vigorously stirring for 3 hrs , the layers were separated . the organic phase was washed with saturated aqueous rochelle &# 39 ; s salt ( 250 ml ) and brine ( 250 ml ), dried ( na 2 so 4 ) and evaporated in vacuo to give a light yellow residue ( 13 . 2 g ). recrystallization from etoac / hexanes provided 5 -( 2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenoxy )- hexan - 1 - ol ( 12 . 6 g , 83 %) as a white solid . mp 79 °- 80 ° c . ( from ethylacetate / hexanes ). title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . calculated for c 12 h 15 i 3 o 2 : c , 25 . 20 ; h , 2 . 64 ; i , 66 . 56 . found : c , 25 . 31 , h , 2 . 58 ; i , 66 . 81 . a flask containing 10 - bromoundecanoic acid ( 25 . 0 g , 94 . 2 mmol ) was charged with dry thf ( 250 ml ), immersed in an ice / water bath and fitted with an addition funnel . the addition funnel was charged with borane - thf solution ( 1 . 0m , 113 ml , 113 mmol ) which was added to the stirred reaction mixture over a period of 45 minutes . 3 hrs after the addition was completed , the reaction was poured into a stirred mixture of etoac ( 500 ml ) and 10 % aqueous potassium carbonate ( 300 ml ). after vigorously stirring for 0 . 5 hr , the layers were separated . the organic phase was washed with water ( 250 ml ) and brine ( 250 ml ), dried ( na 2 so 4 ), filtered and evaporated in vacuo . flash column chromatography ( silica , 1 : 4 ; etoac : hexanes ) provided 10 - bromo - undecan - 1 - ol ( 20 . 8 g , 88 % ). a reaction flask was charged with dry dmf ( 150 ml ), 4 - iodophenol ( 26 . 3 g , 119 mmol ) and potassium carbonate ( 16 . 5 g , 119 mmol ), immersed in an oil bath and heated to 75 ° c . over a period of 0 . 5 hr . after stirring at 75 ° c . for 0 . 5 hr , the reaction was fitted with an addition funnel which was charged with 10 - bromoundecan - 1 - ol ( 20 . 0 g , 79 . 6 mmol ) in a solution of dry dmf ( 100 ml ). the solution was added to the reaction mixture over a period of 14 hrs . the oil bath temperature was then increased to 90 ° c . after stirring for an additional 24 hrs , the reaction was allowed to cool , diluted with dmf , filtered through a pad of celite and evaporated in vacuo . the resulting residue was taken up into etoac ( 750 ml ), washed with brine ( 300 ml ), water ( 300 ml ), 1m aqueous sodium hydroxide ( 300 ml ), water ( 300 ml ) and brine ( 300 ml ), dried ( na 2 so 4 ), filtered and evaporated to provide a light brown residue ( 33 . 1 g ). the product was purified by repeated flash column chromatography ( 3 ×, silica , 1 : 9 - 1 : 4 ; etoac : hexanes ) to provide 10 -( 4 - iodophenoxy )- undecan - 1 - ol ( 12 . 1 g , 39 %) as a light yellow oil . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . calculated for c 17 h 27 io 2 : c , 52 . 31 ; h , 6 . 97 ; i , 32 . 50 . found : c , 52 . 00 , h , 6 . 93 ; i , 32 . 71 . a flask containing 5 -( triiodophenoxy )- hexan - 1 - ol ( 6 . 0 g , 10 . 5 mmol ) was charged with dry ch 2 cl 2 ( 50 ml ) and dry pyridine ( 9 . 6 ml , 105 mmol ), placed under an atmosphere of n 2 and immersed in an ice / water bath . after 0 . 25 hr , ethyl chloroformate ( 8 . 1 ml , 105 mmol ) was added over a period of 0 . 25 hrs via syringe . the reaction was allowed to stir with slow warming . after stirring for 4 hrs , the reaction was diluted with ether ( 250 ml ), washed with water ( 100 ml ), 1m aqueous hcl ( 2 × 100 ml ), water ( 2 × 100 ml ) and brine ( 100 ml ), dried ( na 2 so 4 ), filtered and evaporated in vacuo . flash column chromatography ( silica , 1 : 9 ; etoac : hexanes ) provided the product ( 6 . 49 g , 96 % ) as a light yellow oil . title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . calculated for c 15 h 19 i 3 o 4 : c , 27 . 97 ; h , 2 . 97 ; i , 59 . 11 . found : c , 28 . 06 , h , 2 . 92 ; i , 58 . 92 . 10 - bromoundecanoic acid ( 10 . 0 g , 87 . 7 mmol ) obtained according to rolla , f . and landini , d ., j . org . chem ., 1980 , 45 , 3527 - 3529 ; ashtor , r . and smith , j . c ., j . chem . soc ., 1934 , 435 - 440 , was added to a stirred solution of concentrated sulfuric acid ( 4 ml ) in ethanol ( 155 ml ). the reaction flask was fitted with a reflux condenser and immersed in an oil bath which was brought to 120 ° c . over a 0 . 5 hr period . after refluxing for 3 hrs , the reaction was allowed to cool and poured into ether ( 500 ml ). the ether was washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate ( 5 × 150 ml ) and brine ( 2 × 150 ml ), dried ( na 2 so 4 ), filtered and evaporated in vacuo . flash column chromatography ( silica , 2 . 5 % etoac in hexanes ) provided ethyl 10 - bromoundecanoate as a low melting solid . to a stirred solution of ethyl 10 - bromoundecanoate ( 9 . 7 g , 33 . 0 mmol ) in dry dmf ( 66 ml ) was added 3 - iodophenol ( 7 . 99 g , 36 . 3 mmol ) and potassium carbonate ( 5 . 02 g , 37 . 6 mmol ). the reaction was immersed in an oil bath which was warmed to 75 ° c . over 0 . 5 hr . after stirring for 14 hrs under an n 2 atmosphere , the oil bath temperature was increased to 85 ° c . after stirring for an additional 4 hrs at 85 ° c ., the reaction was allowed to cool , diluted with dmf ( 200 ml ), filtered through a pad of celite and evaporated in vacuo . the resulting residue was taken up in ether ( 500 ml ). the organic phase was washed with water ( 100 ml ), 1m aqueous sodium hydroxide ( 100 ml ), water ( 2 × 100 ml ) and brine ( 100 ml ), dried ( na 2 so 4 ), filtered and evaporated in vacuo to provide crude ethyl 10 -( 3 - iodophenoxy )- undecanoate which was contaminated with olefinic esters . flash column chromatography ( silica , 1 - 2 %; etoac in hexanes ) provide ethyl 10 -( 3 - iodophenoxy )- undecanoate as a clear oil ( 4 . 75 g , 33 . 3 %). title compound : 1 h ( 300 mhz ) and 13 c ( 75 mhz ) nmr spectra were consistent with the desired structure . fab / ms : m + 432 . calculated for c 19 h 29 io : c , 52 . 78 ; h , 6 . 77 ; i , 29 . 35 . found : c , 52 . 74 , h , 6 . 77 ; i , 29 . 26 . the contrast agents may be formulated for administration using physiologically acceptable carriers or excipients in a manner within the skill of the art . the compounds with the addition of pharmaceutically acceptable aids ( such as surfactants and emulsifiers ) and excipients may be suspended or partially dissolved in an aqueous medium resulting in a dispersion , solution or suspension . however , the oily contrast agents are preferably made into emulsions . compositions of the present invention comprise the following pharmaceutically acceptable components based on % w / v : ______________________________________non - aqueous phase 1 - 50contrast agent 0 . 001 - 75excipient 0 - 20aids / surfactants / emulsifiers ) 0 . 01 - 15water q . s . to 100______________________________________ specific examples of the compositions of the present invention are shown in examples 34 - 36 . ______________________________________2 , 4 , 6 - triiodophenoxymethylcyclopentane 23 . 7 % ( w / v ) safflower oil 20 . 0 % ( w / v ) tween 21 2 . 5 % ( w / v ) hydroxypropylmethylcellulose ( 4000 cps ) 0 . 5 % ( w / v ) q . s . with water to 100 % volume and shake______________________________________ ______________________________________2 -( 4 - iodophenoxy ) pentadecane 55 . 3 % ( w / v ) dow corning medical antifoam af 40 . 0 % ( w / v ) q . s . with water to 100 % volume and shake______________________________________ ______________________________________2 - iodophenoxycyclopentane 25 . 9 % ( w / v ) simplesse ® dietary fat substitute 30 . 0 % ( w / v ) hydroxypropylmethylcellulose ( 4000 cps ) 0 . 5 % ( w / v ) q . s . with water to 100 % volume and shake______________________________________ the nonaqueous phase comprises vegetable oils such as safflower oil ; non - metabolizing fat substituents , such as simplesse ; fluorinated hydrocarbons , such as perfluorodecalin ; mineral oil and simethicone . excipients advantageously used in the formulations include viscosity mediating and stabilizing agents , such as microcrystalline cellulose , ethylcellulose , hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and gum arabic . physiologically acceptable substances may also be included , such as sodium citrate , sodium chloride , therapeutic substances , antacid substances and flavoring agents . the inclusion of antimicrobial / antiseptic agents such as methyl parahydroxybenzoate , ethyl parahydroxybenzoate , propyl parahydroxybenzoate , benzoic acid or sorbic acid may also be desirable in some formulations . as known by those skilled in the art , surfactants or emulsifiers can reduce the interfacial tension between two immiscible phases , i . e ., oil - in - aqueous medium . these agents can be used alone or in combination with other emulsifying agents and surfactants . for example , dow corning medical antifoam af , which is a composition of 30 % w / v polydimethylsiloxane simethicone and silica aerogel , 14 % w / v stearate emulsifiers and 0 . 075 % w / v sorbic acid , the balance being water , may be used by itself . intralipid , which is an emulsion of fatty acids needs the presence of a suspending agent for it to form an acceptable emulsion with contrast agents of the present invention . the amount of such surfactants may be in the range of from 0 . 01 to 15 % w / v of the aqueous formulations , although the amount , in general , is kept as low as possible , preferably in the range of 0 . 05 to 5 % w / v . the surface active agents may be cationic , anionic , nonionic , zwitterionic or a mixture of two or more of these agents . suitable cationic surfactants include cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide . suitable anionic agents include sodium lauryl sulphate , sodium heptadecyl sulphate , alkyl benzenesulphonic acids and salts thereof , sodium butylnapthalene sulfonate , and sulphosuccinates . zwitterionic surface active agents are substances that when dissolved in water they behave as diprotic acids and , as they ionize , they behave both as a weak base and a weak add . since the two charges on the molecule balance each other out the molecules act as neutral molecules . the ph at which the zwitterion concentration is maximum is known as the isoelectric point . compounds , such as certain amino acids having an isoelectric point at the desired ph of the formulations of the present invention are useful in practicing the present invention . in preparing the formulations of the present invention we prefer to use nonionic emulsifiers or surface active agents which , similarly to the nonionic contrast agents , possess a superior toxicological profile to that of anionic , cationic or zwitterionic agents . in the nonionic emulsifying agents the proportions of hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups are about evenly balanced . they differ from anionic and cationic surfactants by the absence of charge on the molecule and , for that reason , are generally less of an irritant than the cationic or anionic surfactants . nonionic surfactants include carboxylic esters , carboxylic amides , ethoxylated alkylphenols and ethoxylated aliphatic alcohols . one particular type of carboxylic ester nonionic surface active agents are the partial , for example mono -, esters formed by the reaction of fatty and resin acids , for example of about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms , with polyhydric alcohols , for example glycerol , glycols such as mono -, di -, tetra - and hexaethylene glycol , sorbitan , and the like ; and similar compounds formed by the direct addition of varying molar ratios of ethylene oxide to the hydroxy group of fatty acids . another type of carboxylic esters is the condensation products of fatty and resin partial acids , for example mono -, esters ethylene oxide , such as fatty or resin acid esters of polyoxyethylene sorbitan and sorbitol , for example polyoxyethylene sorbitan , monotall oil esters . these may contain , for example , from about 3 to about 80 oxyethylene units per molecule and fatty or resin acid groups of from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms . examples of naturally occurring fatty acid mixtures which may be used are those from coconut oil and tallow while examples of single fatty acids are dodecanoic acid and oleic acid . carboxylic amide nonionic surface active agents are the ammonia , monoethylamine and diethylamine amides of fatty acids having an acyl chain of from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms . the ethoxylated alkylphenol nonionic surface active agents include various polyethylene oxide condensates of alkylphenols , especially the condensation products of monoalkylphenols or dialkylphenols wherein the alkyl group contains about 6 to about 12 carbon atoms in either branched chain or particularly straight chain configuration , for example , octyl cresol , octyl phenol or nonyl phenol , with ethylene oxide , said ethylene oxide being present in amounts equal to from about 5 to about 25 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alkylphenol . ethoxylated aliphatic alcohol nonionic surface active agents include the condensation products of aliphatic alcohols having from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms in either straight chain or branched chain configuration , for example oleyl or cetyl alcohol , with ethylene oxide , said ethylene oxide being present in equal amounts from about 30 to about 60 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol . preferred nonionic surface active agents include : sorbitan esters ( sold under the trade name span ) having the formula : ## str38 ## wherein r 1 = r 2 = oh , r 3 = r for sorbitan monoesters , where ( x + 1 ) is the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain , typically : and y is the number of ethylene oxide groups in the hydrophilic chain , typically 10 - 60 . polyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters , sold under the trade names of polysorbates 20 , 40 , 60 , 65 , 80 & amp ; 85 . the dosages of the contrast agent used according to the method of the present invention will vary according to the precise nature of the contrast agent used . preferably , however , the dosage should be kept as low as is consistent with achieving contrast enhanced imaging . by employing as small amount of contrast agent as possible , toxicity potential is minimized . for most contrast agents of the present invention dosages will be in the range of from about 0 . 1 to about 16 . 0 g iodine / kg body weight , preferably in the range of from about 0 . 5 to about 6 . 0 g iodine / kg of body weight , and most preferably , in the range of from about 1 . 2 to about 2 . 0 g iodine / kg body weight for regular x - ray visualization of the gi tract . for ct scanning , the contrast agents of the present invention will be in the range of from about 1 to about 600 mg iodine / kg body weight , preferably in the range of from about 20 to about 200 mg iodine / kg body weight , and most preferably in the range of from about 40 to about 80 mg iodine / kg body weight . the concentration of the contrast agent should be in the range of from about 0 . 001 % w / v to about 75 % w / v of the formulation , preferably from about 0 . 05 % w / v to about 50 % w / v and most preferably of from about 0 . 1 % w / v to about 20 % w / v . compositions of the present invention were tested in vivo . such testing is examplified in example 37 . an emulsion consisting of 32 . 4 % ( w / v ) of 2 -( 4 - iodophenoxy )- decane and 40 . 0 % ( w / v ) dow corning medical antifoam af in water was administered orally by syringe to three fasted anesthetized rats at a dosage of 10 ml / kg . flat film x - ray images were taken at timepoints of 15 min ., 30 min , 1 hr ., 2 hrs ., 5 hrs . and 24 hrs . post administration . ( 25 - 50 ml / kg of air was added prior to the second x - ray image ). good mucosal coating , uniformity and radiodensity was observed in all portions of the gi tract , superior to barium sulfate suspensions administered under similar conditions . the invention having been fully described , it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope thereof . | 8 |
for a fuller understanding of the present invention , together with other and further objects , advantages and capabilities thereof , reference is made to the following disclosure and appended claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings . with reference to fig1 of the drawings , there is shown a color cathode ray tube ( crt ) 11 of the type employing a plural beam in - line electron gun assembly . the envelope enclosure is comprised of an integration of neck 13 , funnel 15 and face panel 17 portions . disposed on the interior surface of the face panel is a patterned cathodoluminescent screen 19 formed as a repetitive array of color - emitting phosphor components in keeping with the state of the art . a multi - opening structure 21 , such as a shadow mask , is positioned within the face panel in spatial relationship to the patterned screen . positionally encompassed within the envelope neck portion 13 , is a unitized , plural beam in - line electron gun assembly 23 , comprised of an integration of three side - by - side gun structures . emanating therefrom are three separate electron beams 25 , 27 , and 29 which are directed to discretely impinge upon the patterned screen 19 . it is within this electron gun assembly 23 that the improvement of the invention resides . specifically , the invention pertains to modification of the apertures in the low and high potential lensing electrodes of the gun assembly 23 . for purposes of illustration , the invention will be described henceforth herein as relating to usage in a uni - bi gun structure 23 , partially shown in fig2 wherein the low potential lensing electrode will be the main focusing electrode 31 , and the adjacent high potential lensing electrode will become the final accelerating electrode 33 . terminally positioned on the final accelerating electrode is a state - of - the - art plural apertured convergence cup - like member 35 . the several unitized electrodes comprising the gun assembly 23 are conventionally positioned and held in spaced relationship by a plurality of insulative support rods , not shown . the structural aspects of the invention relate to modifications of the apertures in both the main focusing electrode 31 and the spatially associated final accelerating electrode 33 since they work conjunctively to form the important final part of a distributed lensing system . the positional relationship of the two cooperating electrodes , as illustrated in the embodiment shown in fig2 shows each as having substantially linear tapered apertures , which by way of example are in partially overlapping relationship to attain maximum sized apertures in the limited lateral space available . fig9 illustrates the relationship of three basic open volumetric geometrical figures formed as cones of construction c , c 1 and c 2 whereof the parameters apply to the general formation of one embodiment of the respective apertures in each electrode . in considering this first embodiment in greater detail , reference is directed to fig3 , 5 , and 9 wherein modifications of the ( low potential ) main focusing electrode 31 are delineated . each of the three in - line partially overlapping linear tapered apertures 37 , 39 , and 41 of this electrode have sloped sidewalls 43 , 45 and 47 with frontal openings 49 , 51 , and 53 , and rearward openings 55 , 57 and 59 with separate axes 61 , 63 and 65 therethrough . as shown , particularly in fig4 , and 9 the overlapping frontal openings 49 , 51 , and 53 of the apertures are the resultants of the delineations of the partially overlapping directrices d , d 1 , and d 2 of three in - line oriented and rearwardly extending cones . such are exemplified in fig9 by cones of construction c , c 1 , and c 2 , whereof each has a respective vertex v , v 1 , and v 2 wherefrom generatrices g , g 1 and g 2 delineate the directrices d , d 1 , and d 2 , thereby defining the frontal openings . bisections of the two regions of conic overlap o and o 1 by two similar planes of conic section p and p 1 oriented parallel with the axes a , a 1 , and a 2 and normal to the in - line plane i ; and the elimination of the overlappings along the planes of geometric section p and p 1 provides two arcuate lines of intersection l and l 1 which are substantially hyperbolic in contour . the elimination of the overlapping material effects discontinuities in the peripheries of the respective overlapped directrices , and the resultant frontal openings 49 , 51 , and 53 are shown in fig3 wherein the regions of overlap are designated by broken lines . the definitive lines of conic construction , as denoted in fig9 are phantomed in fig4 and 5 to clarify structure . the arcuate lines of intersection l and l 1 effect two like parallel and arcuately contoured tapered sidewall sections 67 and 69 along the respective planes of geometric section . one of the hyperbolic contoured sections 67 recedes into the intersection of the tapered sidewalls 43 and 45 of apertures 37 and 39 , while the other hyperbolic defined section 69 recedes in like manner into the intersection of the tapered sidewalls 45 and 47 of apertures 39 and 41 . the depths of these like hyperbolic formations are designated as d in fig5 . the three rearward openings 55 , 57 , and 59 of the apertures , being of lesser dimensions than the corresponding frontal openings , are defined as separate and substantially symmetrical openings evidencing interstitial sidewall webbings 71 and 73 therebetween . these three rearward openings are delineated in fig9 as x , x 1 , and x 2 , such being formed by a plane of truncation t , which being parallel to the in - line plane i , cuts the cones beyond the regions of overlap thereby producing the truncated cones or tapered apertures . the structural modifications of the ( high potential ) final accelerating electrode 33 are of a form similar to but reversed from those already described for the main focusing electrode . with reference to fig6 , 8 , and 9 , the three in - line partially overlapping tapered apertures 75 , 77 , and 79 have sloped sidewalls 81 , 83 , and 85 with forward openings 87 , 89 , and 91 , and greater dimensioned aft openings 93 , 95 , and 97 with separate axes 99 , 101 , and 103 therethrough . the overlapping aft openings of the apertures as denoted in fig6 are the resultants of the delineations of the partially overlapping directrices d , d 1 , and d 2 of the overlapping cones of construction c , c 1 , and c 2 , as shown in fig9 . the described bisection and elimination of the overlapped conical material effects two like parallel and arcuately contoured tapered sidewall sections 105 and 107 . one of these hyperbolic contoured sections 105 recedes into the intersection of the tapered sidewalls 81 and 83 of the apertures 75 and 77 , while the other hyperbolic defined section 107 recedes in like manner into the intersection of the tapered sidewalls 83 and 85 of the apertures 77 and 79 . the depths of these like hyperbolic formations are denoted as d 1 in fig8 . the definitive lines of conic construction , as denoted in fig9 are also phantomed in fig7 and 8 to clarify structure . the three forward openings 87 , 89 , and 91 of the apertures , being of lesser dimensions than the corresponding aft openings , are defined as separate and substantially symmetrical openings evidencing interstitial sidewall webbings 109 and 111 therebetween . as previously described , these aft openings are delineated in fig9 as x , x 1 , and x 2 by the plane of truncation t , which cuts the cones beyond the regions of overlap thereby effecting the truncated cones or tapered apertures 75 , 77 , and 79 . as shown in fig4 and 7 , the tapered apertures in both electrodes evidence angles of taper ∠ θ that are substantially within the range of 50 to 70 degrees with the plane of aperture z . such is determined by the size of openings desired at the plane of truncation t , and by the amount of sidewall interstitial webbing required to maintain consistent apertural openings thereat . these considerations also determine aperture depths e and e 1 . in the examples shown , the conically tapered apertures in both the main focusing and the final accelerating electrodes evidence substantially similar angles of taper , but such is not to be considered limiting . as illustrated in fig4 and 5 , the rearward openings 55 , 57 and 59 of the conically tapered apertures in the main focusing electrode 31 evidence relatively short contiguous open ring - like formations 56 , 58 , and 60 which project rearward therefrom as substantially like internally - dimensioned aperture - defining and strengthening extensions thereof . similarly , the forward openings 87 , 89 , and 91 of the tapered apertures in the final accelerating electrode 33 likewise evidence relatively short contiguous open ring - like formations 88 , 90 , and 92 which project forward therefrom as substantially like internally - dimensioned aperture - defining and strengthening extensions thereof . in the respective electrodes these extensions exhibit heights of h and h 1 . the final lensing of each of the electron beams is accomplished as shown in fig2 by the larger - than - usual lenses formed interspatially between the main focusing electrode 31 and the final accelerating electrode 33 ; the influencing fields of which extend into the opposed cavities of the respective facially - oriented tapered apertures . thus , these conically tapered partially overlapping apertures effect maximum utilization of the respective electrode areas available . for example , in a typical mini - neck main focusing electrode , the open aperture size can be increased from a normal diameter of substantially 0 . 140 inch ( 3 . 55 mm ) to a beneficially larger diameter of substantially 0 . 220 inch ( 5 . 588 mm ). dimensional changes of this sort are quite significant in small compacted crt electron gun assemblies . it has been found that utilization of tapered overlapping apertures in the final accelerating electrode , that are of slightly larger dimensions than the similarly shaped apertures in the main focusing electrode results in the formation of lenses exhibiting significantly superior lensing characteristics . such lensing provides a marked improvement ( typically approximately a 25 percent reduction ) in the size of beam spot landings in comparison with those realized by conventional straight - through electrode apertures . an exemplary usage of the invention is presented as employed in a mini - neck gun assembly . the inter - electrode spacing between the low potential main focusing electrode 31 and the high potential final accelerating electrode 33 is substantially 0 . 040 inch ( 1 . 016 mm ). the main focusing electrode potential is substantially within the range of 25 to 35 percent of the final accelerating electrode potential . in this instance , the angle of taper ∠ θ in the frustum - like apertures of both electrodes is substantially 60 °. exemplary apertural dimensions are substantially as follows : ______________________________________ dimensions in the order of : ______________________________________final accelerating electrode ( 33 ) beam spacings ( s . sup . 2 ) center - to - 0 . 182 inch ( 4 . 623 mm ) centerdia . ( f . sup . 1 ) of aft openings 0 . 250 inch ( 6 . 350 mm )( 93 , 95 and 97 ) dia . ( f . sup . 1 ) of forward openings 0 . 150 inch ( 3 . 810 mm )( 87 , 89 and 91 )* depth ( d . sup . 1 ) of hyperbolic 0 . 059 inch ( 1 . 499 mm ) intersections ( 105 and 107 ) main focusing electrode ( 31 ) beam spacings ( s . sup . 1 ) center - to - 0 . 177 inch ( 1 . 956 mm ) centerdia . ( f ) of frontal openings 0 . 220 inch ( 5 . 588 mm )( 45 , 51 , and 53 ) dia . ( f ) of rearward openings 0 . 140 inch ( 3 . 556 mm )( 55 , 57 , and 59 )* depth ( d ) of hyperbolic 0 . 037 inch ( 0 . 940 mm ) intersections ( 67 and 69 ) ______________________________________ * the depths d and d . sup . 1 of the respective hyperbolic intersections d ( 6 and 69 ) and d . sup . 1 ( 105 and 107 ) are calculated as follows : ## str1 ##- it is to be understood that the foregoing exemplary dimensions are not to be considered limiting to the concept of the invention . another embodiment of the invention , as shown in fig1 and 14 , relates for example to a ( low potential ) main focusing in - line electrode 121 wherein arcuately tapered apertures are incorporated . each of the three partially overlapping apertures 123 , 125 , and 127 of this embodiment evidences arcuately sloped sidewalls 129 , 131 , and 133 with frontal openings 135 , 137 , and 139 , and rearward openings 157 , 159 , and 161 . the frontal view into the plane of apertures z is similar to that of the first embodiment as evidenced in fig3 . the tapers of the curved or arcuate sidewalls of the apertures 123 , 125 , and 127 are resultants of partially overlapping substantially hemispherical geometrical figures of construction , such being formed by individual radii 141 , 143 , and 145 emanating from respective centers 147 , 149 , and 151 located in common plane w . as exemplarily shown , common plane w is parallel with and slightly removed from the plane of apertures z , such being in the order of 0 . 015 - 0 . 025 inch ( 0 . 38 - 0 . 64 mm ). but , such is not to be considered limiting , as in certain instances , the two planes may be substantially coincident . the overlapping of the in - line hemispherical figures provides two like parallel and arcuately contoured tapered sidewall sections 153 and 155 along the respective planes of geometric section , such intersection being substantially semi - circular in contour as shown by notation 155 in fig1 . the three rearward openings 157 , 159 , and 161 of the apertures , being of lesser dimensions than the corresponding frontal openings , are defined as separate and substantially symmetrical openings evidencing interstitial sidewall webbings 163 and 165 therebetween . these three rearward openings are formed by the plane of truncation t which , being parallel to the in - line plane of apertures z , cuts each of the substantially hemispherical figures beyond the regions of overlap , thereby separating each figure into a utilized basal truncated portion 167 and a discarded terminal portion 169 . thus , the resultant truncated portions form the respective curved - surface apertures of the electrode . in the first described embodiments of the invention , the apertural modifications of the associated ( high potential ) final accelerating electrode were formed similarly to those evidenced in the main focusing electrode . likewise , in this embodiment the apertures in final accelerating electrode are of partial hemispherical delineations but reversed from those described for the main focusing electrode . since the description for the first embodiment states the general thesis of the relationship between the associated focusing and accelerating electrodes , along with exemplary dimensions thereof , further description is not deemed necessary herewith . in both embodiments , the electrode members per se are fabricated , for example , as one - piece elements , being drawn from sheet material of substantially 8 to 15 mil thickness . suitable material is the 300 series of stainless steel , whereof type 305 is particularly well suited for drawing applications . in the above described embodiments , the respective aperture shaping delineations , resultant of geometrical figures in the form of either substantially linear tapered conical or arcuate tapered substantially hemispherical truncated manifestations , expeditiously effect conjunctive inter - electrode spatial volumes necessary to adequately accommodate the formation of desirably large focusing lenses . in addition , partial overlapping of the geometrical figures of construction beneficially maximizes the respective lensing areas . inclusion of the conjunctive apertural modifications in both of the electrodes which generate the final lenses , as described , provides small beam spot landings heretofore not attained . if the tapered overlapping apertures were incorporated in only the main focusing electrode , smaller than normal spot sizes would be realized , but they would tend to exhibit horizontally oriented oval shapings 113 somewhat as generalized in fig1 . counter thereto , if the apertural modifications were effected in only the final accelerating electrode , the defined spots would tend to be vertically oriented oval shapings 115 somewhat as shown in fig1 . however , when the tapered apertures are employed as cooperating structures in both electrodes as described , the resultant spot landings are small , substantially round and well defined formations 117 substantially free of asigmatic influence as illustrated in fig1 . while there have been shown and described what are at present considered to be the preferred embodiments of the invention , it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims . for example , while substantially conically and spherically tapered apertural sidewall embodiments have been shown and described herein , the concept of the invention is intended to have sufficient breadth to also include other apertural sidewall tapers such as , hyperboloidal , paraboloidal , ovoidal , either concave or convex , and combinations thereof . furthermore , it is not necessary that all apertures in the respective electrodes be of the same shapings . | 7 |
as can be seen from fig1 the auto glass pane 1 , which may be , e . g ., a windshield or a rear - window pane , is glued to the emplacement flange 2 of the window - frame 3 by means of the adhesive bead 4 and nested within the frame . on the glass pane 1 , a frame - type coating 5 made of a non - transparent material , particularly of a baked ceramic , is applied along the edge . between the adhesive bead 4 and the surfaces of the glass pane 1 , and also between the adhesive bead 4 and the emplacement flange 2 , to which the adhesive bead sticks , one or more adhesion - enhancing layers may be applied in a known manner . particularly suitable as adhesive materials are moisture curable single - component polyurethane systems , such as are described , e . g ., in us - ps no . 3 , 779 , 794 . these adhesive masses are deposited in the marginal area of the glass pane with the aid of suitable extrusion nozzles , as known , e . g ., from german patent application no . 2 . 730 . 831 . within the adhesive bead 4 is installed a hose 7 made of an elastic expandable plastic material , particularly of a suitable synthetic . in the embodiment shown in fig1 the hose 7 is located in the area of the adhesive bead 4 adjacent to the glass pane . the hose 7 exhibits a flat cross section , but it may also have a different cross - section , particularly a round one . the hose 7 is surrounded on all sides by an adhesive mass which is sufficiently thick so that required mechanical firmness and the tightness of the connection defined by the bead 4 are provided all around the circumference thereof . if the glass pane is to be removed , a hollow needle 9 is inserted through the adhesive mass of the adhesive bead 4 into the hose 7 , and with the aid of this needle 9 , which is connected by means of a hose with an air pressure line , the hollow space 8 of the hose 7 is pressurized . this super - pressure , as is shown in fig2 causes a strong expansion of the hose 7 and the adhesive bead 4 , which consists of a permanently elastic material . this expansion , which has a significant component in the direction perpendicular to the glass pane 1 , causes the glass pane 1 to be pressed out of the fold of the window - frame 3 , in the course of which the cross section of the adhesive bead 4 is reduced perpendicularly to the direction of the expansion . the expanded distance between the glass pane 1 and the emplacement flange 2 , which is obtained in this way , and also the resulting area reduction of the adhesive bead make it considerably easier to then separate the adhesive bead 4 adjacent to the hose 7 which is filled with air pressure , for example with the aid of a cutting tool 10 . a similar procedure is used for the embodiment shown in fig3 and 4 . in this case too the connection between the glass pane 1 and the emplacement flange 2 is effected by an adhesive bead , in which the hose 12 made of an elastic material is embedded . in this case , if the glass pane is to be removed , the hollow space 13 of the hose 12 is filled by means of the hollow needle 9 not with a compressed gas but with pressurized liquid which rigidifies after a certain period . liquids suitable for this purpose include , e . g ., molten solid paraffin or hard wax , or hardening twin - component synthetic systems . under the effect of the super - pressure of the liquid , the hose 12 and the adhesive bead 4 expand , in the course of which the force component which raises the glass pane 1 in a perpendicular manner presses the glass pane 1 altogether out of the window - frame 3 . when the glass pane 1 has emerged sufficiently far out of the window frame fold that the adhesive bead 4 can be separated from the outside of the vehicle , one first waits until the liquid has rigidified in the hollow space 13 of the hose 12 . thereupon , the adhesive bead 4 is separated with the aid of a cutting tool 10 , whereby in this case the hose 12 which is filled with the rigidified filler mass can be directly cut through without any disadvantage , since the rigidified filler continues to hold the glass pane 1 at the desired distance . a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention is shown in fig5 . in this case , the adhesive bead connecting the glass pane 1 with the emplacement flange 2 consists of two partial beads 14 and 16 . the partial bead 14 is applied to the glass pane 1 with the intermediate introduction of the frame - like coating 5 . due to the two protruding delimitation flanges 15 , the partial bead 14 has a u - shaped cross - section . this partial bead 14 is applied to the glass pane 1 in a procedural step preceding the gluing onto the auto body ; in fact , it is useful to do so immediately after the manufacture of the glass pane 1 in the production plant for glass panes . in this way , the glass pane 1 is pre - equipped with a hardened adhesive - section partial bead 14 , which carries with it a number of advantages for the actual installation procedure into the auto body . during the installation procedure , the second partial bead 16 is applied in the channel of the section - partial bead 14 formed by the delimitation flanges 15 , with the aid of an extrusion nozzle , whereupon the glass pane is installed in the normal manner . a hose 18 made of an elastic material is embedded in the partial bead 14 . it is useful for the embedding of this hose 18 to occur in such a manner that a part of the hose cross - section protrudes out of the surface of the section - adhesive partial bead 14 , so that the partial bead 16 is directly in contact with this protruding portion of the hose 18 . the adhesive masses forming the partial bead 14 and the partial bead 16 can usefully be made to correspond to each other in such a way that the adhesion at the interface between these two partial beads is lower than the cohesion within the material of each partial bead . such a targeted lower adhesion can e . g . also be obtained by a targeted chamical or physical treatment of the surface of the hardened partial bead 14 prior to the application of the partial bead 16 . in this manner , the interface between the two partial beads 14 and 16 constitutes a weak point along which a partial or complete separation of the two partial beads from one another can occur when the hollow space 19 of the hose 18 is filled with a pressure medium , e . g ., compressed air . it is also possible to do without the hose - shaped body in the adhesive bead , and instead to form a hollow space in the adhesive bead itself , e . g ., with the aid of a suitable extrusion nozzle , which will be described below in reference to fig6 and 7 . in fig6 and 7 , the nozzle 20 of an extrusion device is suited for the deposit of a bead containing a hollow space 22 . the nozzle 20 is designed in a tube - shape , e . g ., it has a square - shaped cross - section , and is placed vertically upon the glass pane 1 and moved across the marginal area of the glass pane to be coated in the direction of the arrow f . on the back side of the nozzle , the wall 25 is provided with a calibrated recess 26 through which the adhesive mass 24 exits and forms the section - bead 23 . opposite from the recess 26 which constitutes the mouth of the nozzle , a pin 28 attached to wall 27 intrudes into the recess 26 , by means of which a desired hollow space 22 is formed in the extruded section - bead 23 . moreover , the hollow space 22 inside the adhesive bead can be used for other purposes . if , for example , a moisture - hardening adhesive system is utilized , it is also possible to introduce water - vapor - saturated air through the hollow space , again with the aid of a hollow needle , while ensuring the ventilation of the hollow space through a second hollow needle . in this manner , the hardening process of the adhesive can be accelerated considerably . this procedure can also be utilized if the hollow space is formed by a hose embedded in the adhesive mass ; in this case , however , the hose would have to be permeable for the water vapor molecules , so that the latter can diffuse through the wall of the hose into the adhesive mass . a device by means of which glass panes with an adhesive bead can be provided with an embedded hose 18 is shown in fig8 . the extrusion nozzle 30 , which is passed in the direction of the arrow f across the glass pane 1 is provided with a calibrated nozzle opening 31 through which the adhesive mass exits in the form of the section - bead 32 . on the side of the nozzle 30 opposite from the nozzle opening 31 , a guide and pressure roll 34 is installed so as to be rotatable about an axis fixed relative to the wall of the nozzle . the pressure roll 34 is provided around its circumference with a channel with which it grips the hose 18 . by means of this roll 34 , the hose 18 is steered out of the vertical direction into the horizontal direction and led into the nozzle 30 , and thus exits from the calibrated nozzle opening 31 , together with the extruded adhesive bead ; in fact , embedded in the latter . the hose 18 is unrolled from a supply roll 36 installed on the extrusion nozzle and passed to the pressure roll 34 by means of the driver roller pair 38 . this driver roller pair 38 is driven by the motor 40 , which is controlled by a controller ( not shown ) sensitive to the speed of the nozzle 30 , at such a velocity that the hose 18 is passed to the pressure roll 34 at the same velocity at which the nozzle 30 moves across the glass pane in the direction of the arrow f . the embodiments described concern only the installation of auto glass panes into the window opening of an auto body . however , the invention can with the same advantages be used in the fenestration of other vehicles or in high - rise construction -- i . e ., anywhere where the installation of glass panes into a window frame occurs with the aid of an adhesive connection . in the embodiments described , the adhesive bead containing the hollow space was in all cases placed on the glass pane . obviously , however , it is equally possible to place the adhesive bead containing the hollow space onto the emplacement flange of the window - frame . obviously , numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings . it is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims , the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein . | 1 |
this invention relates to a method of treating bioorganic and / or wastewater sludge designed to detoxify , stabilize and beneficiate the sludge so that it can be safely used as a soil or applied as a fertilizer in agriculture . in accordance with the invention , a method of treating bioorganic and / or wastewater sludge to provide a stable product for use as a beneficial soil or fertilizer for agricultural lands comprises the steps of ; treating the bioorganic and / or wastewater sludge with a highly adsorbent material so that odorant sludge organics and inorganics are bound to the adsorbent particles , adjusting the ph so that it is in the range of 7 . 0 - 9 . 5 , adjusting the conductivity of the sludge mixture such that it is raised to between 5 and 30 mmhos , adjusting the solids to a minimum of 50 %, thereafter treating the sludge , if necessary , because of the absence of a sufficient microflora , with a soil or an aged sludge product of this invention or a microbial culture so that the normal micro flora of the soil , the sludge product or the culture is seeded directly into the sludge mixture , and permitting the sludge mixture for a time sufficient to allow the microbial population under influence of the conductivity range to establish and to commence catabolizing the organics present in the sludge , to continue the odor reduction initially begun by the addition of the adsorptive material , to prevent pathogen regrowth , and to continue to carbonate any residual calcium hydroxide or oxide components . the method further optionally includes the steps of treating the sludge with activated carbon to further reduce the odor . the sludge treated may be raw sludge , bioorganic sludge or psrp or pfrp sludge . in accordance with the invention , as illustrated in fig1 the process comprises the steps of further treating bioorganic and / or wastewater sludges after they have been dewatered ( raw ) and either processed to a psrp level or pasteurized or sterilized level so that they achieve the us environmental protection agency &# 39 ; s pfrp standard for pathogen reduction , by treating the sludge with an adsorbent material , e . g ., ckd or fly ash to a level of between 30 % and 60 % of the wet weight of the sludge by adjusting the conductivity to a range greater than 5 mmhos but less than 30 mmhos , by adjusting the ph of the sludge to a range of between 7 and 9 . 5 , by further drying the sludge , if necessary , by heating which if the sludge is not of pfrp quality be carried out so that the sludge is brought to a temperature greater than 85 ° c . for several minutes , by seeding the sludge , if necessary , so that a soil like microflora develops and by effecting additional odor control by the addition of 1 - 5 % activated carbon to the sludge mixture . this enables subsequent catabolism of unstable organics and further reduces and controls the long term odor of the treated sludge mixture so that the product odor develops a soil - like intensity and prevents the regrowth of pathogenic microorganisms and maintains stability in the sludge mixture . this beneficiating treatment will also have the desirable effect of significantly reducing the emission of ammonia nitrogen from the treated sludge product . the product is useful as a soil substitute , an agricultural limestone substitute or as a fertilizer . fig1 additionally shows that this invention essentially operates in three phases , and &# 34 ; activation &# 34 ; phase where additions to the sludge are made , a &# 34 ; conditioning &# 34 ; phase where drying to increase solids percentage is conducted and the indigenous microflora is inoculated and finally a &# 34 ; maturation &# 34 ; phase wherein the treated sludge achieves stability . the importance of a ph adjustment of the treated sludge is illustrated by fig2 . in this figure a alkaline pasteurized sludge contained very little microflora at its inherent ph 3 days after manufacture , however when that same sludge was adjusted to a physiological tolerant range of ph 7 to 9 . 5 the microflora was able to rapidly increase to over 1 million per gram dry weight sludge ( gdws ). fig3 teaches that an alkaline pasteurized sludge , normally found at a ph greater than 12 shortly after production , after adjustment by exposure to carbon dioxide possessed approximate bioactivity exhibited by a surface agricultural soil . this bioactivity is important to its soil fertility value . the enhanced soil - like bioactivity of a ph adjusted sludge over a freshly produced alkaline pasteurized sludge is also shown in fig4 when the parameter of atp ( adenosine triphosphate ) levels was measured with the luciferase assay . fig5 shows that addition of a wide range of percentages ( based on wet weight ) of soil will successfully introduce a stable microflora into a previously sterilized sludge . this invention teaches that this microflora is extremely important in maintenance of long term stability . fig6 shows that this normal micro flora is very important in preventing the establishment of a pathogenic bacterial population in the treated sludge . this form of stability is consistent with the behavior of a true soil . if a sludge product is to be exposed to the public then this indigenous microorganism type of pathogen control is very important . fig7 illustrates that conductivity is higher in a stable cement kiln dust alkaline pasteurized sludge produced under the trade name n - viro soil ( trademark of n - viro energy systems , limited ). this increased salts content over that found in digested sludges and raw sludges is partially responsible for maintaining treated sludge stability in terms of limiting the production of microorganisms in the sludge product to soil - like levels even when more organic nutrients are present as compared to agricultural soil . fig8 shows that certain salts are superior to others with regard to , by themselves , raising the conductivity of a solution to the desired range of 5000 to 30000 umhos . the important teaching is that caco 3 cannot raise the conductivity to the desired range . this is significant because the use of this material alone to stabilize sludges will not result in an appropriate level of conductivity for long term stability . calcium oxide treatment of sludges will , when such treated sludges are exposed to air , result in the calcium oxide and hydroxide being converted to calcium carbonate . fig8 shows this conversion will therefore cause an instability in the final sludge product due to the resultant inadequate conductivity . loss of this conductivity will contribute to loss of inhibitory control of the microflora population in the treated sludge product . fig9 shows how the present invention could be deployed to process on a continuous basis an incoming sludge cake . a receiver hopper 21 contains , in the preferred embodiment , a sludge cake of between 12 percent and 30 percent solids . the conveyor 22 transports the sludge into a closed building 23 with controlled fresh air input 24 to an initial mixing apparatus during which the sludge receives the dosage of adsorptive material , e . g . ckd 25 and calcium sulfate 26 which will also raise the conductivity of the sludge to the required range , and a material such as nitric acid source 27 to adjust the ph to within the proscribed range . following this screw blending 28 , the material may be dried by exposure and / or heated to near sterility in an agitating mechanism , such as a drum 29 or conveyor , or dried by passing warmed air ( valve 31 from a source 32 ) through the mechanism . after exiting the drum 27 , the microbial addition is either a soil 33 or a bacterial culture or an aged treated sludge which has been treated in the manner of the present invention so that it can , on its own , serve as an inoculum for introduction of an indigenous microflora into the treated sludge . optionally , the sludge product can be treated with activated charcoal 34 for odor polishing . finally , the treated sludge product is conveyed out of the building to a stockpile 38 for maturation of a minimum of 1 day prior to shipment or storage . all air and gaseous emissions from both the drum dryer 29 and the building may be scrubbed 36 before clean air is emitted to the environment . recent experiments have shown that if co 2 gas is passed over the surface of an alkaline pasteurized sludge during agitation the ph of the sludge will drop from over ph 12 to a ph of approximately 7 to 9 . 5 . the fact that low level heat could be employed without destroying the seeded or indigenous microbial population led to the proposal that the input gas be heated prior to its exposure to the sludge mixture . heating of the co 2 and air input gases may be accomplished without the sludge temperature ever exceeding 62 ° c . the rotating drum processor ( fig1 ) allowed laboratory measurements of ph and percent solids processing with gases and with continuous mechanical agitation . experiments with this rotary mixer showed that 1 hr of co 2 exposure coupled with two hours of high velocity air caused a high alkaline sludge that had a ph of over 13 to drop to ph 9 ( see fig1 ). this ph is sufficient to block discharge of ammonia from the alkaline pasteurized treated anaerobically - digested sludge cake ( fig1 ) and very little ammonia was detectable after the treatment . a corresponding increase in the percent solids of the drum processed alkaline pasteurized sludge product was also measured ( fig1 ). these results suggest that the co 2 input gas phase of the method caused little drying as compared to that of the air input phase ( fig1 ). this teaching is different from that shown by wurtz ( u . s . pat . no . 4 , 997 , 572 ) wherein he showed the co 2 to dry the sludge and create a pellet which has a high green strength . fig1 shows that an alkaline treated sludge containing excess calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide is detrimental to the ph balance of a surface of an agricultural soil . 0n the other hand , a cement kiln dust treated sludge product applied at the same rate did not cause such caustic ph shifts . serious damage may be done to soil microorganism populations by excess toxic oxides and hydroxides . such ph soil elevation significantly minimizes the value of alkaline treated sludge products in agricultural applications . the significance of these data is that short term continuous pass through processing a previously treated sludge with the addition of a combination of materials to a ) adsorb odorant substances ; b ) raise the conductivity of the sludge mixture ; c ) adjust the ph between 7 and 9 . 5 ; d ) to increase the solids content of the sludge mixture to greater than 50 % with granulation and e ) to seed , if necessary , a soil like microflora from soil or culture could indefinitely stabilize the sludge mixture and could replace up to 10 days of windrowing the traditional alkaline pasteurized sludge and at the same time eliminate significant amounts of ammonia emissions . the resultant product has soil - like properties in that it is granular , has a soil - like odor , has an enhanced useful nitrogen fertilizer value over high alkaline treated sludges and a microbial population that will facilitate odor control , long term stability , prevention of pathogen regrowth and add fertility value . a dewatered wastewater sludge ( 20 % solids ) is sterilized by a high heat process . this sludge is then to be processed through the present invention for the development of long term stability . this sludge is initially mixed with a highly adsorbent material , e . g ., cement kiln dust and / or gypsum to bind the odor causing organics present in the treated sludge . this mixture is then adjusted to a conductivity of greater than 5 but less than 30 mmhos by the addition of one or more of the above materials or the following materials : cement kiln dust , lime kiln dust , fluidized bed ash , dry sulfur scrubbing residue , slag fines , pulverized calcium carbonate , fly ash , gypsum , sodium chloride , potassium chloride , calcium chloride , ammonium sulfate , or a combination thereof . the total amount of material added to this point is usually between 40 % and 60 % of the wet weight of the sludge . if , after adding the above material , the ph of the mixture is not between 7 and 9 . 5 it should be adjusted to that level by adding the necessary amount of an appropriate second material . to raise the ph the material should be selected from the group : cement kiln dust , lime kiln dust , calcium oxide , calcium hydroxide , fluidized bed ash , dry sulfur scrubbing residue , slag fines , pulverized calcium carbonate , fly ash , gypsum , or any combination thereof . to lower the ph , the material should be selected from the group : acids , alum , alum sludge , sodium bicarbonate , ammonium sulfate , yard waste , mineral soil or any combination thereof . if soil was not used in the above mixtures , then it may be used as an inoculum for introducing a soil - like indigenous microflora into the sludge mixture . research has shown that an inoculum of between 1 % and 50 % soil will serve as an effective starter for establishment of the microbial population . alternatively the microbial inoculum may be obtained by adding an aged sludge product of this present invention or by directly adding a selected microbial population produced in culture . following the blending of the microbial inoculum with the sludge mixture the final sludge product should contain greater than 50 percent solids , should be granular , should be stable independent of climatic conditions and should have achieved an acceptable odor . additional odor &# 34 ; polishing &# 34 ; can be accomplished by the addition of 1 to 5 percent activated carbon . the final product will mature with time after introduction of the microbes prior to its being utilized as a soil substitute or as a fertilizer . the longer the product is left to mature the more it will resemble soil as the microbial catabolism mineralizes the available sludge organics and improves the product odor to be more soil - like . in this example the sludge to be stabilized has been processed through one of the high heat (& gt ; 70 ° c .) calcium oxide pasteurization procedures . such sludges will retain a reduced microflora predominantly comprised of heat resistant bacterial spore - forming species and not a flora representative of an agricultural soil . in the preferred embodiment , a material appropriate to reduce the ph of the sludge mixture would be selected , e . g ., hydrochloric acid , so that any residual calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide remaining from the initial treatment would be neutralized and the resultant ph would be within the range of ph 7 to 9 . 5 . once the calcium oxide and hydroxide are removed , the invention would next process this sludge by adjusting the conductivity to within the specified range of 5 to 30 mmhos as specified in example 1 . finally , a soil inoculum of 20 % by volume would be blended into the treated sludge to provide a stable soil microflora and additional odor adsorption and granulating basis . in the preferred embodiment , 2 % activated carbon is blended into the sludge mixture for optimum odor control . this mixture would be left to mature preferably for more than 1 day prior to market . in this example , a raw sludge of 20 % solids was processed to stability using the present invention . the sludge was initially mixed with 20 % fly ash for organic adsorption and 20 % gypsum ( calcium sulfate ) to provide the necessary conductivity . because gypsum often contains amounts of calcium oxide resulting in a high ph sludge mixture the ph should be reduced to about ph 8 . 5 . in this example , nitric acid was used . this mixture was then heated to 95 ° c . for 5 minutes in a drum agitator and simultaneously dried to 60 % solids by passing heated air through a heated drum . because this sludge requires a subsequent addition of a soil microflora because of the near sterilizing heat conditions employed , a 10 % agricultural soil is blended into the product which serves to adsorb odors , to additionally dry and granulate the now pfrp sludge and to add an appropriate soil micro flora . the optimally adjusted treated sludge is then stockpiled until marketed . in this example a dewatered sludge was treated by the process of u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 781 , 842 and 4 , 902 , 431 but without carrying out the windrow / aeration step that is described in that patent . the ph is next adjusted to ph 8 . 0 to 9 . 5 by exposing the treated sludge to a carbon dioxide containing gas as outlined in fig9 above . then the treated sludge is tested for conductivity level and if low , the conductivity is to be adjusted to the required range ( optimally at 14 mmhos ) using calcium chloride or one of the alternate materials listed earlier . such treatment will have the beneficiating property of lowering the ph to a physiological range allowing the surviving microflora to proliferate to soil levels and will eliminate the majority of the ammonia emissions that would occur if the treated sludge were left at its original post treatment ph of 11 or greater . the sludge mixture is blended with 3 % activated carbon for additional odor control . the optimally adjusted treated sludge may then be stockpiled indefinitely prior to use . in this example a dewatered sludge was treated by the process of u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 781 , 842 and 4 , 902 , 431 but without carrying out the windrow / aeration step that is described in those patents . after testing and adjusting , if necessary , the sludge mixture for appropriate conductivity , the sludge mixture is adjusted to a ph of 8 . 5 by adding a small amount of nitric acid and 20 percent by wet weight of a yard waste material and a 5 percent addition of an agricultural soil . the optimally adjusted treated sludge is then stockpiled for an additional day prior to use . in this example , the product of this invention was added as an odor reducing agent to a composting yard waste at the rate of a minimum of 10 percent and preferably 25 % of the compost wet weight . use of lime has been known to reduce odor in composting yard waste but the amount that is possible to add is very limited because of the inhibitory high ph that will develop causing a toxicity to bacteria responsible for composting action . such a restriction will not be necessary in the use of the product of this invention . in addition to reducing the odors emitting from the compost the addition of the stabilized sludge product to the compost will improve the carbon / nitrogen ratio ( elevating the nitrogen thereby lowering the ratio ) which enhances the metabolic composting action . in this example , a sludge comprised of a mycelial product residual from the production of an antibiotic by a pharmaceutical firm of 20 % solids ( 22 wet tons ) was processed in a demonstration to stability using the present invention . the sludge was initially mixed with 62 % lime kiln dust ( 13 . 8 tons ) for organic adsorption and to provide the necessary conductivity . the lime kiln dust used contained sufficient amounts of calcium oxide to product a pasteurizing heat of 52 ° c . this treatment resulted in a ph of 12 . 3 in the sludge mixture which was subsequently reduced to physiological levels by carbonation with atmospheric carbon dioxide . in a laboratory pilot for this process this mycelial sludge - alkaline admixture product was treated with nitric acid to reduce the ph to less than ph 9 . conductivity was increased rom 1 . 1 to 6 . 4 mmhos / cm with this treatment . a full scale operation would contain an acid neutralization process as illustrated in fig9 . because this sludge mixture requires a subsequent addition of a soil microflora because the product was the result of an industrial production using a microbial single species , a 10 % fresh agricultural soil was blended into the product which additionally served to adsorb odors , to dry and to granulate the now usepa class a sludge . the optimally adjusted treated sludge was then stockpiled and stored exposed to the weather . in this example , a sludge comprised of a bacterial production residual ( escherichia coli ) at 34 % solids was processed to stability using the present invention . the sludge was initially mixed with 35 % cement kiln dust for organic adsorption , 8 % quick lime for pasteurization heat according to u . s . patent and 10 % additional gypsum ( calcium sulfate ) to provide additional necessary conductivity . this mixture was then dried to 64 % solids . the length of treatment may be varied dependent upon the final ph desired for the mixture . because this sludge requires a subsequent addition of a soil microflora because of the unispecies nature of the original sludge and the absence of a soil microflora , a 10 % agricultural soil is blended into the product . the added microflora , measured at 1 . 2 × 10 6 per gram dry wt product , will have the additional advantage of continuing the carbonation process through its production of co 2 from its metabolism in the stabilized sludge product . because of the balanced ecology created in this adjusted treated sludge , the product can be stockpiled indefinitely until marketed . in this example a sludge comprised of a recycled paper residual made predominantly from newsprint and paper towels was mixed with 35 % fluidized bed ash , 8 % calcium oxide along with 5 % gypsum for granulation and conductivity . conductivity was increased from 0 . 4 mmhos for the bioorganic sludge alone to 11 . 5 mmhos in the product . drying was carried out by moving the mixture through a gas - heated rotating drum until it reached 68 percent solids . the ph of the product was reduced to ph 8 . 8 by treating the mixture with a carbon dioxide containing gas in a rotating drum . a broad spectrum of gram - positive and gram - negative microbial flora was introduced by adding fresh agricultural soil at the rate of 5 percent of the weight of the mixed product . the final product had an acceptable odor and was very granular . the material was not easily compactable , was not sticky and could be marketed as an agricultural limestone equivalent or a soil amendment . | 8 |
fig1 shows a sand spreading vehicle 1 with a store 2 of sand 12 which is fed via a conveyor belt 5 and a sand shaft 6 to a scattering plate 7 which is a rotating disc which centrifugally slings the sand out . the sand then falls onto the surface 4 coated with snow , ice or the like 3 which is to be sanded . the sanding and the sand spreading vehicle are controlled from a driver cabin 13 . fig2 shows how the sand shaft 6 , in the form of an elongate , narrow tube of rectangular cross section and the scattering plate 7 are centrally mounted at the rear of the spreading vehicle 1 . the sand spreading vehicle is not described further here as vehicles of this type are well known . additionally , there are a number of different variants of such vehicles in existence . thus the sand , for example , can be transported with a screw instead of the conveyer belt 5 . furthermore , the sand shaft 6 can have different forms . still further , the sand spreading vehicle 1 can have more than one scattering plate 7 and more than one sand shaft 6 . a plurality of gas burners 8 , which heat the sand prior to it falling through the sand shaft 6 , are mounted adjacent the outlet for the sand 12 , above the sand shaft 6 . the elongate , narrow tube - like form of the sand shaft 6 and the consequent confinement of the sand stream to a relatively limited area provide maximal utilization of the capacity of the burners 8 . the burners 8 are directed downwardly into the sand shaft 6 such that the flames from the burners 8 are mixed with the flowing sand . as the sand 12 falls through the sand shaft 6 , the sand grains are separated with respect to their distance from each other . the blast effect obtained from the stream of combustion gases from the burners 8 further facilitates this separation process and provides direct contact between the flames and the individual sand grains which gives optimal heat transfer . the flames of the burners 8 follow the sand shaft 6 right down to the scattering plate 7 which provides the sand grains with a maximally long residence time in the hot flame . additionally , agglomerates of sand grains are split up when they are heated in this fashion . the hot sand grains , charged with heat energy , are immediately scattered by the scattering plate 7 down onto the ground . in this way , the holding time of the sand grains , between heating and contact with the ground is minimized . the heat energy stored in the sand grains is sufficient to solidly melt them onto the surface of , for example , the ice layer on an airplane runway . advantageously , sifted and washed sand having a sand grain diameter of 1 - 3 mm is used for sanding , in accordance with the norms used on swedish airfields . according to known thermodynamic principles , the greater the surface area / volume of the sand grains , or in other words the smaller their diameter , the easier it is to heat them . however , the sand grains should not be so small that they fail to function well as a coating on , for example , a runway , depending on the grip ( the friction coefficient against tires ) and blasting effect of the landing airplane . in practical tests , sand grains with a diameter of 1 - 3 mm have shown themselves to function well from all aspects . the gas burners 8 work by the bunsen principle and are configured to give a relatively long flame . they are supplied with liquified petroleum ( lp ) gas in the gas phase from a plurality of gas vessels 10 mounted in the vicinity of the gas burners 8 . the burner capacity amounts to several hundred kilowatts . for intermittent use of the burners 8 , the gas phase of the lp gas can be taken directly from the gas vessels 10 through adiabatic vapourization without too large a decrease in pressure . for greater gas output , forced vapourization should be employed , for example via an lp gas vapourizer using the motor coolant water of the spreading vehicle as an energy supply , or with a temperature - limited lp gas burner warming the lp gas vessels , controlled by a regulator . a reducing valve 9 acts to keep a constant pressure to the burners 8 . the reducing valve 9 is adjustable to provide infinitely variable regulation of the capacity of the burners 8 . in this way , the heating operation can be suited to different conditions . a magnetic valve , also encompassed by black box 9 , controls the gas flow to all of the burners 8 . the heating operation , inter alia gas initiation and lighting the burners 8 , can be remotely controlled via an electronic control system 9 , 11 from a control panel 11 in the driver cabin 13 which also includes status indicators for the heating system e . g . that the gas supply and burners are operating normally . within the context of the control system 9 , 11 , the heating system 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 is provided with a number of protective functions for protection in the event that a fault should arise and to prevent imperfect end - results : if any of the burners 8 go out , its flame is reignited automatically ; if the conveyor belt 5 stops , the gas supply is turned off ; if the gas supply to the burners 8 is insufficient , the gas supply is turned off . as mentioned earlier , implementation of the presently described technique does not necessitate the acquisition of new sand spreading vehicles . the heating system can be installed on existing sand spreading vehicles of standard configuration without extensive modification . the heating system can also be easily demounted from the sand spreading vehicle , if required . installation of the heating system on a sand spreading vehicle does require some modifications including the provision of an opening in the sand shaft 6 for the burners 8 , supports for the burners , supports for the other components of the heating system , a power supply and a number of mechanical shields inter alia to protect the sand feed 5 , sand shaft 6 and scattering plate 7 from excess temperature . appropriate measures are readily apparent to those skilled in the art and need not be described further here . two years of full scale field trials at the karlstad airfield have demonstrated that the presently described method for sand heating functions outstandingly well . the lp gas consumption has also been very low . additionally and surprisingly , the above described method has shown itself to also function very well for the spreading of urea , whose effectiveness is considerably enhanced in this fashion . the reaction time for urea to &# 34 ; melt &# 34 ; away ice to a large extent becomes almost immediate whereas in comparison it takes around 15 minutes when non - preheated urea is spread . the method should also be well suited to the spreading of preheated road salt , i . e . the method is not only applicable to airplane runways but also , for example , to vehicle roads . while one embodiment has been chosen to illustrate the invention , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims . | 4 |
preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in fig1 - 16b fig1 is a perspective view of a self - tightening snow chain 10 of the present invention in use on a wheel 16 ( partially shown ). the self - tightening snow chain 10 comprises of a snow chain 14 and a tensioning device 11 . referring now also to fig2 and 3 , the self - tightening snow chain 10 has a housing 12 including a housing top 12 a , an actuating lever 26 , a grommet 32 , and a cord 20 extending through grommet 32 and connected to a hook 18 with a first connection member 22 . the hook 18 connects to the chain 14 of the self - tightening snow chain 10 , to supply tension to the chain 14 . in this embodiment , there is a second connection point 24 and third connection point 30 where parts of the snow chain 14 are secured to the housing 12 . rivets 28 are placed through rivet receiving openings or recesses 29 to secure the housing top 12 a to the housing bottom 12 b , although any other fasteners such as threaded screws , bolts and nuts , adhesives , double backed tape and the like could be used . the housing top 12 a has a recess 34 to prevent distortion during injection molding , which may additionally be used as a place for company identifiers and the like , if desired . fig2 is a perspective view of the housing 12 of the tensioning device 11 shown in fig1 . the housing top 12 a can be secured to the housing bottom 12 b by rivets or threaded screws ( not shown ) that may inserted through the holes 29 . the housing top 12 a and the housing bottom 12 b define an aperture 38 for receiving the grommet 32 that provides a passageway for the tensioning cord 20 . additionally , an actuating lever 26 including a cam 126 is pivotally connected to the housing top 12 a . in fig3 , there is illustrated an exploded view of one embodiment of the tensioning device 11 of the present invention . a wave spring 112 sits on the inside of the housing bottom 12 b . the wave spring 112 is positioned in a way to apply pressure to the ratchet spool 100 . the tension spring 110 also rests inside the ratchet spool 100 and has a crimp 122 that mates with a notch 120 in the ratchet spool 100 to secure the tension spring 110 to the ratchet spool 100 . the ratchet spool 100 has a center channel 124 running circumferentially around its exterior and is sufficiently wide and deep enough for a cord 20 to be wound within the channel 124 around the ratchet spool 100 . in this embodiment , the under surface 132 of the ratchet spool 100 has four catches 104 . it is not essential that there be four catches 104 as two to six catches 104 will result in similar function . more than six catches 104 is possible but not recommended . as better shown in fig8 a - 8b , the catches 104 prevent the ratchet spool 100 from rotating in the wind - up direction when they are blocked by the stopper 108 . the catches 104 can only be blocked by the stopper 108 when the ratchet spool 100 is in the down position ( when the cam 126 is in the down position / the actuating lever 26 is in the up position ). on the top of the ratchet spool 100 are ratchet teeth 102 . as seen in fig8 a and 8b , the ratchet teeth 102 can engage with the housing teeth 118 located in the housing top 12 a when the actuating lever 26 is oriented in the down position . when the actuating lever 26 is in the down position , a cam 126 , which extends from the actuating lever 26 , is parallel to the plane of rotation of the ratchet spool 100 . therefore , there is no added pressure on the wave spring 112 , which allows the wave spring 112 to push the ratchet spool 100 to its up position , engaging the ratchet spool 100 with the housing teeth 118 . when the actuating lever 26 is in the up position / the cam 126 is in a down position and pushes the top base 114 down against the ratchet teeth 102 , which are subsequently pushed down thereby disengaging the ratchet teeth 102 from the housing teeth 118 . the top 116 has slots 117 for the cam levers 26 to rotate . the housing teeth 118 are molded into the housing top 12 a . the stopper 108 has an up position and a down position . referring now also to fig4 and 5 , showing the arrangement of the catches 104 , the compression spring 106 and stopper 108 in the up position . the compression spring 106 is attached to the stopper 108 and they both are placed in the housing bottom 12 b such that the compression spring 106 applies force to the housing bottom 12 b . the compression spring 106 places a bias on the stopper 108 such that the stopper 108 will block a catch 104 should the ratchet spool 100 be in the down position and rotating in the wind - up direction so that the ratchet spool will not rotate more than 360 degrees in the wind - up direction when the ratchet spool 100 is in a down position . one preferred tensioning device 10 includes a housing 12 having a stop and a set of housing teeth ; a winding mechanism including a spool 100 having set of ratchet teeth 102 and at least one catch 104 , the winding mechanism located within the housing 12 ; and a cord 20 operatively connected to the spool 100 ; wherein the winding mechanism has two positions that control the movement of the cord 20 , the first position being a wind - up position where the cord is pulled into the housing and cannot be pulled outwardly from the housing , the second position being a wind - out position wherein the cord may be pulled outwardly from the housing . in this preferred embodiment , if the cord 20 is pulled outwardly from the housing 12 and then released , while the winding mechanism is in the second position , the cord will retract into the housing until the catch 104 contacts the stop or stopper 108 such that the spool 100 will rotate less than 360 degrees before the catch contacts the stop and the stop is spring biased such that the stop will block one of the at least one catches when the ratchet teeth are disengaged with the housing teeth and the spool is rotating in a wind - up direction . now also referring to fig6 showing the lip 40 and groove 42 configuration near the aperture 38 defined by the housing 12 . the lip 40 and groove 42 mate to form a housing joint 44 resistant to dirt , debris and moisture . the present invention further includes a method of attaching two housing pieces of a tensioning device for use with a self - tensioning snow chain , wherein the method comprises the steps of providing a first and second housing piece 12 a , 12 b . one respective housing piece 12 b has a lip 40 and the other respective housing piece 12 a has a groove 42 such that the lip can be mated with the groove within a joint between the top and the bottom 12 a , 12 b of the housing 12 . now also referring to fig7 a and 7b showing an assembled tensioning cord sub - unit 134 . a cord 20 is threaded through a grommet 32 and has a first knob 128 a and a second knob 128 b . the knobs 128 may be fitted to the cord 20 by crimping , melting , casting and the like . the cord 20 is threaded through the grommet 32 before both of the knobs 128 are fitted to the cord 20 , which permits the diameter of the grommet 32 to be smaller than the diameter of the knobs 128 , so that the grommet 32 may more closely fit the cord 20 , allowing the grommet to be more appropriately sized to limit the infiltration of dirt , debris and moisture into the housing 12 . the cord 20 is attached to the first connection member 22 that is connected to a hook 18 ( shown in phantom ) used for securing the tensioning device 11 to parts of the snow chain 14 . fig7 b shows how the second knob 128 b fits into a recess 46 ( partially shown ) formed by a first piece 22 a and second piece 22 b of the first connection member 22 . the first and second pieces 22 a and 22 b are secured together around the second knob 128 b that is tightly secured to the cord 20 . rivets 23 are placed through rivet receiving openings 25 to secure first and second pieces 22 a and 22 b together , although any other fasteners such as threaded screws , bolts and nuts , adhesives , double backed tape and the like could be used . referring now also to fig8 a and 8b , fig8 a is a sectional view showing the internal components when the actuating lever 26 is in the down position thereby allowing the ratchet spool 100 to be in the up position . when the ratchet spool 100 is in the up position , the catches 104 are clear of the stopper 108 thereby allowing the ratchet spool 100 to freely wind - up and tighten the cord 20 . in this mode , the ratchet spool 100 may only rotate in the wind - up direction , because the ratchet teeth 102 can fully engaged with the housing teeth 118 to limit rotation if an extending or wind - out force is applied to the cord 20 . fig8 b is a sectional view showing the internal components when the actuating lever 26 is in the up position thereby forcing the ratchet spool 100 to be in the down position . while the ratchet spool 100 is in the down position , the ratchet teeth 102 are disengaged from the housing teeth 118 . this allows the ratchet spool 100 to rotate freely in either direction . the catches 104 stop the ratchet spool 100 from fully rotating in the wind - up direction . as the ratchet spool 100 begins to rotate in the wind - up direction , the stopper 108 will block the next catch 104 it encounters , thereby preventing the ratchet spool 100 from further winding - up . in the embodiment shown in fig8 a through 9a , the ratchet teeth 102 and the housing teeth 118 are cut at an angle “ a ” of about 90 degrees to a horizontal plane perpendicular to a vertical axis of the ratchet spool and the housing . in alternate embodiments of the present invention , the ratchet teeth 102 and housing teeth 118 may be overcut or undercut . the teeth 102 , 118 may be undercut at an angle ranging from about 3 to about 30 degrees , preferably from about 10 to about 25 degrees more than a 90 degree angle to a horizontal plane b perpendicular to a vertical axis c of the ratchet spool and the housing , so that when the tensioning device 11 is in a wind - up mode and the cord is tugged outwardly , the more the ratchet teeth 118 will become engaged and resist the cord 20 being moved in the wind - out direction . in the most preferred embodiments , the teeth 102 , 118 are undercut at an angle a ′ of about 20 degrees more than a 90 degree angle to a horizontal plane b perpendicular to a vertical axis c of the ratchet spool and the housing , as illustrated in fig9 b . now referring also to fig1 a , fig1 a is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the present invention showing the preferred positioning of two , single tensioning devices 11 attached to a wheel 16 . in this embodiment , the tensioning devices 11 are approximately 180 degrees from each other and their respective cords 20 and hooks 18 extend in opposite directions . referring now also to fig1 b and 10c , fig1 b is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the present invention showing the preferred positioning of a single , tensioning device 11 ′ attached to a first cord 20 and a second cord 20 a that each have their respective hooks 18 . in this embodiment , the tensioning device 11 ′ is centered with the exterior of the wheel 16 to provide equal tension on the first cord 20 a and the second cord 20 b which extend parallel to each other . fig1 c is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the present invention showing the preferred positioning of a single , tensioning device 11 ″ attached to a first cord 20 , a second cord 20 b , and a third cord 20 c that each have their respective hooks 18 . the tensioning device 11 ″ is centered with the exterior of the wheel 16 to provide equal tension on the first cord 20 a , the second cord 20 b , and the third cord 20 c , which extend approximately 120 degrees from each other . now referring also to fig1 a that shows another embodiment of the tensioning device of the present invention wherein the tensioning device 11 ′ tensions a first cord 20 a and a second cord 20 b . referring now also to fig1 b , which shows another embodiment of the tensioning device 11 ′ of the present invention , wherein the tensioning device 11 ″ applies tension to a first cord 20 a , a second cord 20 b and a third cord 20 c . now referring also to fig1 a , fig1 a is a perspective view of one embodiment an alternate ratchet spool 100 ′ of the present invention showing the ratchet spool 100 ′ configuration of having a first cord 20 a and a second cord 20 b that are attached to the ratchet spool 100 ′ and wound in the channel 124 . in this embodiment , only two catches 104 are on the under surface 132 of the ratchet spool 100 ′, because less space is available . the first cord 20 a and second cord 20 b have a first knob 128 a fitted to their respective ends sized to fit snuggly into the ratchet spool recess 130 to prevent the first cord 20 a and the second cord 20 b from being pulled off of the ratchet spool 100 ′. referring now also to fig1 b , fig1 b shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a further alternate ratchet spool 100 ″ configuration having a first cord 20 a , a second cord 20 b , and a third cord 20 c . referring now to fig1 - 16b , there is illustrated an alternate tensioning device 11 ′″ having a housing 12 ′″ having a housing top 12 a ′″ and a housing bottom 12 b ′″. there are holes 29 where rivets ( not shown ) will be inserted to attach the housing top 12 a ′″ and the housing bottom 12 ′″ as in the other embodiments of the tensioning device . located on the housing top 12 a ′″ is a top button 138 . additionally , on the side of the housing 12 ′″ are a first side button 136 a and a second mirroring side button 136 b ( not shown ). protruding from the housing 12 ′″ is a grommet 32 from which a cord 20 ( not shown ) may pass . fig1 shows an exploded view of the tensioning device 11 ′″ shown in fig1 , but without the tensioning cord sub - unit 134 . a wave spring 112 sits on the inside of the housing bottom 12 b ′″ and is positioned in a way to apply pressure to the ratchet spool 100 . a washer 156 is placed in between the wave spring 112 and the ratchet spool 100 . the tension spring 110 also rests inside the ratchet spool 100 and has a crimp 122 that can be inserted into a notch 120 ( not shown ) in the ratchet spool 100 , similar to that shown in fig3 , to secure the tension spring 110 to the ratchet spool 100 . the ratchet spool 100 has a channel 124 running around the outside of the ratchet spool 100 in the center and is sufficiently wide and deep enough for a cord 20 ( not shown ) to be wound around the rachet spool 100 within the channel 124 . on the top of the ratchet spool 100 are ratchet teeth 102 . the ratchet teeth 102 engage with the housing teeth 118 ( not shown ). in addition , there is a pawl 152 , connected to each of the side buttons 136 , having a pivot point 150 . the side buttons 136 are spring loaded with a pawl spring 154 . as seen in fig1 a and 16b , the ratchet teeth 102 engage with the housing teeth 118 ( not shown ) located in the housing top 12 a ′″ when the top button 138 is in the up position . when the top button 138 is in the up position , the ratchet spool 100 can only move in the wind - in direction to tighten the cord 20 ( not shown ). in this mode , the side buttons 136 are pushed into the housing 12 ′″. when the top button 138 is in the down position , the ratchet spool 100 may move in either the wind - in or the wind - out direction . in this mode , the side buttons 136 are pushed out of the housing 12 ′″ by the force of the spring 154 . referring now also to fig1 , showing the positioning of the top button 138 and the side buttons 136 when the top button 138 is in the up position . here , the side buttons 136 are pushed into the housing 12 ′″. two button springs 154 rest against the interior of the housing top 12 a ′″ and apply pressure to move the side buttons 136 out of the housing 12 ′″. however , the side buttons 136 do not move out of the housing because the pawls 152 are stopped by the top button 138 . when the top button 138 is pushed down , the pawls 152 are no longer blocked and the side buttons 136 will pop out of the housing 12 ′″. when housing teeth 118 are not in contact with the ratchet teeth 102 ( not shown ), the ratchet spool 100 ( not shown ) can rotate freely . referring now also to fig1 a and 16b , fig1 a , shows the arrangement of the side buttons 136 , the top button 138 , the ratchet teeth 102 , and the housing teeth 118 when the top button 138 is in the up position . when the top button 152 is in the up position , the pawls 152 engage with the ratchet teeth 102 and the ratchet spool 100 can only move in the wind - up direction . in this view , for clarity , the wave spring 112 is not shown . referring now also to fig1 b , illustrating the arrangement of the top button 152 , the ratchet teeth 102 , and the housing teeth 118 when the top button 138 is in the down position . as the top button 138 gets pushed into to the down position , the force created by the button springs 154 ( see fig1 and 15 ) snaps the pawls 152 away from the ratchet teeth 118 so that the ratchet spool 100 can move in the wind - in or wind - out direction . to switch modes and prevent the ratchet spool 100 from rotating in the wind - out direction , the user presses the side buttons 136 back into the housing 12 ′″ to force the top button 138 back up and allow the pawls 152 to again come into contact with the ratchet teeth 118 . in this view , for clarity , the wave spring 112 is not shown . although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein , the above description is merely illustrative . further modification of the invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the respective arts and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims . | 1 |
reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosed stowage and center of gravity assessment tool , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings . in an embodiment , the disclosed stowage and center of gravity assessment tool comprises the application or embedding of ( generally referred to herein as associating ) remotely pollable identifiers into each item whose location is to be tracked . such remotely pollable identifiers may include , but are not limited to , optically scanable identifiers , such as bar codes or other machine - readable codes imprinted on the surface of an item ; radio frequency identifiers , such as radio frequency identification tags embedded in or attached to an item ; and ultrasonic identifiers , such as ultrasonic tags , embedded in or attached to the surface of an item . by way of example , without limitation , ultrasonic or radio frequency identification tags may be embedded in an item when the item is manufactured , or the tags may take the form of labels that are adhered to the surface of the item . similarly , barcodes may be printed on labels and adhered to the surface of the item , or may be etched , engraved , or otherwise embedded in the surface of the item . an appropriate identifier type may be chosen for a given item based on the item &# 39 ; s anticipated usage , attributes of the environment , and the like . in some embodiments , multiple identifiers are associated with an item , thereby permitting the item to be seamlessly moved from an environment employing one identifier type to another embodiment employing a different identifier type , and permitting redundancy . by way of example , without limitation , in environments , or portions of an environment , comprising sensitive electronic equipment , radio frequency identifiers may cause problems with the electronic equipment , and optical identifiers may be impractical due to the line - of - sight requirements associated with such identifiers . such environments may be configured to read an ultrasonic tag embedded in or applied to an item . although ultrasonic identifiers do not interfere with electronics the way radio frequency identifiers do , ultrasonic identifiers require a physical medium through which the ultrasonic waves can propagate . radio frequency identifiers are also less expensive than current ultrasonic identifiers . thus , radio frequency identifiers may be associated with most or all items in the environment , and ultrasonic , optical , or other remotely pollable identifiers may be associated with those items which are likely to be used in environments in which radio frequency identifiers are disadvantageous . fig1 is a screen capture of an exemplary user interface 100 through which a user can identify a region of the environment whose items are to be explored . in the illustrated embodiment , user interface 100 is divided into four general regions , dashboard 105 , zone 110 , information pane 115 , and environment view 120 . dashboard 105 allows the user to easily control the manner in which item information is presented within zone 110 . in the illustrated embodiment , the user has opted to have the items arranged in hierarchical categories based on the zone , or region , of the environment in which the item is located . as the user navigates to a particular branch of the hierarchical list in zone 110 , the leaves and / or sub - branches of that branch are displayed in contents 112 . environment view 120 provides a graphical view of the branch or leaf selected by the user in zone 110 and / or contents 112 . by way of example , without limitation , because the user has only selected the top - most branch of the hierarchy in fig1 , environment view 120 displays the entirety of the eagle ii vehicle . fig2 is a screen capture of an exemplary user interface through which a user can identify a particular leaf or branch of zone 110 to be explored . in the embodiment illustrated in fig2 , the user has navigated to a particular storage module ( las 2 _e 1 ) on the starboard size of zone 2 of the environment . when the user selects las 2 _e 1 from zone 110 , a database associated with the stowage and center of gravity assessment tool is searched to determine which items are present in that storage module , and the corresponding list is displayed in contents 112 . in the illustrated embodiment , environment view 120 changes such that the image “ zooms in ” on a representation of las 2 _e 1 or another storage location when that storage location is selected from zone 110 . fig3 is a screen capture of an exemplary user interface through which a user can view information about an item . in the embodiment illustrated in fig3 , the user has selected las 2 _e 1 from the list of available zones in zone 110 , and the item cable lr 40 a from contents 112 . in response to the selection of an item from contents 112 , information pane 115 changes to provide information about the selected item . by way of example , without limitation , the information about the selected item may be obtained from an information management system such as that described in u . s . pat . no . 11 / 466 , 508 , and may include a photograph of the selected item , usage instructions , troubleshooting and repair instructions , serial number , manufacture date , manufacturer , and other such information . the item information location information as described above can be advantageous in a variety of scenarios , including , without limitation , when attempting to determine and / or alter the center of gravity of the environment . fig4 is a screen capture of an exemplary user interface through which a user can review the center of gravity determination for the environment . in fig4 , center of gravity location 400 provides a precise determination of the difference between the ideal or desired center of gravity and the calculated center of gravity based on a variety of information about the environment . by way of example , without limitation , the calculation of the center of gravity may include , but is not limited to , the mass and location of each item in the environment ; the amount of fuel , water , or other consumables remaining in their respective storage locations ; and the like . item view 405 provides a detailed , orderable list of the items stored in the environment , and may include an identification number , a short description , a current location , the location where the item is supposed to be stored according to the manifest , and the mass of the item . when an item is selected in item view 405 , location bar 400 can also provide location change information about that item relative to the desired center of gravity , such that moving the item by the specified distances , the environment &# 39 ; s center of gravity can be brought closer to its desired location . environment information bar 410 provides an overview of the environment as a whole , including , without limitation , the environment &# 39 ; s mass and center of gravity . in some embodiments , the center of gravity calculations are performed dynamically as items are moved within the environment . in some embodiments , the center of gravity calculations may be performed on a periodic basis . in some embodiments , the center of gravity calculations can be updated by the user , such as when the user clicks on or otherwise interacts with recalculate button 420 . in some embodiments , it may be desirable to move items within the environment to alter the center of gravity . by clicking on suggest button 420 , the user can obtain a list of items , their current location , and a suggested new location which should help optimize the center of gravity location . fig5 is an exemplary network architecture supporting the instant stowage and center of gravity assessment tool . in fig5 , a plurality of sensors 532 are deployed within or around environment 530 . sensors 532 periodically poll an identifier associated with item 540 to determine the location of item 540 . the polling interval may be uniform for all items , or the polling interval may vary on an item - by - item basis , or based upon a classification associated with the item . by way of example , without limitation , in some embodiments each item may be assigned a poling interval based on the anticipated frequency with which the item will be moved . in such embodiments , the anticipated moving frequency may be determined in part based on a task schedule , such as that described in u . s . patent application ser . no . 11 / 467 , 075 , which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety . in some embodiments , the polling interval may be dynamic , based on the actual frequency with which the item is moved . in some embodiments , the polling may be initiated in response to a user request . in the embodiment illustrated in fig5 , server 527 can control item polling , calculate item locations based on such polling , store the item location information , and calculate the center of gravity for the environment . although described herein as a single computing device , in alternative embodiments server 527 may comprise a plurality of computing and / or data storage devices . in addition , although server 527 is illustrated as external to environment 530 , server 527 may be located within environment 530 without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention . in fig5 , router 525 allows a plurality of terminals 520 to access the item location information stored on server 527 , to take advantage of server 527 &# 39 ; s center of gravity calculation capabilities , and the like . in some embodiments , server 527 may facilitate such access through a world wide web server incorporated therein . router 525 , or another such device , may also facilitate remote access to server 527 via a wireless communications means , such as antenna 528 . by way of example , without limitation , wireless device 522 can be moved throughout environment 530 , thereby permitting the user of wireless device 522 to quickly obtain item information , and access the other features and functions associated with server 527 . in some embodiments , wireless device 522 , terminals 520 , and router 525 may be located within environment 530 . in some embodiments , wireless device 522 may be capable of independently polling an individual item , thereby allowing wireless device 522 to guide the user thereof to the individual item . in addition to facilitating wireless communications with devices proximate to environment 530 , antenna 528 or another , similar device may also facilitate communication with remote devices . by way of example , without limitation , where environment 530 is a space shuttle , antenna 528 may permit ground crews to access information stored on server 527 via antenna 518 . in some embodiments , server 517 may automatically back up information from server 527 utilizing such a communications path , thereby providing redundancy in the event of a communications failure or other event . in fig1 , terminals 510 can access information stored in server 517 via router 515 . antenna 518 , or a corresponding device , may also facilitate wireless access to server 517 . by way of example , without limitation , ground crew members may be equipped with wireless device 512 and thereby access information stored on server 517 without needing to be proximate to one of terminals 510 or server 527 . although fig5 illustrates the architecture as utilizing servers 517 and 527 , alternative embodiments may consolidate the features and functions associated with these servers into a single server . in some embodiments , terminals 510 and 520 , and wireless devices 512 and 522 , may be relatively sophisticated computing devices capable of running stand - alone client applications . in some embodiments , terminals 510 and 520 , and wireless devices 512 and 522 , may be less sophisticated , with the devices and terminals providing an interface through which information may be accessed and provided , and with most of the computations performed by one or both of servers 517 and 527 . by way of example , without limitation , due to power and other constraints within environment 530 , terminals 520 may be capable of presenting a page from a conventional web browser and running applications written in the java or java script languages . in such an exemplary embodiment , the terminals can display web pages generated by server 527 , and / or modify the display based on information provided by server 527 . by contrast , because terminals 510 may be located remotely from environment 530 and therefore not subject to the same restrictions as terminals 520 , terminals 510 may be relatively sophisticated computing devices , such as workstations . although terminals 510 may utilize the same application as terminals 520 , terminals 510 may utilize applications developed in c , c ++, visual basic , or other such language , and may be capable of more sophisticated calculations using data provided by server 517 . fig6 is a perspective view of drawer storage unit 600 which has been equipped with sensors capable of polling the remotely pollable identifiers associated with items in the drawers . in fig6 , each of drawers 610 , 620 , 630 , 640 , 650 , 66 , 670 , and 680 is equipped with a respective sensor 615 , 625 , 635 , 645 , 655 , 665 , 675 , and 685 . because the position of the sensors is known , the time delay between the receipt of an identification signal from an identifier associated with a polled item can be determined for each of the sensors , and thus the specific drawer in which the item is located can be determined . in some embodiments , the item location information available via the storage and center of gravity assessment tool can also be utilized by the task scheduling and resource planning tool described in u . s . patent application ser . no . 11 , 467 , 075 to better plan a day &# 39 ; s activities . by way of example , without limitation , a user may be required to perform a task , and that task may require the use of a plurality of tools . traditionally , the schedule for the day will allocate only a specific amount of time for the task , and assumes only a limited amount of time is needed to locate and collect the necessary tools . using the location information available from the instant system , the scheduling application can determine a more accurate collection time for each task , thereby more accurately allocating time for both a specific task and any subsequent tasks that require the same item . while detailed and specific embodiments of the stowage and center of gravity assessment tool have been described herein , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the stowage and center of gravity assessment tool . thus , it is intended that the present disclosure cover these modifications and variations provided they come within the scope of any appended claims and / or their equivalents . | 6 |
while this invention is capable of embodiment in many different forms , there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated . it is to be understood that like or analogous elements and / or components — referred to herein — may be identified throughout the drawings with like reference characters . the teachings of the present invention may be useful in implantable medical devices . these devices are implanted within patients for the delivery of medicament to a patient over a long period of time . the teachings of the present invention will be discussed relative to such an implantable device , and will be shown within such an environment . the present invention can potentially be used for continuous , bolus intermittent pulse or periodic pulse ( matching circadian , menstrual , ovulation or daily cycles ) release of a drug or cell culture in a systemic or localized fashion . the present invention is also capable of adjusting the fluid delivery rate based on the response of a sensor ( bio - feed back loop ). the present invention can be used for delivering a fluid in various applications , including , but not limited to : parasite control , oncology drugs , pain management drugs , growth hormones , lobotomy ( where a portion of the brain is selectively deteriorated by a delivered agent ), antibiotics , dna delivery , lactate hormone , cardioactive drugs , anti - malarial drugs , compliance medications such as antiabuse , vaccines , sexual dysfunction drugs , steroids , hormones , stimulants , or sleep aids . the present invention can also be used when provision is made for a device to contain water / electrolyte where the device is external to the body and delivery of a drug is via oral , anal , ear , nasal , or by piercing a part of the skin . the present invention can also be utilized in the form of a patch . although the present invention is generally described in conjunction with implantable devices , it should be noted that the teachings contained within this specification and the appended claims may be translated to other devices and applications without straying from the intended scope of this disclosure . referring now to the drawings and to fig1 in particular , a first embodiment of the present invention is shown wherein a fluid delivery device 10 comprises a reservoir 12 , a displaceable member 14 , an electrochemical pump product chamber 16 , an electrochemical pump 18 , and a housing 20 . it is to be further understood that fig1 ( as well as fig9 - 11 ) is merely a schematic representation of the fluid delivery device 10 of the present invention and as such , some of the components have been distorted from their actual scale for pictorial clarity . the reservoir 12 is capable of containing a fluid 22 , such as a biological , drug , lubricant , fragrant fluid , chemical agent , or mixtures thereof , which is delivered upon displacement of the displaceable member 14 . it will be understood that the term “ fluid ” is herein defined as a liquid , gel , paste , suspension ( with or without dispersant ), or other semi - solid state material that is capable of being delivered out of a reservoir . solid forms such as rods or encapsulated pills , paint balls , depots can be also delivered . the fluid can be either layered or homogenous . in the layered form , different fluids can be made into layers and can be delivered in succession . the reservoir 12 may include one or more apertures 24 — e . g ., outlet and filling / refilling port — for directing delivery of the fluid 22 from the fluid delivery device 10 . the reservoir 12 may be fabricated from any one of a number of materials , including , for example , metal , glass , natural and synthetic plastic , and composites . a catheter or a plurality of catheters may be operably connected to the reservoir 12 and aperture ( s ) 24 . the catheter may be long , short , flexible , perforated , contain an auxiliary electrode , contain a diffusion outlet or check valve to regulate pressure and flow rate , or be designed to serve as a reservoir . the displaceable member 14 is positioned between the reservoir 12 and the electrochemical pump product chamber 16 . the displaceable member 14 is shown in fig1 as comprising a piston , however , other displaceable members that would be known to those having ordinary skill in the art having the present disclosure before them are likewise contemplated for use ; including , but not limited to : a bladder , a diaphragm , a flexible bag , a bellows , a plunger , or combinations thereof . alternatively , the fluid to be displaced may be contained within tubing wherein a plunger , e . g ., ball , pushes fluid out of the tubing . the plunger may be a bubble , solid , separating fluid , bung , or gel . the electrochemical pump product chamber 16 is positioned between the displaceable member 14 and the electrochemical pump 18 , and is capable of containing water 26 that — as will be discussed in greater detail below — is controllably generated during operation of the electrochemical pump 18 . similar to the reservoir 12 , the electrochemical pump product chamber 16 may be fabricated from any one of a number of materials , such as metal , glass , natural and synthetic plastic , composites , etc . the electrochemical pump 18 shown in fig1 includes a protective porous separator 28 , an auxiliary electrode compartment 30 , an auxiliary electrode 32 , an ion exchange membrane 34 , an active electrode 36 , an electric controller 38 , an activation switch 40 , and a support member ( s ) 42 . the protective porous separator 28 is positioned at an end of fluid delivery device 10 distal from the reservoir 12 . the purpose of this protective separator is to prevent unwanted species in the external fluid source 46 , e . g ., body fluid , to come in direct contact with the electrode and the ion - exchange membrane . the protective porous separator 28 is generally permeable to h 2 o molecules or saline from the body , and in cooperation with saline from the auxiliary electrode compartment 30 , enables the water from the external source 46 — e . g ., an inside of a living being &# 39 ; s body — to diffuse or migrate into the auxiliary electrode compartment 30 . the protective porous separator 28 may be fabricated from any one of a number of materials , including , but not limited , to metal , glass , natural and synthetic plastic , and composites . additionally , a porous protective gel also generally permeable to h 2 o molecules or saline may be used to serve the purpose of the separator 28 . alternatively , the auxiliary electrode 32 need not be positioned inside the device 10 and can be positioned either entirely away from the housing ( fig9 ) or on the outside wall of the device ( fig1 ), wherein the ion exchange membrane 34 has more direct access to the body fluid and the porous separator 28 can be placed directly adjacent to the ion - exchange membrane 34 to prevent biofouling and to prevent unwanted species from directly contacting the membrane directly . this alternate configuration will eliminate trapping of any unwanted solid , liquid , or gaseous species in the auxiliary chamber 30 and near the membrane . while the use of the protective porous separator 28 is generally desirable for applications within the body , the separator is not absolutely required , especially in the case where water or saline is self - contained in the auxiliary electrode compartment 30 without any migration of water from the external source 46 . in this case , either a displaceable member 44 retracts ( fig1 ) or the flexible auxiliary electrode compartment 30 collapses around the auxiliary electrode 32 on transfer of water from the auxiliary electrode chamber to the active electrode chamber 16 via electrosomosis . in such an embodiment , the auxiliary electrode 32 can be exposed directly to fluid . the ion - exchange membrane 34 can be in the form of a sheet , a hollow fiber , or a tube ; and can be made from a polymer or a ceramic . additionally , multiple membranes of the same type or types with differing functionalities and properties can be used . the electrical control circuit 38 is connected to the electrodes via conventional electrical conduit and directly controls the rate of water transfer from the external source 46 to the electrical pump product chamber 16 . the support member ( s ) 42 is a highly porous solid disk material that provides mechanical rigidity for the ion exchange membrane 34 and allows water to transport through it . the support member ( s ) 42 can be made of hard plastic , ceramic , glass , corrosion stable metal , e . g ., titanium ; or a combination thereof and can be in the form of a fabric , perforated plate , mesh , or a disk with a single or multiple holes . the support 42 can be a variety of shapes , including , but not limited to flat , concave , or convex . the ion - exchange membrane 34 along with the support disk 42 is placed between the auxiliary electrode compartment 30 and the electrochemical pump product chamber 16 containing the active anode 36 . the two compartments 16 , 30 along with the ion - exchange membrane 34 there between can be sealed using gaskets , sealants , nipples , clamps , compression or by using ultrasonics , crimping , nipples , or clamp . a controller 38 is operably connected to the electrodes 32 , 36 and varies the fluid delivery rate of the device 10 and can be positioned within the body , external to the body , or remote from the body . in simple form , the controller 38 can be a resistor , but may also be a more complex circuit , variable resistor , multi - position switch , wave form generator / processor , or switch that uses electromagnetic induction , rf signaling , infrared , magnetism , mechanics , or transduction for communication . as such , the controller 38 may or may not contain a battery . an activation switch 40 is preferably connected to the controller 38 and can be of the electronic , ionic , or mechanical type and capable of being controlled remotely via the controller 38 . the device 10 described in the present invention may be configured in various shapes and forms and have additional features . such shapes contemplated by the present invention include , and are not limited to : tubular , coin , coil , planar , flexible bag form , hardball , jellyroll , and patch . and the additional features may include : a pressure relief valve , a bio - feed back sensor , a remote battery , a locater , a problem indicator , a flow indicator , an anchor , an anti - biofouling sheath , a trocar , an extraction enhancer , an external switch , or an add - on to a stent . the device 10 can also be encased in a gel to avoid encapsulation or to promote diffusion of a drug . in one embodiment of the present invention , the auxiliary electrode 32 , the ion - exchange membrane 34 , and the active electrode 36 are respectively positioned adjacent to the protective porous separator 28 . alternatively , the auxiliary electrode 32 need not be positioned inside the device 10 and can be positioned either on the outside wall of the device or entirely away from the housing 20 . see fig9 and 10 . referring to fig1 , the necessary water or saline may be self - contained in the auxiliary electrode compartment 30 without any migration of water from external source 46 . in this case , either a displaceable member 44 retracts or the flexible auxiliary electrode compartment or chamber 30 collapses around the auxiliary electrode 32 on transfer of water from the auxiliary electrode chamber to the active electrode chamber 16 via electrosomosis . in addition , the auxiliary electrode 32 can be exposed directly to fluid . in an embodiment of the present invention incorporating an anionic exchange membrane 34 , the auxiliary electrode 32 can be a porous cathode pellet that can be readily reduced when coupled with the active metal anode 36 . the auxiliary electrode 32 may be fabricated from porous silver chloride , manganese dioxide , or other materials that can be readily reduced or may catalyze reduction reaction — e . g ., reduction of oxygen or evolution of gaseous hydrogen from water — when coupled with the active metal anode . the active metal anode 36 can be a solid pellet , mesh , or metal powder type electrode fabricated from zinc , iron , magnesium , aluminum , silver , or another corrosion stable metal or alloy . although not shown , the auxiliary electrode 32 may include a conventional current collector , such as a screen , a mesh , or a wire current collector fabricated from silver , titanium , platinum , or another corrosion stable metal . if the auxiliary electrode reaction is hydrogen evolution or oxygen reduction , then the auxiliary electrode 32 may be made from active carbon with or without catalysts such as pt or ni . the active metal anode 36 may also include a conventional current collector , such as a screen , a mesh or a wire current collector fabricated from the same metal as that of the active metal anode ; or it may be fabricated from other metals such as brass , which is coated with the same metal as is the active anode metal . while specific examples of electrode materials and current collectors have been disclosed , it is to be understood that other electrode materials known to those with ordinary skill in the art having the present disclosure before them are likewise contemplated for use . the anion exchange membrane 34 is positioned between the first electrode 32 and the active electrode 36 . the anion exchange materials from which the membrane 34 may be made are well known in the art and do not require extensive elaboration . in brief , these materials are cross - linked polymer resins of the strong base type . preferred resins are the copolymers of styrene and di - vinyl benzene having quaternary ammonium ion as the charge group , which have a high selectivity for chloride ions and high resistance to organic fouling . such anionic membranes are , for example , neosepta - type membranes , which are commercially available from ameridia ( www . ameridia . com ). in an embodiment of the present invention incorporating a cationic exchange membrane , the auxiliary electrode 32 , the cationic exchange membrane 34 , and the active electrode 36 are respectively positioned adjacent to the protective porous separator 28 . the auxiliary electrode 32 need not be positioned inside the device 10 and can be positioned either on the outside wall of the device or entirely away from the housing 20 . see fig9 and 10 . alternatively , the necessary water or saline may be self - contained in the auxiliary electrode compartment 30 without any migration of water from external source 46 . the auxiliary electrode 32 can be a solid pellet , mesh , or metal powder type electrode that is fabricated from zinc , iron , magnesium , aluminum , or another corrosion stable metal or alloy . the active metal anode 36 is a porous cathode pellet that can be readily reduced when coupled with the active metal anode 36 . the auxiliary electrode 32 may be fabricated from porous silver chloride , manganese dioxide , or other materials that can be readily reduced , or may catalyze reduction reaction — e . g ., reduction of oxygen or evolution of gaseous hydrogen from water — when coupled with the active metal anode . although not shown , the auxiliary metal anode 32 may also include a conventional current collector , such as a screen , a mesh , or a wire current collectors fabricated from the same metal as that of the active metal anode 36 ; or it may be fabricated from other metals such as brass , which is coated with the same metal as is the active anode metal . the active electrode 36 may also include a conventional current collector such as a screen , a mesh , or a wire current collectors fabricated from silver , titanium , platinum , or another corrosion stable metal . while specific examples of electrode materials and current collectors have been disclosed for illustrative purposes , it is to be understood that other electrode materials known to those with ordinary skill in the art having the present disclosure before them are likewise contemplated for use . referring to fig1 , the ion - exchange membrane 34 , e . g ., cation , is positioned between the auxiliary electrode 32 and the active electrode 36 . the cation exchange materials from which the membrane 34 may be constructed are well known in the art and do not require extensive elaboration . in brief , these materials are cross - linked polymer resins of the strong base type . some preferred resins include copolymers of styrene and di - vinyl benzene having sulfonate ion as the charge group , which have a high selectivity for sodium ions . such commercial cationic membranes , e . g ., nafion type membranes , are available from dupont ®. in operation , the fluid delivery device 10 can deliver a fluid 22 in accordance with the following process . initially , the activation switch 40 is actuated , whereupon an electrical circuit is complete and causes electrode reactions to take place at the electrodes 32 , 36 , and water to be extracted from the external environment 46 ; and , ultimately to be driven across ion - exchange membrane 34 into the electrical pump product chamber 16 . thus , water from the external environment 46 — such as a human body — diffuses through the protective porous separator 28 and into the auxiliary electrode compartment 30 . alternatively , the auxiliary electrode 32 need not be positioned inside the device and can be positioned either on the outside wall of the device or entirely away from the housing . in that case the ion - exchange membrane 34 is directly exposed to the body fluid and a porous separator 28 can be placed directly adjacent to the ion - exchange membrane to prevent adverse effects to such an exposure . in addition , the necessary water or saline may be self - contained in the auxiliary electrode compartment 30 without any migration of water from the external source 46 . for exemplification purposes , the reaction ( s ) associated with an embodiment of the present invention utilizing an anionic membrane 34 is now described wherein the auxiliary electrode 32 is made of silver chloride and the active electrode 36 is made of zinc . at first , the electrode silver chloride is reduced to metallic silver , thus releasing chloride ions into solution according to the equation : the chloride ions subsequently formed are dissolved in water and migrate under the influence of the electric field through the ion - exchange membrane 34 towards the active electrode 36 in the electrical pump product chamber 16 . at the active 36 , zinc is dissolved according to the equation : the zinc ions thus formed react with incoming chloride ions forming zinc chloride according to the equation : in addition to the electrochemical formation of zinc chloride according to the equation ( 3 ), during passage of the chloride ions through the membrane , water is entrained with the chloride ions so that at the opposite side of the membrane , an additional amount of water is produced . this water transport is known in the art as electroosmotic transport . since the anionic membrane is selective for anions , only anions can pass through the membrane . therefore , water may be transported through the membrane only in one direction . the steady buildup of ion concentration in the electrochemical pump product chamber 16 due to the continuous formation of zinc chloride induces further water transport through osmotic effect . however , the ion - exchange membrane 34 allows back diffusion of the zinc chloride molecules from the electrochemical product chamber 16 to the auxiliary electrode chamber 30 . the extent of back - diffusion depends on the properties of the ion - exchange membrane 34 and the concentration difference between the electrochemical product chamber 16 and the auxiliary electrode compartment 30 . thus , an equilibrium concentration of zinc chloride is established in the electrochemical pump product chamber 16 resulting in water transport via osmotic effect . a steady - state flux of water transport into the electrochemical pump product chamber 16 by combined electroosomotic and osmotic effects is thus established . it must be noted that the osmotic flux is the result of the electro - osmotic flux , which establishes the necessary concentration gradient . therefore , the osmotic flux can be modified by virtue of modifying the electroosmotic driving force . this is not possible with osmosis based devices and so their delivery rate is not adjustable . the water molecules transported into the electrochemical pump product chamber 16 generate pressure within the electrochemical pump product chamber 16 . the pressure build - up causes some back transport of water from the electrochemical pump product chamber 16 to the auxiliary electrode compartment 30 . the steady - state flux obtained for a given ion - exchange membrane can be expressed in terms of the following mathematical equation : j steady state flux = j eo + j of − j bd − j hf ( i ) the reaction ( s ) associated with an embodiment of the present invention utilizing a cationic membrane 34 is now described wherein the auxiliary electrode 32 is made of zinc and the active electrode 36 is made of silver chloride , the following reactions take place . at first , the electrode zinc is dissolved according to the equation : sodium ions present in the saline solution migrate under the influence of the electric field through the ion exchange membrane 34 , e . g ., cationic , towards the active electrode 36 in the electrical pump product chamber 16 . at the active electrode 36 , silver chloride is reduced to metallic silver releasing chloride ions into solution according to the equation : the migrated sodium ions react with the chloride ions forming sodium chloride according to the equation : in addition to the electrochemical formation of sodium chloride according to the equation ( 6 ), during passage of the sodium ions through the membrane , water is electroosmotically transported with sodium ions so that at the opposite side of the membrane , an additional amount of water is produced . since the cationic membrane 34 is selective for cations , only cations can pass through the membrane . therefore , water may be transported through the membrane only in one direction . due to the continuous formation of sodium chloride , the steady buildup of ion concentration in the electrochemical pump product chamber 16 induces further water transport through osmotic effect . however , the ion - exchange membrane 34 allows back diffusion of sodium chloride molecules from the electrochemical product chamber 16 to the auxiliary electrode chamber 30 . the extent of back - diffusion depends on the properties of the ion - exchange membrane 34 and the concentration difference between the electrochemical product chamber 16 and the auxiliary electrode compartment 30 . thus , an equilibrium concentration of sodium chloride is established in the electrochemical pump product chamber 16 resulting in water transport by the osmotic effect . a steady - state flux of water transport into the electrochemical pump product chamber 16 is established by the combined electroosomotic and osmotic effects . it must be noted that the osmotic flux is the result of the electro - osmotic flux , which establishes the necessary concentration gradient . therefore , the osmotic flux can be modified by virtue of modifying the electroosmotic driving force . this is not possible with osmosis - only based devices and so their delivery rate is not adjustable . the water molecules transported into the electrochemical pump product chamber 16 generate pressure within the electrochemical pump product chamber 16 . the pressure build - up causes some back transport of water from the electrochemical pump product chamber 16 to the auxiliary electrode compartment 30 . the steady state flux obtained for a given ion - exchange membrane 34 can be expressed in terms of the same mathematical equation i shown above . both embodiments of the present invention described above are capable of generating high pressure within the electrochemical pump product chamber 16 . high pressure is desired to deliver viscous formulations and to also produce delivery that is less sensitive to the ambient pressure changes . the high pressure in the device 10 can be created either by outlet orifice restriction using a pressure relief valve , a duck bill valve , a ball and spring , a restricted catheter , a tortuous path , a flow moderator or diffuse membrane , or from the displaceable member 14 using a stiff bag , bellows , diaphragm , or from piston friction with the inner walls of the device . the pressure generated by the first embodiment of the present invention discussed above is shown in fig6 wherein the maximum pressure ( p max , the pressure at which the flux becomes zero ) that can be achieved is 20 psi at 0 . 136 ma / cm 2 . operation at 3 . 8 times the current density ( 0 . 525 ma / cm 2 ) provides a p max of 700 psi . in the case of the second embodiment of the present invention , fig7 shows p max to be 350 psi at 0 . 136 ma / cm 2 . the generated pressure , in turn , imparts a force upon the displaceable member 14 — the only movable component . the displaceable member 14 is displaced laterally away from electrochemical pump product chamber 16 , which controllably expels fluid from the reservoir 12 . it is to be understood that the above - identified device and process enables a controlled delivery of a fluid over an extended period of time at a relatively precise and accurate rate inasmuch as the water transported is proportional to the current , which in turn depends on the value of the resistor , or on the signal output from the electrical controller 38 . therefore , the fluid delivery rate of the device is controlled by selection of the resistor or on the signal output from the electrical controller 38 and not by the rate at which water is permitted to enter the housing via convection action of the protective porous separator 28 . it is also to be understood that the fluid delivery rate , or a fluid delivery rate profile , e . g ., pulsing , can be facilely varied by other means , including , but not limited to , selecting resistors with different resistance values or by changing the signal output from the electrical controller 38 . for the embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the drawings , a linear relationship between volume flux and current density was obtained at high and low volume fluxes . this is illustrated in the case of first embodiment in fig2 for volume flux ranging from 2 . 0 to 10 . 0 μl h − 1 cm − 2 ; and in fig3 for volume flux ranging from 0 . 1 to 2 . 5 μl h − 1 cm − 2 . the current density required to produce such volume fluxes depends on the membrane type used and may be as low as 20 μa cm − 2 to produce a volume flux of 0 . 5 μl h − 1 cm − 2 , as shown in fig4 . another feature of the embodiment shown in fig1 is high stability operation over more than 1000 hours of operation . the foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited , as those skilled in the art that have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing the scope of the invention . | 0 |
in fig1 , an oxygen separation system 10 for generating oxygen is schematically shown . the oxygen separation system 10 may be formed as a pressure swing adsorption system and may be used for generating oxygen with respect to medical uses or therapeutic applications , respectively , for example in the field of copd treatment . the oxygen separation system 10 may be designed as a stationary arrangement , for example for using it in a hospital , or it may be a portable device , for example for using it in the field of homecare applications . however , the oxygen separation system 10 may furthermore be used for any application at which pure or essentially pure oxygen has to be provided , for example in air planes or for welding purposes . such an oxygen separation system 10 , or oxygen concentrator , respectively , may be based on an oxygen concentrator such as the one called evergo and which is purchasable from philips respironics . the oxygen separation system 10 comprises a support 12 for accommodating a plurality of autonomous oxygen separation units 14 . the support 12 may be formed from a textile material and / or porous material and may further act as a surface for heat dissipation . further , the support 12 comprises a plurality of fastening positions for example each of them having fastening means for receiving an oxygen separation unit 14 and thus to fix , or attach , respectively , the plurality of oxygen separation units 14 to the support 12 at the fastening positions . according to fig1 , ten oxygen separation units 14 are connected to the support 12 . for example , the plurality of autonomous oxygen separation units 14 may be detachably attachable , or attached , respectively , to said support 12 . further , each autonomous oxygen separation unit 14 may be capable of providing a flow of oxygen enriched gas which corresponds to ≧ 5 % to ≦ 30 % of the total flow of oxygen enriched gas being providable by the whole pressure swing adsorption system 10 . the oxygen separation unit 14 is shown in detail in fig2 which shows a preferred but in no way limiting example of a pressure swing adsorption system . according to fig2 , the oxygen separation unit 14 comprises at least one , preferably exactly one , oxygen separation device 28 which is capable of separating oxygen from an oxygen comprising gas . however , especially in case the oxygen separation system 10 shall be used as pressure swing adsorption system ( psa ), vacuum swing adsorption system ( vsa ) or a combination thereof ( pvsa ), it may be preferred that each oxygen separation unit 14 comprises exactly two oxygen separation devices 28 as the number of gas conveying devices may be limited although the advantages like described may be achieved . the oxygen separation device 28 may be equipped with an oxygen separation sorbent 30 . the oxygen separation sorbent 30 is particularly configured for letting oxygen pass at least in a large amount without significantly impeding its flow , but for interacting with , or sorbing , respectively other components being present in an oxygen comprising gas . in case air is used as oxygen comprising gas , it is thus preferred that the oxygen separation sorbent 30 is configured for sorbing nitrogen , or adsorbing nitrogen , respectively . suitable oxygen separation sorbents may comprises a zeolite material such as a lithium zeolite material . however it may be possible to use every suitable oxygen separation sorbent known in the art , for example for use in pressure swing adsorption processes . the oxygen separation sorbent 30 is thereby held in place by an inlet filter 32 and an outlet filter 34 , for example pressed against the sorbent 30 by means of spring forces . an inlet conduct 36 is provided for guiding a flow of oxygen comprising gas to the gas inlet 38 of the oxygen separation device 22 at its primary side . furthermore , an outlet conduct 40 for guiding oxygen enriched gas , or pure oxygen , respectively , out of the oxygen separation device 28 , or its outlet 39 , is provided . the inlet conduct 36 of the oxygen separation device 28 , or of all present oxygen separation devices 28 of all oxygen separation units 14 , is connected to an inlet 42 of the oxygen separation system 10 . connected to the inlet 42 may be a source of oxygen comprising gas , such as a gas storing device or the air surrounding the oxygen separation system 10 . additionally , a gas conveying device 44 for creating a pressure difference between the primary side and the secondary side of the oxygen separation device 28 may be provided . the gas conveying device 44 may , for example , be a piezoelectric fluid pump . downstream or upstream the gas conveying device 44 , an air inlet filter 46 may be provided in order to provide a first cleaning step of the oxygen comprising gas . in detail , especially solid particles may be filtered out of the oxygen comprising gas . the inlet filter 46 may be part of the oxygen separation unit 14 , or it may be provided only once downstream the inlet 44 . in order to allow the oxygen comprising gas to be guided through the oxygen separation device 28 , an inlet valve 48 may be provided in the inlet conduct 36 . a valve according to the invention shall be any device which may allow a gas flow , inhibit a gas flow and / or regulate the amount of a gas flow . further , a valve 50 , such as a check valve , may be provided in the outlet conduct 40 . further , a purging conduct 52 with a respective valve 54 may be provided together with an exhaust conduct 56 and a respective exhaust valve 58 in order to purge the oxygen separation device 28 with oxygen enriched gas and thus for regenerating the oxygen separation sorbent 30 like will be apparent in detail down below . coming back to fig1 , the oxygen separation system 10 further comprises one or more power sources 60 for providing energy to the oxygen separation system 10 . the energy source 60 may further be adapted for providing energy to an additional electric load . an energy source 60 may further be part of each oxygen separation unit 14 . further , a control logic 62 is provided for controlling the oxygen separation system 10 . the control logic 62 as well as the energy source 60 may thus be connected to the oxygen separation units 14 , for example , by respective power and control connectors and a power and control line 63 . connected to the oxygen separation units 14 , or the respective oxygen separation devices 28 thereof , particularly to the outlet conducts 40 of the respective oxygen separation units 14 is further a particularly flexible product tube 64 , which guides the generated oxygen enriched gas to a user , for example via a product accumulator 66 and a product delivery tube 68 . however , it has to be noted that regarding the oxygen separation system 10 , such a system 10 may exclude an additional product accumulator 66 being arranged downstream the oxygen separation units 14 . further , the oxygen separation system 10 may comprise a cooling device , such as a fan , or it may exclude a cooling device . therefore , the size of the support surface may be chosen to come up with sufficient cooling of the oxygen separation units 14 leading to cooling by unforced convection of surrounding air . the above described oxygen separation system 10 may work in a non - limiting manner as follows as a pressure swing adsorption system . firstly an oxygen comprising gas is guided to the primary side of the plurality of oxygen separation devices 28 by the plurality of gas conveying devices 44 being part of each oxygen separation unit 14 . the oxygen comprising gas may thereby be guided to the oxygen separation devices 28 through the inlet 42 , which may be connected to a plurality of inlet tubes 36 , each being part of an oxygen separation unit 14 . by further creating a pressure difference between the primary side and the secondary side of the oxygen separation device 28 , especially by means of the gas conveying device 44 , the oxygen comprising gas is forced to flow through the oxygen separation device 28 , thereby producing a flow of oxygen enriched gas at the secondary side of the oxygen separation device 28 by interacting with the oxygen separation sorbent material 30 . the oxygen enriched gas is in turn guided through an outlet conduct 40 to the product tube 64 and further to the user . thereby , the plurality of outlet conducts 40 of each oxygen separation unit 14 may be combined to one product tube 64 . the oxygen separation system 10 may work , for example , by a phase shifted operation of the oxygen separation devices 14 . further , it may be provided that each of the oxygen separation units 14 provides a flow of oxygen enriched gas in an amount of ≧ 5 % to ≦ 30 % of the totally generated flow of oxygen enriched gas . by controlling the valves 48 , 54 , and 58 of the respective oxygen separation units 14 , it may be defined which oxygen separation unit 14 is working at the moment and which unit is operated in which working phase . in order to remove the sorbed substance or substances from the oxygen separation sorbent material 30 , the sorbent material 30 is provided with a gas flow in the reversed direction , particularly by reversing the pressure behavior upstream and downstream the sorbent 30 , and thus by a pressure swing . therefore , the respective valves 48 , 54 , and 58 of the oxygen separation unit 14 may be controlled such , that freshly generated oxygen enriched gas is guided through the purge line 52 , the oxygen separation device 28 and the exhaust line 56 . this may , for example , be achieved , in case the purge line 52 is connected to the product line 64 or to an outlet tube 40 of a further oxygen separation unit 14 . in case two oxygen separation devices 28 are provided in each respective unit 14 , the purge valve 54 may be exchanged by an orifice between outlet conducts of the respective oxygen separation devices 28 , wherein the orifice may be positioned in a connecting line of the respective outlet conducts , the connecting line exchanging the purge line which is a very simple and cost - saving arrangement . if the oxygen separation units 14 are operated with a cycle time of the unit of t cyc & gt ;& gt ; 1 s , the maximum inflows and outflows as well as the power for switching the valves is reduced . an inflow of the compressor is preferred to not interfere with the exhaust gas . according to fig4 and 5 , a special embodiment of the oxygen separation system 10 is shown . according to this embodiment , the oxygen separation system 10 is included into a piece of clothes , in detail into a vest 70 and thus the oxygen separation system 10 is a wearable system . in fig4 , the front side of the vest 70 is shown . the front side of the vest 70 may comprise the control logic 62 , one or more power sources 60 and at least partly the power and control line 63 being connected to the control logic 62 and energy source 60 . further , the product tube 64 may be guided to said front side and may be connected to the product accumulator 66 and further to the product delivery tube 68 . in fig5 , the respective components of the back side of the vest 70 are shown . the back side may comprise the oxygen separation units 14 according to this embodiment being connected to the energy source 60 and to the control logic 62 by the power and control lines 63 like described with regard to fig1 . further , the oxygen separation units 14 , or their oxygen separation devices 28 , are connected to the product tube 64 . each component may be fixed to the vest , for example , by respective fixing means or pockets or the like and they may further be included to the inner side of the vest 70 so that they are not visible from the outside . further , the heat generated may be guided to the outside resulting in an especially preferred heat management due to a large surface being in contact with surrounding air . further , the heat may be used for heating the user , which may be comfortable especially during winter times . while the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description , such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive ; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments . other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention , from a study of the drawings , the disclosure , and the appended claims . in the claims , the word “ comprising ” does not exclude other elements or steps , and the indefinite article “ a ” or “ an ” does not exclude a plurality . the mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage . any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope . | 1 |
the principles of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings . because the invention was conceived and developed for use in liquid crystal display systems , it will be herein described chiefly in this context . however , the principles of the invention in their broader aspects can be adapted to other types of optical systems , such as , for example , organic light emitting diode ( led ) display systems and electrowetting display systems . referring to fig2 , there is shown an exemplary optical structure to which principles in accordance with the present invention can be applied . as shown in fig2 , a higher - refractive index layer ( e . g ., media having a refractive index that is numerically greater than the refractive index of other media ), hi , is surrounded by lower - refractive index layer ( e . g ., media having a refractive index that is numerically less than the refractive index of hi ), li 1 and li 2 , which may have the same or different refractive indices . the thickness of the higher - refractive index layer is such that the total reflected power is a result of interference between the two reflections at the surfaces of the higher - refractive index layer ( there is a maximum thickness of the hi layer for which this is true , dependent on the coherence of the light ). moving to fig3 , layers of intermediate refractive index , mi 1 and mi 2 , are applied to each side of the higher - refractive index layer hi , in between the higher refractive index layer and the lower - refractive index surrounding media li 1 and li 2 . mi 1 and mi 2 may have the same or different refractive indices . the device in accordance with fig3 reduces reflections at a higher - refractive index layer , surrounded by lower - refractive index media in an optical system . further , the device in accordance with fig3 reduces reflections more effectively than 2 -, 4 - and 6 - layer systems , such as those described in u . s . pat . no . 7 , 215 , 075 . this will now be demonstrated below . the following results have been obtained using a downhill simplex , numerical method of multidimensional minimization , as described in press , w . h ., et al ., ‘ numerical recipes in c : the art of scientific computing ’, second edition ( cambridge university press , 1992 ), pages 408 - 412 . the reflectivities are calculated for light at normal incidence , using a calculation as found in smith , w . j ., ‘ modern optical engineering ’, third edition ( mcgraw - hill , 2000 ), pages 205 - 207 ( equation 7 . 32 has been corrected to agree with equations 7 . 30 and 7 . 31 ). they are averaged for a flat spectrum from 450 nm to 750 nm . average reflectivity ( hereafter referred to as ‘ reflectivity ’) is minimized with respect to refractive indices , where they are unknown , and thicknesses of the layers . the above - referenced portions of both press and smith are hereby incorporated by reference . a ) referring to fig2 , consider the case of a layer , hi , with n = 1 . 95 , surrounded by media , li 1 and li 2 , both with n = 1 . 50 . the minimum reflectivity at hi , with respect to its thickness , is then 0 . 013 . hi is 148 nm thick in this case . the reflectivity is so low , despite the refractive index contrast between hi and li 1 and li 2 , due to destructive interference of light reflected at the two surfaces of hi . in accordance with the present invention , and as noted above , two extra layers of intermediate refractive index can be added to the system of fig2 . these are mi 1 and mi 2 as shown in fig3 . the reflectivity of the new , three - layer system ( hi , mi 1 and mi 2 form the three layers ) can be minimized to 0 . 00005 , i . e ., reflectivity is reduced by a factor of 3000 relative to the device of fig2 . the refractive indices of mi 1 and mi 2 in this case are both 1 . 66 and their thicknesses are 85 nm . hi ( with n = 1 . 95 ) is 145 nm thick . in a method related to that of u . s . pat . no . 7 , 215 , 075 , a single extra layer , e , could instead be added to the system , as shown in the conventional optical structure of fig4 . in this two - layer case ( hi and e form the two layers ), the minimum possible reflectivity is 0 . 0084 and the extra layer has refractive index 1 . 61 . comparing the above results obtained with respect to the two layer system of fig4 to the results for the device in fig3 , the reduction in reflectivity of a two - layer solution is improved by a factor of 170 in this case . b ) to make a comparison with the next simplest embodiment of u . s . pat . no . 7 , 215 , 075 , the materials used in the examples of u . s . pat . no . 7 , 215 , 075 are examined . this is a four - layer system , with alternating higher and lower refractive indices , and is shown in fig5 ( layers y , x , y , and x form the four layers ). l 1 and l 2 are the media surrounding the four layers . each alternating layer is composed of either medium x or y . the examples in u . s . pat . no . 7 , 215 , 075 use x and y with refractive index 1 . 8 and 2 . 2 . l 1 and l 2 are not specified , so this configuration cannot be compared fully with the embodiment shown in fig3 . l 1 and l 2 are here taken to be 1 . 50 . using the multi - dimensional minimization algorithm to vary the thicknesses in this four - layer structure , the reflectivity at these layers ( surrounded by media l 1 and l 2 ) can be minimized to 0 . 018 . the same materials used in the above example can be used in the device in accordance with the present invention , e . g . in a three - layer system as described herein . the refractive index of hi is 2 . 2 in this case , those of mi 1 and mi 2 are both 1 . 8 , and those of li 1 and li 2 are both 1 . 50 . the reflectivity at the three layers can be minimized , with respect to thicknesses of the layers , to 0 . 0017 . thus , using the same materials with the device in accordance with the present invention as opposed to the four - layer embodiment of u . s . pat . no . 7 , 215 , 075 , the reflectivity is reduced by an order of magnitude . c ) referring to fig5 , a four - layer system is now considered having the refractive indices of l 1 being 1 . 50 , that of l 2 being 1 . 60 and those of x and y being 1 . 70 and 1 . 95 , respectively . the four - layer system then has a minimum reflectivity of 0 . 0039 . the three - layer system in accordance with the present invention , using the same materials , i . e ., refractive indices of 1 . 70 , 1 . 95 and 1 . 70 for mi 1 , hi and mi 2 in fig3 , allows a minimum reflectivity of 0 . 00056 . the reflectivity is again reduced , this time by a factor of 7 , compared with the use of the same materials according to the four - layer embodiment of u . s . pat . no . 7 , 215 , 075 . a six - layer alternating system ( also an embodiment of u . s . pat . no . 7 , 215 , 075 ), using refractive indices 1 . 70 and 1 . 95 allows a minimum reflectivity of 0 . 0037 . considering all of these results , it can be seen that when a higher - refractive index layer is surrounded by lower - refractive index media , the device in accordance with the present invention offers superior reduction of reflections when compared to solutions according to u . s . pat . no . 7 , 215 , 075 . the device in accordance with the present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings . the principles in accordance with the present invention , however , may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein . referring to fig1 , there is shown an example of an optical structure embodied as a liquid crystal display ( lcd ), where one ito electrode , 102 , with n ≈ 1 . 95 , lies between layers of liquid crystal ( lc ), 104 , with n ≈ 1 . 53 , and glass or color filter ( cf ), 101 , with n ≈ 1 . 53 , and the other lies between lc , 104 and a planarizing resin , 108 , with n ≈ 1 . 59 . there is also a thin layer of polyimide ( pi ), 103 , with n ≈ 1 . 70 , between the lc and each ito electrode . there are also layers of silicon nitride , 105 , with n ≈ 2 . 04 , between layers of silica , 106 , with n ≈ 1 . 55 and / or the planarizing resin . the silica and silicon nitride layers are used as dielectric and for passivation in and around the tft system . glass , 107 , supports the structure . this is one typical structure in use in the industry , and is also described in table 1 , with thickness also given for each layer . the structure described in table 1 has thicknesses of pi and ito optimized to minimize total reflectivity by destructive interference . ( these thicknesses are within the typical manufacturing range .) the total reflectivity of this structure is 0 . 104 ; 10 . 4 % of incident light is reflected by this internal structure . referring now to fig6 , extra layers of intermediate refractive index , 601 , 602 , 603 , 604 , 605 and 606 , can be placed between higher - and lower - refractive index layers . for example , 601 is inserted between the ito and cf , forming the structure of fig3 in accordance with the invention , together with the lc and pi . table 2 describes the case where the layers 601 , 602 , 603 , 604 , 605 and 606 are polyimide , with n ≈ 1 . 70 . the structure described in table 2 has thicknesses of pi and ito optimized to minimize total reflectivity by destructive interference . the total reflectivity of this structure is 0 . 0091 ; 0 . 91 % of incident light is reflected by this internal structure . therefore , using a device in accordance with the invention , wherein polyimide is used as the intermediate - refractive index material , has reduced the reflectivity of this lcd structure by a factor of 11 . if the refractive index of layers 601 , 602 , 603 , 604 , 605 and 606 can be freely chosen , as well as their thickness , the structure of table 3 results ( the question marks in table 3 indicate that materials having appropriate refractive index can be freely chosen ). the structure described in table 3 has refractive indices of layers 601 , 602 , 603 , 604 , 605 and 606 and thicknesses of pi , ito and layers 601 , 602 , 603 , 604 , 605 and 606 optimized to minimize total reflectivity by destructive interference . the total reflectivity of this structure is 0 . 0050 ; 0 . 50 % of incident light is reflected by this internal structure . therefore , using a device in accordance with the invention , wherein polyimide is used as the intermediate - refractive index material , has reduced the reflectivity of this lcd structure by a factor of 21 . it is also possible to remove the silica and / or silicon nitride from the areas through which light is transmitted in an lcd . this is because they are only required around the tft and circuitry in the device . light is not transmitted through these regions ( it is either reflected by metal or absorbed in the commonly used black mask ), and so they can be considered irrelevant for purposes of reducing internal reflections . the silica and silicon nitride can in principle be patterned so that they are only found in these opaque regions , not in the transparent part of the pixel . in this case , the structure is as given in table 4 and fig7 . the structure described in table 3 has the thicknesses of pi and ito optimized to minimize total reflectivity by destructive interference . the total reflectivity of this structure is 0 . 015 ; 1 . 5 % of incident light is reflected by this internal structure . referring to fig8 , extra layers of intermediate refractive index , 801 and 802 can be placed between higher - and lower - refractive index layers of the system of fig7 . for example , 801 can be inserted between the ito and cf , forming the structure of fig3 in accordance with the present invention , together with the lc and pi . table 5 describes the case where 801 and 802 are polyimide layers , with n ≈ 1 . 70 . the structure described in table 5 has thicknesses of pi and ito optimized to minimize total reflectivity by destructive interference . the total reflectivity of this structure is 0 . 00080 ; 0 . 50 % of incident light is reflected by this internal structure . therefore , using the device in accordance with the invention , wherein polyimide is used as the intermediate - refractive index material , has reduced the reflectivity of this lcd structure by a factor of 19 . for such use in an lcd , or other system , other materials , organic and inorganic may be found which have an appropriate refractive index . polycarbonate ( n ≈ 1 . 59 ), polystyrene ( n ≈ 1 . 59 ) are two examples of polymers which may be used between some layers . indium zinc oxide can be deposited with a refractive index of 1 . 8 ( according to u . s . pat . no . 7 , 215 , 075 ). additionally , the structure in accordance with the present invention can be utilized in liquid crystal display systems , as well as organic light emitting diode ( oled ) display systems and electrowetting display systems . although the invention has been shown and described with respect to certain preferred embodiments , it is obvious that equivalents and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of the specification . the present invention includes all such equivalents and modifications , and is limited only by the scope of the following claims . | 1 |
wherein a , b , r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , and r 4 are as defined above . where the compounds according to this invention have at least one chiral center , they may accordingly exist as enantiomers . the compounds of the present invention are modulators of the androgen receptor and are useful for the treatment of prostate carcinoma , benign prostatic hyperplasia ( bph ), hirsitutism , alopecia , anorexia nervosa , breast cancer , acne , aids , cachexia , as a male contraceptive , and / or as a male performance enhancer . representative compounds of the present invention are as listed in table 1 . as used herein , unless otherwise noted , the term “ alkyl ”, whether used alone or as part of a substituent group , includes straight and branched chains . for example , alkyl radicals include methyl , ethyl , propyl , isopropyl , butyl , isobutyl , sec - butyl , t - butyl , pentyl and the like . unless otherwise noted , “ lower ” when used with alkyl means a carbon chain composition of 1 - 4 carbon atoms . as used herein , unless otherwise noted , the term “ halogen substituted lower alkyl ” shall mean a lower alkyl group as defined above wherein one or more of the hydrogen atoms is replaced with a halogen atom . suitable examples include , but are not limited to , trifluoromethyl , 2 , 2 , 2 - trifluoro - eth - 1 - yl , chloromethyl , fluoromethyl and the like . similarly , the term “ fluorinated lower alkyl ” shall mean a lower alkyl group as defined above wherein one or more of the hydrogen atoms is replaced with a fluorine atom . suitable examples include , but are not limited to , fluoromethyl , fluoroethyl , trifluoromethyl , 2 , 2 , 2 - trifluoro - eth - 1 - yl , and the like . as used herein , unless otherwise noted , “ alkoxy ” shall denote an oxygen ether radical of the above described straight or branched chain alkyl groups . for example , methoxy , ethoxy , n - propoxy , sec - butoxy , t - butoxy , n - hexyloxy and the like . as used herein , unless otherwise noted , the term “ cycloalkyl ” shall mean any stable four to eight membered monocyclic , saturated ring system , for example cyclobutyl , cyclopentyl , cyclohexyl , cycloheptyl and cyclooctyl . as used herein , unless otherwise noted , “ aryl ” shall refer to unsubstituted carbocylic aromatic groups such as phenyl , naphthyl , and the like . as used herein , unless otherwise noted , “ heteroaryl ” shall denote any five or six membered , monocyclic aromatic ring structure containing at least one heteroatom selected from the group consisting of o , n and s , optionally containing one to three additional heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of o , n and s ; or a nine or ten membered , bicyclic aromatic ring structure containing at least one heteroatom selected from the group consisting of o , n and s , optionally containing one to four additional heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of o , n and s . the heteroaryl group may be attached at any heteroatom or carbon atom of the ring such that the result is a stable structure . examples of suitable heteroaryl groups include , but are not limited to , pyrrolyl , furyl , thienyl , oxazolyl , imidazolyl , purazolyl , isoxazolyl , isothiazolyl , triazolyl , thiadiazolyl , pyridyl , pyridazinyl , pyrimidinyl , pyrazinyl , pyranyl , furazanyl , indolizinyl , indolyl , isoindolinyl , indazolyl , benzofuryl , benzothienyl , benzimidazolyl , benzthiazolyl , purinyl , quinolizinyl , quinolinyl , isoquinolinyl , isothiazolyl , cinnolinyl , phthalazinyl , quinazolinyl , quinoxalinyl , naphthyridinyl , pteridinyl , and the like . as used herein , the notation “*” shall denote the presence of a stereogenic center . when a particular group is “ substituted ” ( e . g ., cycloalkyl , aryl , heteroaryl , etc ), that group may have one or more substituents , preferably from one to five substituents , more preferably from one to three substituents , most preferably from one to two substituents , independently selected from the list of substituents . with reference to substituents , the term “ independently ” means that when more than one of such substituents is possible , such substituents may be the same or different from each other . under standard nomenclature used throughout this disclosure , the terminal portion of the designated side chain is described first , followed by the adjacent functionality toward the point of attachment . thus , for example , a “ phenyl -( c 1 - c 6 alkyl )- aminocarbonyl -( c 1 - c 6 alkyl )” substituent refers to a group of the formula abbreviations used in the specification , particularly the schemes and examples , are as follows : the term “ subject ” as used herein , refers to an animal , preferably a mammal , most preferably a human , who has been the object of treatment , observation or experiment . the term “ therapeutically effective amount ” as used herein , means that amount of active compound or pharmaceutical agent that elicits the biological or medicinal response in a tissue system , animal or human that is being sought by a researcher , veterinarian , medical doctor or other clinician , which includes , but is not limited to , alleviation of the symptoms of the disease or disorder being treated . as used herein , the term “ composition ” is intended to encompass a product comprising the specified ingredients in the specified amounts , as well as any product which results , directly or indirectly , from combinations of the specified ingredients in the specified amounts . where the compounds according to this invention have at least one chiral center , they may accordingly exist as enantiomers . where the compounds possess two or more chiral centers , they may additionally exist as diastereomers . it is to be understood that all such isomers and mixtures thereof are encompassed within the scope of the present invention . furthermore , some of the crystalline forms for the compounds may exist as polymorphs and as such are intended to be included in the present invention . in addition , some of the compounds may form solvates with water ( i . e ., hydrates ) or common organic solvents , and such solvates are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of this invention . where the processes for the preparation of the compounds according to the invention give rise to mixture of stereoisomers , these isomers may be separated by conventional techniques such as preparative chromatography . the compounds may be prepared in racemic form , or individual enantiomers may be prepared either by enantiospecific synthesis or by resolution . the compounds may , for example , be resolved into their component enantiomers by standard techniques , such as the formation of diastereomeric pairs by salt formation with an optically active acid , such as (−)- di - p - toluoyl - d - tartaric acid and / or (+)- di - p - toluoyl - l - tartaric acid followed by fractional crystallization and regeneration of the free base . the compounds may also be resolved by formation of diastereomeric esters or amides , followed by chromatographic separation and removal of the chiral auxiliary . alternatively , the compounds may be resolved using a chiral hplc column . during any of the processes for preparation of the compounds of the present invention , it may be necessary and / or desirable to protect sensitive or reactive groups on any of the molecules concerned . this may be achieved by means of conventional protecting groups , such as those described in protective groups in organic chemistry , ed . j . f . w . mcomie , plenum press , 1973 ; and t . w . greene & amp ; p . g . m . wuts , protective groups in organic synthesis , john wiley & amp ; sons , 1991 . the protecting groups may be removed at a convenient subsequent stage using methods known from the art . the present invention includes within its scope prodrugs of the compounds of this invention . in general , such prodrugs will be functional derivatives of the compounds which are readily convertible in vivo into the required compound . thus , in the methods of treatment of the present invention , the term “ administering ” shall encompass the treatment of the various disorders described with the compound specifically disclosed or with a compound which may not be specifically disclosed , but which converts to the specified compound in vivo after administration to the patient . conventional procedures for the selection and preparation of suitable prodrug derivatives are described , for example , in design of prodrugs , ed . h . bundgaard , elsevier , 1985 . for use in medicine , the salts of the compounds of this invention refer to “ pharmaceutically acceptable salts .” other salts may , however , be useful in the preparation of compounds according to this invention or of their pharmaceutically acceptable salts . suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds include acid addition salts which may , for example , be formed by mixing a solution of the compound with a solution of a pharmaceutically acceptable acid such as hydrochloric acid , sulfuric acid , fumaric acid , maleic acid , succinic acid , acetic acid , benzoic acid , citric acid , tartaric acid , carbonic acid or phosphoric acid . furthermore , where the compounds of the invention carry an acidic moiety , suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof may include alkali metal salts , e . g ., sodium or potassium salts ; alkaline earth metal salts , e . g ., calcium or magnesium salts ; and salts formed with suitable organic ligands , e . g ., quaternary ammonium salts . representative pharmaceutically acceptable salts include the following : acetate , benzenesulfonate , benzoate , bicarbonate , bisulfate , bitartrate , borate , bromide , calcium edetate , camsylate , carbonate , chloride , clavulanate , citrate , dihydrochloride , edetate , edisylate , estolate , esylate , fumarate , gluceptate , gluconate , glutamate , glycollylarsanilate , hexylresorcinate , hydrabamine , hydrobromide , hydrochloride , hydroxynaphthoate , iodide , isothionate , lactate , lactobionate , laurate , malate , maleate , mandelate , mesylate , methylbromide , methylnitrate , methylsulfate , mucate , napsylate , nitrate , n - methylglucamine ammonium salt , oleate , pamoate ( embonate ), palmitate , pantothenate , phosphate / diphosphate , polygalacturonate , salicylate , stearate , sulfate , subacetate , succinate , tannate , tartrate , teoclate , tosylate , triethiodide and valerate . representative acids and bases which may be used in the preparation of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include the following : acids including acetic acid , 2 , 2 - dichloroactic acid , acylated amino acids , adipic acid , alginic acid , ascorbic acid , l - aspartic acid , benzenesulfonic acid , benzoic acid , 4 - acetamidobenzoic acid , (+)- camphoric acid , camphorsulfonic acid , (+)-( 1s )- camphor - 10 - sulfonic acid , capric acid , caproic acid , caprylic acid , cinnamic acid , citric acid , cyclamic acid , dodecylsulfuric acid , ethane - 1 , 2 - disulfonic acid , ethanesulfonic acid , 2 - hydrocy - ethanesulfonic acid , formic acid , fumaric acid , galactaric acid , gentisic acid , glucoheptonic acid , d - gluconic acid , d - glucoronic acid , l - glutamic acid , α - oxo - glutaric acid , glycolic acid , hipuric acid , hydrobromic acid , hydrochloric acid , (+)- l - lactic acid , (±)- dl - lactic acid , lactobionic acid , maleic acid , (−)- l - malic acid , malonic acid , (±)- dl - mandelic acid , methanesulfonic acid , naphthalene - 2 - sulfonic acid , naphthalene - 1 , 5 - disulfonic acid , 1 - hydroxy - 2 - naphthoic acid , nicotinc acid , nitric acid , oleic acid , orotic acid , oxalic acid , palmitric acid , pamoic acid , phosphoric acid , l - pyroglutamic acid , salicylic acid , 4 - amino - salicylic acid , sebaic acid , stearic acid , succinic acid , sulfuric acid , tannic acid , (+)- l - tartaric acid , thiocyanic acid , p - toluenesulfonic acid and undecylenic acid ; and bases including ammonia , l - arginine , benethamine , benzathine , calcium hydroxide , choline , deanol , diethanolamine , diethylamine , 2 -( diethylamino )- ethanol , ethanolamine , ethylenediamine , n - methyl - glucamine , hydrabamine , 1h - imidazole , l - lysine , magnesium hydroxide , 4 -( 2 - hydroxyethyl )- morpholine , piperazine , potassium hydroxide , 1 -( 2 - hydroxyethyl )- pyrrolidine , secondary amine , sodium hydroxide , triethanolamine , tromethamine and zinc hydroxide . compounds of formula ( i ) may be prepared according to the process outlined in scheme 1 below . accordingly , a suitably substituted compound of formula ( ii ), a known compound or compound prepared by known methods , is reacted with a primary benzyl ( b = 1 ) or aryl ( b = 0 ) amine in an organic solvent or mixture thereof , such as benzene , toluene , xylene , and the like , optionally in the presence of a catalyst , such as toluene sulfonic acid , benzene sulfonic acid , sulfuric acid and the like , is heated under dean - stark conditions to yield the corresponding compound of formula ( iii ). alternatively , a mixture of the compound of formula ( ii ) and the corresponding primary benzyl ( b = 1 ) or aryl ( b = 0 ) amine in an organic solvent such as thf , methanol , ethanol , and the like is reacted with a reducing agent such as sodium cyanoborohydride , sodium triacetoxyborohydride and the like , to yield the corresponding compound of formula ( iv ) directly . the compound of formula ( iii ) is reacted with a reducing agent such as hydrogen gas ( in the presence of a palladium catalyst ), sodium borohydrde , sodium cyanoborohydride and the like in an organic solvent such as methanol , ethanol , thf and the like , to yield the corresponding compound of formula ( iv ). the compound of formula ( iv ) is de - protected according to known methods , for example , by reacting with an acid such as trifluoromethanesulfonic acid , hcl , trifluoroacetic acid , and the like , in an organic solvent or mixture thereof such as methanol / water , ethanol / water , thf , and the like , to yield the corresponding compound of formula ( v ). the compound of formula ( v ) is reacted with a reagent such as carbonyl diimidazole , p - nitrophenylchloroformate , triphosgene , phosgene and the like in the presence of a base such as triethylamine , pyridine , and the like , in an organic solvent such as thf , dichloromethane and the like , to yield the corresponding compound of formula ia . alternatively , the compound of formula ( ia ) is reacted with a base such as sodium hydroxide , potassium hydroxide and the like , in an organic solvent or mixture thereof such as methanol / water , ethanol / water , thf , and the like , to yield the corresponding compound of formula ( ib ). alternatively , the compound of formula ( ib ) is reacted with oxalyl chloride in a solvent such as dichloromethane , dichloroethane and the like , optionally in the presence of a catalytic amount of dmf , to form the intermediate acid chloride which is reacted with an appropriately substituted primary amine to afford the corresponding compound of formula ( ic ). the following examples are set forth to aid in the understanding of the invention , and are not intended and should not be construed to limit in any way the invention set forth in the claims which follow thereafter . to a solution of 2 - tert - butoxycarbonylamino - 2 - methyl - 3 - oxo - propionic acid methyl ester ( 2 . 35 g , 6 . 71 mmol ) in methanol ( 25 ml ) was added 4 - fluoroaniline ( 0 . 53 ml , 5 . 59 mmol ) and acetic acid ( 0 . 16 ml , 2 . 80 mmol ). a solution of sodium cyanoborohydride ( 188 mg , 2 . 99 mmol ) in methanol ( 25 ml ) was added dropwise and the reaction mixture stirred for 3 hours at room temperature post addition . the solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue dissolved in dcm ( 50 ml ). the organic solution was treated with aqueous sodium carbonate solution ( 20 ml , 1n ), stirred for 20 min , and the aqueous layer removed . concentration of the organic layer followed by purification of the residue using flash chromatography ( sio 2 , dcm ) afforded the title compound as a yellow oil ( 970 mg , 53 %). to a solution of 2 - tert - butoxycarbonylamino - 2 - methyl - 3 - oxo - propionic acid methyl ester ( 1 . 40 g , 6 . 06 mmol ) in toluene ( 70 ml ) was added 4 - methoxybenzylamine ( 0 . 80 ml , 6 . 12 mmol ) and p - toluenesulfonic acid ( ca . 10 mg ). the flask was fitted with a dean - stark trap and a reflux condenser and heated to reflux under nitrogen for 2 hours . the solvent was removed in vacuo to afford the imine as a yellow oil that was of suitable purity for further use . this residue was dissolved in methanol ( 30 ml ). a solution of sodium borohydride ( 310 mg , 8 . 17 mmol ) in methanol ( 15 ml ) was added dropwise and the reaction mixture stirred for 3 hours at room temperature post addition . the solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue dissolved in dcm ( 50 ml ). the organic solution was treated with aqueous sodium carbonate solution ( 20 ml , 1n ), stirred for 20 min , and the aqueous layer removed . concentration of the organic layer followed by purification of the residue using flash chromatography ( sio 2 , dcm ) afforded the title compound as a yellow oil ( 1 . 85 g , 99 %). to a solution of 2 - tert - butoxycarbonylamino - 3 -( 4 - fluoro - phenylamino )- 2 - methyl - propionic acid methyl ester ( 954 mg , 2 . 92 mmol ) in methanol ( 10 ml ) was added hcl ( 3 ml , 12 n ). the mixture was heated to 55 ° c . until the ms indicated no starting material remained . after cooling to ambient temperature , the solution was treated with aqueous naoh ( 40 ml , 1n ) and extracted several times with dcm . the combined extracts were concentrated and purified by flash chromatography ( sio 2 , 5 % meoh / dcm ) to yield the title compound as a yellow oil ( 305 mg , 46 %). a solution of 2 - amino - 3 -( 4 - fluoro - phenylamino )- 2 - methyl - propionic acid methyl ester ( 282 mg , 1 . 25 mmol ) in thf ( 10 ml ) was treated with triethylamine ( 2 . 00 ml , 14 . 3 mmol ) and cooled to 0 ° c . under argon . a solution of triphosgene ( 211 mg , 0 . 71 mmol ) was added to the reaction dropwise and the mixture allowed to reach room temperature . after 1 hour , the mixture was diluted with dcm , washed with 1n hcl and the organic layers concentrated in vacuo . the resulting residue was purified by flash chromatography to afford the product ( 260 mg , 82 %). a solution of 1 -( 4 - fluoro - phenyl )- 4 - methyl - 2 - oxo - imidazolidine - 4 - carboxylic acid methyl ester ( 247 mg , 0 . 98 mmol ) in methanol ( 15 ml ) was treated with aqueous naoh ( 1 . 50 ml , 6 . 38 mmol ). after stirring 1 hour at room temperature , the mixture was treated with 1n hcl to ph 1 and the resulting white precipitate collected by filtration ( 135 mg , 58 %). a solution of 1 -( 4 - fluoro - phenyl )- 4 - methyl - 2 - oxo - imidazolidine - 4 - carboxylic acid ( 120 mg , 0 . 50 mmol ) in dcm ( 15 ml ) was treated oxalyl chloride ( 0 . 09 ml , 1 . 03 mmol ) and one drop of dry dmf . after stirring 1 hour at room temperature , the solvent was removed in vacuo . to this residue , a solution of 4 - amino - 2 -( trifluoromethyl ) benzonitrile ( 277 mg , 1 . 49 mmol ) and triethylamine ( 0 . 28 ml , 2 . 01 mmol ) in dry dcm ( 10 ml ) was added . after stirring overnight at room temperature , the mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue purified by flash chromatography to afford the title compound as a tan solid ( 110 mg , 54 %). male sprague dawley or wistar rats ( charles river , 200 - 300 g ) were used for each preparation . the day before preparing the cytosol , the rats were castrated using standard surgical procedures . the rats were euthanized by carbon dioxide asphyxiation . the rat prostates were quickly removed and placed on ice in pre - chilled , pre - weighed 50 ml plastic tubes . no more than five prostates were placed into one tube . the tubes were then weighed and the prostate tissue wet weights calculated . to the chilled prostate tissue was then added 1 ml / mg tissue of chilled homogenization buffer . the homogenization buffer was freshly prepared by mixing 10 mm tris . hcl , ph 7 . 4 , 1 mm sodium molybdate , 1 . 5 mm edta , 1 mm dithiothreitol , 10 % ( v / v ) glycerol and 1 % protease inhibitor cocktail ( sigma p 8340 ). the prostate tissue was homogenized in a cold room using a pre - chilled polytron pt3000 homogenizer ( brinkmann ). homogenization was performed at a speed setting of 20 , three times for 10 sec bursts . the tubes containing the prostate tissue was kept on ice while homogenizing . the homogenate was allowed to rest on ice for 20 sec between bursts . the homogenate was then placed into pre - chilled 3 ml polycarbonate ultracentrifuge tubes and centrifuged in the tla - 100 rotor of a tl - 100 ultracentrifuge for 12 min at 100 , 000 rpm at 4 ° c . the resulting supernatant was stored in 1 ml aliquots at − 80 ° c . until needed . binding to the androgen receptor was determined according to the protocol described in example 86 using the above prepared rat cytosol . % inhibition was determined by testing dilutions of the test compound ( usually duplicates of 10 μm ) in the binding assay . counts per well were measured and percents of inhibition determined . androgen receptor binding ic 50 s were determined by testing serial dilutions of the test compound ( usually duplicate ten half - log dilutions starting at 10 μm ) in the binding assay . counts per well were measured and ic 50 s determined by linear regression . representative compounds of the present invention were tested for binding to the androgen receptor according to the procedure described above with results as listed in table b . for compounds tested more than once , each result is listed separately in the table 2 below . cos - 7 cells were plated in 96 - well plates at 20 , 000 cells per well , in a solution of dmem / f12 ( gibco ) containing 10 % ( v / v ) charcoal - treated fetal bovine serum ( hyclone ) and lacking phenol red . the cells were then incubated overnight at 37 ° c . in 5 % ( v / v ) humidified co 2 . test compound solutions were prepared by diluting the test compound in 100 % ( v / v ) dmso , if necessary . each dilution yielded a solution which was 625 × the final desired test concentration . next , 1 ml of dmem / f12 lacking phenol red was pipetted into each of the wells of a 2 - ml 96 - well assay block . then 4 μl of the 625 × test compound dilutions were pipetted into each well of the assay block . the wells were carefully mixed by pipette . in a 15 ml or 50 ml sterile centrifuge tube , a 2 . 5 nm dilution of tritiated methyl - trienolone in dmem / f12 lacking phenol red ([ 3 h ] r1881 ; perkin - elmer ) was prepared . in a 15 ml or 50 ml sterile centrifuge tube , a dilution in dmem / f12 of the adenovirus adeasy + rar at a moi of 1 : 50 per well was prepared . the medium was removed from the 96 - well plates by inversion and the plates dried very briefly , inverted , on a sterile towel . as soon as possible after medium removal , 40 μl of the diluted test compound was added to each well , in duplicate . to each well was then added 40 μl of the 2 . 5 nm [ 3 h ] r1881 and 20 μl of the diluted adenovirus . the plates were then incubated for 48 hours at 37 ° c . in 5 % ( v / v ) humidified co 2 . the medium was removed from the above incubated plates by inversion and dried . each well was then washed with 0 . 35 ml of 1 × pbs . the pbs was then removed from the plates by inversion and the plates dried . to each well was then added 50 μl of 0 . 5 % ( v / v ) triton x - 100 ( sigma ) in 1 × pbs and the plates placed on a rotary shaker for 5 min . the contents of each well were then transferred to an optiplate - 96 ( packard ) scintillation plate . to each well was then added 0 . 2 ml of microscint - 20 ( packard ) and the wells counted on a topcount ( packard ). percent inhibition was determined by testing dilutions of the test compound ( usually duplicates of 10 μm ) in the binding assay . counts per well were measured and percents of inhibition determined . androgen receptor binding ic 50 s were determined by testing serial dilutions of the test compound ( usually duplicate ten half - log dilutions starting at 10 μm ) in the binding assay . counts per well were measured and ic 50 s determined by linear regression . representative compounds of the present invention were tested for binding to the androgen receptor according to the procedure described above with results as listed in table c . unless otherwise noted , cos binding % inhibition was determined using a concentration of 3000 nm . for compounds tested more than once , each result is listed separately in table 3 below . l929 cells were plated in 96 - well plates at 20 , 000 cells per well , in dmem / f12 ( gibco ) containing 10 % ( v / v ) charcoal - treated fetal bovine serum ( hyclone ) and lacking phenol red . the plates were then incubated overnight at 37 ° c . in 5 % ( v / v ) humidified co 2 . test compound dilutions were prepared in 100 % ( v / v ) dmso , if necessary . each dilution was made to 1250 × the final desired assay concentration . first , 2 ml of dmem / f12 lacking phenol red was pipetted into the wells of a 2 - ml 96 - well assay block . next , 4 μl of the 1250 × test compound dilutions were pipetted into each well of the assay block . the mixtures within the well were then carefully mixed by pipette . in a 15 ml or 50 ml sterile centrifuge tube , a 2 . 5 nm ( 2 . 5 ×) dilution of r1881 ( methyl - trienolone ) in dmem / f12 lacking phenol red was prepared . in a second 15 ml or 50 ml centrifuge tube a solution containing an equal volume of dmem to the first and an equal volume of 100 % ( v / v ) dmso to the volume of r1881 used in the first tube was prepared . in a 15 ml or 50 ml sterile centrifuge tube , a dilution in dmem / f12 of the adenovirus adeasy + rar at an moi of 1 : 500 per well was prepared . the medium was removed from the 96 - well plates by inversion and dried , inverted , very briefly . as soon as possible after medium removal , 40 μl of the diluted unlabeled test compound was added to each well , in duplicate . to each well designated for antagonist testing was added 40 μl of the 2 . 5 nm r1881 dilution to the wells for antagonist testing . to each well designated for agonist testing was added 40 μl of the dmso dilution . then 20 μl of the diluted adenovirus were added to all wells . the plates were incubated for 48 hours at 37 ° c . in 5 % ( v / v ) humidified co 2 . to each well was added 100 μl of steady - glo luciferase assay substrate ( promega ) and the plates were placed on a rotary shaker for 1 min . the plates were then incubated at room temperature in the dark for one hour . the contents of each well were then transferred to a white microtiter plate ( packard ) and read on a luminoskan ascent ( thermo lab systems ). l929 ar percent activity was determined by testing dilutions of the test compound using a concentration of 3000 nm unless otherwise noted . l929 percent inhibition was determined by testing dilutions of the test compound using a concentration of 3000 nm . ec 50 s and ic 50 s were determined by testing serial dilutions of the test compound ( usually duplicate ten half - log dilutions starting at 10 μm ). luciferase activity per well were measured and ec 50 s and ic 50 s determined by linear regression . representative compounds of the present invention were tested for functional activity at the androgen receptor according to the procedure described above with results as listed in table 4 . immature ( approximately 50 g ) castrated male sprague dawley rats ( charles river ) were treated once daily for five days with test compound ( usually given orally at 40 mg / kg in a volume of 0 . 3 ml , in 30 % cyclodextrin or 0 . 5 % methylcellulose vehicle ) and with testosterone propionate ( given subcutaneously by injection at the nape of the neck at 2 mg / kg , in a volume of 0 . 1 ml in sesame oil ). on the sixth day , the rats were euthanized by asphyxiation in carbon dioxide . ventral prostates and seminal vesicles were removed and their wet weights determined . test compound activity was determined as the percent inhibition of testosterone - enhanced tissue weights , with a vehicle - treated control group set to zero percent and a testosterone alone - treated control group set to 100 %. a test compound was said to be “ active ” if the non weight adjusted prostate weight was ≦ 60 mg or ≧ 84 mg . compounds 6a , 4b , 6h , 4e and 5e were tested according to the procedure described above and determined to be “ active ”. compounds 6e , 6j , 5a , 4a , 6g , 4d , 5d , 4c , 5c , 6c , 5b , 6b , 6d , and 6e were tested according to the procedure described above and determined to be “ inactive ”. note that while certain of these compounds may or may not have shown an effect on prostate and / or vesical weight , they are listed herein as “ inactive ” as they did not meet the specified criteria defined above . while the foregoing specification teaches the principles of the present invention , with examples provided for the purpose of illustration , it will be understood that the practice of the invention encompasses all of the usual variations , adaptations and / or modifications as come within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents . | 2 |
as defined herein , “ a transporter binding molecule ” refers to a labelled atp derivative , anti - transporter antibody , lectin , polypeptide , polynucleotide , oligonucleotide , oligopeptide , anti - tag antibody and other molecule capable in binding atp binding sites and other natural and artificial polymers either mimicking atp binding or recognizing adjacent motifs of nb sites as defined herein , “ abc transporter ” is a family of membrane transport proteins that use the energy of atp hydrolysis to transport various molecules across the membrane . as defined herein “ atp - binding cassette transporters ( abc - transporter )” are members of a superfamily with representatives in all extant phyla from prokaryotes to humans . these are transmembrane proteins that function in the transport of a wide variety of substrates across extra - and intracellular membranes , including metabolic products , lipids and sterols , and drugs . proteins are classified as abc transporters based on the sequence and organization of their atp - binding domain ( s ), also known as nucleotide - binding ( nb ) domains . abc transporters are involved in tumour resistance , cystic fibrosis , bacterial multidrug resistance and a range of other inherited human diseases . as defined herein , “ a stable atp derivative ” refers to a labelled atp derivative with enhanced stability towards nucleases . the invention disclosed herein comprises a homogenous non - radioactive proximity assay for abc transporter activity wherein detection of the abc transporter activity is based on a signal between two labeled abc transporter binding molecules . “ the sites adjacent to atp binding domains can be any suitable binding sites on the same transporter complex , which together with one reagent bound to atp binding domain , allow direct monitoring of the transporter activation by energy transfer .” “ proximity assay ” means a situation , wherein labels through binding reaction ( for example energy donoring chelate label and energy accepting organic fluorescence label ) come so close to each other that non radiating ( förster ) energy transfer can occur . this distance is in general less than 20 nm . according to one embodiment , the labelled abc transporter binding molecules are atp derivatives , anti - transporter antibodies , lectins , polypeptides , polynucleotides , oligonucleotides , oligopeptides , or anti - tag antibodies . according to a preferable embodiment , the abc transporter binding molecules are atp derivatives . according to another embodiment the signal detection is based on fluorescence energy transfer , fluorescence energy quenching , energy transfer between upconverted particles and fluorescent acceptors , fluorescence cross - correlation , luminescent oxygen channelling , and enzyme fragment complex formation upon proximity . in particular embodiment the signal detection is based on time - resolved fluorescence energy transfer or time - resolved fluorescence energy quenching . according to another embodiment the abc transporter binding molecules are labelled with luminescent lanthanide ( iii ) chelates , quantum dots , nanobeads , upconverting phosphors or organic dyes . according to a preferable embodiment , the organic dye is selected from alexa dyes , cyanine dyes , dabcyl , dancyl , fluorescein , rhodamine , tamra and bodiby . according to another embodiment one of the atp derivatives is labelled with a luminescent lanthanide ( iii ) chelate and one of the atp derivatives is labelled with an organic dye . the lanthanide ( iii ) chelate acts as a energy donor and the organic dye acts as an energy acceptor . in a particular embodiment two atp molecules bind to transporter in its activation . because the binding domains are situated near each other , transporter activation bring the two labels in proximity allowing energy transfer between them in active complex when used in suitable concentrations . it is desirable that the atp derivatives have enhanced stability towards nucleases . this can be achieved by substituting one or more of the oxygen atoms of the triphosphate moiety by carbon , sulphur or nitrogen . representative structures are atpas , atpys , apcpp , appcp , and appnhp . these modified atp derivatives are commercially available . the label can be attached to the atp molecule either directly or via a linker arm . suitable sites are for labelling are c8 of the adenine moiety , o2 ′— or o3 ′— of the sugar moiety and γ - phosphate of the triphosphate moiety . labelling at γ - phosphate also enhances the nuclease resistance of the said triphosphate . in a particular embodiment the labelled atp derivative is selected from a group consisting of fig1 . a dose - response curve of pgp transporter using verapamil as stimulating drug . 10 nm eu - labelled atp ( donor ; example 1 ) and 10 nm alexa647 - labeled atp ( acceptor ; example 5 ) were used to detect the transporter activity . energy transfer was measured in the plate reader after 2 h incubation . 2 μg of sf9 membranes were used / well . general . electrospray mass spectra were recorded on an applied biosystems mariner esi - tof instrument . hplc purifications were performed using a shimazu lc 10 at instrument equipped with a diode array detector , a fraction collector and a reversed phase column ( lichrocart 125 - 3 purospher rp - 18e 5 μm ). mobile phase : ( buffer a ): 0 . 02 m triethylammonium acetate ( ph 7 . 0 ); ( buffer b ): a in 50 % ( v / v ) acetonitrile . gradient : from 0 to 1 min 95 % a , from 1 to 31 min from 95 % a to 100 % b . flow rate was 0 . 6 ml min . − 1 adenosine 5 ′-[ γ - thio ] triphosphate tetralithium salt ( 1 . 2 mg ) and { 2 , 2 ′, 2 ″, 2 ′″-{[ 4 ′-( 4 ′″- iodoacetamidophenyl )- 2 , 2 ′: 6 ′, 2 ″- terpyridine - 6 , 6 ″- diyl ] bis ( methylene - nitrilo )} tetrakis ( acetate )} europium ( iii ) ( 4 . 2 mg ) were dissolved in water and stirred for 2 . 5 hours at room temperature . the product was purified with hplc and was analyzed with esi - tof mass spectrometry . adenosine 5 ′[ β , γ - methylene ] triphosphate ( 2 . 9 mg ) and { 2 , 2 ′, 2 ″, 2 ′″-{[ 4 ′-( 4 ′″- aminophenyl )- 2 , 2 ′: 6 ′, 2 ″- terpyridine - 6 , 6 ″- diyl ] bis ( methylenenitrilo )} tetrakis -( acetate )} europium ( iii ) ( 3 . 4 mg ) were dissolved in 0 . 5 m mes buffer , ph 5 . 5 ( 100 μl ). edac ( 3 . 0 mg ) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at rt . the product was precipitated with acetone . the precipitation was washed with acetone . the product was purified with hplc and was analyzed with esi - tof mass spectrometry . the title compound was synthesized analogously with example 2 using adenosine 5 ′-[ α , β - methylene ] triphosphate as a starting material . adenosine 5 ′[ β , γ - methylene ] triphosphate ( 2 . 0 mg ), 2 -( 4 - aminophenyl ) ethylamine ( 10 . 4 mg ) and edac ( 5 . 3 mg ) were dissolved in mes buffer ( 200 μl , 0 . 5 m , ph 5 . 0 ), and the reaction was allowed to proceed overnight at room temperature . the product was precipitated with acetone , and the precipitation was washed with the same solvent . the precipitate was dissolved in a mixture of a carbonate buffer ( 500 μl , 0 . 1m ; ph 8 . 6 ) and dioxane ( 500 μl ). bodipy - tmr nhs ( 0 . 7 mg ) was added , and the mixture was stirred overnight . the product was precipitated with acetone and was washed with the same solvent . the product was purified with hplc was analyzed with esi - tof mass spectrometry . alexa - 647 as active ester ( molecular probes ; 1 . 0 mg ) and 2 -( 4 - aminophenyl ) ethylamine ( 0 . 18 mg ) were dissolved in the mixture of 1 , 4 - dioxane ( 50 μl ), water ( 20 μl ) and 0 . 1m sodium bicarbonate ( 10 μl ). the mixture was stirred overnight and the product was precipitated with acetone . the precipitate , adenosine - 5 ′- triphosphate disodium salt ( 0 . 9 mg ) and edac ( 0 . 6 mg ) were dissolved in mes buffer ( 240 μl , 0 . 5 m , ph 5 . 5 ), and the mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature . the product was precipitated with acetone and was washed with the same solvent . the product was purified with hplc and was analyzed with esi - tof mass spectrometry . adenosine 5 ′- triphosphate trisodium salt ( 2 . 1 mg ) and { 2 , 2 ′, 2 ″, 2 ′″-{[ 4 ′-( 4 ′″- aminophenyl )- 2 , 2 ′: 6 ′, 2 ″- terpyridine - 6 , 6 ″- diyl ] bis ( methylenenitrilo )} tetrakis -( acetate )} europium ( iii ) ( 3 . 3 mg ) were dissolved in mes buffer , ph 5 . 5 ( 100 μl ). edac ( 3 . 0 mg ) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at rt . the product was precipitated with acetone ( 3 ml ). the precipitation was washed with acetone . the product was purified with hplc and was analyzed with esi - tof mass spectrometry . the title compound was synthesized according to the method disclosed in example 2 but by using adenosine 5 ′-[ β , γ - s ] triphosphate as a starting material . the title compound was synthesized according to the method disclosed in example 2 but by using adenosine 5 ′-[ β , γ - imino ] triphosphate as a starting material . 2 ′-( 6 - aminohexylsemicarbazide ) adenosine 5 ′-[ γ - thio ]- triphosphate and { 2 , 2 ′, 2 ″, 2 ′″-{[ 4 ′-( 4 ′″- isothiocyanatophenyl )- 2 , 2 ′: 6 ′, 2 ″- terpyridine - 6 , 6 ″- diyl ] bis ( methylenenitrilo )} tetrakis ( acetate )} europium ( iii ) were dissolved in the mixture of pyridine , triethylamine and water ( 9 : 1 . 5 : 0 . 1 , v / v / v ), and . the solution was stirred overnight at room temperature . the product was purified with hplc . the synthesis was performed according to the method disclosed in example 9 but by using 8 -( 6 - aminohexyl ) adenosine 5 ′-[ γ - thio ]- triphosphate as the starting material . eu - labeled atp ( donor , example 1 ) and alexa - 647 labeled atp ( acceptor , example 5 ) were used to measure the activation through energy transfer between these molecules bound to the adjacent nb sites of the same abc transporter molecule . the assay was performed using sf9 cell membrane preparations over - expressing abc transporters mrp2 or pgp . the same cell line membranes transfected with same vector without transporter insert were used as controls . the membrane preparations ( 1 μg ) in a mes buffer were incubated in lid covered 384 - well microtitration plates ( wallac black plates or wallac white optiplates ) at 37 ° c . for 5 - 20 min with varying concentrations of transporter specific substrates ( probencid for mrp2 and verapamil for pgp ) to get the efflux mechanisms activated . to diminish atpase activity mgcl 2 was not included . after transporter activation , a reaction mixture containing 10 nm eu - labeled atp and 10 nm alexa - 647 labeled atp were added , and the reaction mixture was incubated for further 2 hours . duplicate reactions were performed using orthovanadate ( na 3 vo 4 , 1 mm ) to measure the vanadate insensitive background . the reaction mixtures were measured directly without further separation by a time - resolved fluorometer ( victor 2 ) at 665 nm using 50 us delay and a 200 us counting window . to validate the eventual compound interference , measurements were performed also for the signal at 615 nm using the same time - window . these experiments were essential for the measurement of corrected energy - transfer signal . a dose - response curve with pgp transporter using verapamil as stimulating drug is given in fig1 . it will be apparent for an expert skilled in the field that other embodiments exist and do not depart from the spirit of the invention . thus , the described embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as restrictive . | 8 |
asphalt concretes which incorporate an aggregate component and an asphalt binder component are widely used as paving materials on surfaces such as roadways and parking lots . asphalt concrete typically is applied by forming a mixture of the aggregate particles with molten asphalt binder material which is then applied to the roadway or other surface , where it hardens as the asphalt cools . typically , the molten asphalt concrete is prepared at a batching plant by mixing the asphalt binder and aggregate and then transferred by truck to the road site where the molten asphalt concrete is applied through a slip form or other suitable means , and then as it is cooled , it is rolled to provide the final pavement . asphaltic concrete , comprising asphalt binder and aggregate , as well as asphalt compositions for resurfacing asphaltic concrete , should exhibit desirable mechanical properties including characteristics involving desirable levels of elasticity and plasticity . as noted previously , various polymers can be added to asphalts to improve physical and mechanical performance properties . polymer - modified asphalts are routinely used in the construction of roads and other paving surfaces . conventional asphalts often do not retain sufficient elasticity in use and , also , exhibit a plasticity range that may be too narrow for use in some road construction applications . the characteristics of road asphalt concretes and the like can be improved by the incorporation of elastomeric - type polymers such as those disclosed previously as well as other polymers such as ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer , polyacrylate , polymethacrylate , polychloroprene , polynorbornene , and random or block copolymers of styrene and a conjugated diene . such modified asphalts commonly are referred to as bitumen / polymer binders or asphalt / polymer mixes . modified asphalt binders and asphalt emulsions typically are produced utilizing styrene / butadiene based polymers , and typically have raised softening point , increased viscoelasticity , enhanced strain recovery , and improved low temperature strain characteristics . the polymer may be added along with a sulfur - based reactant that promotes cross - linking of the polymer molecules to provide the desired asphalt properties . as the polymer concentration is increased , the working viscosity of the asphalt mix may become prohibitively high and separation of the asphalt and polymer may occur . the high viscosities experienced at increased polymer concentrations may make emulsification of the asphalt difficult . asphalt - water emulsions are desirable in many applications because the emulsion may be applied at lower temperatures than hot - mix asphalts since the water acts as a carrier for the asphalt particles . for example , hot - mix asphalts , mixes of asphalt , aggregate , and a single polymer , commonly are applied at a temperatures within the range of about 250 ° f . to 350 ° f . to achieve the requisite plasticity for application . in contrast , an asphalt emulsion typically may be applied at lower temperatures within the range of about 35 ° f . to 85 ° f . with the same working characteristics . emulsified asphalt products are generally used to reduce the release of environmentally - harmful volatile organic compounds often associated with asphalts diluted with light carrier solvents such as diesel fuel , naphtha , and the like . emulsification basically requires that the asphalt and any desired performance - enhancing additives be combined with an emulsifying agent in an emulsification mill along with about 20 to 40 percent by weight of water . however , high polymer loading in asphalt produces high viscosities and melting points , making emulsification of the polymer - asphalt composition difficult . regardless of the nature of the binder in an asphalt concrete , the asphalt concrete , when it is first laid down and allowed to cure , forms a highly resilient paving surface which is not easily ruptured by the compressive stresses imposed by vehicular traffic . at this stage of its use , asphalt binder contains significant quantities of relatively low molecular weight products which add to the resiliency of the higher molecular weight bitumen forming the predominant part of the asphalt binder . these lower molecular weight components , often referred to as volatiles , typically have a boiling point of about 200 to 225 ° f . at one atmosphere . these volatile components are gradually lost from the asphalt with the passage of time . this loss of volatiles is particularly pronounced under high temperature conditions and high traffic conditions . the loss of resiliency in the asphalt paving structure is generally most pronounced at the surface of the paving . oftentimes , the paving structure , when it reaches the point where it is considered to no longer be useful , will still retain resiliency at the lower portions near the subgrade . thus , the asphalt paving structure , when it is taken up and ultimately crushed so that it may be recycled or disposed of in a landfill , can contain portions of “ dead ” asphalt while at the same time having portions of more resilient “ live ” asphalt . the dead asphalt binder can be differentiated from the live asphalt binder in crushed asphalt concrete in terms of its physical properties . the crushed asphalt concrete containing dead asphalt binder is highly friable and crumbles easily so that the asphalt binder does not readily adhere to the surfaces of the aggregate particles . the recycled asphalt concrete containing substantial amounts of “ live ” asphalt binder is much less friable and rather than crumbling under release of compressive stress , will tend to form a less friable , more massive material which retains its integrity and it is not as easily crumbled . the live asphalt concrete is characterized by asphalt more readily adhering to the surfaces of the aggregate material than is the case with dead asphalt . the crushed recycled asphalt concrete employed in carrying out the present invention advantageously has the characteristics of a dead asphalt binder material . this material can be mixed with a minor amount of hydraulic cement , which after hydration with water , can be used to provide and asphalt paving surface which is relatively low in compressive strength and provides good compressability . this material can be advantageously used to provide a subgrade which can be covered with another paving material which is asphalt concrete or portland cement - based concrete . turning now to the drawings , fig1 illustrates a mixing assembly which can be used in carrying out the embodiment of the invention in which a crushed asphalt concrete as described above can be disposed on the surface of a conveyor followed by dispersing a hydraulic cement onto the layer of crushed asphalt concrete . the layer of crushed asphalt concrete and hydraulic cement is then supplied into a mixing mill . water is sprayed into contact with the cement and crushed asphalt aggregate prior to mixing least a portion of the mixture of the asphalt aggregate and asphalt binder within the mill . more particularly and as illustrated in fig1 , the mixing system disclosed there comprises a conveyor 10 which is supported on a plurality of rollers 12 which are rotated in order to advance the conveyor in the direction of a mixing mill 14 . mixing mill 14 may be of any suitable type but preferably will take the form of an elongated pug mill . a preferred type of pug mill for use in the invention is a dual pug mill equipped with two counter - rotating agitators disposed longitudinally of the pug mill . a suitable pug mill is available from aran america under the designation model # asr - 25e . the mixing system further is equipped with a plurality of hoppers 16 - 19 for dispensing crushed asphalt concrete an optionally for the supplemental addition of additional aggregate particles to the crushed asphalt concrete . more particularly and as illustrated in fig1 , hoppers 16 and 17 each contain crushed asphalt concrete to provide for the supply of the crushed asphalt concrete onto the surface of the conveyor 10 in two successive increments . by supplying the crushed asphalt in a plurality of increments , a relatively even distribution of crushed asphalt concrete is formed on the conveyor surface which can be more readily contacted by the subsequent addition of the hydraulic cement component . thus , as shown in fig1 , the crushed asphalt concrete is formed in the surface of the conveyor 10 in a relatively thin layer 22 which has a depth on the conveyor surface which is substantially less than the width of the crushed asphalt mixture on the conveyor surface . for example , in a system employing a dual pug mill having a maximum capacity of about 500 tons per hour , the conveyor 10 may have a width of about 3 - 4 feet and the crushed asphalt concrete is disposed on the conveyor to provide a layer of crushed asphalt 22 having an average thickness of about 2 - 6 inches . in further operation of the mixing system shown in fig1 , the hydraulic cement component is fed from dispenser 20 , normally located immediately before the mill 14 , and spread over the surface of the layer of crushed asphalt concrete 22 . the hydraulic cement preferably is added in an amount within the range of 1 - 14 wt . %, and more preferably within the range of about 2 - 10 wt . % of the crushed asphalt concrete . additional amounts of hydraulic cement can be employed , but this will usually not be desirable since the asphalt concrete layer ultimately formed is preferred to have a relatively low compressive stress to provide good compressability . since the material will often be employed as a base material on which an additional paving surface is imposed , it will be desirable to provide for good compressability of the ultimate base material . in one embodiment of the invention , an additional aggregate material may be supplied via hopper 18 and / or hopper 19 to the mixture on the conveyer 10 . the supplemental aggregate material should have a particle size distribution similar to the particle size distribution appearing in the crushed asphalt aggregate mixture as described below . the added aggregate material supplied via hoppers 18 and 19 should be limited in amount to ensure that the crushed recycled asphalt concrete ( supplied via hoppers 16 and 17 ) remains the predominant component in the hydraulic cement , crushed asphalt concrete blend . this is important in order to retain significant recycled asphalt binder in the ultimate mixture to provide for good compressability in the final product . thus , in adding additional aggregate from any source it should be added in an amount which is less than the amount of the crushed recycled asphalt concrete . preferably , the additional aggregate supplied from hopper 19 should be less than ½ by weight of the recycled crushed asphalt concrete supplied from hoppers 16 and 17 . more preferably , the additional aggregate is less than 30 wt . % of the recycled asphalt concrete . variations in the order of addition as described above may be employed in practicing the present invention . for example , crushed asphalt concrete may be dispensed onto the conveyor surface via hoppers 16 and 18 with an intermediate addition of supplemental aggregate via hopper 17 . also , the supplemental addition of aggregate via hopper 19 may be dispensed with or , alternatively , additional crushed asphalt concrete may be supplied via hopper 19 . after or immediately before the supply of the mixed material to the mixing mill , water is added - in an amount effective to provide a plastic mixture of the crushed asphalt concrete and hydraulic cement within the mixing mill . preferably , the water will be added from tank 23 at the front of the mixing mill in order to ensure that the plastic mixture of crushed asphalt concrete , hydraulic cement and water is formed in a relatively homogeneous mixture within the mixing mill . the water preferably will be added in an amount to provide a water content within the range of about 6 - 10 wt . % of the mixture in the mixing mill . more specifically , the final water content of the plastic mix will usually be within the range of 7 - 8 wt . %. in many cases , where supplemental aggregate is employed , the supplemental aggregate may contain substantial amounts of water . in this case , the water to be supplied from tank 23 will be added taking into account the amount of water in the supplemental aggregate . in some cases where the supplemental aggregate has a very high water content , it may be unnecessary to add additional water from water supply 23 . in one embodiment of the invention , a water - reducing agent conforming to astm c - 494 is added to the mixture prior to the addition of the water . the hydrated mixture is withdrawn from the mill 14 and supplied by way of a loading chute 24 to a suitable product hopper for a conveyance , such as dump truck or the like ( not shown ). the mixture is then transported to the site where it is to be used and spread on to a substrate surface where it is graded and allowed to set to form the substrate surface . after the addition of the water , the plastic mixture has a relatively short “ pot time ” and it should be spread onto the substrate surface within about two hours after mixing in the mixing mill 14 . under high temperature conditions , for example where the ambient temperature is about 100 ° f . or above or under windy or low humidity conditions , the pot time will be somewhat shorter and the aggregate mixture is preferably spread within one hour after mixing . in a further aspect of the present invention , glass fibers may be incorporated into the crushed asphalt concrete prior to supply of the concrete to the mixing mill . the glass fibers may range in length from about ½ to 3 inches , and more specifically , within the range of about ½ to about ½ inches . the length of the glass fibers can vary depending upon the size of the aggregate in the crushed asphalt concrete mixture , with larger sized aggregates calling for somewhat longer fibers . the glass fibers may be of any simple type such as class ar fibers available from saint - gobain vetrotex america - busper . preferably , the fibers will have a diameter of about 60 denier . in a further embodiment of the invention , the crushed asphalt concrete , with or without the addition of more aggregate , may be supplied to a conveyor system incorporating a sieve shaker in order to avoid the supply of unacceptably large particles to the mixing mill . an embodiment of the invention incorporating this feature as well as providing for the addition of glass fibers is illustrated in fig2 , which schematically shows the system for the supply of crushed asphalt concrete , aggregate , and fibers to the mixture to be supplied to the mixing mill . more particularly and as shown in fig2 , there is illustrated a system comprising an initial conveyor belt 28 which is supplied with materials from bins 31 , 32 , 33 and 34 . bins 31 - 34 may be filled with crushed asphalt concrete and supplemental aggregate as needed . the crushed asphalt concrete and the supplemental aggregate may be added in any desired sequence . for example , crushed asphalt concrete may be supplied to the conveyor belt 28 via hoppers 31 and 33 and supplemental aggregate via hoppers 32 and 34 . the initial conveyor belt 28 empties into a 2 - inch sieve shaker 36 which , in turn , supplies its output to a secondary conveyor belt 38 . as noted previously , the sieve shaker may be set to retain particle sizes greater than a desired maximum , for example , two inches . where the crushed asphalt concrete and supplemental aggregate , if any , is finely graded , the sieve shaker 36 may be dispensed with . the output from the sieve shaker 36 is supplied via a second conveyor belt 38 to a third conveyor belt 40 . conveyor belt 40 may be in the form of a weight belt conveyor system which weighs the amount of material on the conveyor belt and enables additives supplied via silos 42 , 43 and 44 to be controlled depending upon the weight of the material on the conveyor belt 40 . the glass fibers are supplied onto the crushed recycled asphalt concrete on they conveyor belt immediately before the hydraulic cement . thus , the fibers are supplied via silo 43 and the hydraulic cement added immediately thereafter from silo 44 so that the cement covers the fibers as well as the other particulate material present . the glass fibers may be added in any suitable amount , but preferably will be within the range of about 1 to 2½ pounds per ton of dry material on the conveyor 40 . if any additional material such as a water reducing agent or the like are employed , it normally will be added through silo 42 prior to the addition of the glass fibers . the material on conveyor 40 is supplied to a mixing mill 46 such as twin shaft pug mill as described above . water is supplied from a tank 48 through a water distribution system 50 , such as a sparger , to the pug mill . the output from the pug mill is then applied to a final conveyor belt 52 and is supplied to a storage hopper 54 and ultimately to a vehicle ( not shown ) used to transport the material to the utilization site . the layer of recycled asphalt concrete paving often will be employed as a subgrade for a final paving material . the final paving material may be an asphalt concrete or a hydraulic cement concrete . the recycled asphalt paving material normally will be laid down to provide a subgrade thickness of about 3 - 12 inches . the final paving surface may be an asphalt concrete , a hydraulic cement concrete as described above , or it may be a layer of asphalt ( without the addition of aggregate ) having a thickness of 2 - 6 inches . as noted previously , the crushed recycled asphalt concrete will normally have an average particle size within the range of about ¼ - ¾ inch . a substantial portion of the aggregate particles have an exposed surface area which is substantially free of adhered asphalt material . preferably , at least 50 wt . % of the aggregate particles , having an average particle size retained on a no . 4 sieve , will have an exposed surface area which is substantially free of adhered asphalt material . the material allows the plastic slurry to be formed with a relatively small amount of hydraulic cement to allow the ultimate formation of a sub - base material of relatively low compressive strength and high compressability as described previously . in a preferred embodiment of the invention , the particles in the crushed asphalt concrete have a sieve analysis as set forth in table i . table i sieve size percent retained percent passing percent retained ranges 1¾ ″ 0 100 0 1¼ ″ 0 100 1 ″ 1 99 ⅞ ″ 3 97 0 - 35 ¾ ″ 7 93 ½ ″ 15 85 ⅜ ″ 22 78 10 - 55 # 4 43 57 30 - 70 # 8 59 41 # 16 69 31 # 40 78 22 60 - 85 # 50 81 19 # 80 86 14 # 100 87 13 # 200 90 10 85 - 100 while any suitable hydraulic cement may be employed in carrying out the present invention , it will be preferred that the hydraulic cement be selected from the group consisting of type i , type i / ii , type ii , and type iii portland cement mixtures thereof . other cements such as type ip or slag cement may be employed . a particularly preferred hydraulic cement is type i / ii portland cement . in experimental work respecting the present invention , recycled asphalt concrete in which the asphalt binder had a very low volatiles content was crushed to provide a mixture of asphalt binder material and aggregate particles . the asphalt binder material was “ dead ” as evidenced by the friable character of the binder material and aggregate . the mixture was characterized by virtually no elasticity so that the asphalt binder easily crumbled and did not readily adhere to the surfaces of the aggregate in the mixture . the aggregate had an average particle size of about ¼ - ¾ inch and was easily separated from the binder material . when an effort was made to manually compress the mixture of asphalt binder material and aggregate , upon release of the compressive force , the mixture fell apart under its own weight so that the asphalt binder material was , for the most part , segregated from the aggregate particles . the mixture of binder material and aggregate particles was blended with type i / ii hydraulic cement in an amount of about 87 wt . parts binder and aggregate and about 5 wt . parts cement . this mixture was then mixed with about 8 wt . parts water and the plastic mixture was then compacted and set in forms to form blocks having a thickness of about 3½ inch . the blocks were found to have a compressive stress to fracture after curing for 7 days of about 500 psi . an internal face exposed by sawing the block in two is shown in fig3 which is a photograph of the face . in fig3 , the asphalt treated with cement is gray in color ; the aggregates are generally white or dark gray and portions of the original asphalt which were not contacted with the hydraulic cement are black in color . as shown in the areas indicated by reference characters 60 , 62 and 64 , only a few of the aggregate particles , primarily those of small particle size of about ¼ inch or less , are embedded in or have substantial surface area contacted by the original asphalt . for the most part , the particles have surfaces indicated by the gray areas surrounding the particles which are free of the original asphalt binder . having described specific embodiments of the present invention , it will be understood that modifications thereof may be suggested to those skilled in the art , and it is intended to cover all such modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims . | 2 |
reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings . throughout the following detailed description , the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures . referring to fig1 , a top view of a toilet seat of the prior art is shown . many toilet seats of the prior art are shaped as the seat 10 , though some are more oblong and some have a void towards the front ( somewhat of an inverted “ u ”). most seats of the prior art are hinged and fasten by a standard arrangement using two bolts ( not shown ) passing through the end fittings 16 of the hinges . generally , toilet seats of the prior art have a centrally located aperture 18 and a seat area 12 . referring to fig2 , a cross - sectional view along line 2 - 2 of a toilet seat of the prior art is shown . although many toilet seats 10 of the prior art consist of a solid seat member , though some toilet seats 10 of the prior art include a solid base 14 and a vinyl or plastic cover 15 and are filled with a foam 11 such as polyurethane foam between the solid base 14 and the plastic cover 15 . such foam 11 provides a small amount of cushioning but does not provide enough of a cushion for long periods of use . also shown is a standoff 13 that holds the toilet seat 10 a small distance above the toilet bowl ( not shown ). referring to fig3 and 4 , a top view and cross sectional view of the present invention is shown . in some embodiments , the toilet seat 20 of the present invention is shaped as shown in fig3 . in this , the tank - facing edge 59 is substantially flat and the inside tank - facing edge 51 is also substantially flat , as shown . in some embodiments the tank facing edge 59 has hinges 27 and fastens by a standard arrangement using two bolts ( not shown ) passing through the end fittings 28 of the hinges . the toilet seat 20 has a centrally located aperture 29 and a cover 22 . the centrally located aperture 29 is open sufficiently to pass waste into a toilet bowl . in the example shown , the outer side edges 57 are flattened and the inside side edges are slightly curved , while the front edge 61 ( opposing the tank - facing edge ) and inside front edge 55 are shaped as an arc . in the cross section shown in fig4 , the cover 22 of the toilet seat 20 is attached to a core 24 at outer bottom edges of the core 24 , creating a gap which is filled with gel 21 / 25 . as shown , the cover 22 of the toilet seat 20 is attached to a core 24 at attach points 35 , for example , using fasteners , staples , adhesive , etc . the core 24 is made of a solid material . there are many materials anticipated for filling the core 24 , all suitable for comfort and medical cushioning of humans . the preferred gel 21 / 25 has the consistency of fatty tissue . it can “ slide ” and move laterally , so they are effective in balancing and shifting forces . examples of the gel 21 / 25 include , for example , polyurethane gels , polyurethane elastomeric gels , elastomeric gels , silicone gels , silicone dielectric gels , neoprene impregnated with nitrogen bubbles , etc or any combination of the like . one such gel 21 / 25 is gelastic ™ as described in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 994 , 450 to pearce issued nov . 30 , 1999 , which is hereby incorporated by reference . this material is an oil - extended tri - block copolymer elastomeric gel . the gel 21 / 25 is anticipated to be formed by extrusion , casting , or injection molding . because the softness is controlled by oil content , the gel 21 / 25 is made in a wide range of hardness / softness and is very strong and durable . another anticipated solid gel 21 / 25 is intelli - gel ™ described in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 026 , 527 to pearce issued feb . 22 , 2000 and u . s . pat . no . 5 , 749 , 111 to pearce issued may 12 , 1998 , both of which are hereby incorporated by reference . gel 21 is positioned between the cover 22 at the top surface of the toilet seat 20 ( e . g . the portion of the cover 22 that contacts the user &# 39 ; s buttocks ) and the core 24 . in operation , as a person sits on the toilet seat 20 , more force is exerted at locations of the person &# 39 ; s buttocks that are bony ( e . g ., pelvic areas ). in contrast to seats of the prior art which simply deform in those bony areas , instead , as the gel 25 is displaced from the force of the bony areas , increase pressure is exerted on other areas of the seat 20 , for example , areas of the cover 20 that hold soft tissue , thereby increasing the pressure exerted back by the toilet seat 20 in areas supporting soft tissue , providing enhanced comfort to the person using the toilet seat 20 . gel 25 is positioned between the inner edges 51 / 53 / 55 of the cover 22 and the core 24 and between the outer edges 57 / 59 / 61 of the cover 22 and the core 24 , providing extra cushioning for any part of the human body that may overlap the inner edges 51 / 53 / 55 or the outer edges 57 / 59 / 61 . this provides similar comfort to any part of the user &# 39 ; s buttocks that laps over the inner edges 51 / 53 / 55 and the outer edges 57 / 59 / 61 . in some embodiments , a standoff 23 is affixed to the bottom of the toilet seat 20 and is intended to rest on the toilet bowl ( not shown ) to raise the toilet seat 20 from the toilet bowl . in some embodiments , the upper corners 30 of the core 24 are rounded for improved comfort . the top cover 22 is made of a durable , flexible , soft material such as vinyl , woven cloth , leather , synthetic leather , rubber , plastic film or the like . for medical use , especially in situations where the patient remains on the seat 20 for extended periods of time , the top cover 22 is made of a material that has antibacterial properties . one example of an antibacterial cloth can be found in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 815 , 379 to nomura , issued nov . 9 , 2004 . this patent describes a cloth comprising glass which is generally a soluble glass and a gold component is contained in a glass composition , thereby reducing bacterial growth . other known antibacterial cloths include silver threads to reduce bacterial growth . another example of an antimicrobial fabric is described in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 979 , 491 to yan , et al ., issued dec . 27 , 2005 , which is hereby incorporated by reference . the described fabric produces an antimicrobial and antifungal effect by the use of nanosilver particles that adhere to the fabric . in another embodiment of the present invention , a neoprene material such as g231 is used for the top cover 22 , which is a closed cellular product made from neoprene , typically used for scuba diving wetsuits . this type of material allows some gases to permeate the top cover 22 , while preventing moisture from collecting , thereby reducing bacterial growth . referring to fig5 , a cross - sectional view along line 5 - 5 of the present invention is shown . fig5 shows a complete cross - section of the toilet seat 20 of the present invention . equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result . it is believed that the system and method of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description . it is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form , construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages . the form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof . it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes . | 0 |
substituents designated parenthetically herein indicate that the substituent is optionally present , e . g ., a 4 -( substituted ) amino compound contains either an unsubstituted 4 - amino group or a substituted 4 - amino group . reaction scheme i illustrates processes of the invention and the preparation of compounds of the invention . the unsubstituted compound of formula i is a known compound and other compounds of formula i can be prepared by methods known to those skilled in the art and disclosed , e . g ., in chemistry of heterocyclic compounds ( english edition ), 1981 , 16 , ( 12 ), 1286 - 1288 ( zyryanov ). ## str1 ## in step ( 1 ) of reaction scheme i a 4 - nitrotetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolin - 5 - ol of formula ii is provided by nitrating a tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolin - 5 - ol of formula i . conventional conditions for such reactions are well known . preferred conditions in the instance where r is hydrogen involve heating in acetic acid in the presence of nitric acid . preferred conditions in other instances will depend upon the particular tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolin - 5 - ol used , and those skilled in the art will be able to select suitable conditions . the product can be isolated from the reaction mixture using conventional methods . in step ( 2 ) of reaction scheme i a 4 - nitrotetraozolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolin - 5 - sulfonate of formula iii is provided by reacting a 4 - nitrotetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolin - 5ol of formula ii with a sulfonyl halide or preferably a sulfonic anhydride . suitable sulfonyl halides include alkylsulfonyl halides such as methanesulfonyl chloride and trifluoromethanesulfonyl chloride , and arylsulfonyl halides such as benzenesulfonyl chloride , p - bromobenzenesulfonyl chloride and p - toluenesulfonyl chloride . suitable sulfonic anhydrides include those corresponding to the above - mentioned sulfonyl halides . sulfonic anhydrides are preferred in view of the fact that the sulfonate anion generated as a by - product of the reaction is a relatively poor nucleophile and as such does not give rise to undesired side products such as those in which the nitro group is displaced . a particularly preferred sulfonic anhydride is trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride . the reaction is preferably carried out by combining a compound of formula ii with a base , preferably an excess of a tertiary amine base ( e . g ., a trialkylamine base such as triethyl amine ) in a suitable solvent such as dichloromethane and then adding the sulfonyl halide or sulfonic anhydride . the addition is preferably carried out in a controlled fashion ( e . g ., dropwise ) and at a reduced temperature ( e . g ., about 0 ° c .). the product can be isolated by conventional methods or it can be carried on without isolation as described below in connection with step ( 3 ). in step ( 3 ) of reaction scheme i a ( 5 - substituted ) 4 - nitrotetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolin - 5 - amine of formula iv is provided by reacting a 4 - nitrotetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolin - 5 - sulfonate of formula iii with an amine , preferably in the presence of an excess of an amine base in a solvent such as dichloromethane . suitable amines include ammonia and preferably primary amines . primary amines provide 5 - substituted amino compounds of formula iv wherein the amino substituent is represented by r 1 . particularly preferred amines include isobutylamine and 2 - aminomethyl - 2 - propanol . the reaction can be carried out by adding an excess of amine to the reaction mixture resulting from step ( 2 ). the reaction can also be carried out by adding an excess of amine to a solution of the compound of formula iii in a solvent such as dichloromethane . as the sulfonate is a relatively facile leaving group the reaction can be run at ambient temperature . the product can be isolated from the reaction mixture using conventional methods . in step ( 4 ) of reaction scheme i a ( 5 - substituted ) tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolin - 4 , 5 - diamine of formula v is provided by reducing a ( 5 - substituted ) 4 - nitrotetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolin - 5 - amine of formula iv . methods for such reduction are well know to those skilled in the art . preferably the reduction is carried out using a conventional heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst such as platinum on carbon or palladium on carbon . the reduction can be conveniently carried out on a paar apparatus in a solvent such as ethanol . the product can be isolated from the reaction mixture using conventional methods . in step ( 5 ) of reaction scheme i a ( 5 - substituted ) ( 6 - substituted ) 6h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinoline of formula vi is provided by reacting a ( 5 - substituted ) tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolin - 4 , 5 - diamine of formula v with a carboxylic acid or an equivalent thereof . suitable equivalents to carboxylic acid include acid halides , orthoesters , and 1 , 1 - dialkoxyalkyl alkanoates . the carboxylic acid or equivalent is selected such that it will give rise to the desired 6 - substituent in the compound of formula vi wherein the 6 - substituent is designated r 2 ( e . g ., acetyl chloride will give rise to a compound where r 2 is methyl ). the reaction can be run in the absence of solvent or preferably in an inert solvent in the presence of a carboxylic acid or equivalent thereof with sufficient heating to drive off any alcohol or water formed as a side product of the reaction . the product can be isolated from the reaction mixture using conventional methods . in step ( 6 ) of reaction scheme i a ( 1 - substituted ) ( 2 - substituted ) n - triphenylphosphinyl - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 4 - amine of formula vii is provided by reacting a ( 5 - substituted ) ( 6 - substituted ) 6h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 ] quinoline of formula vi with triphenylphosphine . the reaction can be carried out by combining a compound of formula vi with triphenylphosphine in a suitable solvent such as 1 , 2 - dichlorobenzene and heating . the product can be isolated from the reaction mixture using conventional methods . in step ( 7 ) of reaction scheme i a ( 1 - substituted ) ( 2 - substituted ) 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinoline - 4 - amine of formula viii is provided by hydrolysis of a ( 1 - substituted ) ( 2 - substituted ) n - triphenylphosphinyl - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 4 - amine of formula vii . such a reaction can be carried out by general methods well known to those skilled in the art ( e . g ., by heating in a lower alkanol in the presence of an acid ). the product can be isolated from the reaction mixture by conventional means . in reaction scheme i , r &# 39 ; can be any group that can be incorporated into a sulfonyl halide or a sulfonic anhydride . alkyl ( e . g ., methyl ), haloalkyl including perfluoroalkyl ( e . g ., trifluoromethyl ) and aryl ( e . g ., phenyl , halophenyl and tolyl ) are all suitable . reaction scheme ii illustrates processes of the invention and the preparation of compounds of the invention . compounds of formula ix and methods for their preparation are known and disclosed , e . g . in u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 988 , 815 ( andre ), and 5 , 268 , 376 ( gerster ), both patents being incorporated herein by reference . ## str2 ## in step ( 1 ) of reaction scheme ii a ( 5 - substituted ) 4 - nitrotetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolin - 5 - amine of formula iv is provided by reacting a ( 4 - substituted ) amino - 2 - chloro - 3 - nitroquinoline of formula ix with sodium azide . the reaction can be carried out by combining the compound of formula ix with sodium azide in a suitable solvent such as n , n - dimethylformamide and heating ( about 50 ° c .). the product can be isolated from the reaction mixture using conventional methods . steps ( 2 ), ( 3 ), ( 4 ) and ( 5 ) of reaction scheme ii can be carried out in the same manner as steps ( 4 ), ( 5 ), ( 6 ) and ( 7 ) of reaction scheme i respectively . reaction scheme iii illustrates processes of the invention and the preparation of compounds of the invention . compounds of formula x and methods for their preparation are known and disclosed , e . g ., in european patent application 90 . 301776 . 3 , u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 689 , 338 ( gerster ), 4 , 698 , 348 ( gerster ), 4 , 929 , 625 ( gerster ), 4 , 988 , 815 ( andre ), 5 , 268 , 376 ( gerster ), and 5 , 389 , 640 ( gerster ) all six patents being incorporated herein by reference . ## str3 ## in step ( 1 ) of reaction scheme iii a ( 1 - substituted ) ( 2 - substituted ) 4 - hydrazino - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinoline of formula xi is provided by reacting a ( 1 - substituted ) ( 2 - substituted ) 4 - chloro - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinoline of formula x with hydrazine . the reaction can be carried out by combining a compound of formula x with an excess of hydrazine and heating if necessary . the product can be isolated from the reaction mixture using conventional methods . in step ( 2 ) of reaction scheme iii a ( 5 - substituted ) ( 6 - substituted ) 6h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinoline of formula vi is provided by reacting a ( 1 - substituted ) ( 2 - substituted ) 4 - hydrazino - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinoline of formula xi with sodium nitrite . the reaction can be carried out by combining the compound of formula xi with sodium nitrite in a suitable solvent ( e . g ., water ) in the presence of an acid ( e . g ., acetic acid ). the product can be isolated from the reaction mixture using conventional methods . steps ( 3 ) and ( 4 ) of reaction scheme iii can be carried out in the same manner as steps ( 6 ) and ( 7 ) of reaction scheme i respectively . the compounds of formula viii can be used in the form of acid addition salts such as hydrochlorides , dihydrogen sulfates , trihydrogen phosphates , hydrogen nitrates , methane sulfonates and salts of other pharmaceutically acceptable acids . pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts of formula viii are generally prepared by reaction of the respective compound with an equimolar amount of a strong acid , preferably an inorganic acid such as hydrochloric , sulfuric or phosphoric acid or an organic acid such as methanesulfonic acid in a polar solvent . isolation of the salt is facilitated by the addition of a solvent in which the salt is insoluble ( e . g ., diethyl ether ). processes of the invention provide as a final product a 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 4 - amine , preferred embodiments of which can be represented by formula viii . preferably the 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 4 - amine is a compound defined by one of formulas xxi - xxv below : ## str4 ## wherein r 11 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl , hydroxyalkyl , acyloxyalkyl , benzyl , ( phenyl ) ethyl and phenyl , said benzyl , ( phenyl ) ethyl or phenyl substituent being optionally substituted on the benzene ring by one or two moieties independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl of one to about four carbon atoms , alkoxy of one to about four carbon atoms and halogen , with the proviso that if said benzene ring is substituted by two of said moieties , then said moieties together contain no more than 6 carbon atoms ; acylaminoalkyl wherein the alkyl moiety contains two to four carbon atoms ; disubstituted aminoalkyl wherein the alkyl moiety contains two to four carbon atoms ; morpholinoalkyl wherein the alkyl moiety contains two to four carbon atoms ; r 21 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen , alkyl of one to about eight carbon atoms , benzyl , ( phenyl ) ethyl and phenyl , the benzyl , ( phenyl ) ethyl or phenyl substituent being optionally substituted on the benzene ring by one or two moieties independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl of one to about four carbon atoms , alkoxy of one to about four carbon atoms and halogen , with the proviso that when the benzene ring is substituted by two of said moieties , then the moieties together contain no more than 6 carbon atoms ; and each r a is independently selected from the group consisting of alkoxy of one to about four carbon atoms , halogen and alkyl of one to about four carbon atoms , and n is an integer from 0 to 2 , with the proviso that if n is 2 , then said r a groups together contain no more than 6 carbon atoms ; ## str5 ## wherein r 12 is selected from the group consisting of straight chain or branched chain alkenyl containing 2 to about 10 carbon atoms and substituted straight chain or branched chain alkenyl containing 2 to about 10 carbon atoms , wherein the substituent is selected from the group consisting of straight chain or branched chain alkyl containing 1 to about 4 carbon atoms and cycloalkyl containing 3 to about 6 carbon atoms ; and cycloalkyl containing 3 to about 6 carbon atoms substituted by straight chain or branched chain alkyl containing 1 to about 4 carbon atoms ; and r 22 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen , straight chain or branched chain alkyl containing one to about eight carbon atoms , benzyl , ( phenyl ) ethyl and phenyl , the benzyl , ( phenyl ) ethyl or phenyl substituent being optionally substituted on the benzene ring by one or two moieties independently selected from the group consisting of straight chain or branched chain alkyl containing one to about four carbon atoms , straight chain or branched chain alkoxy containing one to about four carbon atoms , and halogen , with the proviso that when the benzene ring is substituted by two such moieties , then the moieties together contain no more than 6 carbon atoms ; and each r b is independently selected from the group consisting of straight chain or branched chain alkoxy containing one to about four carbon atoms , halogen , and straight chain or branched chain alkyl containing one to about four carbon atoms , and n is an integer from zero to 2 , with the proviso that if n is 2 , then said r b groups together contain no more than 6 carbon atoms ; ## str6 ## wherein r 23 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen , straight chain or branched chain alkyl of one to about eight carbon atoms , benzyl , ( phenyl ) ethyl and phenyl , the benzyl , ( phenyl ) ethyl or phenyl substituent being optionally substituted on the benzene ring by one or two moieties independently selected from the group consisting of straight chain or branched chain alkyl of one to about four carbon atoms , straight chain or branched chain alkoxy of one to about four carbon atoms , and halogen , with the proviso that when the benzene ring is substituted by two such moieties , then the moieties together contain no more than 6 carbon atoms ; and each r c is independently selected from the group consisting of straight chain or branched chain alkoxy of one to about four carbon atoms , halogen , and straight chain or branched chain alkyl of one to about four carbon atoms , and n is an integer from zero to 2 , with the proviso that if n is 2 , then said r c groups together contain no more than 6 carbon atoms ; ## str7 ## wherein r 14 is -- chr x r y wherein r y is hydrogen or a carbon - carbon bond , with the proviso that when r y is hydrogen r x is alkoxy of one to about four carbon atoms , hydroxyalkoxy of one to about four carbon atoms , 1 - alkynyl of two to about ten carbon atoms , tetrahydropyranyl , alkoxyalkyl wherein the alkoxy moiety contains one to about four carbon atoms and the alkyl moiety contains one to about four carbon atoms , 2 -, 3 -, or 4 - pyridyl , and with the further proviso that when r y is a carbon - carbon bond r y and r x together form a tetrahydrofuranyl group optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxy and hydroxyalkyl of one to about four carbon atoms ; r 24 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen , alkyl of one to about four carbon atoms , phenyl , and substituted phenyl wherein the substituent is selected from the group consisting of alkyl of one to about four carbon atoms , alkoxy of one to about four carbon atoms , and halogen ; and r d is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen , straight chain or branched chain alkoxy containing one to about four carbon atoms , halogen , and straight chain or branched chain alkyl containing one to about four carbon atoms ; ## str8 ## wherein r 15 is selected from the group consisting of : hydrogen ; straight chain or branched chain alkyl containing one to about ten carbon atoms and substituted straight chain or branched chain alkyl containing one to about ten carbon atoms , wherein the substituent is selected from the group consisting of cycloalkyl containing three to about six carbon atoms and cycloalkyl containing three to about six carbon atoms substituted by straight chain or branched chain alkyl containing one to about four carbon atoms ; straight chain or branched chain alkenyl containing two to about ten carbon atoms and substituted straight chain or branched chain alkenyl containing two to about ten carbon atoms , wherein the substituent is selected from the group consisting of cycloalkyl containing three to about six carbon atoms and cycloalkyl containing three to about six carbon atoms substituted by straight chain or branched chain alkyl containing one to about four carbon atoms ; hydroxyalkyl of one to about six carbon atoms ; alkoxyalkyl wherein the alkoxy moiety contains one to about four carbon atoms and the alkyl moiety contains one to about six carbon atoms ; acyloxyalkyl wherein the acyloxy moiety is alkanoyloxy of two to about four carbon atoms or benzoyloxy , and the alkyl moiety contains one to about six carbon atoms ; benzyl ; ( phenyl ) ethyl ; and phenyl ; said benzyl , ( phenyl ) ethyl or phenyl substituent being optionally substituted on the benzene ring by one or two moieties independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl of one to about four carbon atoms , alkoxy of one to about four carbon atoms , and halogen , with the proviso that when said benzene ring is substituted by two of said moieties , then the moieties together contain no more than six carbon atoms ; acylaminoalkyl wherein the alkyl moiety contains two to four carbon atoms ; disubstituted aminoalkyl wherein the alkyl moiety contains two to four carbon atoms ; morpholinoalkyl wherein the alkyl moiety contains two to four carbon atoms ; r s and r t are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen , alkyl of one to about four carbon atoms , phenyl , and substituted phenyl wherein the substituent is selected from the group consisting of alkyl of one to about four carbon atoms , alkoxy of one to about four carbon atoms , and halogen ; x is selected from the group consisting of alkoxy containing one to about four carbon atoms , alkoxyalkyl wherein the alkoxy moiety contains one to about four carbon atoms and the alkyl moiety contains one to about four carbon atoms , haloalkyl of one to about four carbon atoms , alkylamido wherein the alkyl group contains one to about four carbon atoms , amino , substituted amino wherein the substituent is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl of one to about four carbon atoms , azido , alkylthio of one to about four carbon atoms ; and r e is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen , straight chain or branched chain alkoxy containing one to about four carbon atoms , halogen , and straight chain or branched chain alkyl containing one to about four carbon atoms ; the compounds recited above are disclosed and claimed in the several patents noted above in the summary of the invention and discussed below . in instances where n can be zero , one , or two , n is preferably zero or one . the substituents r a - r e above are species embraced by r . the preferred r substituent is hydrogen . the substituents r 11 - r 15 above are species embraced by r 1 . the preferred r 1 substituents are alkyl of one to about six carbon atoms , hydroxy alkyl wherein the alkyl moiety contains one to about 6 carbon atoms , and arylalkyl wherein the alkyl moiety contains one to about three carbon atoms . most preferably the r 1 substituent is 2 - methylpropyl , 2 - hydroxy - 2 - methylpropyl , benzyl or phenylethyl . the substituents r 21 - r 25 above are species embraced by r 2 . the preferred r 2 substituents are hydrogen , alkyl of one to about four carbon atoms , alkoxyalkyl wherein the alkoxy moiety contains one to about four carbon atoms and the alkyl moiety contains one to about four carbon atoms , hydroxyl alkyl wherein the alkyl moiety contains one to about four carbon atoms , haloalkyl wherein the alkyl moiety contains one to about four carbon atoms , and aryloxymethyl . most preferably the r 2 substituent is hydrogen , methyl , ethoxymethyl , or benzyl . certain r substituents , r 1 substituents , and r 2 substituents will be incompatible with the particular reaction conditions described above in connection with the reaction schemes . those skilled in the art , however , will be able to select alternative conditions under which the several steps can be carried out and / or methods of functional group protection and manipulation that will allow the use of the processes of the invention in the preparation of 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 4 - amines of diverse structures . certain 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 4 - amines have been disclosed as antiviral agents ( see , e . g ., european patent application 90 . 301776 . 3 ( gerster ), u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 689 , 338 ( gerster ), 4 , 929 , 624 ( gerster ), 5 , 266 , 575 ( gerster ), 5 , 268 , 376 ( gerster ), and 5 , 389 , 640 ( gerster ) all five patents incorporated herein by reference ). certain of these compounds are also known to induce biosynthesis of cytokines such as interferons , interleukins , and tumor necrosis factor in humans and in mice . the examples below are intended to illustrate the invention . all parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated . anthranilic acid ( 274 . 3 g ) and acetic anhydride ( 1 . 1 l ) were combined then heated at reflux for 3 . 5 hours . the reaction mixture was concentrated under vacuum . the residue was combined with methanol ( 550 ml ) then concentrated under vacuum to provide 2 - methyl - 4 - oxo - 3 , 1 - benzoxazine as a brown oil . the crude 2 - methyl - 4 - oxo - 3 , 1 - benzoxazine was dissolved in acetic acid ( 1 . 9 l ). sodium azide ( 130 . 0 g ) was added to the solution in portions with stirring . the reaction mixture was cooled in an ice bath to maintain the reaction temperature at 25 to 30 ° c . during the addition . the reaction mixture was allowed to stir at ambient temperature over the weekend . the acetic acid was removed under vacuum to provide a white solid . the solid was combined with 10 % sodium hydroxide ( 1 . 4 l ) then heated on a steam bath for 1 hour . additional sodium hydroxide ( 120 g of 50 % sodium hydroxide ) was added . the mixture was heated on a steam bath for an additional hour then allowed to cool to ambient temperature overnight . additional sodium hydroxide ( 120 g of 50 % sodium hydroxide ) was added . the mixture was heated on a steam bath for 2 hours then allowed to cool . the reaction mixture was poured with rapid stirring into a mixture of concentrated hydrochloric acid ( 1 . 0 l ) and ice ( 3 l ). the resulting mixture was stirred at ambient temperature overnight . a precipitate was isolated by filtration , rinsed with water then slurried with water ( 4 l ). the solid was isolated by filtration , rinsed with water then oven dried at 50 ° c . to provide 278 . 0 g of crude 2 -( 5 - methyl - 1h - tetrazol - 1 - yl ) benzoic acid as a tan solid , m . p . 157 - 160 ° c . the crude material was dissolved in 10 % sodium hydroxide ( 2 . 5 l ). the resulting solution was heated ( 95 - 99 ° c .) for 2 . 5 hours , cooled , then poured with vigorous stirring into a mixture of concentrated hydrochloric acid ( 500 ml ) and ice ( 5 l ). the resulting mixture was allowed to stir for 2 hours . the precipitate was isolated by filtration , rinsed with water , then slurried with water ( 3 l ). the solid was isolated by filtration , rinsed with water then dried overnight at ambient temperature to provide 228 g of 2 -( 5 - methyl - 1h - tetrazol - 1 - yl ) benzoic acid , m . p . 164 - 166 ° c . acetone ( 3 . 2 l ) and 2 -( 5 - methyl - 1h - tetrazol - 1 - yl ) benzoic acid ( 228 g ) were combined then stirred at ambient temperature for 15 minutes . potassium carbonate ( 228 g ) was added to the reaction mixture in a single portion . iodoethane ( 366 . 8 g ) was added dropwise to the reaction mixture producing a slight exotherm . the reaction mixture was heated at reflux for about 4 hours then stirred overnight while cooling to ambient temperature . the precipitated salts were removed by filtration then rinsed with acetone . the combined filtrates were evaporated under vacuum . the residue was dissolved in dichloromethane ( 1 . 5 l ). the dichloromethane solution was washed with water ( 1 . 5 l ), dried over magnesium sulfate then concentrated under vacuum to provide 227 g of ethyl - 2 -( 5 - methyl - 1h - tetrazol - 1 - yl ) benzoate as a white solid m . p . 98 - 100 ° c . potassium ethoxide ( 173 . 5 g ) was added in portions with stirring to a mixture of ethyl - 2 -( 5 - methyl - 1h - tetrazol - 1 - yl ) benzoate ( 227 g ) and n , n - dimethylformamide ( 1 . 6 l ). the reaction mixture was cooled with an ice bath to control the resulting exotherm . the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at ambient temperature then quenched with water ( 17 l ). the ph was adjusted to ph 5 with acetic acid ( 170 ml ). the resulting precipitate was isolated by filtration , rinsed with water then reslurried with water ( 2 . 5 l ). the solid was isolated by filtration , rinsed with water then oven dried ( 55 to 60 ° c .) for 16 hours to provide 169 . 0 g of a white solid . a 3 . 0 g sample was recrystallized from ethanol / dichloromethane to provide tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolin - 5 - ol as a white solid , m . p . 248 ° c . ( dec .). analysis : calculated for c 9 h 6 n 4 o : % c , 58 . 06 ; % h , 3 . 25 ; % n , 30 . 09 ; found : % c , 58 . 02 ; % h , 3 . 29 ; % n , 30 . 20 . tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolin - 5 - ol ( 10 g , 54 mmole , example 1 ) was suspended in acetic acid ( 200 ml ) then warmed to 40 ° c . nitric acid ( 4 ml of 16m , 59 mmole ) was added to the reaction mixture . the reaction mixture was heated at 80 ° c . for 30 minutes then allowed to cool to ambient temperature . the resulting precipitate was isolated by filtration , rinsed with water then recrystallized from isopropanol / water to provide 8 . 1 g of 4 - nitrotetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolin - 5 - ol hydrate as light yellow plates , m . p . 186 . 5 - 187 ° c . analysis : calculated for c 9 h 5 n 5 o 3 . h 2 o : % c , 43 . 38 ; % h , 2 . 83 ; % n , 28 . 10 ; found : % c , 43 . 27 ; % h , 2 . 84 ; % n , 28 . 25 . sodium azide ( 19 . 5 g , 0 . 3 moles ), 2 - methyl -[( 2 - chloro - 3 - nitroquinolin - 4 - yl ) amino ]- 2 - propanol ( 29 . 6 g , 0 . 10 mole , u . s . pat . no . 4 , 988 , 815 example 12 ) and n , n - dimethylformamide ( 100 ml ) were added to a jacketed 1 liter round bottom flask with the outside portion containing acetone . the reaction mixture was stirred with a stirring bar and the acetone refluxed to provide a constant internal reaction temperature of 53 ° c . after 18 hours the reaction mixture was diluted with water ( 100 ml ). the resulting yellow precipitate was isolated by filtration then washed with 50 % n , n - dimethylformamide / water until the washes became light colored . the yellow / green solid was then washed with water , pressed dry and washed with ether . the solid was air dried to provide 27 . 2 g of crude product as a yellow / light green solid . this material was recrystallized from ethanol / dichloromethane to provide 2 - methyl -[( 4 - nitro - 5 - tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolinyl ) amino ]- 2 - propanol as a yellow crystalline solid , m . p . 204 ° c . ( dec .). analysis : calculated for : c 13 h 14 n 6 o 3 : % c , 51 . 65 ; % h , 4 . 67 ; % n , 27 . 8 ; found : % c , 51 . 30 ; % h , 4 . 69 ; % n , 27 . 43 . 2 - methyl -[( 4 - nitro - 5 - tetrazolo [ 1 , 5a ] quinolinyl ) amino ]- 2 - propanol ( 30 . 2 g , 0 . 10 mole , example 3 ), ethanol ( 300 ml ) and 5 % pd / c ( 1 . 0 g of 50 % water wet ) were placed in a paar apparatus . the mixture was hydrogenated . the mixture was diluted with dichloromethane then filtered to remove the catalyst . the filtrate was concentrated under vacuum . the crude product was recrystallized from ethanol to provide 20 . 5 g of [( 4 - amino - 5 - tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - c ] quinolinyl ) amino ]- 2 - methyl - 2 - propanol as a yellow / green crystalline solid , m . p . 164 - 167 ° c . analysis : calculated for c 13 h 16 n 6 o : % c , 57 . 33 ; % h , 5 . 92 ; % n , 30 . 88 ; found : % c , 56 . 94 ; % h , 5 . 88 ; % n , 30 . 80 . [( 4 - amino - 5 - tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - c ] quinolinyl ) amino ]- 2 - methyl - 2 - propanol ( 5 g , 0 . 18 mole , example 4 ) was dissolved in triethyl orthoformate ( 17 g ). the solution was heated at 120 ° c . for 20 hours . the reaction mixture was allowed to cool to ambient temperature then it was diluted with 1 n hydrochloric acid . formic acid ( 20 ml ) was added to the mixture which was then heated at reflux for an hour . the reaction mixture was concentrated under vacuum then neutralized with sodium hydroxide . the crude product was recrystallized from ethanol / ethyl acetate to provide α , α - dimethyl - 6h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinoline - 6 - ethanol as a solid , m . p . 245 - 248 ° c . analysis : calculated for c 14 h 14 n 6 o : % c , 59 . 55 ; % h , 4 . 99 ; % n , 29 . 77 ; found : % c , 59 . 44 ; % h , 4 . 93 ; % n , 29 . 65 . acetyl chloride ( 16 g , 0 . 020 mole ) was added dropwise to a solution of [( 4 - amino - 5 - tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - c ] quinolinyl ) amino ]- 2 - methyl - 2 - propanol ( 5 g , 0 . 18 mole , example 4 ) in acetonitrile . the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 4 hours . the resulting precipitate was isolated by filtration then dissolved in acetic acid ( about 50 ml ). this solution was refluxed for 2 hours then neutralized with carbonate . the crude product was isolated by filtration then recrystallized initially from hexane / ethyl acetate then from ethanol / ethyl acetate to provide α , α , 5 - trimethyl - 6h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinoline - 6 - ethanol as a solid , m . p . 202 - 205 ° c . analysis : calculated for c 15 h 16 n 6 o : % c , 60 . 8 ; % h , 5 . 44 ; % n , 28 . 36 ; found : % c , 60 . 68 ; % h , 5 . 48 ; % n , 28 . 28 . 4 - chloro - 1 -( 2 - methylpropyl )- 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinoline ( 10 . 0 g , 0 . 0385 moles , u . s . pat . no . 4 , 689 , 338 example 77 ) was added to hydrazine ( 30 ml ). the mixture heated rapidly to reflux . the solid dissolved with a vigorous heat of reaction then a precipitate formed as the reaction mixture refluxed . the reaction mixture was diluted with water . the precipitate was isolated by filtration then suspended in water ( 100 ml ). the solid was brought into solution by the addition of acetic acid . the solution was filtered to remove traces of undissolved solid . the filtrate was made basic by the addition of ammonium hydroxide . the resulting precipitate was isolated by filtration , washed with water then dried to provide 8 . 0 g of crude product as a white solid . a sample of this material was recrystallized from methanol to provide 4 - hydrazino - 1 -( 2 - methylpropyl )- 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinoline , m . p . 202 - 205 ° c . analysis : calculated for c 14 h 17 n 5 : % c , 65 . 86 ; % h , 6 . 71 ; % n , 27 . 43 ; found : % c , 65 . 20 ; % h , 6 . 6 ; % n , 27 . 5 . a solution of sodium nitrite ( 2 . 0 g , 3 mmole ) in water ( 5 ml ) was added to a solution of 4 - hydrazino - 1 -( 2 - methylpropyl )- 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinoline ( 4 . 0 g , 15 . 7 mmole , example 7 ) in a mixture of acetic acid ( 5 ml ) and water ( 50 ml ). the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 15 minutes . a precipitate was isolated by filtration , washed with water then air dried to provide 4 . 1 g of crude product . this material was recrystallized from dichloromethane / ethanol to provide 3 . 0 g of 6 -( 2 - methylpropyl )- 6h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinoline as a cream colored crystalline solid , m . p . 208 - 212 ° c . analysis : calculated for c 14 h 14 n 6 : % c , 63 . 14 ; % h , 5 . 30 ; % n , 31 . 56 ; found : % c , 62 . 60 ; % h , 5 . 2 ; % n , 31 . 5 . a suspension of 4 - chloro - α , α - dimethyl - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinoline - 1 - ethanol ( 1 . 0 g , 3 . 6 mmole , u . s . pat . no . 4 , 689 , 338 example 189 part d ) in hydrazine ( 3 ml , 6 . 9 mmole ) was heated on a steam bath for 1 hour then diluted with water . the resulting precipitate was isolated by filtration . the solid was dissolved in a mixture of acetic acid ( 2 ml ) and water ( 15 ml ) then combined with a solution of sodium nitrite ( 0 . 5 g ) in water . the resulting precipitate was isolated by filtration , washed with water and dried to provide 0 . 71 g of α , α - dimethyl - 6h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinoline - 6 - ethanol as a white solid , m . p . 246 - 247 ° c . ( shrunk at 230 ° c .). analysis : calculated for c 14 h 14 n 6 o : % c , 59 . 56 ; % h , 5 . 00 ; % n , 29 . 77 ; found : % c , 59 . 45 ; % h , 5 . 06 ; % n , 29 . 51 . 6 -( 2 - methylpropyl )- 6h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinoline ( 0 . 2 g , 0 . 75 mmole , example 8 ), triphenylphosphine ( 0 . 4 g , 1 . 5 mmole ) and 1 , 2 - dichlorobenzene ( 5 ml ) were combined and heated at reflux overnight . the reaction mixture was concentrated under vacuum then diluted with cyclohexane ( 25 ml ). the resulting precipitate was isolated by filtration , washed with cyclohexane then dried to provide 1 -( 2 - methylpropyl )- n - triphenylphosphinyl - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 4 - amine as a solid , m . p . 209 - 210 ° c . analysis : calculated for c 32 h 29 n 4 p : % c , 76 . 78 ; % h , 5 . 84 ; % n , 11 . 19 ; found : % c , 76 . 03 ; % h , 5 . 87 ; % n , 11 . 09 . triphenylphosphine ( 4 . 5 g , 17 . 0 mmole ) was added to a mixture of α , α - dimethyl - 6h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinoline - 6 - ethanol ( 2 . 4 g , 8 . 5 mmole , example 9 ) and 1 , 2 - dichlorobenzene . the reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 3 hrs then concentrated under vacuum . the residue was combined with methanol ( 400 ml ) and hydrochloric acid ( 50 ml of 0 . 5n ) then heated on a steam bath for 2 hours . the resulting precipitate was isolated by filtration then washed with ether . the solid was dissolved in water and the solution was made basic with 10 % sodium hydroxide . after stirring for 30 minutes , the reaction mixture was filtered . the collected solid was rinsed with water and ether then recrystallized from n , n - dimethylformamide / ethanol to provide about 1 g of 4 - amino - α , α - dimethyl - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinoline - 1 - ethanol as a solid , m . p , 271 - 273 ° c . analysis : calculated for c 14 h 16 n 4 o : % c , 65 . 6 ; % h , 6 . 29 ; % n , 21 . 86 ; found : % c , 65 . 37 ; % h , 6 . 26 ; % n , 21 . 61 . 1 -( 2 - methylpropyl )- n - triphenylphosphinyl - 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 4 - amine ( 100 mg , example 10 ) was suspended in a mixture of methanol ( 3 ml ) and hydrochloric acid ( 10 ml of 0 . 5n ). the mixture was heated on a steam bath for 2 hours then allowed to stand at ambient temperature overnight . the reaction mixture was filtered . the filtrate was made basic with 10 % sodium hydroxide . the resulting precipitate was isolated by filtration then dried to provide 1 -( 2 - methylpropyl )- 1h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] quinolin - 4 - amine . the spectral properties of this material matched those of an authentic sample . aqueous sodium hydroxide ( 30 g of 50 %) was added to a suspension of 2 - methyl -[( 4 - nitro - 5 - tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolinyl ) amino ]- 2 - propanol ( 34 . 0 g , 0 . 1125 mole , example 3 ) in water ( 500 ml ). the mixture was heated on a steam bath and the solid dissolved rapidly . the solution was heated for about 30 minutes and then upon stirring a solid began to precipitate . the mixture was made acidic with 6n hydrochloric acid . the resulting solid was isolated by filtration ; washed in succession with water , ethanol and ether ; then dried under vacuum at 100 ° c . to provide 23 . 2 g of crude product as a pale yellow / green solid . a sample ( 3 . 2 g ) was recrystallized initially from methanol / dichloromethane and then from toluene to provide 4 - nitrotetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolin - 5 - ol . analysis : calculated for c 9 h 5 n 5 o 3 : % c , 46 . 76 ; % h , 2 . 18 ; % n , 30 . 29 ; found : % c , 46 . 85 ; % h , 2 . 23 ; % n , 29 . 91 . triethylamine ( 0 . 6 ml , 4 . 32 mmole ) was added to a suspension of 4 - nitrotetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolin - 5 - ol ( 1 . 0 g , 4 . 32 mmoles , example 2 ) in dichloromethane ( 20 ml ). the reaction mixture was cooled to 0 ° c . triflic anhydride ( 0 . 73 ml , 4 . 32 mmole ) was added . the reaction mixture was stirred for 3 hours at 0 ° c . the reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane ( 50 ml ), washed with 0 . 5 n hydrochloric acid , dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated under vacuum . the residue was combined with hexanes ( 100 ml ), refluxed for 15 minutes and filtered . a solid precipitated from the filtrate on cooling . the solid was isolated by filtration and dried to provide 0 . 2 g of 4 - nitrotetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolin - 5 - yl ] trifluoromethanesulfonate as a white solid , m . p . 132 - 134 ° c . analysis : calculated for c 10 h 14 f 3 n 5 o 5 s : % c , 33 . 07 ; % h , 1 . 11 ; % n , 19 . 28 ; found : % c , 33 . 19 ; % h , 1 . 28 ; % n , 19 . 61 . isobutylamine ( 1 ml ) was added to a solution of 4 - nitrotetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolin - 5 - yl ] trifluoromethanesulfonate ( 0 . 5 g , 1 . 37 mmole , example 14 ) in dichloromethane ( 50 ml ), the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 4 hours , diluted with dichloromethane ( 50 ml ), washed with water ( 2 × 50 ml ), dried over magnesium sulfate then concentrated under vacuum . the residue was purified by filtering through a layer of silica gel eluting with 2 % methanol in dichloromethane . the resulting yellow solid was recrystallized from ethyl acetate to provide 0 . 31 g of n -( 2 - methylpropyl )- 4 - nitrotetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolin - 5 - amine , m . p . 152 - 154 ° c . analysis : calculated for c 13 h 14 n 6 o 2 : % c , 54 . 54 ; % h , 4 . 93 ; % n , 29 . 35 ; found : % c , 54 . 45 ; % h , 4 . 73 ; % n , 29 . 47 . n -( 2 - methylpropyl )- 4 - nitrotetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolin - 5 - amine ( 1 . 0 g , 3 . 5 mmole , example 15 ), ethanol ( 100 ml ) and pt / c were placed in a paar apparatus . the mixture was hydrogenated at 50 psi ( 3 . 44 × 10 5 pa ). the reaction mixture was filtered to remove the catalyst then concentrated under vacuum . the residue was recrystallized from ethyl acetate to provide 0 . 35 g of n 5 -( 2 - methylpropyl ) tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinoline - 4 , 5 - diamine as off white needles , m . p . 148 - 150 ° c . analysis : calculated for c 13 h 16 n 6 : % c , 60 . 92 ; % h , 6 . 29 ; % n , 32 . 79 ; found : % c , 60 . 94 ; % h , 6 . 25 ; % n , 32 . 93 . n 5 -( 2 - methylpropyl ) tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinoline - 4 , 5 - diamine ( 0 . 2 g , 0 . 78 mmole , example 16 ) was combined with diethoxymethyl acetate ( 2 ml ) and heated on a steam bath for 3 hours . water ( 10 ml ) and 10 % sodium hydroxide ( 2 ml ) were added and the reaction mixture was heated on a steam bath for 1 hour . a solid was isolated by filtration then recrystallized from methanol / ethyl acetate to provide 0 . 16 g of 6 -( 2 - methylpropyl )- 6h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinoline as a white crystalline solid , m . p . 210 - 212 ° c . analysis : calculated for c 14 h 14 n 6 : % c , 63 . 14 ; % h , 5 . 30 ; % n , 31 . 56 ; found : % c , 63 . 12 ; % h , 5 . 32 ; % n , 31 . 61 . triethylamine ( 6 ml ), 4 - nitrotetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolin - 5 - ol ( 8 . 7 g , 37 . 6 mmole , example 13 ) and dichloromethane ( 100 ml ) were combined and stirred at ambient temperature until a solution was obtained . the solution was cooled to - 15 ° c . triflic anhydride ( 6 . 5 ml ) was added in portions to the cooled solution . the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to ambient temperature then filtered through a layer of silica gel . the filtrate was washed with cold dilute hydrochloric acid then dried over magnesium sulfate . triethylamine ( 5 . 25 ml ) was added to the dichloromethane solution and the resulting mixture was stirred for about 10 minutes . tert - butylamine ( 4 . 2 ml ) was added dropwise to the reaction mixture . the reaction mixture was heated on a steam bath for about 15 minutes . the resulting solid was isolated by filtration then purified by silica gel chromatography to provide the crude product as a yellow solid . this material was recrystallized from ethanol / water to provide 5 g of n -( 1 , 1 - dimethylethyl )- 4 - nitrotetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolin - 5 - amine . the structure was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy . n -( 1 , 1 - dimethylethyl )- 4 - nitrotetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinolin - 5 - amine ( 4 . 2 g , example 18 ), ethanol ( 100 ml ) and pt / c ( 0 . 5 g ) were placed in a paar apparatus . the mixture was hydrogenated . the reaction mixture was filtered to remove catalyst then concentrated to dryness under vacuum . the residue was recrystallized from ethyl acetate / dichloromethane to provide n 5 -( 1 , 1 - dimethylethyl ) tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinoline - 4 , 5 - diamine as a pale blue crystalline solid . diethoxymethyl acetate ( 1 . 9 ml ) was added dropwise to a solution of n 5 -( 1 , 1 - dimethylethyl ) tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinoline - 4 , 5 - diamine ( 1 . 5 g , 5 . 9 mmole , example 19 ) in acetic acid ( 15 ml ). the reaction mixture was heated on a steam bath for 1 hour then made basic with sodium hydroxide . the resulting precipitate was isolated by filtration then recrystallized from ethanol to provide 6 -( 1 , 1 - dimethylethyl )- 6h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinoline , m . p . 224 - 226 ° c . analysis : calculated for c 14 h 14 n 6 : % c , 63 . 13 ; % h , 5 . 29 ; % n , 31 . 56 ; found : % c , 62 . 90 ; % h , 5 . 44 ; % n , 31 . 52 . 6 -( 1 , 1 - dimethylethyl )- 6h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinoline ( 1 g , 3 . 8 mmole , example 20 ) was added to hydrochloric acid ( 5 ml of 6n ); water ( 20 ml ) was added and the mixture was heated on a steam bath for 1 hour . the reaction mixture was allowed to cool to ambient temperature then made basic ( ph 11 ) by the addition of sodium hydroxide solution . the resulting precipitate was isolated by filtration , dried then recrystallized from n , n - dimethylformamide to provide 0 . 65 g of the desired product as a solid . a sample of this material was refluxed in a large amount of dichloromethane / methanol , isolated by filtration , then dried to provide 6h - imidazo [ 4 , 5 - c ] tetrazolo [ 1 , 5 - a ] quinoline as a solid , m . p . & gt ; 300 ° c . analysis : calculated for c 10 h 6 n 6 : % c , 57 . 14 ; % h , 2 . 88 ; % n , 39 . 98 ; found : % c , 56 . 89 ; % h , 3 . 10 ; % n 39 . 34 . the structure was confirmed by both mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy . | 2 |
in a manner known per se , the wind turbine 3 schematically shown in fig1 comprises a nacelle 25 mounted on mast or tower 24 so as to be rotatable about an upright axis , on which nacelle the rotor 23 is rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis , in order to drive a generator . in a manner known per se , the rotor 23 comprises a rotor hub 1 , which is rotatably mounted about said horizontal axis and carries a plurality of rotor blades 2 ( three in the illustrated embodiment ), which are mounted on the rotor hub 1 so as to radially protrude therefrom . the rotor blades 2 can be twisted about their longitudinal axis relative to the rotor hub 1 , so that the pitch angle of the rotor blades 2 can be varied . for this purpose , an actuator 22 is provided for each of the rotor blades 2 inside the rotor hub 1 , as is shown in fig2 . the actuator 22 comprises an actuator motor 21 , which can constitute an electric motor and is flanged to a wall of the rotor hub 1 ( cf . fig2 ). via a drive shaft 16 , the actuator motor 21 drives a drive pinion 5 seated on the end face of the drive shaft 16 , the axes of rotation of the drive shaft 16 and of the drive pinion 5 being arranged parallel to the adjustable rotor blade axis . the respective rotor blade 2 is attached to the rotor hub 1 via a large roller bearing 20 . in the illustrated embodiment , the outer bearing ring 19 of the roller bearing 20 is flanged to the rotor hub 1 and fastened there by means of screws , as shown in fig2 . the inner , rotatable bearing or slewing ring 4 of the roller bearing 20 carries the rotor blade 2 , which is flanged to the end face of the bearing ring 4 and is likewise fixed thereto by means of screws . said slewing ring 4 of the bearing 20 includes internal toothing 26 , which meshes with the aforementioned drive pinion 5 . when the drive pinion 5 is rotated by the actuator motor 21 , this is translated into a corresponding change of the pitch angle of the rotor blade 2 . as is furthermore shown in fig2 , the drive shaft 16 of the actuator 22 is supported on the rotor hub 1 via a drive shaft bearing housing 17 . as shown in fig2 , the drive shaft 16 is suitably supported on the drive shaft bearing housing 17 via roller bearings . for lubricating the gear stage 27 formed by the drive pinion 5 and the stewing ring 4 , a lubricating device 6 is provided , by means of which lubricant can selectively be supplied onto the zero teeth of the drive pinion 5 and of the stewing ring 4 . these so - called zero teeth 8 and 9 are teeth of the drive pinion 5 and of the slewing ring 4 , which are in engagement with each other when the rotor blade 2 has been rotated into its optimum pitch angle position for normal wind conditions . in the embodiment shown in fig2 and 3 , the lubricating device 6 comprises a lubricant port 15 provided on the end face of the drive pinion 5 , which via a rotary joint 28 , which coaxially extends into the drive pinion 5 , communicates with a lubricant passage 7 which inside the drive pinion 5 extends radially to the outside . the lubricant passage 7 opens in the vicinity of the tooth base of the aforementioned zero tooth , as is shown in fig1 . the supply of lubricant via the lubricant passage 7 is controlled by a supply control means 10 , which via an enabling switch 11 activates the supply of lubricant whenever the zero teeth of the drive pinion 5 and of the slewing ring 4 are in engagement with each other or the rotor blade 2 assumes its optimum pitch angle position . in concrete terms , a valve 12 is therefore provided in the lubricant passage 7 , which in the manner of a check valve comprises a shut - off member 14 , which is biased into its closing position via a spring 29 ( cf . fig3 ), the valve body 14 closing the valve when it is moved towards the orifice 30 of the lubricant passage 7 . for opening the valve 12 , a valve tappet is provided as valve opener 13 , which has a rod - shaped design and extends away from the valve body 14 through the lubricant passage 7 up to the orifice 30 thereof . as shown in fig3 , the valve tappet 13 slightly protrudes beyond the orifice 30 of the lubricant passage 7 in the vicinity of the tooth base of the drive pinion 5 , so that the valve 12 is opened by depressing the valve tappet 13 , i . e . the valve body 14 is urged from its closing position against the spring force into the opening position . this will occur whenever the zero tooth 8 of the slewing ring 4 meshes with the zero tooth 9 of the drive pinion 5 , i . e . engages in the corresponding tooth base region of the drive pinion 5 , as is shown in fig1 . fig4 and 5 basically show a similar embodiment of the lubricating device 6 . here as well , the supply of lubricant is effected through the drive pinion 5 via a lubricant passage 7 radially formed here . in so far , corresponding reference numerals were used for corresponding components . in contrast to the embodiment described above , however , the supply of lubricant is not effected from the end face of the drive pinion 5 , but through the drive shaft 16 from a lubricant port 15 provided at the drive shaft bearing housing 17 . as shown in fig4 and 5 , the radial lubricant passage 7 communicates with an axial lubricant bore 31 inside the drive shaft 16 , which at its end facing away from the drive pinion 5 is passed out of the drive shaft 16 through the radial bore 32 , where it opens into a drive shaft bearing housing interior 33 . from the outside of the drive shaft bearing housing 17 lubricant can be pressed through the lubricant port 15 into said interior 33 , so that the bearings of the drive shaft 16 are lubricated at the same time . in the interior 33 , there are also arranged the bearings for the drive shaft 16 . the radial bore 32 communicates with this interior and hence allows a supply of lubricant into the lubricant passage 7 and through the same to the zero teeth 8 and 9 . as shown in fig5 , the lubricant bore 31 can be incorporated via the end face of the drive shaft 16 and can be closed there by means of a plug . instead of the supply of lubricant through the drive pinion 5 as performed in the preceding figures , the lubricant can also be supplied from the outside via the end face onto the meshing zero teeth 8 and 9 of the stewing ring 4 or the drive pinion 5 . such an embodiment is shown in fig6 and 7 . in the embodiment illustrated here , the lubricant passage 7 extends in the drive shaft bearing housing 17 , in which the drive shaft 16 is accommodated . the lubricant passage 7 extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive pinion 5 or the drive shaft 16 and opens onto the engagement portion , in which the drive pinion 5 meshes with the slewing ring 4 . the orifice 30 is provided at the end face of the drive shaft bearing housing 17 and is covered by the teeth of the drive pinion 5 . in the embodiment as shown in fig6 , the lubricant passage 7 also includes the above - described valve arrangement with the protruding valve tappet 13 . in order to open the valve 12 , however , only when the above - described zero teeth 9 and 8 of the drive pinion 5 and of the slewing ring 4 are meshing with each other , the zero tooth 9 of the drive pinion 5 carries a protrusion on its end face , which forms an actuating cam 18 , by means of which the valve tappet 13 is depressed and the valve 12 is opened . the other teeth of the drive pinion 5 do not carry such actuating cam 18 , so that the valve 12 will only open when the zero teeth 8 and 9 are meshing with each other and accordingly lie at the orifice of the lubricant passage 7 . another embodiment of the lubricating device 6 is shown in fig8 and 9 , and here as well the same reference numerals are used as in the preceding embodiments for corresponding components . the supply of lubricant is effected through the rotary bearing 20 and in particular through the slewing ring 4 . the lubricant passage 7 radially extends through the two bearing rings 19 and 4 and opens into the tooth base of the zero tooth 8 of the slewing ring 4 , the valve 12 here also being provided with the protruding valve opener 13 in a corresponding manner . it is interesting here that the lubricant passage 7 is divided into the portions 7 a and 7 b , which are formed on the one hand in the slewing ring 4 and on the other hand in the stationary bearing ring 19 . therefore , the supply of lubricant only is possible when the lubricant passage portions 7 a and 7 b come to overlap each other and are aligned with each other , which always is the case when the slewing ring 4 assumes the position in which its zero tooth 8 is meshing with the zero tooth 9 of the drive pinion 5 , i . e . the rotor blade 2 is in its optimum pitch angle position . in this embodiment , the valve 12 could possibly even be omitted , as in other positions the two passage portions 7 a and 7 b are not in alignment , and in so far no supply of lubricant can be effected . for this purpose , the transition from the stewing ring 4 to the bearing ring 19 in the vicinity of the passage portions 7 a and 7 b should be sealed correspondingly . on the other hand , said transitional region advantageously is provided in the vicinity of the rolling members 34 of the bearing 20 , so that a lubrication of the rolling members 34 can be achieved via the bearing gap between the two bearing rings . | 5 |
if one refers to fig1 one can see that a vice device of this invention consists of a frame 1 fixed by appropriate means , not represented , to a workbench , for example , and a mobile jaw 2 containing a body 3 and a mobile jaw 4 . the frame 1 consists of a jaw 10 and , projecting out perpendicularly , a flat piece 11 of which the upper side is a rack 12 in the shape of circular arc concentric to a transversal hole 13 destined to form an axis for a pin 14 for the pivoting of the body 3 and of the mobile jaw 4 . the mobile jaw 4 contains a jaw part 40 and two branches 41 passing on both sides of flat piece 11 . a hole 42 , of which only one is visible , is pierced in each of the branches 41 for the passage of the pin 14 . the body 3 contains two branches 30 passing on both sides of the branches 41 of the mobile jaw 4 . in each of the branches 30 , a hole 31 , of which only one is visible , is pierced for the passage of the pin 14 . the jaw 4 and the body 3 are spread by a spring , not represented , slid onto the pin 14 and pushing on the frame 1 and on the mobile jaw 4 . the body 3 contains at its free end a transverse canal 33 in which is introduced a shaft 5 mobile in rotation under the action of a lever , not represented , and which contains in its central region a cam 50 made up of a non - axial half circle . the canal 33 contains a central aperture 34 allowing the rear side 43 of the mobile jaw 4 to enter into contact with the cam 50 . the body 3 also contains a deep canal 35 , radial to the pin 14 , in the interior and coming out between the branches 30 and partially passing by the canal 33 to the right of the cam 50 , and in which a driver 6 , in a generally cylindrical shape is lodged , of which the lower end 60 contains transverse teeth 61 in a shape complimentary to that of the teeth 15 in the rack 12 . the driver 6 is mobile in axial movement in the canal 35 , and is pushed back in the direction of the rack 12 by a spring 62 pushing on the bottom 35 &# 39 ;, not visible in the canal 35 . the driver 6 also contains an indentation 63 in its central region in which a part of the cam 50 is placed to allow the stopping of the rotation of the driver 6 in the canal 35 . if one refers now to fig2 a , one can see that during a thrust towards the top in the direction of arrow f , on such movement , lever 51 of the shaft 5 turns the shaft 5 in the direction of arrow h and the flat side 52 of the cam 50 enters into contact with the upper side 63 &# 39 ; of the indentation 63 , which leads to the rise of the driver 6 squeezing the spring 62 against the bottom 35 &# 39 ;, and the disengagement of the teeth 61 from the teeth 15 . if one refers now to fig2 b , one can see that the prolonging of the thrust in direction of arrow f on the level 51 results in the pivoting of the body 3 , which drives the mobile jaw 2 , the jaw 40 of which comes closer to the jaw 10 of the frame 1 . if one refers to fig2 c , one can see that the lessening of the thrust on the lever 51 leads , under action of the spring 62 , to the descent of the driver 6 and the engaging of the teeth 61 of the driver in the teeth 15 of the rack , which locks the body 3 in a certain position , and that a thrust on the back , in the direction of arrow b , on the lever 51 makes the shaft 5 pivot in direction of arrow a , and curved side 53 of the cam pushes on the rear side 23 of the mobile jaw 2 , which distances itself from the body 3 such that the jaw 40 gets nearer to the jaw 10 of the frame 1 . the displacement of the body 3 and its locking onto the rack 12 allow the holding of the object to be tightened between the mobile jaw 2 and the frame 1 , and the displacement of the mobile jaw 2 under the action of the cam 50 allows the refinement of the tightening . the operation of tightening can , therefore , be easily and quickly achieved by holding the object to be tightened in one hand and by maneuvering the lever 51 with the other . one will note the particular profiles of the jaws 10 and 40 , both of which have a v - shape , concave for the jaw 10 of the frame and convex for the jaw 40 . these profiles of these jaws 10 and 40 are more particularly adapted to the tightening of tubes . if one refers now to fig3 and 4 , one can see that according to a second method of production , the vice device of this invention consists of a frame 7 containing a smooth rectangular base 70 destined to be fixed by its lower face 71 to a flat support , such as a table or workbench , and two vertical walls 72 and 73 opposite to each of the ends of the base 71 , the wall 72 being higher than the wall 73 and carrying a jaw 74 on its interior face . two parallel bars 75 having a round cross - section stretch between the walls 72 and 73 to which they are attached at their ends . a rack 76 having transversal cuts or notches 760 is fixed to the upper face 77 of the base 70 parallel to the bars 75 . the vice also contains a dolly 20 mobile by sliding on the bars 75 by means of tubular guides 21 of which only one is visible in fig4 . the dolly 20 consists of a body 36 and a jaw 44 parallel to the fixed jaw 74 . the jaw 44 is mobile by sliding on the tubular guides 21 which are fixed to the body 36 . the body 36 is crossed transversally by a pin 88 , and contains a central opening 37 in which is engaged the end 80 of a lever 8 , not represented on fig4 which connects by pivoting on the pin 88 . if one refers now to fig5 one can see that the end 80 of the lever 8 contains two coaxial disks 81 separated by a space 82 and pierced by a hole 83 for the passage of the axis 88 . the space 82 is destined to receive a disk 55 containing a hole 56 for the passage of the pin 88 , and introducing , on about one quarter of its circumference on the side of the jaw 44 , a cam part 57 . the radius of cam part 57 is not constant and increases from top towards the bottom . the disk 55 is in free rotation on the pin 88 , but the lever 8 contains means to allow fixation , which will be described further on . one can also see in fig5 a driver 6 &# 39 ; in the form of a stirrup containing a crosspiece 64 topped by two parallel upright poles 65 each having on their internal sides 25 an indentation 66 in a position roughly in the middle . the crossbar 64 has at its lower central side a series of notches 67 in a shape complimentary to that of the notches 760 of the rack 76 , not represented . the driver 6 &# 39 ; is destined to be introduced in a housing 38 , which contains the body 36 , represented by dotted lines in fig4 opening on the lower face 39 of the part to the right of the rack 76 , and positioned to the rear of the passage of the pin 88 . the driver 6 &# 39 ; can displace itself in the housing 38 in order to allow the engagement of notches 67 in the notches 760 of the rack 76 , under the action of two springs 68 lodged in two holes 69 each pierced in the upper end of the upright parts 65 and which push against the bottom 38 &# 39 ; of the housing 38 . the end 80 of the lever 8 also contains two lugs 84 projecting from each of the external faces of the disks 81 of which only one lug 64 is visible . the lugs 64 are destined to each fit into one of the indentations 66 of the driver 6 &# 39 ;. if one refers now to fig6 a , 6b , and 6c , one can see the functioning of this embodiment of the vice device of this invention . in fig6 a , when an object to be tightened 16 is placed against the fixed jaw 74 , the dolly 20 is then dislodged in the direction of the fixed jaw 74 , exercising a thrust on the lever 8 in the direction of the fixed jaw 74 in the direction of arrow c , until the jaw 44 comes into contact with the object 16 . the pressure of the lever 8 in the direction of arrow c having the effect of , by means of the lugs 84 which lean on the upper sides 66 &# 39 ; of the indentations 66 , a rising of the driver 6 &# 39 ; which squeezes the springs 68 , which results in the disengagement of the notches 67 from the notches 760 of the rack 76 . in fig6 b , when the mobile jaw 44 is in contact with the object 16 , the pressure on the lever 8 is relaxed , so that under the effect of the springs 68 , the driver 6 &# 39 ; slides into the housing 38 and the notches 67 engage with the notches 760 of the rack 76 to lock the dolly 20 . in fig6 c , the lever 8 is lowered in the direction of arrow d , which results in the rotation of the disk 55 of which the cam part 57 leans on a pin 45 which contains the jaw 44 on it rear face 46 , and pushes back the jaw 44 which slides on the tubular guides 21 and tightens the object 16 , the body 36 staying anchored against the rack 76 . in this method of production , the disk 55 is in free rotation on the pin 88 , eventually being stopped by an appropriate means , such as a torque joint , not represented . the fixation of the disk 55 to the lever 8 is achieved by means of a lug 85 , which contains at its end a rod 86 shown sliding axially on the lever 8 , and likely to engage itself into an indentation 58 pierced in the side of the disk 55 . the retraction of the lug 85 is achieved by a system of a known type , which will not be described , and controlled by a bottom 87 , visible in fig5 which contains the lever 8 at its free end . after tightening the object 16 , the lug 85 can be retracted and disengaged from the indentation 58 , which permits the lowering of the lever 8 so as not to interfere with work on the object . one will also note that the lever 51 and the shaft 5 of the first method of production can also be attached by a similar device . according to a variance not represented , the device is able not to contain this adjustment . in this case , the end 81 of the lever 8 only contains the cam part 57 , which is attached to it by means of a screw , for example . if one refers now to fig7 one can see a fastening device 9 of a vice device of this invention . this fastening device 9 consists of a body 90 in the shape of an l of which a branch 91 contains at its end two perpendicularly projecting , parallel rods 92 and 93 . another branch 94 is crossed perpendicularly by a screw 95 equipped at its lower end with a maneuvering handle 96 and at its other end with a flat tip 97 . the rods 92 and 93 are destined to be introduced into two holes 78 , visible in fig3 and 4 , which contain regular spaces on the perimeter of the base 70 , while the branch 94 of the body 90 is placed under the flat support , not represented , on which rests the base 70 . then the screw 95 is tightened until the flat tip 97 comes to rest against the lower face of the support . one will note that the frame 7 can also be attached onto a support by screws , by means of a screw introduced into the holes 79 pierced in the base 70 , of which only one is visible in fig3 . | 1 |
in the most preferred embodiment , the invention is used to prepare difunctional aromatic olefins , that is , aromatic diolefins , by a process comprising contacting an aromatic diketone with an aliphatic or aromatic grignard reagent to form a grignard reaction product ; contacting the grignard reaction product with an active hydrogen - containing compound to form a di - tertiary diol and a grignard salt ; and dehydrating the diol in the presence of the grignard salt and a high boiling solvent . the dehydration step can be effected without separating the diol from the reaction mixture in which it is formed . the resulting diolefin is exteriorily unsaturated , that is , it contains two pendant ch 2 ═ c -- moieties or groups . the invention comprises a multi - step process in which all process steps can be effected in the same reaction vessel without any intermediate separatory steps . in the first step , an aromatic diketone is reacted with at least a stoichiometric amount of a grignard reagent to form a grignard reaction product according to the following reaction scheme : ## str1 ## wherein ar is a divalent substituted or unsubstituted aromatic radical having from 6 to 14 nuclear carbon atoms ; r 0 , r 1 and r 2 can be the same or different and each is independently methyl or an aromatic group having from 6 to 14 nuclear carbon atoms ; with the proviso that , when r 0 and r 1 are aromatic , r 2 must be methyl and when r 2 is an aromatic group , r 0 and r 1 must be methyl ; and x is a halogen group , preferably chlorine . in the second step , the grignard reaction product is contacted with an active hydrogen - containing compound to form a di - tertiary diol and a grignard salt according to the following reaction scheme : ## str2 ## wherein r 0 , r 1 , r 2 , ar and x are as previously defined and y is -- oh , -- or 3 , halogen or other hydrogen activating substituent ; and r 3 is an aliphatic group having from 5 to 12 carbon atoms or an aromatic group having from 6 to 14 nuclear carbon atoms . in the third step , the di - tertiary diol is dehydrated to the aromatic diolefin in the presence of the grignard salt in a high boiling solvent . &# 34 ; high boiling solvent &# 34 ;, at this term is used herein , defines a substantially inert material which has a boiling point greater than solvents used for the grignard reagent , and preferably in excess of 130 ° c . the grignard reagent solvent and reaction solvent must solubolize the grignard reagent , and this typically means using an ether solvent or equivalent , which in turn typically has a relatively low boiling point , e . g ., less than about 130 ° c . the dehydration step follows the reaction scheme : ## str3 ## wherein r 0 , r 1 and r 2 are as previously described . the process to form aromatic diolefins having exterior unsaturation can be further illustrated by the following more specific exemplary reactions : ## str4 ## the exemplary reactions i and ii illustrate certain important features of the invention . first , in order to make exteriorily unsaturated diolefins , r 2 must be methyl when r 0 and r 1 are other than methyl and , when r 2 is other than methyl , r 0 and r 1 must be methyl . second , in the alcohol forming step , water can be used as the active hydrogen - containing compound third , a high boiling solvent , such as ethyl benzene ( b . p . 136 . 18 ° c . ), which does not itself contain an active hydrogen group , can be present during the alcohol - forming step . the high boiling solvent need not be present during the alcoholysis step , although its presence during this step is currently preferred . fourth , one can employ a high boiling point solvent which contains an active hydrogen group , such as primary n - octyl alcohol ( b . p . 194 °- 195 ° c .) or sec - n - octyl alcohol ( b . p . 178 °- 179 ° c .) in an excess amount during both the alcoholysis and dehydration steps . this latter procedure is currently preferred . fifth , the entire process can be effected in the same reactor without separating any of the intermediate reaction products . sixth , the dehydration step is not acid - catalyzed but is promoted by the grignard salt , which is not separated from the reaction mixture containing the di - tertiary diol . it is a particular feature of the invention that the use of the high boiling point solvent in the presence of the grignard salt enables the diketone to be converted to the diene without removing the diol from its reaction mixture and without the need for employing an acid catalyst to effect dehydration of the diol . substantially any aromatic diketone having the structure : ## str5 ## wherein ar , r 0 and r 1 are as previously defined , and wherein the points of attachment of the carbonyl groups to the aromatic nucleus are separated from each other by at least one nuclear carbon atom , can be employed in the preferred embodiment of the invention , subject to the caveat previously expressed . representative aromatic diketones include : ## str6 ## the aromatic diketones are conveniently prepared by reacting aliphatic and aromatic compounds , such as methane , benzene , toluene and biphenyl with an acylating agent such as isophthaloyl chloride in the presence of friedel - crafts catalysts . the grignard reagents are well - known articles of commerce and need not be discussed in any detail herein . although substantially any grignard reagent meeting the substituent requirements outlined above can be employed , methyl magnesium chloride , benzyl magnesium chloride and tolyl magnesium chloride are currently preferred . the conversion of the grignard reaction product to the tertiary aromatic diol can be effected by adding a slight excess of a compound containing an active hydrogen , i . e ., an easily replaceable hydrogen , such as water , a monoalcohol or a hydrogen halide to the grignard reaction product mixture whereby the -- omgx moiety is converted to an alcohol and a grignard salt . while lower alcohols such as ethanol , propanol and t - butanol can be employed for the alcoholysis step , it is preferred to employ monohydric alcohols having a boiling point above 130 ° c . such as octanol or decanol . water can also be added to the grignard reaction mixture for the alcoholysis step , as well as acids such as hydrochloric and sulfuric acids . the dehydration step is effected in the presence of a solvent having a boiling point which is higher than the solvent which is employed in the grignard condensation step . the high boiling solvent can be added to the crude reaction mixture which contains both the diol and grignard salts , without an intermediate separation step to remove the alcohol from the crude reaction mixture . alternatively , and preferably , the high boiling solvent can be included in the alcoholysis step , either as an active hydrogen - containing compound or in combination with an active hydrogen - containing compound in those cases wherein the high boiling solvent does not itself contain an active hydrogen group . in another variant , high boiling solvents which do not contain any active hydrogen groups , such as ethyl benzene , can be introduced initially , that is , in the first step involving formation of the grignard reaction product . it is a particular feature of the process of this invention that the use of the higher boiling solvent in combination with the grignard salt enables the diketone to be converted to the diene without removing the alcohol from the reaction mixture and without the necessity for employing an acid catalyst to effect the dehydration of the diol . particularly preferred higher boiling solvents have boiling points above 130 ° c . and include monoalcohols having at least 5 carbon atoms , preferably 5 to 12 carbon atoms , and aromatic solvents such as ethyl benzene and toluene . representative high boiling solvents include , without limitation thereto , amyl alcohol , hexyl alcohol , primary n - octanol , sec - n - octanol , isooctanol , decanol , lauryl alcohol , benzene , toluene and ethyl benzene . the use of the higher boiling monoalcohols as a solvent for the dehydration step is particularly beneficial since one can add the alcohol to the grignard reaction mixture and effect both the alcoholysis step and the dehydration step in the same solvent system . the same end can be accomplished when using aromatic solvents such as ethyl benzene and toluene which do not contain hydrogen - activating substituents by including water with the aromatic solvent when the latter is added to the grignard reaction mixture . the reaction of the grignard reagent with the carbonyl compound is carried out , preferably at atmospheric pressure , in an inert atmosphere such as nitrogen . the reaction is normally conducted in a solvent medium at a temperature from about - 60 ° c . to about 100 ° c ., with room temperature being a preferred reaction temperature . suitable solvent mediums include saturated hydrocarbons having from 5 to 16 carbon atoms such as pentane , hexane , heptane , octane , isooctane , cyclopentane , cyclohexane and cycloheptane and aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene , toluene and xylene . ether solvents such as tetrahydrofuran , dioxane , 1 , 2 - dimethoxyethane , dibutyl ether and diethyl ether are also suitable as solvents in the first step . ether solvents are preferred , with tetrahydrofuran being particularly preferred when aromatic grignard reagents are employed . preferably , the solvent medium will be the same solvent in which the grignard reagent was prepared or provided , since the preferred solvents for the first step of the synthesis should be one in which the grignard reagent is soluble . performing the dehydration step without separating the diol enables one to use the magnesium salts which are formed during the alcoholysis reaction as a promoter for the dehydrogenation step . the dehydration step is effected at a temperature in the range from 130 ° c . to 180 ° c . with the low boiling ether or alcohol solvent being removed from the reaction vessel by distillation . at temperatures below 130 ° c ., dehydration is unacceptably slow and undesirable reactions leading to by - product formation occur at temperatures higher than 180 ° c . the following examples are illustrative of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the claims . a grignard reaction mixture was prepared by contacting 100 ml of 2m phenylmagnesium chloride in tetrahydrofuran with 0 . 1 mole m - diacetyl benzene . 100 ml of n - octanol were added to the grignard reaction mixture . the tetrahydrofuran was removed by distillation during which the pot temperature rose to 175 ° c . in 2 hours . gas chromatograph analysis showed that the alcohol had been dehydrated to m - bis -( 1 - phenylethenyl ) benzene . product yield was about 95 % a grignard reaction was prepared by contacting 100 ml of 2m phenylmagnesium chloride with 0 . 1 mole n - acetyl benzene in tetrahydrofuran . 3 grams of water and 100 ml of ethyl benzene were added to the grignard reaction mixture . the tetrahydrofuran was removed by distillation during which the pot temperature rose to 135 ° c . the reaction mixture was maintained at this temperature for 1 hour . gas chromatograph analysis showed that substantially all of the alcohol had been dehydrated to m - bis -( 1 - phenylethenyl ) benzene . | 2 |
referring to fig1 the coating is made up of plastic pigments 2 of the same size , or different sizes , of discrete spherical particles to provide interstices for ink absorption . fig1 depicts a one layer version , wherein the plastic pigments 2 are mixed into the ink jet layer which is composed of a binder and an absorbent pigment fig2 which depicts a two layer version , and shows an ink jet substrate 12 being coated with an ink jet receiving layer 14 and a top layer 16 which contains a binder , additives , and a plastic pigment . the water resistance is provided by using plastic pigments , which includes but are not limited to styrene polymers , acrylic polymers , or acrylic urethane polymers . the plastic pigments remain as discrete spherical particles until the temperature goes at , or above , their melting point , at which time they flow and form a continuous , water impermeable film . it is also possible , if desired , to provide light fastness by using special plastic pigments which contain ultraviolet absorbers or antioxidants or adding ultraviolet absorbers or antioxidants into the coating at a subsequent time prior to the fusing step of the process . this addition will provide an even more permanent ink jet grade . the discrete plastic particles range from approximately 0 . 1 to 1 . 5 microns , with a preferred range being between approximately 0 . 3 to 0 . 6 microns . during ink jet printing , the ink travels around the plastic pigments and reaches the ink receiving layer . the melting point of the plastic pigments is reached by passing the printed sample through a heating step such as a heated laminator roll , a dryer ( such as an infrared , forced air , conduction , convection ), microwave oven , heat gun , or passing an iron over the surface . the surface is then fused into a water - resistant durable layer . coating of the ink receiving layer can be accomplished by rod coating , slot die coating , curtain coating , air knife coating , or any other suitable coating method . heating of the coated substrate can be direct or indirect and can be accomplished by a heated solid surface , a heated gas , a heated liquid , radiation or light . if silicone rubber laminator rolls are used , the printed image can be fed through without a release liner to yield a matte finish . however , a glossy image can be imparted by using a very smooth liner or roll sleeve which can be coated with silicone , teflon ® ( polytetrafluoroethylene ), other release coating or other low surface energy material . if an iron is used , depending on if there is a release coating on the iron , the use of a release liner may be required . in addition , depending on the smoothness of the liner , a glossy , semi - luster , or matte finish is imparted . to eliminate coating cracks and to improve release during heat fusing , wax additives and fluoropolymer emulsions may be added . different types of absorbent pigments can be used with the plastic pigments to absorb the ink . in addition , additives may be included to increase light fastness as well . further , the bottom substrate , that is the ink jet substrate , can be a coated paper , a synthetic paper , a polymer film or a nonwoven . further , although a desirable use for the plastic pigment coating and process is ink jet printing , improved durability can be provided for prints made on a laser printer as well . the temperature of the fuser roll in the laser printer and the time it takes for the paper to travel across the fuser roll can be modified so that the fuser roll can act as the heating step to convert the plastic pigments into the end product water - resistant film . the inventive process and coating are a major leap over conventional printing methods which include professional lamination and allow consumers to produce durable ink jet images for indoor and outdoor use by using something as simple as an iron . a coating mixture with a solid content of about 44 % by weight was prepared by mixing two acrylic urethane latexes with different glass transition temperatures . about 40 parts of the lower tg latex was mixed with about 60 parts of the higher tg latex . both latexes were manufactured by hb fuller company . then the coating mixture was coated by a rod coater so that the coating weight was about 15 gsm ( grams per square meter ) when dried , followed by drying . then , after ink jet printing an image thereon , the coating sheet was fused by a laminator or iron to provide a water - resistant and durable ink jet image . although several embodiments have been described in detail , it should be understood that various changes , substitutions and alterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims . | 1 |
fig1 a shows an aircraft architecture 20 incorporating a power center 22 , which receives all power and then distributes power to various components such as an avionics computer 24 , a sensor 26 , a load 28 , and a relay 30 . as shown in fig1 b , power from the generators 30 and 32 is delivered through separate lines into a power center 22 . similarly , power from an apu generator 34 is delivered through a separate line into the power center 22 . from the power center 22 , power is distributed to various components 40 , 42 along separate electric lines . an external power supply connection 41 may also be included . as shown in fig2 , another prior art architecture 50 incorporates power distribution center 60 which takes in power from the main generators 64 and 66 , and the apu 62 , all through separate lines , and delivers that power either directly through lines 65 , or indirectly through line 166 to secondary power distributions 67 to other components 69 . fig3 shows the inventive power distribution architecture 80 . in power distribution architecture 80 , power rails 90 / 88 are utilized , and distribute power along the length of the aircraft to be utilized by various components at different locations on the aircraft . the apu 86 delivers its power directly into the power rail , as do the generators 82 and 84 . an external power supply connection 100 may deliver power directly into the power rail . generators 82 / 84 may be associated with the gas turbine engines powering the aircraft . the power rails are provided with a plurality of plugs 92 which can distribute power to a secondary distribution location 94 , which in turn distributes to a plurality of components 97 , or the plug - ins 92 can deliver power to a plurality of components 97 directly . among the components may be a line 96 to a pump and line 98 to a galley . in the prior art , control components such as the generator control units , or transformer rectifier units , power converters , motor drives , solid state power converter modules , are all housed in the primary distribution modules or the power centers . in this invention , each of the control components are associated with the plug - ins , and provided as is necessary dependent on the components which are controlled by the particular plug - in . thus , there are plural controls spaced along the power rails . this is shown schematically as c in plug - ins 92 in fig4 . the present invention thus eliminates the need for redundant wiring , and provides direct power to the loads from the power rail which can extend along the length of the aircraft . the power rails can be utilized with either ac or dc current , and appropriate rectifiers and transformers provided to change the current as required . although an embodiment of this invention has been disclosed , a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention . for that reason , the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention . | 7 |
the above - described color purity tolerance can be increased by increasing the width of guard bands ( spacings between the adjacent phosphor dots ) of the phosphor screen . however , if the width of the guard bands is increased without changing the pitches of electron - beam - transmissive apertures in a shadowmask , the diameters of dot holes must be made smaller . if the diameters of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures in the shadow mask are made smaller with increasing distance from its center toward its periphery such that they are made smaller at the periphery where the influence of the earth &# 39 ; s magnetic field is strong , the diameter of the dot holes can be made smaller at the periphery of the viewing screen . in this case , however , the amount of the electron beam passing through the electron - beam - transmissive apertures in the shadow mask is reduced at the periphery of the shadow mask where the diameters of the apertures are small , and consequently , according as the color purity tolerance is increased , brightness and uniformity in display is decreased . adjustment of color purity of a completed color cathode ray tube is carried out under an actual operating condition in which a deflection yoke , some magnetic beam - adjustment components and other devices mounted around the color cathode ray tube . if the orientation of the color cathode ray tube in actual operation is made different from that of the cathode ray tube when its color purity was adjusted , the landing positions of the electron beams on the phosphor dots are displaced from the indented positions due to the influence of the earth &# 39 ; s magnetic field . consequently , if the color purity tolerances are not sufficient , the electron beams strike phosphor dots other than the phosphor dots which they were intended to strike , resulting in degradation of color purity . [ 0026 ] fig1 a and 10b are schematic illustrations for explaining adjustment of color purity of the color cathode ray tube and degradation of the color purity caused by the earth &# 39 ; s magnetic field . the color cathode ray tube 20 has a vacuum envelope composed of a panel , a neck and a funnel connecting the panel and the neck , a phosphor film 4 coated on an inner surface of the panel , and an electron gun housed within the neck . e electron beams b emitted from the electron gun pass through electron - beam - transmissive apertures in a shadow mask 6 , and strike intended phosphor dots constituting the phosphor film 4 . at this time the electron beams are deflected by a deflection yoke 13 to scan the phosphor film 4 horizontally and vertically and thereby form a two - dimensional image on the panel . the adjustment of color purity of the completed color cathode ray tube is performed under an actual operating condition in which the deflection yoke 13 is mounted around the outside of a transition region between the funnel and the neck of the color cathode ray tube 20 , and a magnetic beam - adjustment device 12 including a color - purity adjustment device , a beam - convergence adjustment device and the like are mounted around the outside of the neck housing the electron gun , as shown in fig1 a . for example , initially the color purity was adjusted with the tube axis of the color cathode ray tube oriented in the north - south direction and with the panel ( the viewing screen ) facing the south as shown in fig1 a , and then if the tube axis of the cathode ray tube is oriented in the east - west direction as shown in fig1 b , the electron beams b impinge upon positions displaced from the phosphor dot positions struck by the electron beams when the color purity was adjusted , due to beam deflection by the earth &# 39 ; s magnetic field . in this case , if the beam landing position is displaced such that the electron beams strike adjacent phosphor dots of wrong color ( wrong - color - striking , or misregister ), color contamination , i . e ., degradation in color purity occurs , resulting in deterioration in image quality . this case causes the maximum degradation of color purity , and also in cases in which the orientation of the tube axis of the color cathode ray tube is changed to other directions from that in the case of fig1 a , the degradation in color purity occurs more or less . [ 0029 ] fig1 is an illustration of an example of displacement of electron beams on the phosphor screen caused by the influence of the earth &# 39 ; s magnetic field , measured in the case explained in connection with fig1 a and 10b . fig1 illustrates the influence of the earth &# 39 ; s magnetic field in terms of movement of bright spots produced on the phosphor screen by impingement of the electron beams ( hereinafter electron beam spots ). in fig1 , the horizontal and vertical directions correspond to the horizontal and vertical scanning directions , respectively , with the center of the phosphor screen denoted by ( 0 , 0 ). in fig1 , circles denote positions of electron beam spots when color purity was adjusted with the tube axis of the color cathode ray tube oriented in the north - south direction and with its phosphor screen facing the south as shown in fig1 a , and for example , the electron beam spots move on the phosphor screen as indicated by rectangles , triangles and rhombuses when the phosphor screen was rotated successively to face the north , the west and the east from the condition in fig1 a , respectively . as is apparent from fig1 , the electron beam spots move greater distances at the periphery of the phosphor screen , and therefore if the color purity tolerances are greater at the periphery of the phosphor screen , the degradation of the color purity due to the wrong - color - striking ( misregister ) can be prevented . conventionally , a shadow mask having diameters on a large - diameter side of its electron - beam - transmissive apertures made progressively smaller from the center toward the periphery of the phosphor screen continuously or discontinuously was proposed by japanese patent application laid - open no . hei 11 - 354 , 043 . electron - beam - transmissive apertures in a shadow mask are formed such that diameters on its electron gun side are smaller than those in its phosphor screen side . in the shadow mask disclosed in the above - cited japanese patent application laid - open no . hei 11 - 354 , 043 , large - diameters of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures on the phosphor screen side are made progressively smaller from the center toward the periphery of the phosphor screen . the size of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures through which the electron beams can pass is determined by the size of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures on their small - diameter side . the invention disclosed in the above - cited japanese patent application laid - open no . hei 11 - 354 , 043 aims at preventing mechanical deformation in the so - called press - formed shadow mask ( the shadow mask of the self - supporting , shape - self - maintaining , non - tension type ), but not solving the problem of degradation of color purity caused by the influence of the earth &# 39 ; s magnetic field . now the embodiments in accordance with the present invention will be explained in detail by reference to the drawings . [ 0034 ] fig1 is a schematic plan view of a shadow mask for explaining an embodiment of a color cathode ray tube in accordance with the present invention , and fig2 is an illustration of an example of an arrangement of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures in the shadow mask shown in fig1 . fig2 illustrates the arrangement of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures only in one line along the x axis in an apertured area ar in the shadow mask 6 of fig1 . the shadow mask 6 of fig1 has a large number of electron - beam - transmissive apertures ( not shown ) in its apertured area ar the periphery of which is indicated by solid lines 6 p . the apertured area ar comprises a peripheral area 6 a extending a specified distance pm inwardly from the periphery 6 p in parallel with the x and y axes , respectively , of the apertured area ar , and a main area 6 b surrounded by the peripheral area 6 a . in fig1 the peripheral area 6 a is hatched . the diameter of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures 6 e disposed in the peripheral area 6 a is made smaller than the diameter of the electron - beam - transmissive aperture 6 d at the outermost part of the main area 6 b adjacent to the peripheral area 6 a , looking toward the center o of the apertured area ar . in fig1 and 2 , the peripheral area 6 a extends distances equal to two columns and two rows of the apertures along the x and y axes , respectively , inwardly toward the center 0 from the periphery 6 p of the apertured area ar , and the diameters of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures 6 e in the peripheral area 6 a are made smaller by approximately 5 μm than the diameters of electron - beam - transmissive apertures 6 d at the outermost part of the main area 6 b and adjacent to the apertures 6 e , among the electron - beam - transmissive apertures 6 c disposed in the main area 6 b of the apertured area ar . in this embodiment , the above - explained peripheral area 6 a is provided on each of the long and short sides of the apertured area ar , and two rows and two columns of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures 6 e are disposed along the x and y axes , respectively , of the apertured area ar . however , in this embodiment , two columns of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures 6 e can be disposed only on each of the short sides of the apertured area ar at outermost peripheral areas in the case of wide - angle deflection , in view of the aspect ratio of the phosphor screen , instead of disposing the above - described peripheral area 6 a entirely around the periphery of the apertured area ar . [ 0038 ] fig3 is a schematic plan view of a phosphor screen for explaining an embodiment of a color cathode ray tube in accordance with the present invention , and fig4 is an illustration of an example of an arrangement of phosphor pixel dots in the phosphor screen shown in fig3 . fig4 illustrates the arrangement of the phosphor pixel dots only in one line along the x axis in the phosphor screen 4 of fig3 . the phosphor screen 4 composed of a large number of phosphor pixel dots is fabricated on the inner surface of the panel 1 by using the shadow mask 1 shown in fig1 as a photomask in the photographic phosphor - screen fabrication process . the phosphor screen 4 serves as a useful display area of the viewing screen of the color cathode ray tube , and comprises a peripheral area 4 a extending a specified distance ps inwardly from the periphery 4 p in parallel with the x and y axes , respectively , of the apertured area ar , and a main area 4 b surrounded by the peripheral area 4 a . in fig3 the peripheral area 4 p is hatched . the diameter of the phosphor pixel dots 4 e disposed in the peripheral area 4 a is made smaller than the diameter of the phosphor pixel dot 4 d at the outermost part of the main area 4 b , among phosphor pixel dots 4 c disposed in the main area 4 b adjacent to the peripheral area 4 a , looking toward the center o of the phosphor screen 4 . the phosphor pixel dots 4 c and 4 e shown in fig4 show the dots disposed centrally in the arrangement of each of trios composed of three color phosphor pixel dots arranged in a line . in the actual arrangement of the phosphor pixel dots , two phosphor pixel dots of the remaining two colors are disposed on opposite sides of each of the centrally disposed phosphor pixel dots shown in fig4 but they are omitted in fig4 . in this specification , the shapes and sizes of the phosphor pixel dots means the shapes and sizes defined by holes in a black matrix surrounding the phosphor pixel dots . in fig3 and 4 , the peripheral area 4 a extends a distance equal to two columns of phosphor pixel dot trios each of which is composed of three color phosphor pixel dots ( i . e ., six columns of phosphor pixel dots ) inwardly along the x axis toward the center o of the phosphor screen 4 from the periphery 4 p , and also extends a distance equal to two rows of phosphor pixel dots inwardly along the y axis toward the center o of the phosphor screen 4 from the periphery 4 p . the diameters of the phosphor pixel dots 4 e in the peripheral area 4 a are made smaller by approximately 5 μm than the diameters of phosphor pixel dots 4 d at the outermost part of the main area 4 b and adjacent to the phosphor pixel dots 4 e , looking toward the center o of the phosphor screen 4 . if the shapes of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures and the phosphor pixel dots defined by holes in a black matrix are not circular , elliptic , oval , or rectangular , for example , an average of their maximum and minimum diameters , or an area of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures and the phosphor pixel dots can be used instead of their diameters . the boundary between the main area 6 b and the peripheral area 6 a of the apertured area ar of the shadow mask 6 is defined as a transition region where areas of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures decrease stepwise sharply , going from the center o of the apertured area ar toward its periphery 6 p . similarly , the boundary between the main area 4 b and the peripheral area 4 a of the phosphor screen 4 is defined as a transition region where areas of the phosphor pixel dots decrease stepwise sharply , going from the center o of the phosphor screen 4 toward its periphery 4 p . with this configuration , the cross - sectional area of electron beams impinging upon the phosphor pixel dots 4 e disposed in the peripheral area 4 a of the phosphor screen 4 of fig3 corresponding to the peripheral area 6 a of the shadow mask 6 of fig1 are made smaller than that of electron beams impinging upon the phosphor pixel dots 4 d disposed at the outermost parts of the main area 4 b adjacent to the peripheral area 4 a , looking toward the center 0 of the useful display area ( the phosphor screen 4 ). consequently , the peripheral area 4 a is reduced in brightness and dark in the form of a band in theory when the entire viewing screen displays a scene of a given color or a white scene . however , in a case in which the reduction in brightness occurs only in the phosphor pixel dots 4 e of two trio - rows and two trio - columns in the peripheral area 4 a around the useful display area ( the phosphor screen 4 ), even if the diameters of the phosphor pixel dots 4 e are made smaller by 5 μm or so than those of the phosphor pixel dots 4 d at the periphery of the main area 4 b , resultant visual discomfort is practically acceptable . if the sum ( 2 × ps ) of the two lengths ( ps ) at the peripheral area 4 a of the phosphor screen 4 in a direction of each of the x and y axes is equal to or smaller than 2 % of a length of the useful display area of the phosphor screen 4 measured on a corresponding one of the x and y axes , visual influences caused by brightness reduction at the peripheral regions of the viewing screen of a cathode ray tube are acceptable in actual usage of a monitor or a tv receiver set . therefore , also in the shadow mask 6 associated with the phosphor screen 4 , if the sum ( 2 × pm ) of the two lengths ( pm ) at the peripheral area 6 a in a direction of each of the x and y axes is equal to or smaller than 2 % of a length of the apertured area ar of the shadow mask 6 measured on a corresponding one of the x and y axes , the visual influences caused by brightness reduction at the peripheral regions are acceptable . the following explains an example of a distribution of diameters of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures 6 c perforated in the main area 6 b of the apertured area ar of the shadow mask 6 , including the electron - beam - transmissive apertures 6 d at the outermost parts of the main area 6 b . as shown in fig2 the distribution of diameters of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures 6 c in the main area 6 b can be selected such that the diameters of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures 6 c are made progressively larger from the center 0 of the apertured area toward the peripheral area of the apertured area , or such that the diameters of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures 6 c are made approximately uniform from the center o of the apertured area to its intermediate portion and then they are made progressively larger from the intermediate portion toward the peripheral area of the apertured area . it is effective for reducing the decrease in brightness at the peripheral regions at the viewing screen to select the distribution of diameters of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures 6 c in the main area 6 b occupying a major portion of the apertured area ar excluding the peripheral area 6 a such that the diameters of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures 6 c are progressively larger from the center o of the apertured area toward the peripheral area of the apertured area . especially in a cathode ray tube employing a face panel having a glass thickness in a direction of its tube axis at corners of the useful display area two times or more greater than the glass thickness at its center of the useful display area , light transmission through the face panel is reduced greatly at the peripheral regions of the viewing screen . in a cathode ray tube employing a face panel having such a thick wedge - shaped cross - section at its peripheral regions , if the distribution of diameters of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures in the main area of the shadow mask is selected such that the ratio in area of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures at the periphery of the main area 6 b of the shadow mask 6 to the electron - beam - transmissive aperture at the center of the main area 6 b is equal to or more than 1 . 02 , the area of each of the phosphor pixel dots is increased at the peripheral regions of the viewing screen , and consequently , uniformity of brightness is improved over the entire viewing screen . [ 0048 ] fig5 is a table for explaining an example of a distribution of diameters of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures perforated in the apertured area of the shadow mask in this embodiment , where da ( mm ) and db ( mm ) denote horizontal and vertical diameters of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures , respectively . in the shadow mask of the cathode ray tube of this embodiment , the center o of the apertured area ar is at x = 0 mm , y = 0 mm , and one corner of the aperture area ar is at x = 170 mm , y = 120 mm . in the table of fig5 the small - diameter electron - beam - transmissive apertures 6 e disposed in the peripheral 6 a of the apertured area 6 a are at x = 170 mm along the short side of the apertured area ar shown in fig1 and 2 , and the electron - beam - transmissive apertures 6 c disposed in the main area 6 b are located at the remaining positions . as indicated in the table of fig5 the horizontal and vertical diameters of each of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures disposed at the short sides of the apertured area ar ( at x = 170 mm ) are smaller by 5 μm than those of a corresponding one of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures disposed at peripheral positions ( at x = 160 mm ) displaced inwardly by 10 mm from the short side of the apertured area ar , respectively , and the diameters of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures increase gradually in the area extending from the center ( x = 0 , y = 0 ) to the peripheral positions ( x = 160 mm ). this embodiment increases the color purity tolerances at the peripheral area of the viewing screen and consequently , is capable of preventing occurrence of the wrong - color - striking ( misregister ) due to landing errors of the electron beams caused by the earth &# 39 ; s magnetic field explained in connection with fig1 a and 10b . further , since the phosphor dots at the peripheral regions of the main area are larger than those at the central region of the main area , and consequently , reduction in brightness and non - uniformity of display at the peripheral regions are decreased such that high - quality image is obtained . especially , if the ratio in area of phosphor dots at the peripheral regions to those at the central region is selected to be 1 . 02 or more , it is effective for color cathode ray tubes whose brightness decreases at the peripheral regions of its viewing screen such as cathode ray tubes of the flat - face type whose average radius of curvature of its external panel surface along the major axis of the useful display area is equal to or more than 10 , 000 mm , and whose average radius of curvature of its internal panel surface along the major axis of the useful display area is equal to or less than 3 , 000 mm , for example . in the above embodiment , the diameters of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures disposed at the short sides of the apertured area ar are selected to be smaller by 5 μm than those of the electron - beam - transmissive apertures disposed at peripheral positions of the main area of the apertured area ar , but , in a case where distortion of the shape of the electron beam spots is comparatively small , the similar advantages are obtained even if the above difference in diameter between the electron - beam - transmissive apertures are selected to be in a range from 2 μm to 3 μm . if the ratio in area of an electron - beam - transmissive aperture ( or a phosphor pixel dot associated with this aperture ) disposed in the peripheral region to an electron - beam - transmissive aperture ( or a phosphor pixel dot associated with this aperture ) disposed at the periphery of the main area is in a range from 0 . 85 to 0 . 98 , occurrence of the wrong - color - striking by electron beams ( misregister ) at the periphery of the viewing screen is suppressed even in the case of cathode ray tubes having a maximum deflection angle equal to or larger than 90 degrees . further , if the above - explained ratio is in a range from 0 . 85 to 0 . 96 , occurrence of the wrong - color - striking by electron beams ( misregister ) at the periphery of the viewing screen is suppressed even in the case of cathode ray tubes having a maximum deflection angle equal to or larger than 95 degrees . [ 0053 ] fig6 is an illustration for explaining the relationship between the arrangement of phosphor pixel dots and color purity tolerances in a color cathode ray tube having a useful phosphor screen diagonal dimension of 46 cm and a maximum deflection angle of 100 degrees , and fig7 is an illustration for explaining the relationship between the arrangement of phosphor pixel dots and color purity tolerances in a color cathode ray tube having a useful phosphor screen diagonal dimension of 41 cm and a maximum deflection angle of 100 degrees . the following explains the relationships at corners of the phosphor screen composed of circular phosphor pixel dots . øh ( mm )= a diameter of a phosphor pixel dot defined by a hole perforated in a black matrix surrounding phosphor pixel dots ; ph ( mm )= a horizontal pitch between phosphor pixel dots of the same color defined by the holes in the black matrix ; pv ( mm )= a vertical pitch between phosphor pixel dots of the same color defined by the holes in the black matrix ; pd ( mm )= a pitch between adjacent phosphor pixel dots defined by the holes in the black matrix ; sb ( μm )= a shift of an electron beam spot between north and south facing orientations by the influence of the earth &# 39 ; s magnetic field ; tc ( μm )= a chipping tolerance defined as a maximum distance the electron beam spot can move before it does not illuminate part of an intended phosphor pixel dot ; and tn ( μm )= a wrong - color - striking tolerance defined as a distance the electron beam spot can move before it strikes an adjacent phosphor pixel dot of a wrong color . in the case of the color cathode ray tube having the useful phosphor screen diagonal dimension of 46 cm shown in fig6 in the case of the color cathode ray tube having the useful phosphor screen diagonal dimension of 41 cm shown in fig7 as is apparent from the comparison between the above two color cathode ray tubes having the useful phosphor screen diagonal dimensions of 46 and 41 cm , respectively , the wrong - color - striking tolerance tn of the color cathode ray tube having the useful phosphor screen diagonal dimension of 46 cm is smaller than that of the color cathode ray tube having the useful phosphor screen diagonal dimension of 41 cm . in the color cathode ray tube having the useful phosphor screen diagonal dimension of 46 cm , a transverse cross section of a portion of a funnel of its vacuum envelope around which a deflection yoke is mounted is made approximately rectangular so as to improve deflection sensitivity of electron beams with a view to reduction of lower power consumption . on the other hand , in the case of the color cathode ray tube having the useful phosphor screen diagonal dimension of 41 cm , the transverse cross section of the yoke - mounting portion of its funnel is circular . both the diameters of the cross section of the yoke - mounting portion of the rectangular funnel measured on the horizontal ( x ) and vertical ( y ) axes , respectively , are smaller than those of the circular funnel . in the case of the 46 cm - diagonal - screen color cathode ray tube , since the angle of incidence of electron beams at the peripheral areas of the phosphor screen becomes somewhat larger , the diameter øb of the electron beam spots is increased , and consequently , the chipping tolerance tn is decreased . therefore , in color cathode ray tubes of the type employing the above - mentioned rectangular funnel , it is necessary to increase the wrong - color - striking tolerance tn in the peripheral area of the useful display area . in this embodiment , the wrong - color - striking tolerance tn was increased to 6 . 1 μm by making the diameters of the phosphor pixel dots at the peripheral area of the useful display area smaller by approximately 5 μm than those of the phosphor pixel dots at the periphery of the main area of the useful display area . with this configuration , the color purity tolerances in the vicinity of corners of the viewing screen are increased , and consequently , the wrong - color - striking due to landing errors of electron beam caused by the earth &# 39 ; s magnetic field is prevented . since the diameters of the phosphor pixel dots at the peripheral regions of the main area are larger than those of the phosphor pixel dots at the central portion of the main area , reduction in brightness and non - uniformity of display at the peripheral regions of the viewing screen are decreased such that high - quality images are obtained . this means that , if the above configuration is applied to the 41 cm - diagonal - screen color cathode ray tube shown in fig7 the color purity tolerances in the vicinity of corners of the viewing screen are increased still more . in this case , the similar advantages are obtained by making the diameters of the phosphor pixel dots at the peripheral area of the useful display area smaller by a value in a range from about 2 to about 3 μm than those of the phosphor pixel dots at the periphery of the main area of the useful display area . [ 0083 ] fig8 is a perspective view illustrating a shadow mask structure employed in a cathode ray tube in accordance with the present invention . as shown in fig8 the shadow mask structure has the apertured area ar serving as a principal area of a shadow mask 6 and curved to conform to the curvature of an inner surface of the face panel described subsequently , and a skirt portion 61 bent approximately in a direction of the tube axis welded to a mask frame 7 to which attached are suspension springs 8 to be engaged with studs embedded in an inner wall of a skirt portion of the face panel . dot holes ( bm dot holes ) are perforated in a black matrix film by using the shadow mask 6 , and then the phosphor screen is fabricated by filling the dot holes with corresponding color phosphors . [ 0084 ] fig9 is a schematic cross - sectional view illustrating an example of an overall structure of a color cathode ray tube in accordance with the present invention . this color cathode ray tube comprises a vacuum envelope composed of a panel ( a face panel ) 1 , a neck 2 , and a generally truncated - cone - shaped funnel 3 connecting the panel 1 and the neck 2 , a phosphor screen 4 composed of phosphors of plural colors coated on an inner surface of the panel 1 , an electron gun 11 housed within the neck 2 . coated on the inner surface of the panel 1 is the phosphor screen 4 formed of trios each composed of three color phosphor pixel dots arranged in a horizontal line , and closely spaced from the phosphor screen 4 is the shadow mask 6 having a large number of apertures therein for color selection . reference numeral 5 denotes a shadow mask structure comprising the shadow mask 6 formed with a large number of electron - beam - transmissive apertures made by etching and a mask frame 7 to which the shadow mask 6 is welded . the mask frame 7 has a magnetic shield 10 fixed to its electron - gun - side end and is suspended by studs 9 embedded in an inner wall of a skirt portion of the panel 1 via suspension springs 8 . the inner surface of the panel 1 is curved with a curvature considerably greater than that of its external surface . in general , the curvature of the inner surface of the panel is represented by the following equation : zi = a 1 x 2 + a 2 x 4 + a 3 y 2 + a 4 y 4 + a 5 x 2 y 2 + a 6 x 2 y 4 + a 7 x 4 y 2 + a 8 x 4 y 4 , the rectangular co - ordinate axes are drawn on the front view of the phosphor screen 4 ( the generally rectangular useful display area ) fabricated on the inner surface of the panel 1 so that the origin is located at the center oi of the phosphor screen 4 , the x and y axes are oriented in directions of major and minor axes of the phosphor screen 4 , respectively , and the z axis ( the tube axis ) directed toward the cathode is perpendicular to the x - y plane , and passes through the center oi , and zi = a distance of a point ( x , y ) of the inner surface of the panel 1 from the center oi of the inner surface . the desired curvature of the inner surface is obtained by determining the coefficients a 1 to a 8 in the above equation . the curvatures of the outer surface of the panel 1 and the apertured area of the shadow mask 6 are also determined as in the case of the inner surface of the panel 1 . the curvature determined by the above equation is often aspherical , and therefore radiuses of curvature vary with positions on the inner surface . therefore the radius of curvature of the inner surface of a panel can be defined by using the average radius of curvature as calculated below . where ry ( mm )= the average radius of curvature along the minor axis ( the y axis ) in the useful display area , v ( mm )= a distance from the z axis to the end of the useful display area in the direction of the y axis , and zv ( mm )= a distance from the x - y plane containing the center oi to the end of the useful display area in the direction of the y axis . the above average radius of curvature is defined by using the values in connection with the minor axis ( the y axis ) of the inner surface of the panel , but the average radius of curvature can also be defined by using the values in connection with the major axis ( the x axis ) or the diagonal of the inner surface of the panel . further , the average radiuses of curvature of the outer surface of the panel 1 and the apertured area of the shadow mask 6 can be defined similarly . a deflection yoke 13 is mounted around the outside of the neck 2 side of the funnel 3 , and deflects three electron beams b ( only one of which is shown ) emitted from an electron gun 11 in horizontal and vertical directions so as to produce an image on the phosphor screen 4 . reference numeral 12 denotes a magnetic correction device for adjusting color purity , beam convergence , and others , 14 is an implosion protection band . a reference line rl serving as a reference in the design of cathode ray tubes is established at a position displaced toward the panel 1 from the sealing line between the neck 2 and the funnel 3 in the portion of the funnel 3 mounting the deflection yoke 13 , and the intersection of the reference line rl with the tube axis z is called the deflection center dc . a deflection angle θ is defined as an angle formed between the tube axis z and a line connecting the deflection center dc and an arbitrary point on the inner surface of the panel 1 the electron beam b strikes . here the maximum deflection angle of a cathode ray tube is twice the angle θmax formed between the tube axis z and a line connecting the deflection center dc and one corner of the useful display area of the inner surface of the panel 1 , i . e ., the end of the diagonal of the useful display area . as explained above , with representative configurations of the present invention , the color purity tolerance at the peripheral area is increased , and consequently , this prevents occurrence of wrong - color - striking due to landing errors of electron beams caused by the earth &# 39 ; s magnetic field , and reduction in brightness and non - uniformity in display at peripheral regions of the viewing screen are decreased such that high - quality images are obtained . | 7 |
at the outset , it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical structural elements of the invention . while the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments , it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments . the present invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims . adverting to the drawings , fig1 depicts a top perspective view of counter / brush unit 10 . housing 11 is shown comprising lower section 12 and upper section 13 . those skilled in the art will recognize that housing 11 may be a single unitary structure or comprise several different sections . in an alternate embodiment , housing 11 may have one or more curved sides to attain an ergonomic shape to allow counter / brush unit 10 to fit more comfortably in an operator &# 39 ; s hand . housing 11 may be fabricated from any one or combination of durable materials such as metal or suitable hard polymer plastics well known to those skilled in the art . housing 11 defines opening 14 . brush 15 is shown in fig1 retracted into housing 11 . in a preferred embodiment , brush 15 can be retracted fully into housing 11 which protects the brush from wear and tear caused by the external environment . brush 15 is preferably fabricated from straw , hair , such as horsehair , or polymers well known in the art . at least one thumbwheel 16 is utilized as a counter to display various data that are generated during an inning of baseball . fig1 shows a preferred embodiment possessing a plurality of thumbwheels 16 extending from the sides of upper section 13 of housing 11 . each thumbwheel 16 possesses indicia 18 , typically a series of numbers , one of which is displayed in each of windows 17 . each thumbwheel 16 indicates a different type of datum . in one embodiment , counter / brush unit 10 possesses a pair of thumbwheels 16 , one of which possesses numbers 18 indicating strikes and the other possessing numbers 18 indicating balls . in a preferred embodiment , counter / brush unit 10 will possess three thumbwheels 16 each containing indicia 18 , for one of strikes , balls and outs . in a more preferred embodiment , counter / brush unit 10 possesses four thumbwheels 16 each containing indicia 18 for one of strikes , balls , outs , and innings . in a preferred embodiment , each window 17 displays one number 18 from one thumbwheel 16 . in an alternate embodiment , a number may be displayed on the part of thumbwheel 16 that extends from housing 11 , rather than displaying the number though window 17 . in still another embodiment , some numbers may be displayed in windows 17 while other numbers are displayed in the extended portion of thumbwheel 16 . as will be shown below , the user changes number 18 shown in a particular window 17 by rotating the appropriate thumbwheel 16 until a new number 18 is displayed in window 17 . thumbwheel 16 may be fabricated from any durable material such as metal or suitable hard polymer plastics well known to those skilled in the art . in alternate embodiments , liquid crystal displays ( lcds ) and light emitting diodes ( leds ) may be used as counting means to display relevant , with control buttons supported on or within housing 11 . person skilled in the art would recognize the power and circuitry requirements , such as battery and output , for delivering power to lcds and leds counters . [ 0025 ] fig2 is a bottom perspective view of counter / brush unit 10 . slot 19 is defined by bottom section 12 . retractor 20 can be seen through slot 19 and is connected to push button 21 and brush 15 . in a preferred embodiment , push button 21 protrudes through slot 19 to enable the user to easily move retractor 20 . as described below , retractor 20 is attached to brush 15 to allow extension and retraction of brush 15 through opening 14 . fasteners 22 are utilized to fasten bottom section 12 to upper section 13 to securely contain all the components of counter / brush unit 10 within housing 11 . in an alternative embodiment , push button 21 may be placed in an alternate location on counter / brush unit 10 such as the side of housing 11 . similar to housing 11 , retractor 20 may be fabricated from any durable material such as metal or suitable hard polymer plastics well known to those skilled in the art . alternate embodiments , such as spring powered brush ejectors , may be used to extend brush 15 from housing 11 through opening 14 . [ 0026 ] fig3 is an exploded top perspective view of one embodiment of counter / brush unit 10 . support plate 26 is shown supporting thumbwheels 16 . for clarity , indicia 18 are not shown . bushings 24 are shown placed into holes 27 defined by thumbwheels 16 and projecting to holes 25 defined by upper section 13 . bushings 24 are secured between support plate 26 and upper section 13 to allow thumbwheels 16 to rotate about bushings 16 . it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that other suitable devices , such as rivets , may be used to secure thumbwheels 16 to support plate 26 and upper section 13 to allow their rotary movement . in a preferred embodiment , bushings 24 are sized to extend through holes 25 to create a flush fit with upper section 13 . in a more preferred embodiment , bushings 24 also form a flush fit with support plate 26 . in an alternative embodiment , support plate 26 or upper section 13 may possess a casing ( not shown ) for each thumbwheel 16 with walls holding thumbwheel 16 in place within housing 11 while allowing thumbwheels 16 to extend partially from upper section 13 . bushings 24 may be fabricated from any durable material such as metal or suitable hard polymer plastics well known to those skilled in the art . [ 0027 ] fig3 also shows thumbwheel stops 28 adjacent to thumbwheels 16 . in a preferred embodiment , one thumbwheel stop 28 is adjacent to each one of thumbwheels 16 and is attached to support plate 26 . alternatively , thumbwheel stops 28 may be attached to upper section 13 . thumbwheel stops 28 are operatively arranged to provide resistance points to the rotary movement of thumbwheels 16 while holding them in place within counter / brush unit 10 . indicia 18 ( not shown in fig3 ) are positioned on thumbwheels 16 to be displayed in windows 17 when a resistance point is reached . because a desired number 18 is usually the succeeding number in sequence , by rotating thumbwheel 16 to the next successive resistance point , thumbwheel stops 28 allow rotation of a thumbwheel 16 to desired number 18 without the need to visually check the number actually displayed as the resistance point enables the operator to feel when the next resistance point is reached as the thumbwheel is turned . in one embodiment , notches or grooves ( not shown ) may be positioned on thumbwheels 16 at specific locations to interact with thumbwheel stops 28 so that one of numbers 18 is displayed in window 17 . in a more preferred embodiment , thumbwheel stop 28 or an additional device ( not shown ) will permit thumbwheel 16 to be rotated in only one direction . other stop devices are well known in the art . thumbwheel stops 28 may be fabricated from any durable material such as metal or from suitable hard polymer plastics well known to those skilled in the art . brush 15 is shown attached to retractor 20 . in a preferred embodiment , retractor 20 has an offset configuration as shown in fig3 . the offset shape enables push button 21 to protrude through slot 19 while retractor 20 maintains contact with support plate 26 . ( see fig5 ). the contact between retractor 20 and support plate 26 creates a slight resistance in the movement of retractor 20 between the retracted and extended ( operational ) positions of brush 15 for better control and to prevent accidental movement of retractor 20 . in a preferred embodiment , retractor 20 is fabricated from a flexible material that allows push button 21 to bend slightly when it is pressed toward the slot when moving retractor 20 . in an alternate embodiment , a spring powered ejector may be may be used to extend brush 15 out of opening 14 . other methods may also be used to extend and retract brush 15 into and out of housing 11 . opening 14 is defined by a wide u - shaped notch in lower section 12 . those skilled in the art will recognize that opening 14 may be formed by a similar notch in upper section 13 , a combined gap formed by conjoined openings in both lower section 12 and upper section 13 , or an opening created in a unitary ( one - piece ) housing 11 . fasteners 22 are shown passing through holes 23 to fasten lower section 12 to upper section 13 thereby enclosing the components of counter / brush unit 10 within housing 11 . fasteners may be rivets , nut and bolt assemblies , or other suitable fasteners well known in the art . in a preferred embodiment , fasteners 22 are metal screws joined to threaded holes ( not shown ) in upper section 13 to allow counter / brush unit 10 to be easily opened while creating a smooth outer surface . persons skilled in the art will recognize that fasteners may pass through upper section 13 to join with lower section 12 to enclose the components of counter / brush unit 10 . [ 0030 ] fig4 is a bottom view of counter / brush unit 10 with lower section 12 removed . thumbwheels 16 are seen extending from upper section 13 while bushings 24 are seen holding thumbwheels 16 in place on support plate 26 . fig4 shows brush 15 in a preferred retracted position with brush 15 completely within the perimeter of upper section 13 . [ 0031 ] fig5 is a cut - away cross section of the present invention taken with the lower housing section removed demonstrating support plate 26 holding two thumbwheels 16 of the present invention . also seen is the retracted position of brush 15 between the bottom section 12 and support plate 26 . fig5 depicts a preferred embodiment in which retractor 20 contacts support plate 26 to provide frictional resistance to the movement of retractor 20 as described above . push button 21 is seen protruding from slot 19 . [ 0032 ] fig6 is a bottom perspective view of counter / brush unit 10 showing brush 15 extending from opening 14 in the extended position . push button 21 is shown moved in slot 19 to the forward position . [ 0033 ] fig7 is a bottom view of counter / brush unit 10 with bottom section 12 removed showing brush 15 in the extended position . as can be seen in fig7 the attachment of thumbwheels 16 to support plate 26 prevents thumbwheels 16 from interfering with the movement of retractor 20 between the retracted and extended positions . this lack of interference is enhanced by the preferred embodiment possessing the flush fit of bushings 24 with support plate 26 as described above . [ 0034 ] fig8 is a cut - away cross section view taken along line 8 - 8 of fig7 showing brush 15 in the extended position and demonstrating support plate 26 holding two thumbwheels 16 of counter / brush unit 10 . push button 21 and retractor 20 , attached to push button 21 , are shown pushed to a forward position along slot 19 . fig8 depicts a preferred embodiment in which retractor 20 contacts support plate 26 to provide frictional resistance to the movement of retractor 20 as described above . push button 21 is seen protruding from slot 19 . as mentioned above , the preferred embodiment shown in fig8 in which bushings 24 ( not shown ) are flush - mounted to support plate 26 enables the smooth movement along slot 19 of retractor 20 and brush 15 . the counting component of counter / brush unit 10 is enclosed by upper section 13 and support plate 26 . as discussed above , to change one of numbers 18 in a particular window 17 , the user rotates that particular thumbwheel 16 until the desired number is displayed in window 17 . in a preferred embodiment , thumbwheel stop 28 increases resistance to the rotation of thumbwheel 16 at specific points in the rotation . the increased resistance allows a user to determine that the next number in sequence is aligned in display window 17 without the need to visually check the window . this allows the user to monitor balls , strikes and outs within each half inning while still observing the field of play . in a more preferred embodiment , a fourth thumbwheel 16 can be used to monitor innings played . retractor 20 can be accessed directly by the user through slot 19 to retract or extend brush 15 into or out of housing 11 . in preferred embodiment , push button 21 is used to move brush 15 . in a more preferred embodiment , push button 21 possesses a degree of flexibility to enable the user to press down slightly on push button 21 to provide a more lateral force to retractor 20 when moving brush 15 into or out of housing 11 . thus it is seen that the objects of the invention are efficiently obtained , although changes and modifications to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art , which changes would not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed . | 0 |
fig1 illustrates a structural overview of the feeding system and the thread rolling part seen from above . the tread rolling part comprises a rotary die ( 101 ) fastened to a rotary axis and a stationary die ( 103 ). the rotary die rotates around the rotary axis as illustrated by arrow ( 104 ) and blanks ( 105 ) are fed into the gap ( 106 ) between the rotary die and the stationary die at a feeding point ( 107 ) and the blanks would thereafter rotate ( 108 ) and be transported through the gap to an exit point ( 109 ). the blanks would be rolled according to the patterned surfaces defined by the rotary and stationary die while they rotate through the gap whereby threaded blanks would exit the thread roller at the exit point ( 109 ). the feeding system comprises a slide chute ( 111 ), a transport screw housing ( 112 a , 112 b ) comprising a transport screw ( not shown in fig1 ) and an alignment mechanism ( 113 ). the sliding chute is adapted to support the head of the blanks such that the blank body would hang freely in the chute gap ( 114 ). the blanks are fed into the sliding chute at the feeding end ( 115 ) by any kind of mechanism known in the prior art . the sliding chute is angled and the blanks would due to gravity slide through the chute and be delivered by the sliding chute at the transport screw feeding point ( 116 ). the sliding chute would also function as a blank buffer meaning that a number of blanks should be fed into the sliding chute before blanks are fed into the transport screw is chute , such that blanks are always available to be fed into the transport screw chute at the slide chute . thereby delays due to fluctuations in feeding rate caused by the mechanism feeding blanks into the sliding chute are avoided . the transport screw housing comprises a first transport screw housing ( 112 a ) and a second transport screw housing ( 112 b ) between which the transport screw ( not shown ) is placed and a transport screw chute ( 117 ) is created above the transport screw by the first and second transport screw housings . the transport screw comprises a transport helix into which the blanks can be fed and thereafter transported through the transport screw chute to the alignment mechanism ( 113 ) due to rotation of the transport screw . the blanks would in the illustrated embodiment be fed into the helix of the transport screw at the feeding point ( 116 ) and the process of feeding the blanks into the transport screw will be explained below . the transport screw would be adapted to feed the blanks into the thread rolling part at a predefined feeding rate in order to ensure that the blanks are fed into the thread rolling part at a correct timing such that the blanks would be threaded correctly . the transport screw would feed one blank into the thread rolling part per revolution and could therefore easily be designed to feed the blanks at a very accurate timing by adjusting the rotation of the transport screw according to the thread rolling part . the inclination of the helix could be designed in order to adjust the distance between the blanks during transportation and / or to adjust the translatory speed of the blanks when being fed . fig2 a - 2 f illustrate a cross sectional view of the transport screw chute ( 117 ) taken along line a - a in fig1 . the figures illustrate how the blanks ( 105 ) are fed into the transport screw ( 201 ) at the transport screw feeding point . the transport screw ( 201 ) is placed between the first transport screw housing ( 112 a ) and the second transport screw housing ( not shown in fig2 ) such that it is placed inside the transport screw chute ( 117 ). the transport screw chute is constructed such that the heads of the blanks would be supported by the first transport screw housing ( 112 a ). the transport screw chute can be constructed in a way where the head of the blanks are supported by the second transport screw housing or by both the first and the second transport screw housing . fig2 a illustrates the transport screw at first position and fig2 b , 2 c , 2 d , 2 e and 2 f illustrate the transport screw in a second , a third , a fourth , a fifth , and a sixth position rotated approximately 90 , 180 , 270 , 360 , 540 degrees compared to the first position , respectively . the arrow ( 208 ) indicates the direction of rotation the transport screw is embodied as a cylinder and the transport helix is formed as a transport groove ( 203 ). the transport screw further comprises a feeding area formed as a feeding recess ( 204 ). the transport groove is embodied as a helix forming a worm drive into which a blank can be fed and transported from one end of the transport screw to another end by rotating the transport screw . the feeding recess ( 204 ) is embodied as a recessed section at one end of the transport screw and is in connection with the transport groove . the cross sectional area of the feeding recess is bigger than the cross sectional area of the transport groove , and blanks can therefore easily be inserted into the feeding recess from the slide chute when the feeding recess is turning towards the slide chute . fig2 b illustrates the situation where a blank ( 105 a ) has been inserted into the feeding recess from the slide chute . the figures illustrate that the blanks are inserted into the feeding recess in a tilted position with an angle ( a ′) substantially equal to the groove angle ( a ). this could be achieved by placing the transport screw in an inclined position that corresponds to the groove angle ( a ) as illustrated , or for instance by tilting the slide chute such the blanks would be fed into the feeding recess in the tilted position . only one blank would be inserted at this time because the first blank would block and prevent a second blank from being inserted . the first blank would be aligned along a guiding edge ( 205 ) as illustrated in fig2 c , and the guiding edge is in this embodiment an extension of a part of the transport groove , and the blank would automatically be fed into the transport groove when the transport screw rotates as illustrated in fig2 c . the blanks could also be fed into the transport groove by using air pressure to push the blank from the feeding recess and into the transport groove . fig2 d illustrates the situation where a first blank ( 105 a ) has been fed into the transport groove and where a second blank ( not shown in fig2 d ) is waiting to be inserted into the feeding recess ( 204 ). however , the second blank cannot at this time be inserted into the feeding recess because the outer surface ( 207 ) of the transport screw would prevent the blank from being inserted into the feeding recess . fig2 e illustrates the situation where the transport screw has rotated one revolution such that a second blank ( 105 b ) could be inserted into the feeding recess and thereafter be fed into the transport groove similar to the first blank ( 105 a ). the situation where the second blank is fed into the groove is illustrated in fig2 f . fig6 illustrates another embodiment where the transport screw ( 201 ) is embodied with two transport grooves ( 601 a , 601 b ) and with two feeding recesses . the two transport grooves are placed at the first and second end of the transport screw , and the helix of the transport grooves is constructed with opposite windings such that blanks ( 602 a , 602 b ) inserted in the two transport grooves would be transported in opposite directions along the transport screw as indicated by arrows ( 603 a , 603 b ). the two feeding recesses would therefore be adapted to feed the blanks into each of the transport grooves . hereby is it possible to simultaneously feed two blanks into the transport screw and thereafter transport the two blanks in opposite directions for instance to two different thread rolling parts . fig7 illustrates another embodiment where feeding , alignment and transport of the blanks comprise a second transport screw ( 201 b ) placed below the first transport screw ( 201 a ). the upper part of the blank body would be transported by the first transport screw as described above , and the lower part of the blank body would be transported by the second transport screw . mutual placement of the transport screws and the transport grooves makes it possible to adjust the vertical position of the blanks while they are being transported and / or fed . this could for instance be achieved by displaying the second transport screw at a distance along the first transport screw as illustrated by arrow ( 701 ), such that the lower part of the blank would be transported at a distance ahead of the top part of the blank . the two transport screws would in this situation be synchronized in speed such that the blanks would be transported through the two transport screws with the same speed . the vertical position of the blank could be adjusted by adjusting and mutually displaying the transport screws as indicated by arrow ( 701 ) or by adjusting the length of the two transports screws . the consequence is that the lower and upper parts of the blanks could be adjusted according to each other and therefore be fed into the thread rolling part in a predetermined position . both transport screws comprise a feeding recess similar to the feeding recess ( 204 a , 204 b ), such that the blank could easily be fed into the transport grooves . in another embodiment the two transport screws rotate at different speeds ( 208 a , 208 b ) causing either the lower or top part of the blank to be fed faster through the transport screw . the consequence is that the vertical inclinations of the blanks change while the blank is transported through the two transport screws . the transport screw is in one embodiment constructed in one piece for instance by milling the transport groove and the feeding recess into a cylindrical rod . however , the transport screw could in another embodiment be constructed in two pieces where the transport groove has been milled into a first rod and where the feeding recess is milled into a bush that can be screwed onto the end of the first rod such that the feeding recess and the transport groove would get in connection as described above . fig3 illustrates an enlarged isometric view of the feeding point ( 107 ) and shows an alignment mechanism ( 113 ) according to the present invention , the first and second transport screw housing ( 112 a , 112 b ), the rotary die ( 101 ) and the stationary die ( 103 ). the blanks ( 105 ) are transported through the transport screw chute ( 117 ) towards the feeding point by the transport screw as described in fig2 a - 2 f . the first transport screw housing ( 112 a ) comprises in this embodiment height adjustment means adapted to elevate the blanks so that they would be fed into the thread rolling part at a predetermined height . the consequence is that only the lower part of the blank body would be threaded by the thread rolling part . the height adjustment means is in this embodiment carried out as an angle bracket ( 301 ) fastened to a fastening edge ( 302 ) at the first transport screw housing ( 112 a ) by a fastening means ( 303 ) such as bolts and / or nuts . the bottom part ( 304 ) of the angle bracket is aligned with the blank supporting part ( 305 ) of the first transport screw housing such that the blank heads can easily slide onto the angle bracket . the angle bracket can be elevated and lowered as illustrated by arrow ( 306 ) and the height of the blanks can therefore be adjusted to a predetermined height dependent on the kind / type of blanks to be threaded . the second transport screw housing ( 112 b ) comprises in another embodiment a second angel bracket that is aligned with the blank supporting part of the second transport screw housing . the second angle bracket would be adjusted to the same height as the first angle bracket and thereby it is achieved that the blank heads would be supported on both sides when they are elevated . this embodiment makes it possible to support nail blanks with d - shaped head and furthermore support nail blanks with offset shaped head . fig4 a - 4 c illustrate an enlarged view of the feeding point where fig4 a illustrates the transport screw ( 201 ), an alignment mechanism ( 113 ) according to the present invention , the stationary die ( 103 ) and the rotary die ( 101 ) seen from above . fig4 b and 4 c illustrate cross sectional views taken along line b - b and line c - c of fig4 a , respectively . fig4 b illustrates that the alignment mechanism comprises a feeding arm formed as a fork comprising two fork arms ( 401 a , 401 b ) between which the transport screw is placed , and where each fork arm comprises a receiving surface ( 402 ) and a feeding surface ( 403 ). the receiving surfaces are angled relatively to the transport direction ( 404 ) of the blanks as illustrated in fig4 a and adapted to receive and align the blanks while the blanks are still transported by the transport screw transport groove . the feeding surface has the same curvature as the threading surface ( 405 ) of the stationary die ( 103 ) and is adapted to feed the blanks into the thread roller . the fork enters a fork housing ( 407 ) and can be moved in the directions indicated by arrow ( 406 ) when a force is applied to the fork . the fork housing ( 407 ) comprising spring means ( not shown ) adapted to apply a spring force to the fork such that it is maintain in a position where the feeding surface ( 403 ) is aligned with the threading surface ( 405 ) of the stationary die . the consequence is that the feeding arm would hold the blanks until they are aligned by the receiving surface . fig5 a - 5 c illustrate an enlarged isometric view of the feeding point ( 107 ) where the rotary die and second transport screw housing have been removed and also how the blanks ( 105 ) are fed into the thread roller . the figures show the alignment mechanism ( 113 ), the first transport screw housing ( 112 a ) with the angle bracket ( 301 ), the stationary die ( 103 ) and the exposed transport screw ( 201 ). the blanks ( 105 ) are transported towards the feeding point when the transport screw rotates , and they would in the end of the transport screw be delivered at the alignment mechanism . fig5 a illustrates that the lower part of the blank body ( 105 b ) will first be fed to the lower receiving surface of the lower fork arm ( 402 b ) due the fact that the blank is transported in an inclined position as described in fig2 f . fig5 b illustrates that the fork arms would be pushed back as illustrated by arrows ( 601 ), because the lower part of the blank pushes the lower receiving surface back when the transport screw transports the blank forward ( 602 ). the result is that the blank would be aligned , indicated by arrow ( 603 ), into a vertical position when the upper part of the blank ( 105 a ) is fed to the upper receiving surface ( 402 a ). fig5 c illustrates that the fork arms push ( 604 ) the blank out of the transport groove and into the thread roller in a vertical aligned position . the blank would further be aligned with the threading surface ( 405 ) of the stationary die due to the fact that the feed surfaces ( 403 a , 403 b ) have the same curvature as the threading surface ( 405 ). the consequence is that the blanks are fed into the thread roller with great accuracy , and the thread roller would therefore work with much higher stability , and the probability of malfunctions and errors on the threaded blanks would be avoided . in another embodiment , the alignment mechanism comprises a receiving surface and a nail - stop surface . the receiving surface is adapted to receive and align the blanks and to push the aligned blanks to the surface of the rotary die . the mechanism comprises a mechanism to retract the fork - arm in order to remove the nail - stop surface . the retraction mechanism is controlled by the rotation of the transport screw , only allowing nails to be fed into the thread roller at an accurate timing and at an accurate vertical position . | 8 |
the removable bottom founded structure ( rbfs ) is an offshore structure for petroleum drilling and producing operations and is intended for deployment in waters with severe weather and ice - infested conditions . the rbfs is a two - part structure . the first part generally comprises a platform and is made up of multiple columns which are affixed to a deck structure . the second component is a reinforced concrete subbase that rests on the sea floor and upon which platform is founded . the rbfs is designed to withstand severe conditions of wind , wave and current action , and many of those ice conditions which could normally be expected during the structure &# 39 ; s life . for example , the rbfs was designed to withstand a 150 - year return period storm ; an iceberg with a 20 - year return period kinetic energy ; and to survive ( with some damage ) an impact with an iceberg having a 100 - year return period kinetic energy . however , if an iceberg large enough to cause damage to the rbfs threatens to come in contact with the structure , the platform is evacuated from the site to leave the subbase behind . to ensure that the inhabitants and operators of the rbfs are apprized of all iceberg and storm dangers , they maintain visual lookouts for good days and shorter distances , whereas they use a radar system for longer distances and less clear weather . danger zones , having specified radii , may also be established to allow the platform personnel to gauge the possibility of actual iceberg incursion . fig1 shows that the rbfs comprises two portions , a platform 1 and a subbase 3 . the platform 1 is comprised of a deck 5 , columns 15 , and braces 11 . the subbase 3 is affixed to the sea floor and provides a surface to receive axial and lateral loads from the platform 1 . the subbase 3 is a permanent reinforced concrete structure , the configuration of which is generally shown in fig1 . it is designed to withstand a 100 - year iceberg impact with practically no movement and no structural damage and is able to survive a 2000 - year iceberg ( while protecting a subsea template ) with limited damage and movement . the subbase 3 provides a bearing surface for vertical and lateral load transfer from the platform 1 and protects the well template from iceberg scour . as shown in fig2 there is a sill 35 in the upper surface of the subbase 3 that conforms to an open chamber 36 in the area underneath the column 15 in order that a sealing system may have a place to contact . the subbase 3 resists sliding and has sufficient mass and dimension to either ground out or deflect any iceberg . a well template is recessed within the interior of the subbase 3 along with some wellheads . there may be one , centrally located well template or there may be more than one template which could be offset from center . consequently , this low profile design enables the subbase 3 to protect the wellheads from icebergs in the event that one does come along that is large enough to scour the sea floor . the subbase 3 is permanent . when the platform 1 is on location , the subbase 3 provides a bearing surface for vertical and lateral load transfer from the platform 1 . after platform 1 removal , the subbase 3 will protect the subsea template from deep draft icebergs . in one method for installation of the rbfs , the subbase 3 ( as the foundation ) is affixed to the sea floor by many of the means used for gravity based structures , such as ; cementing , grouting , or even by its own weight . once the subbase 3 is installed , structure 1 may be floated over to and lowered down on top of it so that the open chamber 36 in the area underneath the column 15 is aligned with the sill 35 on the subbase 3 ( this mating may be accomplished by an acoustic or a mechanical system to accurately join the lower surface of the platform 1 onto the upper surface of the subbase 3 .) the platform 1 is lowered by selective admission of ballast into the interior of the members ( i . e ., columns 15 , etc .) and the platform 1 remains on the subbase 3 by shear gravity . this ballast will be seawater . the only requirement is that the platform 1 may be properly weighted down on the subbase 3 to provide sufficient resistance to all possible platform movements ( i . e ., rocking ) due to wave action . at this point , the entire structure ( i . e ., the platform 1 and subbase 3 ) is stable and connection of the risers may begin . there may be times when the platform 1 will have to be moved from its location due to a threatening iceberg . however , before it can be moved , it must be deballasted . as mentioned before , if it is deballasted and permitted to slowly rise off the subbase , rough waters may cause the platform 1 to come in contact with the subbase 3 . this could damage both the platform 1 and the subbase 3 , and may even go so far as to cause the platform 1 to flood and sink . as a result , the platform 1 is held down onto the subbase 3 by a hydrostatic hold - down system while it is being deballasted . once all the liquid ballast has been removed , the sealing system may be disengaged and the platform 1 allowed to rise to its floating draft in a rapid fashion . fig2 shows a cross - sectional view of the rbfs hydrostatic hold - down system which is designed to be fitted underneath a column 15 . there is an outer seal 31 , which may be a bearing plate . it serves to transfer axial loads from the platform 1 to the subbase 3 and may perform some water sealing functions . the inner , main seal is a membrane seal 33 . the membrane seal 33 is arranged in a closed circle on the underside of the perimeter of the column 15 . on the upper surface of the subbase 10 there is a sill 35 that , as described earlier , is also arranged in a closed circle to exactly match the seal 33 in the underside of the column 15 . as shown in fig2 a there is a recessed chamber 36 in the underside of the column 15 that houses the seal 33 . a membrane 37 fits across the opening of the recessed chamber 36 with 25 mm &# 34 ; t &# 34 ; bolts and a segmental bolting bar 38 . an inflatable bladder 39 is in the recessed chamber 36 behind the membrane 37 . a means 39a to inflate the bladder 39 is attached by a pressure connection 41 . as the platform 1 sits on the subbase 3 there is a space 43 between the upper surface 10 of the subbase 3 and the lower surface of the supporting member , i . e ., the column 15 . as the platform 1 sits onto the subbase 3 the sill 35 deflects the membrane 37 upward and deforms the inflatable bladder 39 . it is in this position that the bladder 39 will remain until it is needed during deballasting when the hydrostatic sealing system may be engaged as follows . the means 39a to inflate the bladder 39 is attached to the inflatable bladder 39 by pressure line 41 , and it pressurizes the bladder 39 . ( any one of a number of means known to one skilled in the art may be used to generate pressure and will not be recited here , i . e ., a pneumatic or hydraulic pump or simply by a gravity water feed .) now , referring to fig3 as the bladder 39 is inflated it pushes against the membrane 37 which presses against the sill 35 to create a fluid - tight seal ( p 1 is equal all the way around ). once this seal has been created , the space 43 ( defined by the upper surface of the subbase 3 , the lower surface of the column 15 , and the circular seal 33 ) is dewatered ( or evacuated ). fig4 shows the bladder 39 and membrane 37 when the pressure is lowered ( e . g ., p 2 ) in the space 43 behind the seal 33 . here , even though the seal 33 is deflected inward , an effective fluid - tight seal is maintained . ( the means for evacuating the water from the space 43 is also known to those skilled in the art and will not be recited here .) evacuating the space 43 behind the fluid - tight seal reduces the hydrostatic pressure underneath the column . it is this reduced hydrostatic pressure that reduces the buoyancy and keeps the platform 1 on location during deballasting . the seal 33 holds the platform 1 to the subbase 3 by reducing the hydrostatic head on the area underneath the column 15 . this is shown in fig5 which represents the buoyancy forces acting on a column before and after the sealing system is engaged . in normal states the buoyant force that acts on a column may be shown by p 1 = δ · h 1 · a , where p 1 is the total buoyant force , δ is the density of water , h 1 is the height of water in a standpipe , and a is the area underneath the column . however , operation of the hold - down system reduces the water level in the standpipe to h 2 . this decreases the buoyant force to a new value which can be expressed as p 2 = δh 2 a . the difference in hydrostatic pressure between the outside environment and the area underneath the column 15 is maintained by the seals around the perimeter of the column 15 which holds the platform 1 down onto the subbase 3 . as recited previously , the hold - down system is shown in fig2 - 4 . the circularly arranged seal 33 , on the underside of the column 15 , encloses a space 43 between the column 15 and the subbase 3 . during normal platform operation , when the rbfs behaves as a gravity structure and a hold - down force is not needed , the space 43 is open to the ambient hydrostatic pressure ( i . e ., p 1 ). as the platform 1 is deballasted and becomes more buoyant , the hydrostatic pressure in the space 43 is reduced to create a hold - down force ( i . e ., p 2 ). the hold - down force equals the product of the plan area of the space 43 and the differential pressure across the seal 33 which is δp = δ ( h 1 - h 2 ) ( the differential pressure is the ambient hydrostatic pressure at the top of the subbase 3 less the pressure in the space 43 which corresponds to the water level in the space 43 ). the hold - down force under the column 15 is sufficient to prevent platform 1 lift - off under the combined effects of the buoyancy of the deballasted platform 1 and the design storm loads . the hold - down force is deactivated by opening the space 43 to the ambient hydrostatic pressure . operation of the hydrostatic hold - down system is not necessary for the rbfs during normal operating conditions ( because it is normally held in place by gravity ), however , the seals would be frequently tested for leaks . prior to evacuation the seals 33 are engaged , and the platform 1 is deballasted by pumping out the ballast chambers in the columns 15 and braces 11 . the pumps are sized to deballast the entire platform 1 in five hours . redundant control of ballast tanks from several independent pumps is designed into the system , and ballast control is fully automated with manual backup . if the sealing system is effective , then essentially all the water in the space 43 will be removed . a float valve ( not shown ) may be used to turn off a pump when the water is gone and may reactivate the pump in the event of water leakage into the space 43 . while the platform 1 is being fully deballasted and the seal 33 has been engaged , the various mechanical systems are prepared for liftoff . since the rbfs can evacuate the site on impending impact of a large iceberg , all piping and control lines between the platform 1 and subbase 3 are readily disconnectable . ( none of the following material is illustrated .) therefore , the next step before site evacuation is to hydraulically disengage the riser mechanical latching system to lift the entire integrated riser bundle into the column 15 by means of hydraulic hoists . the production and injection wells and oil sales lines are shut in subsea and all lines in the integrated riser are purged with seawater . this is the final preparatory step in the liftoff procedure . the platform 1 may lift off the subbase 3 by destroying the difference in the hydrostatic pressure between the space 43 and the ambient seawater pressure at that depth . to equilibrate the pressure in the space 43 to that of the ambient seawater , additional pressure may be used from such things as pumps , etc ., but an easier way to perform this task would be to allow water , at that depth , to flow into the space 43 from the outside . once that is done , the pressure on both sides of the seal 33 will be equal and the natural buoyancy of the platform 1 will cause the platform 1 to rise . immediately after the platform 1 lifts off the subbase 3 , the platform 1 may move away under positive navigational control achieved with a thruster system built into the platform 1 . thrusters 17 ( see fig1 ) may be positioned at locations on the platform 1 to steer it in a controlled manner , but cannot station keep in severe storm conditions . tugs in the vicinity ( for iceberg towing , surveillance and other purposes ) provide further steering control once sea conditions permit attachment of towing lines . when sea and ice conditions again permit , the platform 1 is resited on the subbase 3 and platform 1 is reballasted . the integrated riser bundle is stabbed into its receptacle in subbase 3 , hydraulic hoists stab a riser connector down onto a connector mandrel , and the integrated riser is reconnected to the wellhead . drilling risers are also reattached to the well template through a centrally located moon - pool and the normal operations resume . since many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible within the spirit of this disclosure , it is intended that the embodiments disclosed are only illustrative and not restrictive . for that reason , reference is made to the following claims rather than to the specific description to indicate the scope of this invention . | 4 |
the present disclosure may be utilized to choose , set up , open , and / or manage ( individually or collectively , “ account interfacing ”) an online account at a financial institution . “ online ” may mean connecting to or accessing account information from a location remote from the financial institution or a branch of the financial institution . alternatively , “ online ” may refer to connecting to or accessing an electronic network ( wired or wireless ) via a computer over a network such as a local area network , wide area network , internet , or other similar network system . the connection may be to a website ( which may contain one of more webpages , as is known in the art ) provided on the network by the financial institution . a financial institution may be , but is not limited to , a bank or other similar entity . “ website ” and “ webpage ” may be used interchangeably herein . the present disclosure may be used to provide a potential online customer with access to a webpage which may include a matrix of information about products from which the customer can choose one or more . the information thus provided to the customer may allow the customer to differentiate between the products offered thereby allowing the customer to make an informed choice as to which product ( s ) is best for them . the initial information presented may be tailored to only include essential information for the selection process , such as , but not limited to , fees , eligibility requirements , features , and interest rates , where appropriate . additionally , the customer may choose to view further , more detailed , information about the offered products and can do so by requesting such information ( e . g ., following an online link from the financial institution &# 39 ; s webpage ). furthermore , the website may include tools and information to assist the customer to compare two or more of the products offered ; the webpage may also include an e - mail address , network link , live “ chat ” connection ( as is known in the art ), or telephone number to customer service ; and the webpage may further include a list of frequently asked questions with appropriate answers . in order to assist the customer further during the online account interface session , the financial institution &# 39 ; s website may include one or more of the following features : estimated time for completion of the online application ; an alert indicating materials that the customer may need to complete the online application ; a secure connection to protect the customer &# 39 ; s personal information ; a progress indicator showing , for example , the customer &# 39 ; s progress through the account opening process ; an explanation as to why certain information is needed from the customer ; information regarding the handling of the account information once it is electronically submitted by the customer to the financial institution ; and an indication of when and how the customer will be notified of approval or disapproval for the selected product . additionally , the following features may also be utilized : pre - filling information in fields that can be pre - filled ( e . g ., the website may automatically enter the customer &# 39 ; s address once the customer has been properly identified , etc . ); presentation of clear error messages on the online form being filled in by the customer along with possible causes for the error message ; pre - submittal and post - submittal verification screens for the customer to review and edit ; provision for links to other accounts / products the customer had previously set up with the financial institution ; prompts for account add - ons ; prompts for cross - sell products ; and allowance for partially completing an application for later retrieval and completion by the customer . with attention now drawn to fig1 a and 1b , a flow diagram , 100 a and 100 b , respectively , for a method of online account opening according to an embodiment of the disclosure is presented . in fig1 a , at block 101 a customer or potential customer may enter the financial institution &# 39 ; s electronic system for opening an account online . as described above , this may be a website provided by the financial institution that the customer can access via a public or private network . the customer may enter the website a number of ways ( i . e ., the customer &# 39 ; s entrance into the financial institution &# 39 ; s website may be “ path sensitive ”, which may have implications as discussed further below ) such as via a public network , via a link from another account the customer may have with the financial institution , via an e - mail advertisement sent to the customer by the financial institution , in response to receipt of a promotional advertisement , etc . this may sometimes be referred to herein as an interface request . at block 102 screen content may be presented to the customer by the financial institution . this may sometimes be referred to herein as first content . this screen content may be dynamically presented based on the path the customer used to get to the financial institution &# 39 ; s website . the screen content may include a list of products offered by the financial institution to the customer . the list of products may be different depending on the path the customer used to get to the financial institution &# 39 ; s website . for example , if the customer is an existing online customer of the financial institution and already has product a , then the list of products presented at block 102 may not include product a since the customer already has product a . at block 103 the customer may choose one ( or more ) of the products presented in block 102 . this may sometimes be referred to herein as first input . the products presented at block 102 may include , but are not necessarily limited to the following : credit card , checking account , savings account , loan , insurance , investment , cash management , check card , etc . as are known in the art . at block 104 , a determination may be made as to whether the customer is an existing online client of the financial institution . this determination may be based on information from block 101 or other information provided by the customer or from another source , including records possessed by the financial institution . if the customer is an existing online client of the financial institution , then at block 105 the customer enters information ( which may sometimes be referred to herein as first information ) such as , for example , a username and password . this information may typically be entered using a computer . alternatively , as would be understood by those of skill in the art , other information may be used in place of a username and password . in a particular preferred embodiment , since the customer is an existing online client of the financial institution only a limited amount of information need be entered by the customer . at block 107 , the information provided by the customer at block 105 may be authenticated by any appropriate method known in the art . if the information entered by the customer at block 105 is authenticated , then the financial institution may , at block 109 , present to the customer ( e . g ., by displaying information on a webpage presented to the customer ) terms and conditions ( which may sometimes be referred to herein as second content ) as will be discussed in further detail below . returning attention back to block 104 , if the customer is determined to not be an existing online client of the financial institution , then at block 106 the customer enters information ( which may sometimes be referred to herein as second information ), for example , using a computer . alternatively , if at block 107 the customer &# 39 ; s information is not or cannot be authenticated , then at block 106 the customer enters information ( which may sometimes be referred to herein as second information ), for example , using a computer as discussed above . the information entered at block 106 typically is more extensive and / or detailed than the information which is typically entered at block 105 ( since at block 106 the determination has been made that the customer is not an online client of the financial institution or the customer &# 39 ; s information entered at block 105 cannot be authenticated ). the information entered at block 106 may be a “ full application ” including , but not necessarily limited to , information such as the customer &# 39 ; s name , address , telephone number , e - mail address , etc . at block 108 , a determination may be made as to whether the customer is an offline client of the financial institution . an offline client may include the situation where the customer currently does business with the financial institution but not through the financial institution &# 39 ; s online system . this determination may be made based at least partially on the information entered by the customer at block 106 and / or block 101 . if the determination is made that the customer is an offline client of the financial institution , then the financial institution may , at block 109 , present to the customer ( e . g ., by displaying information on a webpage presented to the customer ) terms and conditions ( which may sometimes be referred to herein as second content ) as will be discussed in further detail below . if the determination made at block 108 is that the customer is not an offline client of the financial institution , then the financial institution may , at block 110 , present to the customer ( e . g ., by displaying information on a webpage presented to the customer ) terms and conditions ( which may sometimes be referred to herein as second content ) as will be discussed in further detail below . the terms and conditions presented to the customer at block 109 or block 110 may be dynamically presented based at least partially on the choice of product made by the customer at block 103 . in another embodiment , the specific terms and conditions presented to the customer may also be based on whether or not the customer is an online client of the financial institution and / or whether or not the customer is an offline client of the financial institution . in a further embodiment , for a particular product chosen at block 103 by the customer , the terms and conditions that may be presented at block 109 may be different than the terms and conditions that may be presented at block 110 based on , for example , the customer &# 39 ; s status with respect to the financial institution ( e . g ., online client , offline client , both , neither ). the terms and conditions , as is known in the art , typically includes information appropriate for the product chosen by the customer at block 103 and may include information , such as , but not limited to , minimum balance requirements , payment rules , interest rates charged , late fee applicability , etc . continuing now from block 109 as it carries over from fig1 a to fig1 b via connecting block a , at block 111 a determination may be made as to whether an identification of the customer has been verified and / or authenticated , such as at blocks 105 and 107 as discussed above . if the customer &# 39 ; s identification has been verified and / or authenticated , then a suitability check may be performed at block 115 , as discussed in further detail below . if at block 111 an identification of the customer has not been previously verified and / or authenticated , then at block 112 an identification of the customer is confirmed ( i . e ., verified and / or authenticated ). the procedure for confirmation of the customer at block 112 may be similar to the procedure for authentication of the customer at block 107 . proceeding now to block 113 , if the customer &# 39 ; s identification is confirmed at block 113 , then at block 115 a suitability check may be performed as discussed in further detail below . if at block 113 the customer &# 39 ; s identification cannot be confirmed , then at block 114 the customer may be flagged as a pending customer and proceed with a pending customer status . in this way , the customer is not kicked out of the system for what may be nothing more than a minor error thereby affording the customer a more pleasant online experience with the financial institution . after the customer is flagged as a pending customer at block 114 , then a suitability check may be performed at block 115 , as discussed in further detail below . the pending application may be reviewed offline by authorized personnel ( e . g ., an employee and / or agent of the financial institution ) who may then correct and thereafter release the application from pending status . this will preferably happen without further intervention by the customer / pending customer . in the event that the pending application cannot be cleared by the authorized personnel , the financial institution may initiate direct contact with the customer / pending customer in order to be able to release the application from pending status . at block 115 , a suitability check may be performed on the customer or pending customer . the suitability check may be based on information obtained from sources either internal or external to the financial institution and may also be based on information provided by the customer / pending customer ( e . g ., at block 101 and / or at blocks 105 or 106 ) and the product chosen by the customer / pending customer in block 103 . the information for the suitability check may include one or more of the following types of information , as is known in the art : credit check information , debit check information , fraud database information , identity verification information , account abuse information , financial history information , or combinations of one or , more of the foregoing . at block 116 , a determination may be made regarding whether to approve the customer / pending customer for the chosen product based at least in part on the suitability check at block 115 . if the customer / pending customer is not approved for the chosen product , then the customer / pending customer may continue with the process in a pending status at block 117 and continue to block 124 . if the customer / pending customer is approved for the chosen product , then the customer / pending customer may be presented with cross - sell products at block 124 as discussed in further detail below . with reference now directed to fig1 a and continuing from block 110 as it carries over from fig1 a to fig1 b via connecting block b , at block 118 at block 118 an identification of the customer is confirmed ( i . e ., verified and / or authenticated ). the procedure for confirmation of the customer at block 118 may be similar to the procedure for authentication of the customer at block 112 . proceeding now to block 119 , if the customer &# 39 ; s identification is confirmed at block 119 , then at block 121 a suitability check may be performed as discussed above with reference to block 115 . if at block 119 the customer &# 39 ; s identification cannot be confirmed , then the procedure is ended at block 120 . at block 122 , a determination may be made regarding whether to approve the customer for the chosen product based at least in part on the suitability check at block 121 . if the customer is not approved for the chosen product , then the procedure is ended at block 123 . if the customer is approved for the chosen product , then the customer may be presented with cross - sell products at block 124 as discussed in further detail below . at block 124 , the financial institution may present the customer / pending customer with a list of cross - sell products ( which may sometimes be referred to herein as third content ) from which the customer / pending may choose one or more . the list of cross - sell products provided to the customer / pending customer may be based on a number of factors including , but not limited to , information provided by the customer / pending customer ( e . g ., at block 101 and / or at block 105 / 106 ), whether the customer / pending customer is approved by the financial institution ( e . g ., at block 107 and / or block 112 / 118 as appropriate ), the product chosen by the customer / pending customer ( e . g ., at block 103 ), other products that the client may have ( e . g ., from the financial institution &# 39 ; s records if the customer / pending customer is an existing online or offline client of the financial institution ), a credit check , and the financial institution &# 39 ; s qualification criteria . the qualification criteria may include , but is not necessarily limited to , the following : the customer / pending customer &# 39 ; s choice of one or more products , the suitability check , a predetermined set of risk rules , a predetermined set of business rules , a predetermined promotional code , information received from the customer / pending customer , existing customer / pending customer accounts at said financial institution , and existing customer / pending customer products at said financial institution . the predetermined set of risk rules may include a factor based on a current line of credit request from the customer / pending customer . the predetermined set of business rules may include a factor based on an estimate of potential revenue for the financial institution for the customer &# 39 ; s choice of a product . the predetermined set of business rules may further include a factor based on an analysis of a financial behavior , as is known in the art , of the customer or pending customer . at block 125 , the customer / pending customer may choose one or more of the cross - sell products presented by the financial institution at block 124 ( which may sometimes be referred to herein as second input ). if the customer / pending customer chooses a cross - sell product , then at block 126 the financial institution may present to the customer ( e . g ., by displaying information on a webpage presented to the customer ) terms and conditions ( which may sometimes be referred to herein as fourth content ) as discussed above with respect to block 109 and / or block 110 . in an embodiment , the terms and conditions presented at block 126 may be dynamically presented , as discussed above , and may be based at least on one or more of the following : information provided by the customer / pending customer ( e . g ., information provided at one or more of blocks 101 , 105 , and 106 ), the customer / pending customer &# 39 ; s choice of product at block 103 , and the customer / pending customer &# 39 ; s choice of cross - sell product at block 125 . at block 127 the financial institution may present to the customer / pending customer additional information and / or selections ( which may sometimes be referred to herein as fifth content ) such as , but not limited to , funding requirements , check card information , online banking information , etc . in an embodiment , the presentation of this additional information and / or selections at block 127 may be dynamically presented and may be based at least on one or more of the following : information provided by the customer / pending customer ( e . g ., information provided at one or more of blocks 101 , 105 , and 106 ), the customer / pending customer &# 39 ; s choice of product at block 103 , the customer / pending customer &# 39 ; s choice of cross - sell product at block 125 , and information from the financial institution &# 39 ; s records if the customer / pending customer is an existing online or offline client of the financial institution . at block 128 , the financial institution may initiate account set - up , as is known in the art , for the products and / or cross - sell products chosen by the customer / pending customer . at block 129 , the financial institution may mail a fulfillment , as is known in the art , to the customer / pending customer . the fulfillment may reach the customer / pending customer by postal service , e - mail , mobile phone message ( voice or text ), via a web page , or other methods known in the art . typically , the fulfillment , which may include a confirmation of the overall transaction represented by 100 a and 100 b , will be delivered to the customer via the postal service , but the application is not so limited . as would be obvious to those of skill in the art , any method of delivery of the fulfillment to the customer / pending customer is contemplated by the present disclosure . in an embodiment , the fulfillment is dynamic and may be based on at least one or more of the following : the customer / pending customer &# 39 ; s choice of product at block 103 , and the customer / pending customer &# 39 ; s choice of cross - sell product at block 125 . in certain embodiments , physical things such as credit cards may be sent to the customer / pending customer . regarding the fulfillment , the purpose of contacting the customer may include confirming to the customer that the customer &# 39 ; s chosen products are ready for use and to provide to the customer information and means to begin using the account , such as checks , a check card , account numbers , credit cards , etc ., where applicable to the product chosen . additionally , the fulfillment provides the customer with information concerning how to begin using any special features of the product chosen , such as , but not limited to , how to get started with online tools to manage the product account , using online tools to pay bills , signing - up for and using mobile banding and electronic statements , and information on how to use multiple channels ( phone , branch , online ) for future banking needs or questions . furthermore , the fulfillment may include copies of terms and conditions for use of the product chosen , a privacy notice . at block 130 , the procedure ends . with reference now directed towards fig2 , a flow diagram 200 for a method of online account opening according to an embodiment of the disclosure is presented . at block 201 a customer or potential customer may enter the financial institution &# 39 ; s electronic system for opening an account online , as described above with respect to block 101 in fig1 a . at block 202 screen content ( first content ) may be presented to the customer by the financial institution as discussed above with respect to block 102 in fig1 a . at block 203 the customer may choose one ( or more ) of the products presented in block 202 ( first input ), as discussed above with respect to block 103 in fig1 a . at block 204 , a determination may be made as to whether the customer is an existing online client of the financial institution as discussed above with respect to block 104 in fig1 a . at block 210 , if the customer is an existing online client of the financial institution , then the customer enters information ( first information or first set of information ) such as , for example , a username and password as discussed above with respect to block 105 in fig1 a . at block 211 , the information provided by the customer at block 210 may be verified / authenticated by any appropriate method known in the art ( as discussed above with respect to block 107 of fig1 a ) and the financial institution may present to the customer ( e . g ., by displaying information on a webpage presented to the customer ) terms and conditions ( second content ) as discussed above with respect to block 109 of fig1 a . at block 220 , if the customer is determined to not be an existing online client of the financial institution or if the customer &# 39 ; s information as discussed above at block 210 is not or cannot be authenticated / verified , then a second set of information ( second information ) from the customer may be requested by the financial institution , as discussed above with respect to block 106 in fig1 a . additionally at block 220 an identification of the customer may be determined . at block 221 , the second set of information may be received from the customer . at block 222 a determination may be made as to whether the customer is an offline client of the financial institution ( as discussed above with respect to block 108 in fig1 a ) and if the customer is determined to be an offline client of the financial institution , then terms and conditions may be sent to the customer as discussed above with respect to block 109 in fig1 a . at block 223 an identification of the customer may be determined as discussed above with respect to blocks 111 , 112 and 113 in fig1 b . if the customer &# 39 ; s identity cannot be determined , then the customer may be flagged as a pending customer as discussed above with respect to block 114 in fig1 b . with reference now to block 230 , a suitability check may be performed as discussed above with respect to block 115 in fig1 b . at block 231 , the customer / pending customer may be approved for the product chosen in block 203 above or if the customer / pending customer is not approved for the chosen product , then the customer / pending customer may continue with the process in a pending status . at block 232 , the financial institution may present to the customer / pending customer a list of cross - sell products as discussed above with respect to block 124 in fig1 b . with reference now directed to fig3 , a flow diagram 300 for a further method of online account opening according to an embodiment of the disclosure is presented . as between fig2 and 3 , like reference numbers relate to like components and / or procedural steps . accordingly , blacks 301 , 302 , 303 , 304 , 310 , 311 , 320 , 321 , 322 , 323 , 330 , 331 , and 332 are similar to blocks 201 , 202 , 203 , 204 , 210 , 211 , 220 , 221 , 222 , 223 , 230 , 231 , and 232 in fig2 and the descriptions of those blocks will not be repeated . at block 340 , the customer may choose one or more of the cross - sell products presented by the financial institution at block 332 and inform the financial institution of that choice ( second input ). if the customer / pending customer chooses a cross - sell product , then at block 341 the financial institution may present to the customer ( e . g ., by displaying information on a webpage presented to the customer ) terms and conditions ( fourth content ) as discussed above with respect to block 126 in fig1 b . at block 342 the financial institution may present to the customer / pending customer additional information and / or selections ( fifth content ) as discussed with respect to block 127 in fig1 b . with reference now directed to fig4 , a flow diagram 400 for a further method of online account opening including informing the customer of the account set up according to an embodiment of the disclosure is presented . as between fig4 and 3 , like reference numbers relate to like components and / or procedural steps . accordingly , blocks 401 , 402 , 403 , 404 , 410 , 411 , 420 , 421 , 422 , 423 , 430 , 431 , 432 , 440 , 441 , and 442 are similar to blocks 301 , 302 , 303 , 304 , 310 , 311 , 320 , 321 , 322 , 323 , 330 , 331 , 332 , 340 , 341 , and 342 in fig3 and the descriptions of those blocks will not be repeated . at block 443 , the financial institution may initiate account set - up , as is known in the art , for the products and / or cross - sell products chosen by the customer / pending customer as discussed above with respect to block 128 in fig1 b . at block 444 , the financial institution may mail a fulfillment , as is known in the art , to the customer / pending customer as discussed above with respect to block 129 in fig1 b . with reference now directed to fig5 , a flow diagram 500 for a further method of online account opening including contingency where customer is not an off - line client according to an embodiment of the disclosure is presented . as between fig5 and 2 , like reference numbers relate to like components and / or procedural steps . accordingly , blocks 501 , 502 , 503 , 504 , 510 , 511 , 520 , 521 , 522 , 523 , 530 , 531 , and 532 are similar to blocks 201 , 202 , 203 , 204 , 210 , 211 , 220 , 221 , 222 , 223 , 230 , 231 , and 232 in fig2 and the descriptions of those blocks will not be repeated . at block 524 , if the second set of information is received from the customer and a determination is made that the customer is not an offline client of the financial institution ( as discussed above with respect to block 108 in fig1 a ) terms and conditions may be sent to the customer as discussed above with respect to block 110 in fig1 a and an identity of the customer may be determined as discussed above with respect to block 118 in fig1 b . at block 525 , if an identity of the customer cannot be determined , then the process may end . if the identity of the customer is determined , then the process may proceed with the suitability check at block 530 as discussed above with respect to block 115 in fig1 b . with reference now directed to fig6 , a flow diagram 600 for a further method of online account opening including further contingency where customer is not an off - line client according to an embodiment of the disclosure is presented . as between fig6 and 5 , like reference numbers relate to like components and / or procedural steps . accordingly , blocks 601 , 602 , 603 , 604 , 610 , 611 , 620 , 621 , 622 , 623 , 624 , 625 , 630 , 631 , and 632 are similar to blocks 501 , 502 , 503 , 504 , 510 , 511 , 520 , 521 , 522 , 523 , 524 , 525 , 530 , 531 , and 532 in fig5 and the descriptions of those blocks will not be repeated . at block 650 , a suitability check may be performed on the customer as discussed above with respect to block 121 in fig1 b . at block 651 , the customer may be approved as discussed above with respect to block 122 in fig1 b . if the customer is approved , then the process may continue with presentation of cross - sell products at block 632 as discussed at block 116 in fig1 b . at block 652 , if the customer is not approved , the process may end as discussed above at block 123 in fig1 b . with reference now directed to fig7 , a flow diagram 700 for a detailed method of online account opening according to an embodiment of the disclosure is presented . as between fig7 and 6 , like reference numbers relate to like components and / or procedural steps . accordingly , blocks 701 , 702 , 703 , 704 , 710 , 711 , 720 , 721 , 722 , 723 , 724 , 725 , 730 , 731 , 732 , 750 , 751 , and 752 are similar to blocks 601 , 602 , 603 , 604 , 610 , 611 , 620 , 621 , 622 , 623 , 624 , 625 , 630 , 631 , 632 , 650 , 651 , and 652 in fig6 and the descriptions of those blocks will not be repeated . additionally , as between fig7 and 4 , like reference numbers relate to like components and / or procedural steps . accordingly , blocks 740 , 741 , 742 , 743 , and 744 are similar to blocks 440 , 441 , 442 , 443 , and 444 in fig4 and the descriptions of those blocks will not be repeated . with attention to fig8 , blocks 801 and 802 list some of the qualification criteria and priority criteria , respectively , that may be used for a method of online account opening according to an embodiment of the disclosure as discussed above with respect to block 124 in fig1 b . at block 801 the qualification criteria may include , but is not necessarily limited to , the following : the customer / pending customer &# 39 ; s choice of one or more products , credit information for the customer / pending customer , whether the customer / pending customer is a new or existing offline client of the financial institution , a predetermined set of risk rules , a predetermined set of business rules , and a predetermined promotional code . at block 802 the priority criteria may include , but is not necessarily limited to , the following : goals of the financial institution , a factor based on an estimate of potential revenue for the financial institution for the customer &# 39 ; s choice of a product , and a factor based on an analysis of a financial behavior , as is known in the art , of the customer or pending customer . with reference now to fig9 a through 9k , these figures represent a detailed flow diagram for a method of online account opening according to an embodiment of the disclosure . fig9 a through 9k are each divided into actions which may be performed wholly or predominantly at the financial institution ( e . g ., on a server associated with the financial institution which cause , a different webpage to be displayed on the customer &# 39 ; s computer terminal ) and actions which may be performed wholly or predominantly at the customer &# 39 ; s location ( e . g ., on a computer associated with the customer which displays the financial institution &# 39 ; s webpage ( s ) and may submit information to the financial institution &# 39 ; s server ) as is known in the art . in fig9 a , at block 901 a a customer may begin an online application transaction by , for example , clicking on an “ apply here ” button for a particular product on the website of a financial institution . at block 902 a the financial institution may determine if the customer &# 39 ; s state of residence is known . if the customer &# 39 ; s state of residence is unknown , then at block 903 a a query may be sent to the customer asking the customer to supply his / her state of residence . at block 904 a , the customer may select his / her state of residence from a list presented to the customer ( or by other methods known to those of skill in the art ) and at block 905 a the customer may submit his / her state of residence information to the financial institution . at block 906 a the financial institution may receive the state of residence information from the customer and may determine if the customer &# 39 ; s state of residence is in a state that the financial institution does , or is licensed to do , business ( i . e ., the financial institution &# 39 ; s “ footprint ”). if the customer &# 39 ; s state of residence is outside the financial institution &# 39 ; s footprint then at block 907 a the financial institution may advise the customer that the financial institution may not accept an application submitted by the customer and at block 908 a the financial institution may recommend to the customer that he / she contact ( e . g ., by telephone , mail , etc .) or visit a branch of the financial institution for additional assistance . at block 909 a the process ends . if , from block 906 a , the customer &# 39 ; s state of residence is within the financial institution &# 39 ; s footprint , or if , from block 902 a , the customer &# 39 ; s state of residence is known , then at block 910 a the financial institution may send to the customer a webpage containing an overview of the financial institution &# 39 ; s online application process . alternatively , in another embodiment , an alternate route ( as shown in fig9 a ) may be taken from the starting block 901 a . this alternate route bypasses the determination of the customer &# 39 ; s state of residence . in this embodiment , the customer &# 39 ; s state of residence information may be obtained , for example , later in the process such as at block 907 e in fig9 e . furthermore , the list of products that may be presented to the customer for the customer to choose from , for example at block 906 d in fig9 d , may be “ generic ” to every state , i . e ., not “ state specific ”. once the customer &# 39 ; s personal data , including state of residence , is obtained then the customer &# 39 ; s state of residence may be used to determine product “ terms ”, rates , pricing , etc ., as well as for determining a list of cross - sell products to be presented to the customer . at block 916 a the financial institution may make a determination as to whether the customer initiated the online application process by responding to a marketing promotion . if the customer is responding to a marketing promotion , the financial institution may query the customer for a promotion code at block 911 a . at block 912 a the customer may receive the query and submit a response to the financial institution . the customer &# 39 ; s response may include , but is not necessarily limited to , a promotion code and an identification code for the customer . at block 913 a the financial institution may receive the customer &# 39 ; s submission and may determine if the customer &# 39 ; s promotion code and / or the customer &# 39 ; s identification code are valid . if the promotion code and / or the customer identification code are invalid , the financial institution may send an error message to the customer at block 914 a and may then loop back to block 916 a . if the promotion code is valid , the financial institution may at block 915 a identify the customer as “ marketing special ” for marketing , accounting , or other purposes . if , from block 915 a the promotion code as valid , or if , from block 916 a the customer is not responding to a marketing promotion then the process may continue in fig9 b via connecting block a . with attention now drawn to fig9 b , from fig9 a via connecting block a the financial institution may at block 902 b display disclosure and fee schedules to the customer . the disclosures and fee schedules may be “ universal ” for all products offered by the financial institution on the financial institution &# 39 ; s website or , in an embodiment , the disclosures and fee schedules may be tailored to the specific product chosen by the customer at block 901 a . at block 903 b the customer may review the “ universal ” disclosures and fee schedules and at block 904 b submit to the financial institution an acceptance or rejection of the “ universal ” disclosures and fee schedules . at block 905 b the financial institution may determine if the customer accepted or rejected the “ universal ” disclosures and fee schedules . if the disclosures / fee schedules were rejected , then at block 906 b the financial institution may advise the customer that the customer &# 39 ; s application cannot be accepted and at block 907 b the financial institution may recommend to the customer that he / she contact ( e . g ., by telephone , mail , etc .) or visit a branch of the financial institution for additional assistance . at block 908 b the process ends . if at block 905 b the disclosures / fee schedules were accepted , then at block 909 b a determination may be made by the financial institution as to whether the customer is an existing client of the financial institution . if the customer is an existing client of the financial institution , then at block 910 b the financial institution may determine if the customer is signed in to the financial institution &# 39 ; s system . if the customer is not signed in , then at block 911 b the financial institution may send a login screen to the customer . upon receipt of the login screen , the customer ( who is an existing client ), at block 912 b , may provide his / her login credentials to the financial institution . at block 913 b the financial institution may receive the customer &# 39 ; s login credentials and may verify / validate that the customer is an existing client of the financial institution . at block 914 b the financial institution may determine if the customer / existing client was verified . if , from block 910 b the customer is determined to not be signed in , or if from block 914 b it was determined that the customer / existing client was verified , then the process may continue at block 901 c in fig9 c via connecting blocks c and d , respectively . at block 901 c the financial institution may retrieve existing client data for the customer from appropriate an data source and the process may continue at block 902 c . if , from block 909 b the customer is determined to not be an existing client of the financial institution , or if , from block 914 b it was determined that the customer / existing client was not verified , then the process may continue at block 902 c in fig9 c via connecting blocks b and e , respectively . with attention now directed to fig9 c , specifically to block 902 c , a determination may be made at the financial institution as to whether a current application for the customer exists . the financial institution may query the customer at block 903 c for a customer identification code and / or an online application identification code . at block 904 c the customer may submit to the financial institution a customer identification code and / or an online application identification code . at block 905 c the financial institution may receive the information codes from the customer and may search for a partially - completed online application form . at block 906 c the financial institution may determine if a partially - completed online application form was found . if a partially - completed online application form was not found , then the financial institution may display to the customer an error message at block 907 c and the process may loop back to block 902 c . if a partially - complete online application form was found , then at block 908 c the financial institution may retrieve the data for the partially - completed online application form and use that data to pre - populate a current online application form . alternatively , the financial institution may retrieve the partially - completed online application form and display that form to the customer . if , from block 902 c the customer is determined to not have an existing application , or if , from block 908 c the partially - completed online application and / or data has been retrieved , then the process may continue at block 901 d in fig9 d via connecting block f . with attention now to fig9 d , at block 901 d the financial institution may determine ( from appropriate customer input ) if the customer wishes to apply for multiple accounts . if so , the financial institution may display , at block 902 d , on the customer &# 39 ; s computer screen a list of applicable products from which the customer may choose . the products listed in the list of applicable products may be selected by the financial institution based on at least the initial product chosen by the customer in block 901 a and / or the state of residence of the customer as selected in block 904 a . additionally , the list of applicable products may be based on a promotion code or a determination that the customer is responding to an advertisement . the list of applicable products may be displayed , for example , on the customer &# 39 ; s computer screen in a matrix form for easy comparison by the customer . the information displayed in the matrix may include the name of the product ( s ) and a brief description of the product ( s ). at block 903 d the customer may review the product matrix and , at block 904 d , the customer may select an additional product or products . at block 905 d the financial institution may receive the customer &# 39 ; s additional selections and record those selections . if , at block 901 d , the customer decides to continue with the process for a single account / product , or if , from block 905 d the financial institution has recorded the customer &# 39 ; s additional account selection ( s ), then at block 906 d the financial institution may display on the customer &# 39 ; s computer screen a product ( s ) specification questionnaire . in an embodiment , this questionnaire may be dynamically presented based on the product ( s ) selected by the customer . at block 907 d the customer may review the questionnaire and provide responses to the questionnaire . at block 908 d the customer may submit his / her responses to the questionnaire to the financial institution . at block 909 d the financial institution may perform edits on the questionnaire responses submitted by the customer . at block 910 d the financial institution may store details regarding the product specifications . at block 911 d the financial institution may determine if complementary product ( s ) are available for the product ( s ) selected by the customer . if there are complementary products available , then at block 912 d the financial institution may display on the customer &# 39 ; s computer screen the complementary products and account options . at block 913 d the customer may review the complementary products and account options . the process may continue at block 901 e in fig9 e via connecting block h . with attention now drawn to fig9 e , from fig9 d via connecting block h the customer may at block 901 e select complementary product ( s ) and account options and transmit those selections to the financial institution . at block 902 e the financial institution may determine if the customer &# 39 ; s selected complementary product ( s ) and account options require additional information from the customer . if additional information is required , at block 903 e the financial institution may determine what additional information needs to be captured . if , from block 911 d the financial institution determines that there are no complementary products then the process may continue in fig9 e via connecting block g . at block 904 e , if there are no complementary products from block 911 d , or if there is no additional information required from block 902 e , or after there has been a determination as to what additional information needs to be captured at block 903 e , then the financial institution may display on the customer &# 39 ; s computer screen an online application form . at block 905 e the financial institution may determine if the application is for a joint account ( based on input from the customer ). if the application is for a joint account , at block 906 e the financial institution may request customer and co - customer personal information . if the application is for a single account , at block 907 e the financial institution may request customer personal information . at block 908 e the customer ( s ) may enter his / her / their personal information and at block 909 e the personal information may be submitted to the financial institution . at block 910 e the financial institution may receive the customer &# 39 ; s personal information and perform edits as necessary . at block 911 e the financial institution may store the customer &# 39 ; s personal information . the process may continue at block 901 f in fig9 f via connecting block i . with reference now at fig9 f , at block 901 f the financial institution may determine if the type of product ( s ) selected by the customer requires the collection of supplementary information . if supplementary information is determined to be required , at block 902 f the financial institution may request customer and co - customer supplementary information . at block 903 f the customer and / or co - customer may enter supplementary information in the online application and at block 904 f the customer and / or co - customer may determine if the online application form is complete . also block 903 f may be a loop - back via connecting block m as discussed below with respect to block 912 g in fig9 g . if the customer determines that the online application form is incomplete , the customer may , at block 906 f select to save the incomplete online application form . at block 908 f the financial institution may receive the customer &# 39 ; s selection and assign a customer identification code and / or an online application code , at block 909 f the financial institution may store the customer &# 39 ; s partial application , and at block 910 f the financial institution may notify the customer of the customer identification code and / or the online application identification code . the process may then stop at block 911 f . if , at block 904 f , the customer and / or co - customer determines that the online application form is complete , then at block 905 f the customer may submit the online application form to the financial institution . at block 907 f the financial institution may receive the online application form from the customer and store the entire application or just the supplementary information . at block 912 f , if at block 901 f the financial institution determines that the type of product ( s ) selected by the customer do not require the collection of supplementary information , or from block 907 f the financial institution stores the customer &# 39 ; s application or supplementary information , the financial institution may determine if the customer &# 39 ; s selected product type ( s ) require the collection of financial information . if the financial institution determines that financial information is required , at block 913 f the financial institution may request customer and / or co - customer financial information from the customer and / or co - customer . at block 194 f the customer and / or co - customer may enter financial information . the process may continue at block 901 g in fig9 g via connecting block k . if , at block 912 f , the financial institution determines that financial information is not required , the process may continue at block 909 g in fig9 g via connecting block j . with attention now directed towards fig9 g , at block 901 g the customer may determine if the online application form is complete . if the customer and / or co - customer determines that the online application form is incomplete , the customer and / or co - customer may , at block 903 g select to save the incomplete online application form . at block 905 g the financial institution may receive the customer &# 39 ; s and / or co - customer &# 39 ; s selection and assign a customer identification code and / or an online application code , at block 906 g the financial institution may store the customer &# 39 ; s and / or co - customer &# 39 ; s partial application , and at block 907 g the financial institution may notify the customer and / or co - customer of the customer identification code and / or the online application identification code . the process may then stop at block 908 g . if , at block 901 g , the customer and / or co - customer determines that the online application form is complete , then at block 902 g the customer and / or co - customer may submit the online application form to the financial institution . at block 904 g the financial institution may receive the online application form from the customer and store the entire application or just the financial information . at block 909 g , either continuing from block 912 f via connecting block j , or after block 904 g , the financial institution may perform edits on the online application . at block 910 g a determination may be made as to whether the online application has passed the edits . if it is determined by the financial institution that the online application has failed the edits , at block 911 g the financial institution may display an error message on the customer &# 39 ; s computer screen , at block 912 g the financial institution may display an error correction form on the customer &# 39 ; s computer screen and the process may loop back via connecting block m to block 903 f in fig9 f . if at block 910 g the financial institution determines that the online application has passed the edits , the process may continue at block 901 h in fig9 via connecting block l . with attention now at fig9 h , at block 901 h the financial institution may determine if the new account ( s ) selected by the customer requires funding . if the financial institution determines that funding is required , at block 902 h the financial institution may present funding options to the customer . at block 903 h the customer may review the account funding options and at block 904 h the customer may select account funding option ( s ). at block 905 h the financial institution may receive the customer &# 39 ; s account funding option selection ( s ) and may determine if the selected online account funding option is acceptable . if the financial institution rejects the customer &# 39 ; s selected funding option , at block 906 h the financial institution displays an error message on the customer &# 39 ; s computer screen and loops the process back to block 902 h . if the financial institution accepts the customer &# 39 ; s selected funding option , at block 907 h the financial institution determines the account funding method selected by the customer and at block 908 h the financial institution requests account funding details from the customer . at block 909 h the customer receives the account funding details request from the financial institution and provides account funding details . at block 910 h the customer submits the account funding details to the financial institution . at block 911 h the financial institution receives the account funding details from the customer and performs edits on the account funding data . at block 912 h the financial institution stores the customer &# 39 ; s account funding data . at block 913 h , if the financial institution determines in block 901 h that new account funding is not required , or the financial institution stored account funding data at block 912 h , the financial institution displays on the customer &# 39 ; s computer screen the online application form data for final review . at block 914 h the customer receives and reviews the online application form data . the process continues at block 901 i in fig9 i via connecting block n . with reference now to fig9 i , at block 901 i the customer determines the accuracy of the data on the submitted online application form . if the customer determines that edits are required , at block 902 i the customer edits the online application form data . after the customer edits the online application form data or if no edits are required , at block 903 i the customer submits the verified / edited online application form data to the financial institution . at block 904 i , the financial institution receives the verified / edited online application faun data and determines if updates were made to the data . if updates were made to the data , at block 905 i the financial institution may determine if the updated online application form passed the financial institution edit checks . if the updated online application form failed the edit check , at block 906 i the financial institution may display an error message on the customer &# 39 ; s computer screen , at block 907 i the financial institution may display an error correction form on the customer &# 39 ; s computer screen , and the process loops back to block 902 i . at block 908 i , if the financial institution determines that no updates were made , or if at block 905 i the financial institution determines that the updated online application faun passed the edit checks , the financial institution may determine if additional disclosures are required for the product ( s ) selected by the customer . if additional disclosures are required , at block 909 i the financial institution displays the product ( s ) specific disclosures on the customer &# 39 ; s computer screen . at block 910 i the customer receives and reviews the product ( s ) specific disclosures . the process continues at block 901 j in fig9 j via connecting block p . if the financial institution determines at block 908 i that additional disclosures are not required , then the process continues at block 901 k in fig9 k via connecting blocks o and q . now considering fig9 j , at block 901 j , after receiving and reviewing the product ( s ) specific disclosures at block 910 i in fig9 i , the customer may submit an acceptance or rejection of the product ( s ) specific disclosures . at block 902 j the financial institution receives the acceptance or rejection of the product ( s ) specific disclosures from the customer and may determine if the customer accepted or rejected the “ universal ” disclosure and fee schedules described above with respect to blocks 902 b , 903 b , 904 b , and 905 b in fig9 b . if the financial institution determines that the customer rejected the product ( s ) specific disclosures , at block 903 j the financial institution may advise the customer that the customer &# 39 ; s application cannot be accepted and at block 904 j the financial institution may recommend to that the customer that he / she contact ( e . g ., by telephone , mail , etc .) or visit a branch of the financial institution for additional assistance . at block 905 j the process ends . if , at block 902 j the financial institution determines that the customer accepted the “ universal ” disclosure and fee schedules and the product ( s ) specific disclosures , the process continues at block 901 k in fig9 k via connecting block q . with attention now directed to fig9 k , at block 901 k if the financial institution determined at block 908 i in fig9 i that no additional disclosures for the selected product ( s ) are required , or at block 902 j if the financial institution determined that the customer accepted the “ universal ” disclosure and fee schedules and the product ( s ) specific disclosures , the financial institution may determine if application fees are due from the customer . if application fees are due from the customer , at block 902 k the financial institution may display on the customer &# 39 ; s computer screen an application fee collection form . at block 903 k the customer may receive and complete the application fee collection form and at block 904 k the customer may submit the application fee collection form to the financial institution . at block 905 k the financial institution may receive the completed application fee collection form and perform edits on the form . at block 906 k the financial institution may store application fee data . at block 907 k , if the financial institution at block 901 k determined that no application fees are required , or if the financial institution at block 906 k stores the customer &# 39 ; s application fee data , the financial institution may display on the customer &# 39 ; s computer screen a verification of receipt of the completed online application form . at block 908 k the process ends . while preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described , it is to be understood that the embodiments described are illustrative only and that the scope of the invention is to be defined solely by the appended claims when accorded a full range of equivalents , many variations and modifications naturally occurring to those of skill in the art from a perusal hereof . | 6 |
as described above , ionization of halogen - based species , such as fluorides , may cause particles released from the inner surfaces of the ion source to be implanted in the workpiece . these contaminants may include aluminum , carbon , oxygen , silicon , fluorine - based compounds , and other unwanted species ( including heavy metals present as impurity elements ). one approach to address the damage caused by free halogen ions may be to introduce additional source gasses . fig1 a - 1c show various embodiments in which multiple source gasses may be introduced to an ion source . in each of these figures , there is an ion source 100 . this ion source 100 includes a chamber 105 defined by plasma chamber walls 107 , which may be constructed from graphite or another suitable material . this chamber 105 may be supplied with one or more source gasses , stored in one or more source gas containers , such as a first source gas container 170 , via a gas inlet 110 . this source gas may be energized by an rf antenna 120 or another plasma generation mechanism . the rf antenna 120 is in electrical communication with a rf power supply ( not shown ) which supplies power to the rf antenna 120 . a dielectric window 125 , such as a quartz or alumina window , may be disposed between the rf antenna 120 and the interior of the ion source 100 . the ion source 100 also includes an aperture 140 through which ions may pass . a negative voltage is applied to extraction suppression electrode 130 disposed outside the aperture 140 to extract the positively charged ions in the form of an ion beam 180 from within the chamber 105 through the aperture 140 and toward the workpiece 160 , which may be disposed on a workpiece support 165 . a ground electrode 150 may also be employed . in some embodiments , the aperture 140 is located on the side of the ion source 100 opposite the side containing the dielectric window 125 . as shown in fig1 a , a second source gas may be stored in a second source gas container 171 and introduced to the chamber 105 through a second gas inlet 111 . a third source gas may be stored in a third source gas container 172 and introduced to the chamber 105 through a third gas inlet 112 . in another embodiment , shown in fig1 b , a second source gas may be stored in a second source gas container 171 and a third source gas may be stored in a third source gas container 172 . the second source gas and the third source gas may both be introduced to the chamber 105 through the same gas inlet 110 used by the first source gas . in yet another embodiment , shown in fig1 c , the second source gas and the third source gas may be mixed with the first source gas in a single gas container 178 . this mixture of gasses is then introduced to the chamber 105 through gas inlet 110 . in any of these embodiments , the first source gas , the second source gas and the third source gas may be introduced simultaneously or sequentially to the chamber 105 . while these figures show the use of three different source gasses , the disclosure is not limited to any particular number . these figures intend to show various embodiments where multiple source gasses may be introduced to a chamber 105 . however , other embodiments are also possible and within the scope of the disclosure . the first source gas , also referred to as the feed gas , may comprise a dopant , such as boron , in combination with fluorine . thus , the feed gas may be in the form of df n or d n f n , where d represents the dopant atom , which may be boron , gallium , phosphorus , arsenic or another group 3 or group 5 element . the second source gas may be a molecule having a chemical formula of xh n or x m h n , where h is hydrogen . x may be a dopant species , such as any of those described above . alternatively , x may also be an atom that does not affect conductivity of the workpiece 160 . for example , if the workpiece 160 comprises silicon , x may be a group 4 element , such as silicon and germanium . the third source gas may be a noble gas , such as helium , argon , neon , krypton and xenon . in other words , the first source gas may be bf 3 or b 2 f 4 , while the second source gas may be , for example , ph 3 , sih 4 , nh 3 , geh 4 , b 2 h 6 , or ash 3 . the third source gas may be a noble gas , such as helium , argon , neon , krypton or xenon , in each of these embodiments . this list represents possible species that may be used . it is understood that other species are also possible . by combining the first source gas with the second source gas , the deleterious effects of the fluorine ions may be reduced . for example , without being limited to any particular theory , the introduction of hydrogen may create a film or coating on the dielectric window 125 . this serves to protect the dielectric window 125 , which reduces the amount of contaminants originating from the dielectric window 125 that are contained in the extracted ion beam 180 . in addition , the second source gas may coat the inner surfaces of the plasma chamber walls 107 , which may be another source of contaminants . this coating may reduce the interaction between fluorine ions and the inner surfaces of the plasma chamber walls 107 , reducing the amount of contaminants generated . the introduction of the second source gas may reduce the creation of contaminants and the incorporation of these contaminants in the ion beam . however , in some embodiments , the resulting ion beam produced using the first source gas and the second source gas may not contain a sufficient quantity of the desired ions . fig2 shows a plurality of bar graphs which show the ion species produced by an ion source using bf 3 as the first source gas and geh 4 as the second source gas , with a varying amount of argon , which serves as the third source gas . in each of these bar graphs , the rf power was 8 kw , and the combined flow rate of the bf 3 and geh 4 was 18 sccm . additionally , the ratio of bf 3 to geh 4 was held constant at 9 : 1 . in each of the bar graphs , it can be seen that the ion source 100 ionizes the bf 3 to form boron ions ( i . e . b + ), as well as bf x + ions , where bf x includes bf and bf 2 . additionally , fluorine ions are created . finally , a plurality of other ion species , which may be components of the second source gas or may be impurities , is also created . as described above , the introduction of the second source gas may reduce the amount of contaminants introduced in the ion beam . as stated above , this may be significant when the ion beam is used to implant the workpiece without mass analysis . bar graph 250 shows the composition of an ion beam where no argon is introduced . as seen in line 200 , in this configuration , nearly 69 % of the ions in the ion beam are dopant - containing ions , where , in this example , the dopant is boron . this metric is referred to as the boron fraction , or the dopant fraction . however , many of the dopant - containing ions also contain fluoride , such as in the form of bf + , bf 2 + and bf 3 + . in fact , as shown in line 210 , only about 45 % of the dopant - containing ions are pure dopant ( i . e . b + ). this ratio is referred to as the boron purity percentage , or the dopant purity percentage . lastly , while 69 % of the ion beam contains boron , a very large percentage of the ions also contain fluorine . in fact , line 220 shows the ratio of ions containing fluorine ( which includes pure fluorine as well as bf + , bf 2 + and bf 3 + ) to pure dopant ions ( i . e . b + ). line 220 shows that there are actually more fluorine - containing ions than pure boron ions . this metric is referred to as the f / b ratio . bar graph 260 shows the composition of an ion beam where approximately 19 % of the total gas introduced to the ion chamber is the third source gas , which may be argon . note that the total beam current of dopant - containing ions ( i . e . b + and bf x +) remains almost unchanged at about 360 ma . however , there is a change in the composition of the ion beam . specifically , as seen on line 200 , the boron fraction has decreased slightly , mostly due to the additional argon ions that have been created . however , surprisingly , as shown in line 210 , the percentage of pure dopant ions as compared to the total number of dopant - containing ions ( the boron purity percentage or dopant purity percentage ) has actually increased ! in fact , the beam current of pure boron ions has also increased . additionally , the ratio of fluorine - containing ions to pure boron ions ( i . e . the f / b ratio ), as shown in line 220 , has also decreased unexpectedly to about 100 %. additionally , the beam current of fluoride ions has decreased as well . in other words , the introduction of argon as a third source gas affected the composition of the resulting ion beam . specifically , the introduction of argon has increased the formation of pure boron ions relative to the total number of boron - containing ions . interestingly , the introduction of argon has also decreased the ratio of fluorine - containing ions to pure boron ions . as stated above , in embodiments where mass analysis is not performed , these changes may improve the performance of the implanted workpiece . each of these trends continues as a greater percentage of argon is introduced . bar graph 270 shows the composition of the ion beam where about 32 % of all gas introduced into the chamber 105 comprises argon . at this concentration , the beam current of boron - containing ions begins to decrease slightly , from 360 ma to about 320 ma . the boron fraction has also decreased slightly due to the increased number of argon ions . however , other metrics have improved . specifically , the boron purity percentage actually increased to nearly 50 %. additionally , the f / b ratio decreased to about 95 %. interestingly , the amount of other species , which includes all ions that are not boron - containing ions , fluorine ions or argon ions , actually decreases at this argon percentage . the beam current of fluorine ions also decreases to less than about 20 ma . bar graph 280 shows the composition of the ion beam where about 48 % of all gas introduced into the chamber 105 comprises argon . at this concentration , the beam current of boron - containing ions again decreases slightly , from 320 ma to about 300 ma . the boron fraction has also decreased slightly to about 60 % due to the increased number of argon ions . however , other metrics have improved . specifically , the boron purity percentage actually increased to over 50 %. additionally , the f / b ratio decreased to about 90 %. again , the beam current of the other species has decreased as well . the beam current of fluorine ions also decreases to less than about 10 ma . first , heavier dopant - containing ions , such as bf + , bf 2 + and bf 3 + tend to be implanted at a more shallow depth than pure dopant ions , such as b + . during the subsequent thermal treatment , these shallowly implanted ions are more likely to diffuse out of the workpiece . in other words , the total beam current of all dopant - containing ions may not be indicative of the amount of dopant that is actually implanted and retained in the workpiece . without wishing to be bound to any particular theory , it is believed that the argon meta - stables in the plasma may break down the larger dopant - containing ions into more desirable pure dopant ions . secondly , the implanting of fluorine , in any form , may be deleterious effects . the implanting of fluorine ions may cause defects in the workpiece , which affects its performance . the implanted fluorine may also cause the dopants to diffuse out from the workpiece . fluorine is also known to retard the dopant diffusion into the workpiece , making the annealed dopant profile shallow , which is not preferable for solar cell applications . third , the introduction of argon has a limiting effect on the generation of other species , also referred to as contaminants , that are generated . without wishing to be bound to any particular theory , it is believed that argon stabilizes the plasma , resulting in a reduction in chamber wall sputtering . due to its large ionization cross - section , argon is relatively easy to ionize and stabilizes the discharge . because of this , the plasma is maintained at relatively low plasma potential , so that ion sputtering from the wall material can be reduced . fourth , during the implanting of the workpiece , the argon ions may sputter on the surface deposition layer of the workpiece . this may serve to remove any materials that are deposited during the implant process . some of these materials may be difficult to remove via a wet chemistry process after the implant . thus , an ion beam having reduced beam impurity and increased dopant purity can be created by using three source gasses . the first source gas , or feedgas , may be a species that contains both a dopant and fluorine , such as bf 3 or b 2 f 4 . the second source gas may be a species that contains hydrogen and either silicon or germanium , such as silane ( sih 4 ) or germane ( geh 4 ). the third source gas may be argon or another noble gas . these three source gasses are introduced into a chamber 105 of an ion source 100 , either simultaneously or sequentially , where they are ionized . the ion source may use rf energy generated by rf antenna 120 . in another embodiment , the ion source may utilize the thermionic emission of electrons using an ihc . other methods of ionizing a gas may also be used by the ion source . ions from all three source gasses are extracted through aperture 140 through use of extraction suppression electrodes 130 and ground electrode 150 and accelerated toward a workpiece 160 , where they are implanted into the workpiece 160 . as described earlier , these ions may not be mass analyzed , meaning that all extracted ions are implanted into the workpiece 160 . the change in ion beam composition may also positively affect the concentration of various species in the implanted workpiece . in one test , a first workpiece implanted with b 2 f 4 and geh 4 , in the ratios described above , was compared to a second workpiece implanted with the same gasses with the addition of argon , in an amount of 30 % of the total gas introduced . it was found that at all depths of the workpieces , the concentration of boron implanted in the second workpiece was greater than the concentration of boron in the first workpiece . furthermore , it was found that , at all depths , the concentration of fluorine was lower in the second workpiece than in the first workpiece . in fact , the concentration of fluorine at a depth of 40 nm was about 8e + 19 in the first workpiece and only 6e + 19 in the second workpiece , representing a reduction of 25 %. similar reductions in fluorine concentration were seen at depths from about 35 nm up to 60 nm . in another example , the second source gas may include a dopant having the opposite conductivity . for example , the first source gas , or feedgas , may be a species than contains both boron and fluorine , such as bf 3 or b 2 f 4 . the second source gas may be a species that contains hydrogen and a group v element , such as phosphorus , nitrogen or arsenic . while fig2 shows the results when boron is used as the dopant in the first source gas , the disclosure is not limited to this embodiment . other dopants , such as gallium , phosphorus , arsenic or other group 3 and group 5 elements , may be used . the above disclosure discusses that the third source gas may be introduced in amounts ranging from about 19 % to about 48 %. however , the disclosure is not limited to this range . in some embodiments , the third source gas may be introduced in amounts ranging from about 15 % to about 30 %. in other embodiments , the third source gas may be introduced in amounts ranging from about 15 % to about 40 %. in other embodiments , the third source gas may be introduced in amounts ranging from about 15 % to about 50 %. additionally , the ratio of the first source gas to the second source gas may be about 9 : 1 , although other ratios may also be used . the combined flow rate of the first source gas and the second source gas may be between 10 and 20 sccm . while the above description discloses the use of three source gasses , in other embodiments , two source gasses may be used . for example , in some embodiments , as described above , the first source gas may be in the form of df n or d m f n , where d represents the dopant atom , which may be boron , gallium , phosphorus , arsenic or another group 3 or group 5 element . in certain embodiments , the second source gas is not used . instead , only the first source gas and the third source gas are combined in the ion source 100 . in this embodiment , the flow rate of the first source gas may be between 10 and 30 sccm . in one embodiment , the third source gas may constitute between 20 % and 40 % of the total gas introduced to the chamber 105 . in some embodiments , the third source gas may be introduced in amounts ranging from about 15 % to about 30 %. in other embodiments , the third source gas may be introduced in amounts ranging from about 15 % to about 40 %. in other embodiments , the third source gas may be introduced in amounts ranging from about 15 % to about 50 %. as described above , the introduction of argon with the bf x gas may affect the composition of the resulting ion beam . specifically , the boron purity percentage may be increased , while the f / b ratio may decrease . in other words , the change in the composition of the ion beam may occur without the use of the second source gas . fig3 shows another embodiment . in this embodiment , the ion source 300 has a chamber separator 390 disposed within the chamber , effectively separating the chamber into a first sub - chamber 305 a and a second sub - chamber 305 b . each of first sub - chamber 305 a and second sub - chamber 305 b has a respective aperture 340 a , 340 b . additionally , the ground electrode 350 and extraction suppression electrode 330 may be modified to have two openings , corresponding to apertures 340 a , 340 b . as before , the chamber has a dielectric window 125 and an rf antenna 120 disposed thereon . in this embodiment , the first source gas is stored in first source gas container 170 and is introduced to the second sub - chamber 305 b through the gas inlet 110 . the first source gas is any of the species described above . the second source gas is stored in the second source gas container 171 and is introduced to the second sub - chamber 305 b through the second gas inlet 111 . the second source gas is any of the species described above . as described with respect to fig1 b , in some embodiments , the first source gas container 170 and the second source gas container 171 may be connected to a single gas inlet . in another embodiment , illustrated in fig1 c , the first and second source gasses may be mixed in a single source gas container . additionally , in some embodiments , the second source gas is not used , as described above . as described above , the ratio of the first source gas to the second source gas may be about 9 : 1 , although other ratios may be used . the combined flow rate may be between 10 and 20 sccm . argon is stored in third source gas container 172 and introduced to the first sub - chamber 305 a through the third gas inlet 112 . in this embodiment , an argon ion beam 380 a is extracted through aperture 340 a . concurrently , a dopant ion beam 380 b is extracted through aperture 340 b . this dopant ion beam 380 b contains boron - containing ions , as well as fluorine ions , and other ion species . in fig3 , the argon ion beam 380 a and the dopant ion beam 380 b are parallel to one another so that they strike the workpiece 160 at different locations . in this embodiment , the workpiece is scanned in the direction indicated by arrow 370 . in this way , each location on the workpiece 160 is first implanted by dopant ion beam 380 b , and then struck by argon ion beam 380 a . as described above , the argon ion beam 380 a may serve to sputter deposition layer material from the surface of the workpiece 160 , which was deposited during the implant of dopant ion beam 380 b . as explained above , the argon implant may remove material from the surface deposition layer , which is difficult to remove using wet chemistry . in another embodiment , the argon ion beam 380 a and the dopant ion beam 380 b are directed or focused so that they simultaneously strike a location on the workpiece 160 . in this embodiment , the workpiece 160 can be scanned in any direction . in yet another embodiment , the two implants may be sequentially , such that the entire workpiece 160 is implanted by the dopant ion beam 380 b . at a later time , an argon ion beam 380 a is directed toward the workpiece 160 . in each of the embodiments described herein and associated with fig3 , the implants may be performed without mass analysis , such that all of the extracted ions strike the workpiece . in one test , a first workpiece , implanted in the conventional manner , was compared to a second workpiece implanted using the apparatus of fig3 . both were implanted with a combination of b 2 f 4 and geh 4 . the concentration of boron at the surface of each workpiece after the implantation process was then measured . the first workpiece had a concentration of boron at the surface of roughly 9e + 20 atoms / cc , while the second workpiece had a concentration of boron at the surface of roughly 5e + 20 atoms / cc , representing a reduction of over 40 %. this may be due to the sputtering effect of argon . furthermore , although the embodiments disclosed herein describe the use of argon as the third source gas , the disclosure is not limited to this embodiment . as stated above , other noble gasses , such as helium , neon , krypton and xenon , may also be used as the third source gas . alternatively , a combination of noble gasses may serve as the third source gas . the embodiments described herein have many advantages . as described above , the introduction of a third source gas may affect the composition of the extracted ion beam . for example , the percentage of pure dopant ions may increase . further , the ratio of fluorine - containing ions to pure dopant ions may decrease . these changes to the composition of the ion beam may change the concentration of fluorine and dopant in the implanted workpiece . for example , as described above , in one test , the amount of fluorine at a depth of 40 nm in the workpiece was decreased by 25 % through the use of a third source gas . additionally , the concentration of dopant at all depths was increased . additionally , the use of an ion source having sub - chambers , where one sub - chamber creates a dopant ion beam and the second sub - chamber creates an argon ion beam , may decrease the surface concentration of dopant on an implanted workpiece . as described above , in one test , the concentration of boron at the surface of an implanted workpiece was decreased by 40 % by subjecting the workpiece to an argon ion bean , as illustrated in fig3 . the present disclosure is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein . indeed , other various embodiments of and modifications to the present disclosure , in addition to those described herein , will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings . thus , such other embodiments and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure . furthermore , although the present disclosure has been described herein in the context of a particular implementation in a particular environment for a particular purpose , those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that its usefulness is not limited thereto and that the present disclosure may be beneficially implemented in any number of environments for any number of purposes . accordingly , the claims set forth below should be construed in view of the full breadth and spirit of the present disclosure as described herein . | 2 |
as illustrated in fig1 and fig2 an inductance element 3 is formed on a slender bar - like nonmagnetic bobbin 1 . this inductance element 3 has a conductor wound around the bobbin 1 in one layer in such a pattern as to give rise to plurality of regularly spaced coils 5 each consisting of a plurality of turns of the conductor , with the lead wires 5a of the conductor from the adjacent coils 5 twisted around each other in series connection . the twisted lead wires 5a serve as taps of the inductance element 3 . at each of the opposite ends of the bobbin 1 , projections 7a , 7b thrust out of the opposite lateral faces . the projections 7a which are raised in one direction from the opposite ends of the bobbin 1 rest on the inner bottom face of a box - shaped case 9 to keep the bobbin 1 lying horizontally within the case 9 . the projections 7b thrust upwardly from opposite ends of the horizontally lying bobbin 1 and attached thereon are the opposite ends of a printed board 11 which is laid over the bobbin 1 to bridge it . this printed board 11 , as illustrated in fig3 has on one main surface ( upper surface in the diagram ) of a flat oblong insulating substrate 11a a plurality of linking electrodes 13 elongated perpendicularly to the direction of the length of the insulating substrate 11a and arranged parallel to one another as regularly spaced . the central regions on the front surface of these linking electrodes 13 constitute themselves fixed contacts 15 with which a movable contact member 51 to be described fully afterward comes into contact . these fixed contacts 15 on the linking electrodes 13 form a row of fixed contacts 17 arranged in the direction of the length of the printed board 11 . here , the gaps intervening between the adjacent linking electrodes 13 , or the gaps between the adjacent fixed contacts 15 , have a distance enough for part of the movable contact member 51 to fall down and come into contact with the opposed edges 15a of the adjacent fixed contacts 15 . on one of the opposite longitudinal edges of the printed board 11 , v - shaped notches 19 are formed to the linking electrodes 13 . in the regions of the linking electrodes 13 serving as fixed contacts 15 , depressions 21 elongated in the direction of the width of the printed board 11 are formed at the center and in the direction of the width of each of the linking electrodes 13 . these depressions 21 are formed with enough depth for the insulating substrate 11a to be exposed . they have a width enough for part of the movable contact member 51 to be admitted into engagement therewith and for the opposed edges 15b forming part of the depressions 21 to come into contact with the movable contact member 51 . the linking electrodes 13 possessing these depressions 21 may be formed from an ordinary printed board by photoetching . the notches 19 can be formed by pressing . the twisted lead wires 5a are drawn out of the adjacent coils 5 and passed around the v - shaped notches 19 and are soldered on the sides and toward the notches on the end portions of the linking electrodes 13 . to the ends of the linking electrodes 13 opposite the respective ends thereof having the lead wires 5a fastened by soldering , a composite capacitor 23 is connected . this composite capacitor 23 is constructed by forming a common electrode 27 on the entire area of one main surface of a thin oblong dielectric board 25 and forming on the opposite main surface a plurality of capacity electrodes 29 with the same pitch as the linking electrodes 13 . this composite capacitor 23 is supported in place as laid parallell to the inductance element 3 , with part of the capacity electrodes 29 soldered to the ends of the linking electrodes as superposed thereon and , at the same time , the common electrode 27 connected to the leading end of a slender connecting plate 31 formed on the inner lateral surface of the case 9 as illustrated in fig2 . the composite capacitor 23 , is set in place so as to protrude from the printed board 11 and is connected to the lead wires 5a of the coils 5 through the medium of the linking electrodes 13 . the individual capacitors formed in the composite capacitor 23 are connected to the inductance element 3 through the medium of the linking electrodes 13 to complete a lumped constant type delay line possessing a plurality of sections . with reference again to fig1 and fig2 input and output terminals 33 , 35 and input and output side common terminals 37 , 39 are planted in the bottom of the case 9 . to the input and output side common terminals 37 , 39 is connected the aforementioned connecting plate 31 . the particular linking electrode 13 falling at one end of the row of fixed contacts 17 is connected to the output terminal 35 , and the particular linking electrode 13 falling at the other end of the row of fixed contacts 17 is connected to the input side common terminal 37 through the medium of an inner terminal resistor ro ( not shown in fig1 or fig2 ). the case 9 has an open top and a conductor board 41 is attached to the case 9 so as to close the open top . this conductor board 41 is connected to the input terminal 33 . this conductor board 41 is bent to form a depressed part 43 along the row of fixed contacts 17 . the conductor board 41 so forming the depressed part 43 has a slender groove 45 formed along the row of fixed contacts 17 . between the conductor board 41 and the row of fixed contacts 17 , an insulative holder 47 is disposed in such a manner that a projected part of this holder will thrust out of the groove 45 . this holder 47 , though not illustrated in detail , possesses a frame part and a bridge piece dividing the frame part in half . the projected part formed on the bridge piece is thrust through the groove 45 of the conductor board 41 into the depressed part 43 and , at the same time , a pinch 49 is attached to the projected part . thus , the holder 47 is supported in place by the conductor board 41 by causing the conductor board 41 to be nipped between the frame part and the pinch 49 . the holder 47 accommodates therein a movable contact member 51 which is formed by bending a slender conductive piece arcuately enough to generate resiliency . the movable contact member 51 has the opposite end parts thereof held slidably in contact with the conductor board 41 and has the central arcuately bulged part thereof held , as a movable contact 53 , resiliently in contact with the fixed contacts 15 one after another . when the pinch 49 attached to the projected part of the holder 47 is moved along the groove 45 of the conductor board 41 , the movable contact member 51 accumulates force of its own elastic deformation and consequently the movable contact 53 is urged by this force to advance while keeping contact with the depression 21 of each fixed contact 15 and with the gap between the fixed contacts 15 in one after another . to be more specific , the movable contact member 51 advances on the row of fixed contacts 17 while alternately repeating the simple contact with the opposed edges 15b defining the depression 21 of one fixed contact 15 and the complex contact with the opposed edges 15a of the adjacent fixed contacts 15 . the input terminal 33 , therefore , is electrically connected to the particular fixed contact ( contacts ) 15 selected through the medium of the conductor board 41 and the movable contact member 51 . since the movable contact member 51 is urged by the fixed contact 15 , it is not readily moved out of place by external vibration or impact so long as it remains in snug engagement with the depression 21 . further , while the movable contact member 51 is repeating contact with the gaps between the fixed contact and with the depression 21 , it is enabled to operate with smooth clicks and obtain safe contact . moreover , high - frequency electric current generally tends not to flow evenly through its conductor , the current density is lower at the center of the conductor and is higher in the fringe region of the conductor . in the linking electrodes 13 which serve to connect the inductance element 3 and the composite capacitor 23 of the variable delay line of the present invention , therefore , any loss in terms of high frequency is hardly increased by forming the depressions 21 in the direction of the length except for part of the length . further , since part of the capacity electrodes 29 of the composite capacitor 23 superposed on the linking electrodes 13 protrudes from the printed board 11 , the soldering iron can be applied directry upon the capacity electrodes 29 to be connected and the work of soldering can be carried out with ease . as the result , the operational efficiency of the connection between the linking electrodes 13 and the composite capacitor 23 is improved and the assembly of the variable delay line is facilitated . since the composite capacitor 23 and the fixed contacts 15 are amply separated from each other , molten solder does not easily flow over the fixed contacts 15 . thus , the fixed contacts 15 are very rarely stained by the molten solder . as means of soldering the composite capacitor 23 onto the linking electrodes 13 , the method illustrated in fig4 may be adopted , for example . on a metallic base 57 possessing a stepped portion 55 of a height equalling the thickness of the composite capacitor 23 , the composite capacitor 23 having a film of molten solder deposited in advance on the capacity electrodes 29 is mounted on a lower stage 59 of the metallic base 57 in such a manner that the capacity electrodes 29 will look upward , and the printed board 11 is mounted on the higher stage 61 in such a manner that the linking electrodes 13 will be partially superposed on the capacity electrodes 29 . then the tip of the soldering iron 63 is applied to the part of the capacity electrodes 29 on which the linking electrodes 13 are not superposed . consequently , the linking electrodes 13 and the capacity electrodes 29 are easily joined because the film of solder on that part of the capacity electrodes 29 is melted and the film of solder on the part of the capacity electordes 29 now held in contact with the linking electrodes 13 is similarly melted . since the heat in the fixed contact parts of the linking electrodes 13 is radiated through the base 57 , the molten solder hardly flows over the fixed contacts . when the soldering iron 63 having a tip elongated in the direction of the composite capacitor 23 is adopted , the soldering of all the capacity electrodes 29 can be carried out all at once and the productivity is consequently improved . in accordance with this invention which is constructed as described above , since the connection between the lead wires 5a of the inductance element 3 and the capacity electrodes 29 of the composite capacitor 23 is effected on the different points of linking electrodes 13 , the solidified solder at the joined portions between the capacity electrodes 29 of the composite capacitor 23 and the linking electrodes 13 or between the lead wires 5a of the inductance element 3 and the linking electrodes 13 is not easily melted . thus , the connection thus obtained by soldering can be retained stably . now , the operation of the variable delay line of the present invention will be described briefly with reference to fig5 which is an equivalent circuit diagram of the delay line . in fig5 the symbol rl denotes a load resistance connected between the output terminal 35 and the output side common terminal 39 . the input signal from the pulse generator pg is forwarded through the conductor board 41 and the movable contact member 51 and fed in the fixed contact ( contacts ) 15 . at this point of input , the energy of the input signal is divided into two halves and propagated , one toward the left and the other toward the right with respect to the diagram . the signal propagated toward the right is fed out of the output terminals 35 , 39 after elapse of a delay time which is the product of the unit delay time t d for one section multiplied by the number of sections lying toward the right side of the point of input and is absorbed by the terminal resistor rl as the load . when the movable contact member 51 is slid by moving the pinch 49 shown in fig1 the delay time of the output signal from the output terminals 35 , 39 can be varied . in the meantime , the signal propagated toward the left of the delay line is consumed by the inner terminal resistor ro inside the case 9 after elapse of a delay time which the product of the unit delay time multiplied by the number of sections lying toward the left from the point of input . the preferred embodiment of the invention described above represents an aspect wherein the depressions 21 with which the movable contact member 51 comes into engagement are formed so as to expose the insulating substrate 11a in the regions of fixed contacts 15 . optionally , these depressions 21 may be formed in the linking electrodes 13 so as to keep the insulating substrate 11a unexposed or they may be formed in a depth such that they will reach the interior of the insulating substrate 11a . what is essential for the fulfillment of the objects of this invention is that in the fixed contacts 15 of the linking electrodes 13 , these depressions 21 should be formed in the area to be passed by the movable contact member 51 in such a manner that the movable contact member 51 will come into engagement with the depressions one after another while repeating its contact with each fixed contact 15 . these depressions may be in any desired shape . for example , they may be circular . the positions in which the depressions are formed may be so selected that they will transverse the area in which the movable contact member 51 advances . from the viewpoint of curbing possible growth of loss , however , the depressions are desired to be formed in the centers of the linking electrodes 13 . in the preferred embodiment described above , the inductance element 3 may be formed by forming in series connection a plurality of mutually coupled coils each wound in a spiral form or in a plurality of layers . further , the present invention can be embodied in an m - derived delay line which comprises a plurality of inductance elements each formed by winding a conductor around a ferrite drum core and drawing out tap from selected portion of the wound conductor and a multiplicity of capacitors connected to one each of the taps of the inductance elements . the bobbin is not an essential component . as the conductor for the inductance element , any of the conductors of varying cross sections heretofore known to the art may be used . optionally , the conductor may be formed by depositing a layer of conductive substance on the periphery of a bobbin and cutting a groove in the layer as by etching , for example . the movable contact member 51 may be any means of movable contact so constructed that it will come into pressed contact with at least the fixed contacts 15 while repeating the simple contact with the fixed contacts 15 one after another . further in the aforementioned preferred embodiment , the capacity electrodes 29 of the composite capacitor 23 are joined to the linking electrodes 13 as parallelly superposed thereon . the connection between the capacity electrodes 29 and the linking electrodes 13 need not be limited to this particular manner but may be suitably changed for the purpose of improving the operational efficiency of the connection of the linking electrodes 13 to the composite capacitor 23 . it goes without saying that separated capacitors may be used each for every tap of the inductance element . further , for the purpose of ensuring stable connection between the composite capacitor 23 and the linking electrodes 13 and between the lead wires 5a and the linking electrodes 13 , the points of connection between the taps of the inductance element and the linking electrodes 13 and the points of connection between the capacitors and the linking electrodes 13 may be separated from each other without impairing the objects of this invention . in the linking electrodes 13 , for example , the cpacitors may be connected between the points of connection of the taps with the linking electrodes 13 and the aforementioned depressions . | 7 |
fig1 illustrates a total view of the reaming device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention . the reaming device has a head portion denoted with a , an operator portion denoted with b and a shaft portion between the head portion and the operator portion . the head portion will be inserted through an orifice or channel of the human body in order to remove or ablate tissue by means of ablation devices 50 . the operator portion denoted with b remains outside the human body in order to allow the operator to handle the reaming device . for example , it is possible to remove the ablated tissue by sucking on a suction adapter or a suction device 2 , when an operator handles the reaming device , in particular the shaft 30 for modifying the geometry of the protruding amount of an ablation device , which protrudes beyond an outer surface of a head portion 40 . the head 40 portion is mounted on to a first shaft 10 , in particular , the head is pivoted with respect to the first shaft 10 . in the shown embodiment , a second shaft 20 is provided concentrically within the first shaft in order to drive the head 40 . the head 40 is mounted to one end 18 of the first shaft 10 , and with a second end 19 of the first shaft 10 , the first shaft is mounted to the suction adapter 2 . thus , a reaming device 1 may be provided , which allows an operator to modify the geometry of a protruding amount of an ablation device by means , for example , of a third shaft 30 . fig2 illustrates a detailed picture of a longitudinal cross - section of the head 40 of the reaming device 1 . the head portion denoted with a comprises a first shaft 10 , a second shaft 20 being concentrically formed within the first shaft and a third shaft 30 provided concentrically within the second shaft 20 in the present embodiment . the head 40 may be mounted to the top portion 18 of the first shaft 10 by means of an adapter plug 102 , which may also serve as a gasket or seal . the ablation device 50 may comprise , for example , an ablation wire 51 , which protrudes with a protrusion a mount 55 beyond a surface 41 of the head 40 . the protrusion wire may extend through a hole or opening 42 being formed in the head 40 of the reaming device 1 . the head 40 may be pivoted or rotated around a longitudinal axis 13 of the shaft geometry , so that also the protruding amount 55 rotates in order to ablate tissue . the protruding amount 55 extends at least partially laterally in radial direction 56 with respect to the longitudinal axis 13 of the device . however , the protruding amount 55 may also extend partially in a longitudinal direction 57 , i . e . into the direction of the longitudinal axis 13 . further , openings 42 , 43 may be provided in order to allow removal of ablated tissue . these openings 43 , 42 may be provided close to the ablation device 50 in order to allow removal of tissue immediately after ablating the tissue . the tissue may be removed by transporting the ablated tissue through the conduit 70 , wherein the conduit 70 is functionally connected with its first end 78 to the openings or recesses 42 , 43 to allow removal of the ablated tissue . the conduit may be formed by an inner wall 12 of the first shaft 10 and an outer wall 21 of second shaft 20 or may be formed by an inner wall 12 of the first shaft and an outer wall 31 of the third shaft 30 . the latter case is applicable in case there is no second shaft provided . the coupling of the second shaft to the head 40 may be provided via an adapter device 101 . fig3 illustrates an exploded view of the reaming device 1 . the first shaft 10 is provided with the bearing , sealing and / or grommet device 102 . the second shaft 20 is connected to the adapter device 101 in order to provide a connection to the head 40 . within the second shaft 20 , there is provided the third shaft 30 on top of which , a block 103 may be provided in order to provide a reliable positioning of the ablation device 50 . in the embodiment shown in fig3 , the ablation device comprises two ablation wires 51 . the ablation wires , or in general , the ablation device 50 , will be inserted into the head 40 , so that the ablation wires 51 extend through the recesses or holes 42 . the recesses 42 and 43 will serve for removal of the ablated tissue . a detailed geometry can be seen from the longitudinal cross - section of fig2 or the perspective view of fig4 . it should be noted , that the number of ablation devices , e . g . ablation wires is not limited to the number of two , but may also be only one or alternatively more than two ablation devices . fig4 illustrates a perspective view of the assembled head portion of the reaming device 1 . in the embodiment shown in fig1 , the first shaft 10 is connected to the head 40 via the device 102 serving as a sealing , bearing , and / or grommet . the adapter device 101 connects the second shaft being provided concentrically within the first shaft 10 , to the head 40 . the ablation wires 51 extend beyond the surface 41 of the head 40 by a protruding amount 55 . the geometry of the protruding amount may be remotely modified by moving the third shaft 30 for example in longitudinal direction , so that when pushing the third shaft 30 , the protruding amount 55 of the protruding wires 51 will extend in a larger amount over the surface 41 of the head 40 . it should be noted that the modification may also be carried out by a relative rotating and a gear , e . g . a screw or worm gear ( not shown ). recesses 43 allow removal of the ablated tissue . therefore , the recesses 43 may be provided close to the protruding amount of the protruding wires 51 . the arrows illustrate the flow of the ablated tissue from the proximity of the ablation wire 51 through the head portion through the recesses or openings 43 into the conduit 70 . the conduit 70 is formed by the inner surface 12 of the first shaft 10 and the outer surface 21 of the second shaft 20 . it should be noted that also the holes 42 through which the ablation device is conducted may serve as a recess to remove tissue . it should be noted that the geometry of the ablation wires 51 may also be of a different geometry , in particular if modifying the tip geometry with respect to the requirements of the ablation application . fig5 illustrates the head 40 with the ablation device 50 inserted into the holes 42 of the head 40 , here in form of ablation wires 51 . the ablation wires 51 extend at least partially in a lateral direction 56 beyond the surface of the head 40 , however they may also extend in a longitudinal direction 57 . the block 103 restricts the movement of the ablation device and constitutes the transit from the ablation wires 51 to the third shaft 30 . fig6 illustrates a suction adapter 2 , which may be connected to the end portion 79 of the conduit 70 . the suction adapter 2 comprises , for example , a spout 105 to be connected to a vacuum pump , not shown . the second shaft may be connected to a drive , wherein the bushing may be sealed with a seal or grommet 104 . the third shaft 30 may be formed concentrically within the second shaft . the handling devices or the driving devices for the second shaft 20 and the third shaft 30 are not shown . fig7 illustrates a perspective view of the suction adapter 2 of fig6 . the end portion 79 of the conduit 70 is connected to the body of the suction adapter or suction device 2 , so that the ablated tissue may be removed by a suction process . the ablated tissue will move along the arrows through the spout 105 . the position of the second shaft 20 and a third shaft 30 may be fixed by a screw 106 . fig8 illustrates an embodiment including a gear providing a connection between the ablation device and the third shaft , not shown in fig8 . the ablation device shown in fig8 comprises rigid or hard ablation tips or blades 52 , which are pivoted mounted by a hinge 54 so that the rotation of the ablation device 50 is not locked when hitting a rigid obstacle , for example , an implant or the like . the gear wheel portions 200 engage into recesses 202 of a rod 204 which may be moved in the longitudinal direction , and which may be directly connected to the third shaft for modifying the geometry ( diameter ) of the ablation device . it should be noted that the gear wheel portions rotate along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device when being operated by the third shaft , which third shaft being moved into longitudinal direction of the device , i . e . the shaft extension . the tips or blades 52 of the ablation device 50 may rotate around a hinge 54 , having a rotational axis being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device , if the device is in the position shown in fig8 . however , the rotational axis of the hinges 54 may be inclined , when the geometry of the ablating device 50 will be modified by moving the rod with the recesses along a longitudinal axis of the device . similar to the previous embodiments , there may be provided recesses or openings 43 in order to remove tissue to be transported through the conduit 70 . fig9 illustrates the device of fig8 when being assembled with a head 40 , so that the mechanical parts are covered to avoid injury of the surrounding tissue or to avoid damages of the mechanical components . it should be noted that the term ‘ comprising ’ does not exclude other elements or steps and the ‘ a ’ or ‘ an ’ does not exclude a plurality . also elements described in association with different embodiments may be combined . it should be noted that the reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims . although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments , it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention . it is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims . | 0 |
fig1 shows a preferred embodiment of a wireless terminal , such as a cellular phone 1 , which comprises a user interface having a keypad 2 , a display 3 , an on / off button 4 , a speaker 5 ( only openings are shown ), and a microphone 6 ( only openings are shown ). according to the preferred embodiment of the invention the keypad 2 has a first group 7 of keys as alphanumeric keys , two soft keys 8 , and a scroll - key 10 ( up / down ) for moving a cursor in the display . furthermore the keypad includes two call - handling keys 9 for initiating and terminating calls . the present functionality of the soft keys 8 is shown in a separate field in the bottom of the display 3 just above the soft keys 8 . the cellular phone 1 has an exchangeable functional front cover 25 . an exchangeable front cover is intended to be changed by the user himself without use of tools . such an exchangeable front cover is disclosed in u . s . ser . no . 09 / 503595 filed by the applicant , and this disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference . fig2 shows the exchangeable functional front cover 25 according to the invention . fig2 schematically shows the most important parts of a preferred embodiment of the phone , said parts being essential to the understanding of the invention . a processor 18 , which supports the gsm terminal software , also controls the communication with the network via the transmitter / receiver circuit 19 and an antenna 20 . the microphone 6 transforms the user &# 39 ; s speech into analogue signals ; the signals formed thereby are a / d converted in an a / d converter ( not shown ) before the speech is encoded in an audio part 14 . the encoded speech signal is transferred to the processor 18 . the processor 18 also forms the interface to a ram memory 17 a and a flash rom memory 17 b , a sim card 16 , the display 3 and the keypad 2 ( as well as data , power supply , etc .). the audio part 14 speech decodes the signal , which is transferred from the processor 18 to the earpiece 5 via a d / a converter ( not shown ). furthermore a clock generator 24 supplies a clock signal to the processor 18 . the processor 18 is via a three or five wire bus and a connector 41 , 42 , 44 connected to electronics 46 in the functional cover 25 . a functional cover 25 is a cover for a wireless terminal 1 , which includes functionality that is implemented by adding electronics 46 to the cover 25 . to give some examples , it may include an application reacting e . g . to the power supply or ringing tone . it can also be an application that provides input to the phone ( e . g . touch pad ). the interface between the functional cover and the phone will be described . five different modes will be introduced , out of which three are very simple and can be used for e . g . sensor applications . the remaining two modes are the generic asynchronous serial bus and a mode based on a synchronous data protocol . the objective of the invention is not to provide a full specification of all the different operation modes , but to allow functional covers and transceivers to interact , even through all the modes are not supported by both parts . according to the preferred embodiment of the invention the connector includes three connector pins , a positive power supply voltage pin ( v dd ), a negative power supply voltage pin ( v ss ) and a cover type indicator pin ( cti ). preferably the cti - pin ( cover type indicator ) is a bi - directional and bi - mode ( analogue / digital ) signal pin . the cti - pin is used for a frequency mode , a pwm - mode and a cti - mode . according to an alternative embodiment of the invention the connector includes five connector pins . as for the first embodiment , the connector includes a positive power supply voltage pin ( v dd ), a negative power supply voltage pin ( v ss ), and a cover type indicator pin ( cti ). furthermore the connector includes a data signal pin and a clock signal pin . the data signal pin is used for asynchronous data in data mode and in a synchronous data mode . the protocol for the synchronous data mode may be according to the i2c - bus specification , version 2 . 1 , january 2000 . the clock signal pin is used for the clock in synchronous data mode . according to the invention , a baseband engine and a functional cover do not have to support all the modes . this means that the physical interface may comprise from three to five pins depending on the number of supported modes . if the bb engine supports multiple modes , passive mode is not allowed to affect the active mode . this means for example , when making the cti measurement , other pins driving the cti - pin must have high impedance . furthermore the baseband engine must be able to drive r cti . when the wireless terminal 1 is switched on , or the processor 18 detects that a new functional cover has been attached to the transceiver part , a boot sequence is initiated . during the boot , the type of the cover is detected via the cti signal . according to that information , the corresponding data mode is selected and the appropriate power supply level , v dd , is supplied . an example of the boot sequence and mode determination process is presented in fig8 . first the power is switched on to the phone in step 100 . then the size of the cti - resistor , r cti , is measured in step 101 . if the resistor measurement result in step 102 does not exceed a predetermined value ( e . g . 750 kohm ), the functional cover is deemed to be attached and a further investigation in order to identify the cover , has to be done . if the resistor measurement result in step 102 exceeds the first predetermined value , the functional cover is deemed to be present . the booting in step 103 has to be continued under the presumption that the cover does not support the electric interface according to the invention . if the processor 18 in step 104 , identifies that the cover is “ intelligent ”, this means that the cover 25 has an asynchronous or synchronous data interface , further information will be exchanged via the digital interface in step 105 . the digital interface and the power scheme have to be defined . hereafter the booting with be continued in step 106 . if the cover in step 104 is deemed not to be “ intelligent ”, the cti - resistor , r cti , is compared with a second threshold ( e . g . 64 . 9 kohm ) and a third threshold ( e . g . 93 . 1 kohm ), the cover 25 , is deemed to have passive components only , and these components are powered by the power supply of the wireless terminal 1 . the voltage is determined by the processor 18 in step 108 by means of a look - up table . the booting is continued in step 109 . if the cti - resistor , r cti , falls outside the interval defined by the second and the third threshold , the cover 25 is deemed to be able to perform other modes as a pulse mode , a pwm mode or a frequency mode . the mode and power scheme are determined by the processor 18 in step 110 by means of a look - up table . the booting is continued in step 111 . table 2 above describes the cti resistor value r cti vs . functionality conversion . the whole conversion range is preferably divided into a predetermined number of different sub - ranges . for the “ intelligent ” modes ( synchronous and asynchronous ), only one resistor value has been reserved , since all the needed additional information can be transferred via the interface . for pwm - and cti - modes , two resistor values are reserved and for the frequency - mode , four resistor values have been reserved . the power control scheme is based on the cti - information , which is defined in the table 2 . the electrical parameters of the power supply include the power supply voltage vdd , the output current idd . the output impedance zout of the wireless terminal is 1 , and the power on time and power off time . the data specification used according to the invention may be a sub set of i2c - bus specification version 2 . 1 , january 2000 , by philips semiconductors . in the synchronous data mode the data pin is used for transferring data between the wireless terminal 1 and the functional cover 25 , usually under control of the processor 18 and the clock oscillator 24 associated therewith . data is transferred in the asynchronous data mode based on an asynchronous half - duplex signal . the power supply may be in the level of v dd = 2 . 7v with a data rate of up to 230 kbps . the asynchronous data mode as well as the synchronous data mode may be used for loading data from multi - media memory card ( mmc ) like memories included in the functional cover 25 into the wireless terminal for being handled by means of the processor 18 . such a data connection may be used for loading data from multi - media memory card ( mmc ), like memories included in the functional cover 25 , into the wireless terminal for being handled by means of the processor 18 . these data may include , e . g . mp3 music files and executable games . hereby it has become possible to provide a gaming cover , perhaps having an extra joystick , whose operation is sensed by the gaming cover and transferred to the wireless terminal via the data pin . the game may also be run on an extra processor included in the functional cover 25 , but using the display 3 of the wireless terminal 1 . extra ui units as a touch sensitive pad / screen or an extra display may be provided on the functional cover 25 and controlled by the processor 18 . alternatively , the functional cover 25 is adapted for a music composer application or any sound creating application designating keys to be assigned to tones and / or sound effects . a default mapping between the keys and a set of tones and / or sound effects is provided . however , a user is enabled to select a number of tones and / or sound effects , and to map these tones and / or sound effects to the keys . repeated tone , fading tone or any other sound may be mapped to e . g . pressing a key for a particular long period of time or pressing a key together with a shift key . the tones and / or sound effects comprise sounds provided by the wireless terminal 1 , and / or midi - tones . the midi protocol is an entire music description language in binary form . each word describing an action of musical performance is assigned a specific binary code . the protocol also includes percussion oriented actions . to sound a note in midi language a “ note on ” message is sent , and then a note “ velocity ” is assigned , which determines how loud the note is played . other midi messages include selecting which instrument to play , mixing and panning sounds , and controlling various aspects of electronic musical instruments . normally , a wave table comprising available sounds is used for sound creation according to the midi music description . while midi is musical performance information , the term midi - tones is here the audio output from the entire midi system . further , the functional cover 25 comprises memory and processing capabilities so as to provide an ability to create sounds . the memory may comprise wave tables , sound clips , or any other sound information required by said music composer application or sound creating application . processing capabilities are needed for audio processing . processing capabilities and memory may be located in the functional cover 25 , in the wireless terminal 1 , or any combination thereof . the sound creating capabilities are used for music composing applications , sound creating applications , gaming , ring tone creation , system sound creation , sending sounds with mms ( multimedia messaging service ) or other messaging service , or any combination thereof . data is transferred using bi - directional cmos level pwm - modulated cti - signal . the power supply may be in the level of v dd = 2 . 7v . the pulse signal may have a variable frequency up to 32 khz . the pulse duty cycle may be varied between 0 . 01 and 1 . this is an analogue signal in digital format , whereby a sound can easily be transferred ref . buzzer signal . the type information of the cover is given in the cti . i . e . the processor 18 detects the value of the pull down resistor during the start - up ( boot ) of the phone and selects the right data and power interface mode according to the predefined table . this mode is very applicable for applications that do not need any stimulus from the wireless terminal . a flashlight is a good example of such an application . in the frequency mode , the functional cover 25 is controlled with the frequency of the cti - signal . amplitude information is not needed . therefore the driving signal can be a small analogue voltage , which is then amplified in the cover end . the frequency signal may according to the preferred embodiment be variable up to 10 khz . this mode can be used to direct a ringing tone to the functional cover 25 . once there , it can be used as a stimulus , for example driving a “ light organ ”. the connector interface may comprise three to five pins and associated pads . the electrical requirements for different signal pins will probably be quite different . the cti - pin will be used for low , whereas clock and data will be used for medium bandwidth communication . for high bandwidth communication something more sophisticated is needed . as a result , the connector has to be designed with a view to optimising the connector with regard to performance and cost . the interface on the wireless terminal comprises three to five signal pads for interacting with a similar amount of pogo pins 41 , which are included in the cover 25 . the order of the pins appears from fig4 and 5 . the pins 41 are arranged in a line in equal distance , a . the diameter , d , of the five pads 44 is substantially greater than the diameter of the plungers 42 of the pins 41 in order to ensure a reliable connection . it shall be noted that the wireless terminal 1 may have five pads 44 . if the functional cover does not support the data modes , only three pins 41 are needed , and these three pins 41 engage the pad 44 corresponding , to pins no 1 - 3 . the connector according to the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises three pogo - pins 41 ( spring - loaded contacts ) mounted on a rigid printed wiring board 40 . the pogo - pins 41 are mechanically fixed and soldered on the printed wiring board 40 in order to maintain safe and low resistance contact between the phone &# 39 ; s main printed wiring board and functional cover &# 39 ; s small rigid printed wiring board 40 . a plunger 42 travel should be at least 1 mm , and the pressure force between plunger and main printed wiring board &# 39 ; s pads should be minimum 25 g for use in a standard wireless terminal . the pad dimensions and spacing are given in table 4 above . pins may advantageously be gold - plated , and their internal resistance has to be specified according to the application . preferably the internal resistance does exceed 100 mω even after 10 , 000 cycles . fig7 shows the wireless terminal 1 with the front cover 25 lifted . the pads 44 are arranged on the printed wiring board 43 of the terminal . the printed wiring board 43 is covered by a light guide 45 of transparent plastic , which has openings allowing the con - nector pins 41 , 42 to access the pads . the connector pins 41 , 42 are mounted on a printed wiring board 40 . the printed wiring board 40 is mounted on the inner side of the cover 25 by means of snap coupling means 48 . on the rear side of the printed wiring board 40 an electric circuitry is provided including e . g . three led &# 39 ; s 47 illuminating respective pipe formed light - guides 49 . in , the frequency mode an electrical representation of a ringing signal is directed to the electric circuitry for providing an illumination effect following the ringing signal . the light - guides 49 may be illuminated individually in a tempo following the ringing signal . this gives an exciting effect for the user when the functional cover 25 is partly transparent . | 7 |
new applications and new versions of existing applications are continually being introduced . notwithstanding , users often desire “ customized ” applications that combine various data representational aspects of individual applications not satisfactorily addressed by the applications existing on the market . with rare exception , a user may be able to re - program an application to adjust the features ; however , many applications are unable to satisfactorily accommodate change . application surrogacy allows a user to rerepresent data from two or more separate applications while maintaining selection and consistency of the data between the different representations . the approach leaves the underlying applications unmodified and therefore stable . in general , every application represents data visually , internally , and logically in a manner consistent with the application &# 39 ; s overall purpose and as dictated by the operational environment . fig1 is a functional block diagram 1 showing , by way of example , a computer 2 displaying multiple representations of data . a user can execute available applications through the user interface of the operating system . for instance , a personal information manager , such as outlook , licensed by microsoft corporation , redmond , wash ., and a web browser application , such as internet explorer , also licensed by microsoft corporation , supra , are two forms of productivity software frequently found in a workplace . personal information managers provide access to email , calendaring , tasks , contact information , and similar personal communications or organizational tasks . web browsers facilitate viewing of web content frequently downloaded from a network , including a public data communications network , such as the internet . the look and feel of an application is frequently influenced strongly by the main purpose served . a personal information manager 3 , includes tabular listings 4 of individual data items 6 organized under columns or fields 5 , in an original representation . conversely , web browsers , centrally feature a graphical window within which web content including textual , visual , and audio content are presented . in large , a user &# 39 ; s viewing and use of the data is dictated by the data representational limitations of each application . a user of a personal information manager 3 is forced to interpret his email 6 , for instance , in terms of the available columns or fields 5 . as a result , a user could not ordinarily be able to organize his email 6 viewing by the locations of the sending correspondence . a rerepresentation of the emails 6 can be generated using a surrogate application . first , the surrogate application , such as yahoo ! maps , published as web content by yahoo ! inc ., sunnyvale , calif ., can be accessed by the computer 2 through a web browser . next , the emails 6 from the personal information manager 3 are placed over a map of california 7 to create a rerepresentation , which provides a spatial display of the emails 6 , each represented by an icon 9 placed over a location within the state of california map 7 . the placement of the emails on the map provides a visualization of where the senders of the email 6 are located . rerepresentations bring together two or more applications and their data . the applications and the data can be located external to the computer in a distributed system , such as described further below with reference to fig2 . alternatively , the applications and the data can be located on the same physical computer 2 , such as further described below with reference to fig4 . specific rerepresentation arrangements will now be discussed . the data 6 shared between the original representation and the rerepresentation can be maintained using an application surrogate 8 . the application surrogate 8 applies an emitter - base - collector model to the original representation and the rerepresentation to synchronize data for maintaining state , selection , and logical consistency . application of the emitter - base - collector model is described further with reference to fig3 . the web has increasingly become a repository of arcane and wide ranging information , much of which may be useful in driving new forms of rerepresentations . most web content is available online via remote sources . as well , historically standalone applications have been increasingly implemented online through standard web interfaces . the distinctions between local and remote applications , as well as their data , has thus been blurred in favor of distributed arrangements . rerepresentation can occur in a distributed manner . fig2 is a functional block diagram showing , by way of example , a distributed system 10 for rerepresenting data , in accordance with one embodiment . an end - user computer 11 is connected to a server 14 via an internetwork 16 , such as the internet . the server 14 can include , for instance , a web server 16 that is coupled to a database 17 , which stores web pages 18 for perusal by end users . other end - user devices , such as a desktop 11 computer , a notebook computer 12 , a handheld device , such as a personal digital assistant ( pda ) 13 , and a web - enabled cellular telephone 15 , could also be used for rerepresentation . at a minimum , each device should include accessibility to an internetwork and have an ability to execute an application . for clarity , rerepresentation will be discussed with reference to only the computer 11 , but applies generally to all such end - user devices 12 , 13 , 15 . the computer 11 accesses distributed web - based applications 19 , 21 , 23 for processing and displaying data . the data can include text , numbers , images , and sound bites . other types of data are possible . each application 19 , 21 , 23 includes data stored in a remote database 20 , 22 , 24 . for example , a web mail application 21 has an associated inbox database 22 , which contains user email . a web contacts application 19 has an associated contacts database 20 . similarly , a web maps application 23 has an associated maps database 24 . the computer 11 executes these applications and their data by accessing web pages 18 centrally served through the web server 16 to access and display the data stored in the databases 20 , 22 , 24 . mashups are an increasingly popular approach to combining the data functionality , often online , of different web - based applications . a mashup combines data from multiple sources to generate a single tool . the applications can communicate and share through published application programming interfaces (“ api ”) and can generate rerepresentations of the shared data . for example , web mail inboxes generally include ordered lists of email , which can be sorted by field , such as sender , subject , date , time , and size . a user is generally unable to display the emails by fields other than those provided . to rerepresent the email , the user can apply a mashup to combine data from other sources , such as the web maps and web contacts applications . map data from the web map application is combined with contact data from the web contacts to place the email on a map location matching the sender &# 39 ; s location . the mashup thus provides a rerepresentation of the emails in the web mail application , which are each displayed by the location associated with the sender in the contacts database . synchronicity and interactivity are respectively provided between the original application and representation and the surrogate application and rerepresentation using an emitter - base - collector model . fig3 is a functional block diagram showing logical components 30 used in rerepresenting data , in accordance with one embodiment . through the emitter - base - collector model , state , selection , and logic consistency of the data can be respectively maintained between the original application and associated data representation and the surrogate application and associated data rerepresentation . other processes for synchronizing data are possible . a collector 34 is associated with an original application and tracks primary actions of a user applied to the user interface of the original application , which displays or provides data to the user in an original representation 35 . the collector 34 provides the primary actions to a base 31 . in turn , the base 31 marshalls the primary actions to an emitter 32 that is associated with a surrogate application , which applies the primary actions to the user interface of the surrogate application , which displays or provides the same data as a rerepresentation or a surrogate representation 33 . as used herein , any reference to a “ rerepresentation ” or “ surrogate representation ” will be understood to include the other term , except as specifically indicated otherwise . the collector 34 can also maintain ancillary data 36 . ancillary data 36 is data or metadata that can be used to supplement the data for rerepresentation . for instance , rerepresenting textual data as spatial data can require ancillary data 36 that includes locational information , such as spatial coordinates or an address . the ancillary data 36 can be extracted from the data itself or accessed from a separate application that works congruently with the original representation through the original application . the collector 34 also tracks updates to the ancillary data 36 and provides the updates to the base 31 . the base 31 then provides the updates to the emitter 32 for applying to the surrogate representation 33 . other forms , types , and sources of ancillary data are possible . the emitter 32 collects surrogate actions performed by the user upon a user interface of the surrogate application . the emitter 32 transmits the surrogate actions to the base 31 , which marshalls the surrogate actions and further transmits the surrogate actions to the collector 34 for applying to the original application . standalone rerepresentation is a simplification of the more generalized distributed arrangement . in a standalone arrangement , the applications and data can be stored locally on the computer 11 . fig4 is a functional block diagram showing , by way of example , a local system 40 for rerepresenting data . the computer 11 accesses original applications 41 , 42 maintained locally for processing and displaying data , such as a word processing application 41 and a spreadsheet application 42 . each application 41 , 42 stores data specific to the format used by the program , specifically text documents 45 and spreadsheets 46 , respectively . the data can be stored locally as files 43 , 44 maintained on the computer 11 . each application , whether local or distributed , publishes an api through which other applications can directly interact . the range of operations available to a calling application via an api vary depending upon the called application . for purposes of rerepresentation , the called application is referred to as the original application and the calling application is referred to as the surrogate application . the original application &# 39 ; s api must provide access to the data to be rerepresented , as well as the ability to remotely influence application behavior . data access and remote behavior control enable the emitter - base - collector model to respectively provide state and selection consistency . in a further embodiment , logical consistency , which reflects the completeness and consistency of data across the application is also provided , where available through the original application &# 39 ; s api . here , the spreadsheet application 42 embeds formulas and data cell interdependencies directly into each spreadsheet 46 . the word processing application 41 could become a surrogate application through the emitter - base - collector model to rerepresent the spreadsheet data as a text document 45 . the collector would obtain the spreadsheet data for the base . the base would then marshall the spreadsheet data by , for instance , interpreting each formula and understanding the data interdependencies . the emitter would fully provide the marshalled data to the word processing application 41 for rerepresentation to the user . data flow is moderated by the emitter - base - collector model . fig5 is a timing diagram showing data collection and transmission by a collector 52 and an emitter 54 . the axis 51 represents time . the collector 52 and emitter 54 both form connections 55 , 56 to a base 53 , which acts as a go - between . the emitter - base - collector model is applied to both the original representation of data and the rerepresentation of the same data . an agent within the collector 52 watches the original application and records primary actions performed by the user through the user interface . similarly , an agent within the emitter 54 watches the surrogate application and records surrogate actions performed by the user through the user interface . the primary and surrogate actions can include selection of data or changes to the data , including adding , deleting , transferring , and altering the data . other types of primary and surrogate actions are possible . the collector 52 collects and sends the primary actions (“ pa1 ”) 57 to the base 53 . the base 53 receives the primary actions (“ r - pa1 ”) 58 for marshalling and transmitting the marshaled primary actions (“ t - pa1 ”) 59 to the emitter 54 . once received , the emitter 54 applies the marshalled primary actions (“ d - pa1 ”) 60 to the rerepresentation of the data . the synchronization process is repeated for additional primary actions 61 - 62 . in similar manner , the emitter 54 collects and sends the surrogate actions (“ sa1 ”) 63 to the base 53 . the base 53 receives the surrogate actions (“ r - sa1 ”) 64 for marshalling and transmitting the marshaled surrogate actions (“ t - sa1 ”) 65 to the collector 52 . once received , the collector 52 applies the marshalled surrogate actions (“ d - sa1 ”) 66 to the original representation of the data . the data synchronization is repeated for additional surrogate actions 67 - 68 . the synchronization process of primary and surrogate actions , using the emitter - base - collector model , provides state , selection , and logical consistency . state consistency ensures that changes due to events are replicated in all representations . selection consistency ensures that a selection made by a user is reflected in all of the representations . logical consistency includes applying logic to ensure meaningful consistency and completeness of the data . other consistencies are possible . to ensure that the consistencies are maintained , the actions can be collected and transmitted in real time , per a schedule , or upon demand . other times for applying the emitter - base - collector model are possible . in real time , the actions are collected and transmitted as they occur to provide a user with the most up - to - date representations . a user can also schedule collection times for the actions performed on the original interface and the surrogate interface . the action collections can be scheduled simultaneously at both interfaces or in sequence . the sequence can include a collection by the collector and next , collection by the emitter , or vice versa . however , other patterns for sequenced collection are possible . the timing between each collection can also be customized by the user , who can decide how often the surrogate actions will be applied to the original interface and how often the primary actions will be applied to the surrogate interface . for instance , if a user favors the surrogate representation , more actions will likely be performed on the surrogate interface than the original interface . the user can thus schedule the emitter to collect and transfer actions more frequently than the collector . further , the collector and emitter can submit a query to the base for actions . if available , the base then transmits any actions to the requesting module for application . other processes and timing for data synchronization are possible . the collector and the emitter perform similar sets of operations ; however , the collector maintains the original representation and the emitter maintains the surrogate representation . fig6 is a process flow diagram showing a synchronization process 70 for a collector . data is displayed through an original user interface by an original application . the collector collects primary actions performed upon the original user interface ( block 71 ). if the original application is communicating with a supplemental application , data provided by the supplemental application can be used as ancillary data . updates to the ancillary data , when available , are also collected by the collector ( block 72 ). the primary actions and the ancillary updates , if applicable , are provided to the collector by an agent that tracks the actions performed on the data in the original interface . the primary actions and the ancillary data are then transmitted to the base for marshalling and further transmission ( block 73 ). meanwhile , the collector receives surrogate actions collected by the emitter ( block 75 ). the surrogate actions are received automatically or through requests from the collector ( block 74 ). once received , the surrogate actions are applied to the original representation ( block 76 ). other processes for the collector , including other methods for receiving the actions , are possible . the emitter performs similar functions . fig7 is a process flow diagram showing a synchronization process 80 for an emitter . the emitter collects surrogate actions performed upon a surrogate interface ( block 81 ), which can result in changes to the data , as originally represented . the surrogate actions are then provided to a base for marshalling and transmitting to a collector ( block 82 ). meanwhile , the emitter also receives primary actions from the collector ( block 84 ). the emitter can submit a query for the primary actions to the base ( block 83 ); otherwise , the primary actions are received automatically . the emitter applies the primary actions received to the surrogate representation to maintain state , selection , and logical consistencies between the original and the surrogate representations ( block 85 ). other processes for synchronizing the data and receiving actions are possible . data representation is available in many different forms , including modification or projection formats , and graphical or textual formats . in the modification format , data is rerepresented by changing the form of representation , such as from graphical to textual or textual to graphical representations . an example of a modification rerepresentation is discussed below with reference to fig8 . in the projection format , data displayed in a rerepresentation can include more or less data than an original representation . state , selection , and logical consistencies are maintained for the data shared between the two representations . an example of a projection rerepresentation is further discussed below with reference to fig9 . other types of modification rerepresentations are possible . graphical rerepresentation presents data using a graphical display , such as a map , bar graph , chart , spatial representations , or a timeline . an example of a graphical rerepresentation is discussed below with reference to fig8 . other types of graphical displays are possible . textual rerepresentation involves representing data as text , which can include textual lists and text documents . an example of a textual rerepresentation is discussed below with reference to fig9 . other types of textual displays are possible . email is a widely - used form of communication that allows users to share information with others online . email can also be used as a tool for communicating within an organization or across different organizations . although email is offered by numerous isps and can be accessed through different applications , such as through an email client or a web browser , the general set - up of an email inbox remains fairly standard . in general , each individual email is identified in an ordered list . the order can be determined using characteristics of the email , including subject , sender , time , date , and size , which are displayed as columns or fields . the spatial presentation and representation of the emails are limited to the provided fields , which may not always provide an option for ordering or organizing data that is useful to a user . for example , imagine a manager of a world wide company who oversees sales groups in the united states , germany , and japan . the members of the sales groups are required to report to the manager at least once a week via email . in addition , the manager receives emails from customers across the world . to effectively respond to the large numbers of email received , the manager desires to graphically represent the email across a map of the globe , which will aid him in interpreting the regional issues of concern to each sales group . the graphical representation allows the manager to attend to those emails that are sent from a particular location , such as berlin , germany , which is ten hours ahead of seattle , wash ., before those of other areas where the work day has not yet begun . other groupings of data using a graphical rerepresentation are possible . fig8 is a block diagram showing , by way of example , a graphical rerepresentation of data 90 . an email inbox is commonly displayed as an ordered list of emails 92 through an original user interface 91 . the ordered list presents an original representation of the email . each email is described by information fields , including sender 93 , subject 94 , date 95 , time 95 , and size 96 . a user can order the emails 92 in increasing or decreasing order by selecting one of the fields 93 - 96 . the emails can also be sorted into folders created by the user . the sorting can be based on the content of each email , such as email context , date , sender , and organization . although the sorting and ordering of the inbox is helpful to organize large amounts of data , the user is unable to rerepresent the data outside of the fields provided . the user can access additional applications , such as a graphical display to rerepresent the data . the data from the original representation can be placed over a display of the additional application . the graphical display can include a map , bar graph , pie chart , and spatial distributions , as well as other types of graphical representations . returning to the above example , the international manager &# 39 ; s emails are accessed through a personal information management program . to create a graphical rerepresentation based on location , the emails are layered over a map through a surrogate user interface . together , the map and the data form a surrogate representation 97 . the surrogate representation 97 allows the manager to visually determine a spatial distribution of the emails 92 received . the graphical rerepresentation 97 displays the emails by location , which can include , a home , work , or event location , as well as a location of the sender at the time that the email was sent . ancillary data can also be accessed by a collector to provide or supplement the location information of each email . the ancillary data can be obtained from a supplemental application that communicates with the original user interface , from the data itself , or from information associated with the data . for instance , contact manager applications enable users to maintain a contact list , including information , such as name , location , position , telephone number , and contacts . the location information can include a work address , home address , or satellite office address . the location information for people that send emails received in an email inbox can be obtained from the contact list as ancillary data . if the ancillary location information is not available , the ancillary data can be obtained from the emails using the content of each email or information associated with each email , such as the email address . the location associated with each email can be used to place the emails on the map of the surrogate representation 97 . the emails can be displayed , for instance , using an icon 98 located over the address , city , state , or country associated with the location . the icon 98 can represent an individual email or multiple emails over each location . if the location of an email is undetermined , the email can be represented on the map by placing an undetermined icon 99 in a default city , state , or country having no other emails . the emails with undetermined locations can also be placed in an ocean or in a text box associated with the map . the undetermined icon 99 can be the same or different as the icons that represent emails by location . other icons and placements of the emails are possible . to assist the user in viewing map locations that contain many emails , the user can zoom in and out of selected locations using a cursor , remote control , buttons , or a toggle . alternative arrangements of the emails can be applied at different zoom levels of the map . for example , on a world map , emails can be located by country . as the user zooms further into one country , the emails can then be displayed by city and , when zoomed in further , the emails can be displayed by address . additionally , distortions can be applied to the map to enlarge locations that contain more emails . other map representations and characteristics are possible . details about each email can be displayed by a popup box 100 when a user hovers over each icon with a cursor . the popup box can include information , such as a number of emails represented , brief summaries of the content , attachments , a photograph of the sender , a different map , fields 93 - 96 from the original interface , further icons representing an urgent message , an important sender , and related emails . other detailed information and displays of the information are possible . the appearance of the icon can be adapted to reflect email characteristics through icon actions . the icon actions can include the display , shape , form , size , and movement associated with each icon . for instance , a location containing new email can include a mailbox with a raised flag to indicate to the user that there is new mail . additionally , if an email is urgent , the associated icon can flash , spin , or be colored red to catch the user &# 39 ; s attention . the user can create the icons and icon actions used to display the email characteristics or the icons and the associated actions can be predetermined . other types of icons and icon actions are possible . when the original email inbox representation is displayed , the user can perform actions on the original interface to effect changes to the emails , including creating , deleting , selecting , editing , sending , or saving an email message . an agent tracks and records the actions to the original interface , which is collected by a collector . returning to our example above , the international manager is reviewing all emails associated with new york , n . y . after reviewing the first email , the manager decides to respond by sending an email . the first email is then moved to a folder titled “ new york office .” the second email is deleted , and the third email is opened , read , and kept in the email inbox . the agent records the actions taken by the manager , which are collected by the collector and transmitted to a base . the base then transfers the actions to an emitter . the emitter applies the actions to the surrogate map representation . on the surrogate map representation , the content of the response message is created and stored in a sent folder , the first email is transferred from the email inbox to the folder titled “ new york office ,” the second email is deleted , and the third email remains in the email inbox . if the third email is associated with an icon that represents a status of the email , including an opened or unopened status , the icon will be changed to represent the opening of the email . the collector can also collect the updates to the ancillary data , which are transferred to the base and then to the emitter . the emitter applies the updates to the surrogate representation . similarly , actions performed on the surrogate interface are tracked , collected , and transmitted for display through the original representation . in one embodiment , the email can be spatially arranged on the surrogate representation by categories , such as organization , business activities , and email content . other spatial representations and categories of representations are possible . textual rerepresentations allow a user to rerepresent data using text , such as text documents , text lists , and other forms of textual display . more specifically , a user can rerepresent data as a list of parts , redacted text , and reorganized text , as well via other displays of the data . fig9 is a block diagram showing , by way of example , a local textual rerepresentation of data . an original representation 111 is displayed through an original user interface . in a further example , a user is preparing a patent application . patent drawings accompany the textual patent application and include reference numbers of parts or processes , which are further described in the application . the patent drawings are prepared using drafting software , which provides the original representation of data 111 , including a drawing title 114 and a subject of the drawings , such as a car 112 . the parts of the car are labeled with reference numbers 113 to specifically identify each particular part in the drawings . the reference numbers are also used in the patent application , which describes the car 112 and the car parts 113 in detail . users often experience difficulty in keeping track of the reference numbers used , as well as to what part each number refers . the reference numbers can be rerepresented as a list of parts , which is a surrogate representation of the data . using the emitter - base - collector model , the original representation and the surrogate representation are processed to maintain state , selection , and logical consistency . an agent watches the original representation 111 and records primary actions performed on the original interface , which can result in a change of the reference numbers 113 . the primary actions are collected by a collector for transmission to a base , which marshalls the data and further transmits the primary actions to an emitter . the emitter applies the primary actions to the surrogate representation 115 , which displays the list of parts . conversely , surrogate actions performed on the surrogate interface are tracked by an agent and transmitted to a base via the emitter . the base further transmits the surrogate actions to the collector , which are then applied to the original representation to maintain consistency between the two different representations . the synchronization provided by the emitter - base - collector model can be applied during the drafting of the drawings or after the drawings have been completed . when the model is applied during the drafting , reference numbers will be added to the list after the user enters a new reference number in the drafting software . other actions , such as the replacement , deletion , and change of order of the numbers will also occur in parallel to the drafting . other timing or applications of the emitter - base - collector model are possible . while the invention has been particularly shown and described as referenced to the embodiments thereof , those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing and other changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . | 6 |
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